Niagara in the Summer
Published: Jul 8, 2024
A Dream Day Trip in Niagara Falls
Summer is the perfect season for a staycation trip to Niagara Falls, when the cool mist from the Falls can bring sweet relief to the heat! Don’t worry if you get a little wet while taking a boat cruise or exploring the tunnels in the bedrock behind the Falls — the summer sun will dry you off in no time. In Niagara Falls, you’ll find adventurous attractions, delicious dining, and breathtaking views.
Almost one fifth of the world’s fresh water gushes over Niagara Falls, and this summer you can feel the spray and behold the wonder — it’s just a GO ride away!
It’s Easy to Get to Niagara Falls with GO Transit
Niagara Falls is a top tourist destination and we all know what that means — tons of traffic on the highway when you’re driving there. That’s why using GO Transit is the way to go!
You can take GO to Niagara Falls any day of the week, and with GO+WEGO Combo Tickets it’s easy to travel there, back, and around Niagara Falls. Your ticket includes your round-trip journey on GO Transit from Toronto to Niagara Falls, along with Niagara’s local WEGO bus service. WEGO’s hop on, hop off service has stops at all the top Niagara Falls attractions.
So sit back, relax, forget about traffic, and just enjoy the free entertainment on GO Wi-Fi Plus while you start off on your day trip to Niagara Falls!
Start with Visits to the Best Niagara Attractions
Your first stop is the Falls, of course! The iconic Horseshoe Falls (on the Canadian side) are an awe-inspiring spectacle from any vantage point, but the best Niagara Falls attractions give you a birds-eye view or get you up close and personal with the roar of the waterfall. How will you experience the Falls? Choose one or two of these Niagara attractions for your perfect day trip.
Get #InTheMist with Niagara City Cruises
The classic way to see (and feel!) the Falls up close is by boat cruise. During your 20-minute voyage with Niagara City Cruises, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Your Niagara City Cruise boat (The Hornblower) will also allow you to experience the majesty of the Horseshoe Falls up close — all while sporting the ever-stylish Niagara Falls poncho.
If you want to get #InTheMist, your day trip to Niagara needs to include the Voyage to the Falls boat tour with Niagara City Cruises!
After your boat tour, take a few minutes to browse in the Grandview Marketplace Gift Shop for a souvenir of your ride on the Hornblower.
Enjoy the View from the Niagara SkyWheel
Often referred to as the “Niagara Falls Ferris wheel”, the Niagara SkyWheel is Canada’s largest observation wheel! From 175 feet above Niagara Falls, you’ll be able to take in all the beauty of the Falls, the Gorge, and the Niagara skyline — in a fully enclosed, air-conditioned gondola.
Unlike an actual Ferris wheel, the Niagara SkyWheel moves slowly so you’ll have plenty of time to capture photos or videos of the incredible landscape.
Glide like a Bird on the Niagara Falls Zipline!
Calling all thrill seekers! Can you think of a more exhilarating way to take in this landmark than by soaring over it on the Niagara Falls zipline? The Zipline to the Falls is actually a unique hands-free, worry-free experience that is fun and easy for everyone aged 7 and up. Even if you’re a little hesitant, we recommend giving it a try. You get a true birds-eye view of the Falls while feeling like you’re flying!
Feel the Rush on the Whirlpool Aero Car
Take a ride high over the Niagara Gorge on an (upgraded) antique cable car and get an unmatched view of the Niagara River rapids and the swirling whirlpool at the end of the Falls. The Whirlpool Aero Car has been impressing tourists with the power and beauty of the Niagara River for over 100 years — and you can make it part of your Niagara Falls day trip this summer! Use WEGO to get to the Whirlpool Aero Car.
Take a Journey Behind the Falls
There are many ways to see the front of Niagara Falls, but have you ever wanted to see what’s behind them? Go on a Journey Behind the Falls and explore the tunnels in the bedrock! You’ll both hear and feel the thunderous roar of the Falls, and watch water cascade down in front of you through the viewing portals cut into the rock. Journey Behind the Falls is a great pick for a day trip with kids who love to play explorers.
