Niagara River: Our most recommended tours and activities

Niagara Falls, Canada: First Boat Cruise & Behind Falls Tour

1. Niagara Falls, Canada: First Boat Cruise & Behind Falls Tour

See Niagara Falls up close on a stunning boat cruise followed by a guided walking tour and visit to Journey Behind the Falls. Choose between our two morning tours for an unforgettable experience. The 8 AM tours starts this ultimate Niagara Falls tour with special access to the first elevator of the day. This journey brings you 19 stories down into the gorge, complete with panoramic views, meaning you’ll be the first ones down to the docks and personally escorted onto the Niagara City Cruises boat. You get to pick the best possible viewing spot before the crowds arrive. The 10 AM tour descends to the boat dock on the first funicular of the day and offers your first glimpse at the incredible Niagara Falls. Once at the boat dock, a complimentary poncho is included and trust us you’ll need it! The 20 minute cruise around the falls can drench anyone adventuring near enough. Following the Niagara City Cruise, your guide will immerse you in the history and stories of the Falls as you take a walking tour around the boardwalk. View the site of the former Honeymoon Bridge while you learn the story of how it collapsed and hear about the famous restaurant viewpoint, Queen Victoria Place, where Princess Diana dined. The perpetual motion of Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls can be seen in action, while your guide brings to life the brave daredevils who challenged the power of the falls by going over the edge. A standout moment and picture opportunity are the Horseshoe Falls, so don’t forget your camera. Table Rock Visitor Center is next where you’ll get to enter the Journey Behind the Falls experience. With a prebooked time slot, climb right down the stairs into the rocky caves behind Niagara Falls where crashing water reverberates through the tunnels. The path leads to a ledge on the side of the falls where you can feel the true power of 3,160 tons of water a second as it comes cascading down close by. For those who crave a complete Niagara Falls experience, this tour mixes exclusive access, excitement, and history, with exceptional storytelling from an expert guide.

Lewiston USA: 45-Minute Jet-Boat Tour on the Niagara River

2. Lewiston USA: 45-Minute Jet-Boat Tour on the Niagara River

Say goodbye to conventional sightseeing as you pile on board an open jet-boat and set off on an adventurous, stimulating tour of the Niagra River. Spend 45 minutes taking in the scenery and learning the history of the river as your professional guide leads you through the rapids. This tour is more than an adventure through the rapids; it is a chance to learn about the history of the Niagara River. Your knowledgeable guide will point out specific historical landmarks, and explain the differences between the American and Canadian sides of the river. Hang on as the boat is navigated through the river to deliver a thrilling ride through the Class 5 rapids. The highlights of this part of the tour include entering Devil’s Hole, where the rapids begin, and experiencing the exhilarating 365-degree jet spin. The Wet Jet boats are designed with an open top to deliver a panoramic view but that means you will definitely get wet as you go through the rapids. You will be provided with the necessary gear to make your trip as comfortable as possible but there are no dry seats with this option. If you prefer to stay dry, you can still experience the excitement of the rapids on the Jet Dome tour. You will take the same journey as the Wet Jet tour, but the covered boat offers shelter from river rapids, keeping you dry and comfortable. Feel free to bring along a camera on this tour.

Niagara Falls: Walking Tour, Journey Behind Falls, & Cruise

3. Niagara Falls: Walking Tour, Journey Behind Falls, & Cruise

Experience the best way to see Niagara Falls on foot with our Best of Niagara Falls Canada Walking Tour! You won’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Your fun-filled, Niagara Falls tour begins with your local friendly guide meeting you outside of the Skylon Tower. While you are there, you will ascend 520 ft. in a glass elevator to the observation deck where you will be treated to an incredible, birds-eye view of all three Niagara Falls (Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and the American Falls), as well as the Niagara River and surrounding area. Once you get back on the ground, your next stop will have you descend 125 ft (approx. 40m) to explore cave-like tunnels behind the Falls at Journey Behind the Falls. This experience is a treat for the senses as you’ll be able to not only hear the falls but feel them as well. The tunnels lead to two observation decks, giving you the perfect photo opportunity. After your visit to Journey Behind the Falls, we will take you to board the Voyage To The Falls Boat Tour. On your cruise, you will sail around the Niagara gorge and get as close as possible to the Falls. You can expect to feel the refreshing mist on your skin during this boat ride but don’t worry, you will be provided with a recyclable rain poncho. Once you have finished your amazing boat ride, your tour will come to a close and you and your guide will part ways.

