Tour To Niagara Falls
Rating
Family of 4
$250-$500 for a family of 4 depending on tour package (per-person rates typically $60-$130).
Duration
8-10 hours (full day trip from Toronto)
Best Ages
All ages (kids 5+ get the most from it)
About
Tour To Niagara Falls operates day trips from downtown Toronto to Niagara Falls, Ontario. The tour picks up from a central location on York Street and drives approximately 90 minutes to the Falls, with the full day running 8-10 hours including travel time, stops at the Falls, and often a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara Falls needs no introduction — it's one of the natural wonders of the world and it delivers for kids every single time. The moment you walk up to the railing overlooking Horseshoe Falls and feel the ground vibrate, kids go wide-eyed. The mist soaks everyone. The noise is incredible. It's the kind of experience that can't be replicated on a screen.
Most day tours include time at the Falls overlooks, the option to ride the Hornblower boat (which takes you into the spray at the base of the Falls), and a stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake, a pretty town with ice cream shops and restaurants. Some tours include the boat ride in the price, others charge it separately — clarify before booking.
For families, the main consideration is the long day. The 90-minute drive each way, plus time at the Falls, adds up to 8-10 hours. Kids under 5 may find this exhausting. Bring entertainment for the van ride and plenty of snacks. Kids 5+ generally handle it well, especially with the Falls as the payoff.
The tour includes transportation in a van or small bus. A guide provides commentary during the drive and at the Falls. Group sizes vary by operator.
Book in advance — summer tours fill up. Consider a weekday tour for smaller crowds both on the tour and at the Falls. The Hornblower boat ride line can stretch to an hour on summer weekends.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Limited
Nursing / Changing
Limited
Kid Meals
Limited
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Summer for the boat ride experience; spring and fall for fewer crowds at the Falls
Wait Times
Pre-booked — no walk-up wait for the tour. The Hornblower boat ride at the Falls can have 30-60 min lines in summer.
Nearby Food
Niagara Falls has tourist restaurants along Clifton Hill (overpriced but fun for kids). Niagara-on-the-Lake has better-quality dining and ice cream shops. Pack snacks for the drive.
Why Kids Love It
Niagara Falls is one of those places that genuinely overwhelms kids — the roar, the mist, the sheer scale of the water is unlike anything they've experienced. The boat ride that takes you right up to the Falls is terrifying and exciting in equal measure. Kids talk about this trip for years.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Confirm whether the boat ride is included in the tour price or costs extra before booking
- Bring rain ponchos — you will get soaked near the Falls (some tours provide them)
- Pack snacks and entertainment for the 90-minute drive each way
- Weekday tours mean shorter lines at the Falls
- Niagara-on-the-Lake stop is a good break — get ice cream and let kids stretch their legs
What to Bring
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
- Change of clothes (you get wet at the Falls)
- Snacks and water for the drive
- Entertainment for kids during the van ride (tablets, books)
- Camera in a waterproof case for the boat ride
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$250-$500 for a family of 4 depending on tour package (per-person rates typically $60-$130).
Meals and optional attractions at the Falls are extra.
Tips to Save
- Compare tour operators — prices vary significantly.
- Some include the boat ride, others charge extra.
- Pack snacks for the drive.
- Niagara-on-the-Lake stops often include free wine tasting (for adults).
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Monday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
