Make Your Niagara Falls Day Trip An Epic One with Niagara Parks

It’s no secret that Niagara Falls is one of the most sought out destinations in Ontario as well as Canada. Growing up in Niagara, I’ve certainly taken the falls for granted. Over the past few years though, I’ve grown to have a deeper appreciation not just for the natural beauty but for a number of the attractions surrounding it – and much of this is thanks to Niagara Parks!

While some stay for a few days to truly explore the area, there are many who are trying to cover a lot of ground and have a short amount of time in the falls. If you’re looking to plan a Niagara Falls day trip, this itinerary will help maximize your experience so you can make the most of your limited time in the area!

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Your Epic Niagara Falls Day Trip Itinerary

This will be a busy day of adventure but trust me when I say it’s worth the hustle and bustle. It will have you running from morning until night but you’ll see the falls from all angles during this incredible day trip in Niagara Falls!

Lindz Along the White Water Walk

Experience the White Water Walk

Start your day by descending 70 metres (~230 feet) to check out one of the wildest (and mosstretches of whitewater rapids in the entire world! As the largest series of rapids in North America, you’ll witness the Class VI Whirlpool Rapids with standing waves ranging from 3-5 metres in height. 

Niagara Parks’ White Water Walk leads you along a beautiful boardwalk adjacent to the Whirlpool Rapids. You’ll be fascinated by the sheer force of the Niagara River just as many have been since the attraction was originally established in 1876. While it looks a lot different now than it did back then, it’s still a popular attraction in Niagara Falls.

As you traverse the boardwalk, enjoy the views along the way as well as from the numerous lookout platforms. Interpretive signage shares about the history of the White Water Walk, fun facts about the Niagara River like how the water gets its iconic turquoise colour, the history of the Niagara Gorge and more.

INSIDER TIP: To avoid waiting in line for entry into the White Water Walk, it’s best to arrive before 10:30 am.

Feel the Buzz at the Niagara Parks Power Station

One of the newest attractions in Niagara Falls, the Power Station has quickly become a favourite for many, myself included. I originally visited during Doors Open in 2019 and it has been transformed into an incredible museum dedicated to the history of power generation in Niagara! Meander through the massive hall past the blue generators while learning about we utilized technology to create electricity by harnessing the power of the Niagara River. “Follow the flow” as the interactive exhibits help you to further understand the importance of the power station back in the 1900s.

FUN FACT: Brand new for 2024, Niagara Parks has created an audio tour for guests to enjoy as you explore the Power Station. It’s free and is included in your admission!

You also might be surprised to learn that Nikola Tesla is a deep connection with Niagara. His belief in the power of alternating currents and how they could change the world led to the development of AC generators like the ones you see within the power station. To honour his contributions (including the 9 patents within the power station alone!), you can experience the power of electricity by playing a mini Tesla Coil and change the movement of electricity. You can also water a larger-than-life Tesla Coil shoot electricity throughout the sky above you every 45 minutes past the hour!

Exploring The Tunnel is also included with your admission to the Power Station. Niagara Parks has once again upgraded this experience by illuminating the pathway and adding video projections to share more of the Power Station’s history.

Have Lunch at the Table Rock Bistro

Say hello to the closest open-air rooftop patio to the brink of the iconic Horseshoe Falls! This new culinary addition to the Niagara Falls restaurant scene is not to be missed.

Sink your teeth into this FeastON certified menu where you can enjoy some incredible eats while supporting farmers, producers, brewers and distillers from Ontario! While the Table Rock Bistro & Wine Bar has an interior section, you’ll want to grab a seat on the patio. Enjoy the views of the Niagara Parkway below as you indulge in handheld eats like the Bistro Burger or their Lobster Roll. I highly recommend starting off your meal with the charcuterie board if you’re looking to enjoy a true taste of the province as it features three meats and three cheeses all sourced from the province. 

Seating is on a first come, first served basis so you may not get a seat right by the edge but it’s worth taking a moment to enjoy the view before diving into your delicious meals!

Enjoy the Blossoms of the Floral Showhouse

For over 60 years, the Floral Showhouse has been a beautiful bloom in the line-up of Niagara Parks’ attractions. It’s comprised of three sections – the centre house which was built in November 1946 and then the north and south houses that were added five years later. The glass-ceiling reception and gift shop was added in June 1980, allowing their horticulturalists to grow larger plants and trees like the large palms that are a staple of the Floral Showhouse.

There are seven shows each year, changing seasonally and with popular holidays such as Christmas. You’re guaranteed to see something new if you visit every few months! This year, Niagara Parks has collaborated with the Mosaïcultures Internationales de Montréal and the Atlanta Botanical Garden to craft gorgeous sculpted shrubs and foliage to bring the plants to life! Each creation tells a unique story related to Niagara Parks.