Niagara Falls, Canada: Zipline to The Falls

4. Niagara Falls, Canada: Zipline to The Falls

Discover stunning of views of Niagara Falls and get your adrenaline rushing with this zipline ticket. Zipline 67 meters above the Niagara River Gorge and 670 meters past the American Falls. Take a comfortable van back your starting point. Join Niagara's most exciting and unique Falls viewing experience. Benefit from express admission by completing your waiver online in advance of arrival. Head directly to the launch kiosk where staff will accompany Be kitted out with a helmet and a comfort safety harness. You'll receive all the safety instructions you'll need so that you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. Sense the incredible force of nature as you soar 67 meters above the famous Niagara River Gorge and glide smoothly 670 meters past the American Falls towards the awesome power, thundering roar and amazing mist of the mighty Canadian Horseshoe Falls, and arrive at the Falls Observation Landing Deck. Enjoy the very best viewing and photo opportunity of the world-famous Niagara Falls in all its glory. Finally, return to the top in comfort aboard air-conditioned passenger vans.

Niagara Falls: Boat Cruise and Journey Behind the Falls Tour

5. Niagara Falls: Boat Cruise and Journey Behind the Falls Tour

This tour is a perfect blend of history and thrills! Meet your tour guide at the Murray Hill Welcome Centre (5146 Murray Street, next to Queen Victoria Place) to start exploring. You’ll get to view the falls from behind through one of the viewing portals that have been cut straight through the rock and also from below the falls by venturing out onto the lower observation deck. Take a ride on the world famous boat tour to finish off your tour with a bang! This tour provides views from every angle and will provide memories that will last a lifetime. Explore over 20 other popular Niagara Falls points of interest with your tour guide along the way. Listen to fascinating stories and learn interesting facts about the history of Niagara Falls. Receive a complimentary badge with access to $150 in savings on area attractions after your tour.

Niagara Falls, ON: Jet Boat Tour on Niagara River

6. Niagara Falls, ON: Jet Boat Tour on Niagara River

Embark on a stimulating jet-boat tour of the lower Niagara River. Ride the thrilling rapids and take in the stunning natural landscape surrounding you on your tour. Learn about the river, its historical landmarks, and the differences between the American and the Canadian sides of the river from your local guide. Then, let your expert guide navigate the river to deliver a thrilling ride through the Class 5 rapids. Enter the Devil’s Hole, where the rapids begin, and experience the exhilarating 365° Hamilton Turn. Get up close and personal with the river as you get splashed paddling down the rapids as the jet boats are designed with an open top. If you prefer to stay dry, experience the excitement of the rapids on the Jet Dome tour. You will take the same journey as the Wet Jet tour, but the covered boat offers shelter from river rapids, keeping you dry and comfortable.

From Toronto: Niagara Falls Evening Tour With Boat Cruise

7. From Toronto: Niagara Falls Evening Tour With Boat Cruise

Benefit from pick-up service from all downtown Toronto or Toronto Pearson Airport hotels, and then journey by climate-controlled mini-coach to Niagara Falls. Listen to an informative commentary about the history of the area and the role of the native people, and discover why the geography makes the Niagara Peninsula so unique. Upon arrival at Niagara Whirlpool, marvel at one of the most violent white water rapids in North America. Then, climb aboard the Hornblower to experience the power, energy and majesty of Niagara Falls up close on the "Voyage to the Falls" boat tour. Be mesmerized by the height of Horseshoe Falls and the volume of water that plunges from its crestline. Travel along the Niagara Parkway to see the power of the Niagara River as it prepares to plunge over the falls. Take in the scenic landscape of Dufferin Islands along the way. Get some free time at Niagara Falls for dinner or to visit Clifton Hill and other attractions. Gaze in awe when dusk arrives and the great cataracts are lit up in a multitude of colors. Opt for a tour with dinner and dine at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel. Feast from the Fallsview Buffet and get panoramic views of Niagara Falls illuminated for the night. Take in the Niagara Falls Fireworks at night. Depart Niagara Falls and journey back to Toronto for drop off at your hotel on arrival.