Dine with a view of the Falls at Niagara Falls Restaurants
Don’t forget to eat! There are so many fun things to do in Niagara Falls, but take time to sit down and enjoy some of the outstanding dining that the city has to offer.
The Table Rock Centre is the perfect place to find your meal! This transformed historic building is right next to the Falls and houses the Niagara Falls Welcome Centre, Table Rock Shop, entrance to the Journey Behind the Falls, and three great dining experiences.
The Table Rock Market has fast casual dining options for all culinary tastes. You can enjoy fresh sushi, delicious burgers, pizza, ice cream and more. If you’re travelling with kids or a large group, this is a great option because everyone can choose what they like.
For an upscale but casual atmosphere, head up to the new Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar. Your gourmet meal includes locally sourced ingredients and pairs perfectly with the extensive selection of Niagara wines, beers, ciders, and spirits. But the best part of your experience is dining on the rooftop patio that overlooks the Falls. Perfection! Note: reservations are not accepted here so plan for the possibility of a wait for your table.
If you prefer to plan ahead, the Table Rock Restaurant takes reservations for their falls-side, locally sourced dining experience. You can time your meal for a nice midday break in the air-conditioning, or an evening meal with a view of the Niagara Falls fireworks.
Shop for Niagara Falls Souvenirs
While you digest, shop around for some Niagara Falls souvenirs to remember your amazing day trip!
Since you’re already in the Table Rock Centre, pop into the 2-level Table Rock Shop first. You’ll find iconic Canadian brands like Roots, Herschel and more, as well as exclusive Niagara Parks merchandise.
Located within the Table Rock Shop, the Maple Bar is the place for — you guessed it — maple products! Stock up on syrup, maple cookies, maple bacon and more. These make excellent gifts for any out-of-country family members or friends that you have visiting this summer.
Next, stroll down to Queen Victoria Place and shop for Canadian giftware and unique souvenirs at the Queen Victoria Place Gift Shop.
Check Out the Special Events in Niagara Falls
Summertime is the perfect season to explore special events in Niagara Falls!
Don't miss the Niagara Parks’ Annual Summer Floral Show. Just a short walk from Table Rock Centre, at the Floral Showhouse, you’ll step into a floral paradise that is blooming with beauty! Garden enthusiasts, make sure to make time in your schedule for a stop here.
If you're thinking about staying overnight, consider the GO + WEGO 2 Day Travel Package. Spend the night in Niagara to enjoy the Summer Fall Fireworks Series and Niagara Falls Illumination.
The Niagara Falls Fireworks Series runs nightly throughout the summer, starting at 10 pm — a perfect way to cap off your day.
You'll also experience the Nightly Illumination of Niagara Falls. This year-round display makes the majestic Falls look even more spectacular, with a multi-colored water and light show that begins at dusk.
Wave Goodbye to Niagara Falls
Your day in Niagara Falls is done, but you still have a relaxing ride home on GO Transit that you can spend discussing your favourite parts of the trip, sharing your favourite photos on social media, or rereading this article to decide which attractions you’ll try on your next visit!
Land Acknowledgement
Metrolinx acknowledges that it operates on lands that have been, and continue to be, home to many Indigenous Peoples including the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat peoples. We are all Treaty people. Many of us have come here as settlers, as immigrants or involuntarily as part of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, in this generation, or generations past. We acknowledge the historic and continued impacts of colonization and the need to work towards meaningful reconciliation with the original caretakers of this land. We acknowledge that Metrolinx operates on territories and lands covered by many treaties that affirm and value the rights of Indigenous communities, Nations and Peoples. We understand the importance of working towards reconciliation with the original caretakers of this land. At Metrolinx, we will conduct business in a manner that is built on a foundation of trust, respect and collaboration.