Views from the Upper Platform of Journey Behind the Falls

Journey Behind the Falls

Next, let’s feel the rumble of the Horseshoe Falls as we head into the belly of the beast with Journey Behind the Falls! Niagara Falls carries 20% of the world’s freshwater as it flows in from our gorgeous Great Lakes.

Recently renovated, visitors have numerous storyboards adorning the walls where you’ll learn about the history of these lands we walk on beginning with acknowledging the Attiwonderonk (Neutral), Haudenosaunee, Mississauga and additional Indigenous groups who have called this area home since time immemorial and traversing the many years since colonization into what Niagara Falls is today.

RELATED: Journey Behind the Falls is one of the top indoor attractions in Niagara Falls. Check out more great things to do indoors in Niagara Falls with my guide!

Once you’re done learning about the area, hop in the elevator as you descend 38 metres (approximately 125 feet) below the surface to access 198 metres (about 650 feet) of tunnels. Visitors can access two portals located behind the Horseshoe Falls itself where you’ll witness the Niagara River travelling 65 kilometres per hour over the crest. There’s no doubt that you’ll be amazed by the power you feel from the falls! The biggest draw though is the observation deck where you’ll enjoy great views of the Horseshoe Falls as well as the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. 

Dinner at the Table Rock House Restaurant

There’s no better spot to enjoy tastes of the region than the Table Rock House Restaurant. Located in the Table Rock Centre, this restaurant is serving up old French-based cuisine intertwined with international flavours. The dishes are crafted using several ingredients sourced right from Niagara. While the flavours may be worldly, you’re supporting Ontario farmers, producers, brewers and distillers as the Table Rock House and the Table Rock Bistro are both FeastON certified! 

The menu changes seasonally but there is no shortage of incredible eats to be enjoyed. However, their Ontario Burrata has been on the menu for a while now (albeit in different variations) and it’s not to be missed. This season’s rendition includes a savoury pistachio butter atop Pingue mortadella with cherries and toasted pistachios, all topped with a cherry vinaigrette and wildflower honey drizzle. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty that has each flavour bringing out the other. 

I’m an absolute sucker for anything lobster so if you are too, you must order the lobster tagliatelle. DOP certified Pomodoro tomato sauce, is envelops fresh tagliatelle, alongside fresh basil, stracciatella cheese and massive chunks of lobster sourced from Prince Edward Island. You may notice a little kick and thanks to a hint of Bomba hot pepper paste to round out this incredible dish.

Currents Light Show at the Power Station

Experience The Tunnel at Night

If you visited the Power Station during the day then you may want to skip this, but I’d say it’s worth revisiting as you’ll enjoy the Power Station from a whole new angle!

As the sun starts to descend, the Power Station flips into its nighttime programming where you’ll be treated to the mesmerizing light show known as Currents. Follow the story of how the Niagara River’s power was harnessed to create electricity while learning about the importance of water. The incredible animations that illuminate the generator hall will captivate you in this 30 minute long presentation. 

SOMETHING TO NOTE: If you’ve visited the Power Station earlier in the day, you will need to pay for entry again. The night time experience is only available from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm (times may vary per season) so if you’d rather enjoy the Power Station at night, I’d recommend using the earlier time to check out a different Niagara Parks attraction.

Once you’ve experienced Currents, take your second elevator ride of the day to The Tunnel. Descending even further than you did with Journey Behind the Falls as you arrive almost 55 metres (180 feet) below the surface. What used to be a conduit to channel water for power generation is now a unique route to take you to one of the best views of the Horseshoe Falls.

One of the reasons I recommend experiencing The Tunnel at night instead of during the day is because you can catch the nightly fireworks over the falls from this amazing vantage point! I highly recommend heading down by 9:00 pm to ensure a spot along the railing for the best experience. It’s the perfect way to end your day in Niagara Falls!

Lindz & Tara Experiencing The Tunnel at Night

More Things to Do in Niagara Falls

There is no shortage of things to see and do in order to jam pack your day in Niagara Falls. If you’ve experienced some of these great Niagara attractions before or are curious to know what other options are available, here are some more was you can fill your Niagara Falls itinerary.

Walk Along the Niagara Parkway – You may not know this but Niagara Parks is responsible for the 1,325 hectares (3,274 acres) of parkland adjacent to the Niagara River along with the 56 kilometres of the Niagara Parkway! Since you only have a day, you won’t be able to see it all but if you’ve walked from any of the parking lots near the Table Rock Centre to the White Water Walk, that’s still part of the Niagara Parkway. I personally enjoy the trek just south of the falls as you pass the Power Station towards the future site of Niagara Falls’ only waterfront hotel.

Check Out the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory – One of the largest butterfly conservatories in North America, you’ll be treated to 60+ species of butterfly and over 2,000 of them as they flutter throughout the glass dome. You can’t help but feel like a little kid again watching the brilliant colours of Monarchs, Blue Morphos and Banded Oranges go about their day. Some may even land on you! For more details, take a look at my guide to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory.

Cross the Border (No Passport Needed!) with the Whirlpool Aero Car – Get a bird’s eye (and best) view of the Niagara Gorge with a ride on the iconic red cable car. Suspended between two points on the Canadian shore, enjoy the stunning Niagara River from 250 metres in the air. The highlight will be the whirlpool where the river suddenly bends as the Niagara River flows into the narrowest channel of the Niagara Gorge. As the river splits Canada from the USA, you’ll technically be in the USA for a few minutes before returning to Canadian territory – a quirky experience if you ask me!

Hike the Niagara Glen – This is my favourite hike in Niagara Falls (and possibly the Niagara Region) and for good reason. Descend the 80 steps into the gorge and one of the last pristine examples of Carolinian forest. Spend a few hours exploring the 4 kilometres of hiking trails as they’re spread across 8 different routes, intertwining for numerous loops throughout this beautiful area. To find out where the best views are, check out my full guide to hiking the Niagara Glen.

The Niagara Glen is a Must for Avid Hikers!

Biggest Way to Save Money with Niagara Parks

While these attractions are all incredible in their own right, their cost adds up quickly. If you’re on a budget during your Niagara Falls day trip, it might have you thinking you need to pick and choose. Luckily, Niagara Parks has something to help!

The Niagara Parks Adventure Passes allow guests to visit a number of their attractions at a discounted rate, meaning you can see everything you want to without breaking the bank. They have three tiers with three different levels of savings:

Adventure Pass Classic – Gives you access to Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury, the White Water Walk and a 2-Day WEGO bus pass for $64 plus tax, saving 16% on entrance fees

Niagara Falls Pass – Gives you access to Journey Behind the Falls, the Niagara Parks Power Station and The Tunnel, Niagara’s Fury, the White Water Walk, Whirlpool Aero Car, and 2-Day WEGO bus and Falls Incline Railway passes for $84, saving 41% on entrance fees.

Niagara Adventure Pass – This one is the best value as it gives you access to Journey Behind the Falls, the Niagara Parks Power Station and The Tunnel, Niagara’s Fury, the White Water Walk, Whirlpool Aero Car, Butterfly Conservatory and Floral Showhouse as well as 3-day WEGO and Falls Incline Railway passes along with access to the Niagara-on-the-Lake shuttle for $104 plus tax, saving you 57% on entrance fees. PLUS Niagara Parks throws in entrance to their four historic sites: Old Fort Erie, the Laura Secord Homestead, the McFarland House, and the Mackenzie Printery.

Now, chances are you’re thinking that the Adventure Pass is tempting, but there’s no way you’ll be able to visit all of these sites in one day. While we WEGO and Falls Incline Railway have a set time frame, you can return on a later date to use the entrance passes! Expiration dates vary for each attraction so check your passes when you activate them to see how long their valid for.

Another way to save if you plan on driving for your Niagara Falls day trip is to purchase a daily parking pass as an add-on with any of the above attraction passes. For $30.97 + HST online, you’ll have in-and-out privileges to most of the Niagara Parks lots for an entire calendar day. Meaning if you want to head up to go to the White Water Walk, then park at the Table Rock Centre to then scoot up to the Butterfly Conservatory and return once again to Table Rock, you don’t have to worry about paying multiple times to park!

Enjoying the Cherry Blossoms at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens

Looking to Extend Your Stay in Niagara?

You may only have one day budgeted for Niagara Falls but if you find yourself in the Niagara Region for longer, there are plenty of other great things to do in the area! 

With Niagara-on-the-Lake less than 30 minutes away, a plethora of waterfalls to explore, lots of opportunities for retail therapy, plenty of great hikes and more, it’s easy to spend more time hanging out close to Niagara Falls. 

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Here Are Some Things to Do in Niagara-on-the-Lake
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Take a Hike at the Woodend Conservation Area
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Plan a Spring Visit to See the Cherry Blossoms in Niagara

Disclaimer:
This article was crafted in partnership with Niagara Parks however, all of the content and opinions outlined here, as always, are honest and speak to my personal experience.

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