Niagara Falls, Canada: Whirlpool Adventure Ropes Course

8. Niagara Falls, Canada: Whirlpool Adventure Ropes Course

Take part in a whole new way to experience the Niagara River. Enjoy tons of family-friendly fun and excitement with outdoor aerial adventures. Three self-paced courses include dozens of climbing, ziplining, jumping, and swinging aerial games. Upon arrival at the park, check in with the guest service staff who will direct you to meet your certified guide. Your guide then takes care of it all, from activity demonstration, ensuring the proper fit of your helmet and harness, and providing observational coaching during your climbing experience. Once you complete the demo course, head out onto the Kids, Classic, or Extreme Course for a fun, safe, and thrilling experience of obstacles and zip-lines high above the world-famous whirlpool and Niagara gorge. This makes a totally new and unique way to have a Niagara River adventure and discover the lost art of "monkeying-around".

Niagara Falls, Canada: Adventure Theater & SkyWheel Combo

9. Niagara Falls, Canada: Adventure Theater & SkyWheel Combo

Try a unique movie experience at The Niagara Adventure Theater. Travel back to the days when native people worshiped the thunder spirits, and when the first Europeans encountered this wild wonder of nature. First, learn about the daredevils who challenged the fury of Niagara Falls with your film ticket. Hear about the Great Blondin, who completed a death-defying tightrope walk over the river in 1860, to Annie Taylor, a 63-year-old schoolteacher who became the first person to go over the Niagara Falls in a barrel. Next, walk down the street to the heart of Clifton Hill and soar above the falls on the famous Niagara SkyWheel. Ride on Niagara SkyWheel's fully enclosed gondolas, climate controlled for year-round comfort and enjoyment. Finally, take in the panoramic experience of the SkyWheel, and marvel at views of the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, the Niagara River, and other landmarks. Take in the glittering lights of Clifton Hill and the surrounding Niagara skyline on an evening ride.

From Niagara Falls, USA: Canadian Side Tour w/ Boat Ride

10. From Niagara Falls, USA: Canadian Side Tour w/ Boat Ride

Embark on a fun-filled adventure of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. See nature's highlights, as well as landmarks along the way that shape the history of the Falls. Relax later with drop-off at your hotel. Begin your tour with pickup directly from your hotel in Niagara Falls, New York before crossing the Rainbow Bridge into Canada. Once there your first stop is the Skylon Tower. Head up 520 feet in a glass elevator to the observation deck where you will be treated to an incredible, birds-eye view. Take in the sight of all three Niagara Falls, including Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and the American Falls. Views of the Niagara River and surrounding area are also seen from Skylon Tower. Next, descend 125 feet to explore cave-like tunnels behind the Falls at Journey Behind the Falls. Experience a treat for the senses as you hear the falls and feel them mist you as well. Enjoy more photo opportunities at two different observation decks from the tunnels. Then, board the Hornblower Niagara Cruises boat ride (seasonal, operating May - October only, replaced with admission to Niagara's Fury and Butterfly Conservatory in the winter months). Sail around the Niagara gorge and get as close as possible to the Falls. Expect to feel the refreshing mist on your skin during this boat ride - but don’t worry, you will be provided with a recyclable rain poncho. Finally, your guide will take you on a narrated driving tour of the city where you will learn about Niagara’s rich history and distinct geography. Visit several points of interest including Dufferin Islands, the International Control Dam, the Old Scow, Whirlpool Rapids, and the Floral Clock. At the end of your Niagara Falls tour, your guide will drop you off back at your hotel.

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What people are saying about Niagara River

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 2,346 reviews

It was like cherry on top for my vacation. The zip line experience made everything worth it. I was very scared at the beginning but the staff was very friendly and made me understand all the steps and rules. Please book online as I did in advance to avoid queues and waiting .My daughter was scared to go but the moment we get down , she was willing to take another ride. Thank you team for a thrilling and awesome experience.

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable of the area and gave us lots of information and fun facts about the area. He was funny and made us all feel at ease. He was very approachable and answered everyone's questions when we asked. He also remembered where we were all from in the group ie. Uk America Canada which was a nice touch when some information was relevant He made the effort to include us.

Great tour, great guide in Allay who was full of information and fun. Meal in the Sheraton was excellent tho could take a long time to re-fill trays. Enjoyed wandering around Niagara on the Lake and learning about the region. The main event, The Falls, were magnificent. Would recommend this tour company.

The whole family enjoyed the experience. The kids said it was their favorite part of our vacation.

The tour was very good and our guide Danial was excellent. I would totally recommend this.