The Perfect Day in Niagara Falls Itinerary – The Planet D

We spent many days in Niagara Falls, Canada. Being only an hour away from this natural wonder, we come here for weekends, overnight stays and even day trips. If you plan just a one-day trip to Niagara Falls, Canada, you are in for an unforgettable adventure. This one-day Niagara Falls itinerary will take you through the best attractions and activities so you make the most of your time.

1 day in Niagara Falls, Canada

Before visiting Niagara Falls, purchase the Adventure Pass Classic, which you can purchase online and pick up at any Niagara attraction. You must also book the Hornblower separately in advance.

Exploring Niagara Falls is very easy. Once you arrive in the city, you’ll want to pick up your Adventure Pass, which gives you unlimited travel with WeGo Transportation.

Morning – Experience the waterfalls

Many people wonder if it is possible to visit Niagara Falls in one day. We’re here to tell you that with a little planning and by following our one-day itinerary, you can see the best of Niagara in just 24 hours. So, are you ready to be amazed? Let’s see the best of Niagara in one day.

1. Travel behind the falls

2. Table Rock Viewpoint

While at the Table Rock Center, head to the top of Niagara Falls for the best viewpoint directly above the falling waterfall. This is a beautiful view of Niagara Falls, allowing you to really see how much water flows over this natural wonder.

• Opening hours: All hours
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Rental: Table Rock Center, 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON

3. WeGo bus to The Hornblower

Then hop on the WeGo bus located just outside the Table Rock Center entrance. The WeGo bus is included in your Adventure Pass and will take you to your next stop, Hornblower Niagara Cruises. You will use this bus a lot and it is really convenient. Your WeGo Pass gives you two days of unlimited access and takes you everywhere according to a fixed timetable.

4. The bugler

Lunch

Okay, it’s time to eat! So hop on the WeGo bus and make your way to Clifton Hill, or you can easily walk to Clifton Hill from the Hornblower. Clifton Hill is Niagara Falls’ ultimate tourist street. There are plenty of places to eat here, from the Rainforest Cafe to Kelseys, and even fast food and a place to grab a slice of pizza. Personally, we love the Hard Rock Cafe at Casino Niagara.

Afternoon – Fun and excitement

5. Clifton Hill

After lunch, spend some time exploring Clifton Hill, known as the ‘Street of Fun’. If you want to spend the whole afternoon here, you can grab a Clifton Hill Pass to enjoy many of the top attractions, from glow-in-the-dark mini-putt to 4D theme park rides. If you only have one day, we don’t recommend this because you won’t have enough time. However, if you have two days in Niagara, go for it. We love Clifton Hill. Read our full article: The Clifton Hill Pass, is it worth it?

• Opening hours: Add all day and night
• Duration: 1 – 2 hours, depending on the attractions
• Rental: 5920 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON

6. Celestial wheel

If there’s one thing to do on Clifton Hill, it’s take a ride on the Sky Wheel. However, at this time of day it will be very busy so if you don’t think you have time you can drive until 2am so you may want to come back. However, it is definitely worth doing as the wheel spins three times, giving you ample views of Niagara Falls on both the American and Canadian sides. This is included with the Clifton Hill Pass and you can use the pass for a whole year. So if you only get to ride the Sky Wheel, you can come back and have fun at Zombie Attack, Wizard Golf and more!

Practical information:

• SkyWheel hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
• Duration: 8-12 minutes
• Rental: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON

7. Whitewater walk

After the Hornblower, take the WeGo bus to the White Water Walk. You may want to have lunch at this point, but we recommend checking out these top attractions before you have lunch. The lines get longer as the days go by and you end up at the Hornblower around 12 noon. Instead of battling the lunch crowds, visit the White Water Walk while others are eating.

This attraction offers a unique opportunity to walk along a boardwalk on the edge of the Class 6 rapids of the Niagara River. This is the largest set of standing waves in North America and they are awe-inspiring. Visitors take an elevator 70 meters (229 feet) to the Niagara Gorge and can walk the 1/4 mile boardwalk. The sheer power and beauty of the rapids are awe-inspiring.

Practical information:

• Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Rental: 4330 River Road, Niagara Falls, ON

Late afternoon: Return to the falls

7. Table Rock and Niagara’s Fury

Return to the falls towards Table Rock. If time permits, you may want to visit Niagara’s Fury, a 4D experience that tells the story of the falls’ creation. We are posting Niagara’s Fury later in the day because it is a very long wait. This attraction is included in your Niagara Adventure Pass, but it is a 30-minute 4D multimedia experience, allowing you to wait in line for a maximum of 90 minutes.

Later in the day the crowds thin out as people from the day tour leave, so we recommend going to the last showing. It’s not absolutely necessary that you see this movie, but it’s included in the pass you paid for and if you don’t have to wait in line for long, it’s a fun experience.

Practical information:

• Niagara’s rage hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Duration: 30 minutes
• Rental: Table Rock Center, 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON

8. Ride the cable car to Fallsview

Finishing at Niagara’s Fury, you’ll be in the perfect place to take the Falls Incline Railway (cable car) to the Fallsview area. This is a fun attraction that will quickly take you from the Niagra Falls area to the Fallsview Entertainment area. Here you will spend the evening enjoying some of the best views of Niagara Falls.

Practical information:

• Working hours: 09:00 – 23:00
• Duration: 5 minutes
• Rental: 7001 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, ON

Evening: Relax and enjoy the view

10. Dinner at Fallsview

Spend the evening in the Fallsview area where you can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants, try your luck at the casino or simply relax and enjoy the illuminated waterfalls. The nighttime illumination of the falls is a spectacular sight and a perfect way to end your day.

We recommend dining at The Keg Steakhouse. This is by far the best restaurant for Niagara Falls Views. The Keg is located in the Marriott Fallsview Hotel, which is also our favorite hotel to stay in Niagara Falls. See where to stay in Niagara Falls – the best hotels in 2024

11. Nightly entertainment

There are so many things to do in Niagara Falls at night. The Fallsview Casino is the place to hang out and try your luck at the slot machines, while there’s world-class entertainment at the Fallsview Theater. In the summer there are nightly fireworks shows and Niagara Falls illuminations, and live music and bars abound in the Fallsview area.

Practical information:

• Trap Lighting Hours: Dusk to midnight
• Rental: Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls, ON

Don’t miss the Niagara SkyWheel, a giant Ferris wheel that offers spectacular views of the falls and the surrounding area.

This route allows you to experience the best of Niagara Falls, Canada, in just one day. From the thrilling rides to the breathtaking views, every moment will be filled with wonder and excitement. Don’t forget to bring your camera, comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure!