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A Budget Day Trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario

Pack a poncho or other clothes you do not mind getting wet, and protect your bag: the boat ride has no lockers and the spray can soak you. Avoid wearing your best clothes; wet jeans can take time to dry. For the Toronto…

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Travel inspiration for A Budget Day Trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario

Source videos

Travel inspiration behind this plan

Exploring Niagara Falls for the Day! (On a budget) Watch on YouTube

Plan notes

Useful context before you go

Pack a poncho or other clothes you do not mind getting wet, and protect your bag: the boat ride has no lockers and the spray can soak you. Avoid wearing your best clothes; wet jeans can take time to dry. For the Toronto rail trip, the creator used the GO weekend pass, which was available online for $10 CAD for one weekend day. The train had free Wi-Fi but no power outlets.

Itinerary highlights

What is in this plan

Day 1 — Niagara Falls and Clifton Hill

This is a full-day outing from Toronto. The Niagara Falls GO station is about a 25-minute walk from the falls; the creator chose the bus instead and bought a 24-hour WEGO pass on their phone for $16 CAD. They reported about 15 minutes by bus from the station to the falls. The boat ride cost $54 CAD in total; self-service ticket machines were available, though booking online ahead of time may help secure a spot. The creator reported spending just over $90 CAD for the day trip overall.

  1. Union Station TorontoUnion Station Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    Start at Toronto Union Station and take the GO train toward Niagara Falls. The creator used the online weekend pass for one weekend day, priced at $10 CAD, and noted that platform information appeared 15 minutes before departure.

  2. Niagara Falls GO StationNiagara Falls GO Station, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

    The GO train journey takes about two hours. The Niagara Falls station is not right beside the falls; the creator estimated the walk at about 25 minutes and continued by bus.

  3. Niagara Falls GO StationNiagara Falls GO Station, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

    The creator bought a 24-hour WEGO bus pass on their phone for $16 CAD rather than waiting in the queue inside the station. They used it to reach the falls and return for the train; the bus ride to the falls took roughly 15 minutes.

  4. Horseshoe FallsHorseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls State Park, Niagara Falls, New York, USA

    Spend time along Niagara Falls for the changing views. Expect spray near the water, especially if taking a boat, and dress for getting wet.

  5. Journey Behind the FallsJourney Behind the Falls, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

    Journey Behind the Falls takes visitors into the cliff and behind the falls. The creator had experienced it in winter on an earlier visit and described the seasonal experiences as very different.

  6. Niagara City CruisesNiagara City Cruises, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

    The boat cruise brings you close to the falls, so expect heavy spray. The creator paid $54 CAD total and found self-service ticket machines; they wished they had booked online earlier because availability was uncertain.

  7. Skylon TowerSkylon Tower, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

    The creator pointed out Skylon Tower as an option for a higher, aerial view of the falls.

  8. Rainbow BridgeRainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

    The Rainbow Bridge is visible from the boat route; the creator noted that it marks the border between Canada and the United States.

  9. American FallsAmerican Falls, Niagara Falls, New York, United States

    The creator highlighted the American Falls from the boat and noted that the border runs across the water. This is a view from the Niagara Falls cruise, not a recommendation to cross the border.

  10. Clifton HillClifton Hill, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

    Clifton Hill is a busy, entertainment-focused part of town. The creator found its arcades and man-made attractions a matter of personal taste, but mentioned them as options for visitors with children.

  11. Rainforest Cafe Niagara FallsRainforest Cafe, Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

    Rainforest Cafe was mentioned as a possible family-friendly stop on Clifton Hill. The creator did not describe a particular dish or meal.