Unveiling the Beauty of Niagara Falls: A 2-Day Itinerary

Have a weekend to spend in Niagara Falls? Here’s a 2-day itinerary of my visit to Niagara Falls, which includes visiting both the New York, US and Ontario, Canada sides.

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Table of Contents

Intro

The Niagara Falls comprises of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. You can enjoy and view them from either the US side or the Canada side. If you’re in Niagara for a weekend, then it’s definitely possible to check out both sides! This itinerary will include visiting both sides and the activities you can do during a two-day visit.

Since the Niagara Falls are a magnificent natural wonder, I recommend experiencing most attractions this area has to offer to make the most out of your time. In this 2-day itinerary of Niagara Falls, I also include visiting several waterfall viewpoints: next to them, behind them, from the river bed, and from a high vantage point!

Getting To Niagara Falls

The most convenient airport to fly into is Buffalo Airport (BUF) in New York. Toronto airport (YYZ) is also an option, although it is a farther drive to get into Niagara Falls. Once you land at either airport, you’ll have to drive or book a transfer to Niagara Falls. From Buffalo airport, the drive is about 30 minutes. From Toronto airport, the drive is about 2 hours.

Check out booking an airport transfer with HolidayTaxis, or compare and book local car rentals using DiscoverCars (or use the widget below).

Getting Around

The area is incredibly walkable, and you can even walk between the US side and Canada side very easily. Just be sure to bring your passport! However, you can also drive as there are areas you can park at. We chose to park our rental car at our hotel and walked the rest of the time! There are also options to take WeGo public transit (Canada) or the Niagara Scenic Trolley (US). The WeGo bus and the Niagara Scenic Trolley stops at all the popular locations and you’re free to hop on and hop off at any point.

Crossing the Border – Rainbow Bridge

When trying to cross the border to either side, you’ll have to cross the Rainbow Bridge, where you can take in all the views of Niagara Falls when crossing. At the end of the bridge, you’ll see a Border Control Office that you’ll have to go through. Don’t forget your Passport!

Where to Stay

If I had to choose between staying on the US side or Canada side, I would choose the Canada side. The Canada side has breathtaking views of Niagara Falls no matter where you’re at. The US side is more convenient as you won’t have to cross the border to get back to the Buffalo airport (if that’s where you flew in from). We chose to stay on the US side for this exact reason.

If you decide to stay on the Canada side and want the best views, the best area would be to stay closer to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Alternatively, if you plan to walk most of the time, then the most convenient location is to stay near Rainbow bridge. This way, you’re closer to walk to the US side and back.

Recommended Tours, Activities & Attractions

Book unforgettable experiences and check out the below recommended Niagara Falls tours, activities, and attractions that are mentioned throughout this post:

US side:

Canada side:

Niagara Falls 2-Day Itinerary

The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Niagara Falls itinerary. The points are color-coordinated as:

Day 1 Points of Interest → BLUE
Day 2 Points of Interest → ORANGE

HOW TO USE THE ABOVE NIAGARA FALLS MAP:

Action	Description / Step-by-Step Instructions
Click a Colored Star Point of Interest	Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest
Click the STAR ☆ right of the “Niagara Falls”	Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account for viewing*
Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right	Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account
In the Larger Map view, Select and Tick the “Day # Directions” Checkbox(es)	The directions from each Point of Interest will appear and follows the itinerary in order as listed for that day
*To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (computer)	In your Google Maps, Click the “hamburger” Menu at top left → Click “Saved” → Click “Maps” → Locate “Niagara Falls” → Click it to open the Map
*To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (phone)	In your Google Maps app, Click “Saved” on the bottom bar → Scroll to the bottom → Click “Maps” → Locate “Niagara Falls” → Click it to open the Map

Day 1: Niagara Falls – U.S. side

On your first day of your 2-day Itinerary, experience the thrill of the Niagara Falls! Take the Maid of the Mist boat into the base of the Horseshoe Falls, and get up close and personal to the Bridal Veil Falls!
If you prefer or are interested in a guided tour of the US side, check out the below tour options:

For Maid of the Mist boat and Cave of the Winds attractions, check out this Niagara Falls American-side Tour with Maid of the Mist Boat Ride
For all the stops and attractions I mentioned on this day, check out this All Inclusive Niagara Falls USA Tour w/ Boat Ride, Cave Tour & Much More

Observation Tower & Maid of the Mist

Maid of the Mist Tickets

To pre-purchase Maid of the Mist tickets online, click here. Purchasing online does not let you reserve for a specific day or time, but can be used any day they are open. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets at their ticket office on the day-of visit but it will only be valid for that day. Purchasing day-of does not guarantee that you’ll get to go on the boat that day, so it’s best to do this activity as early as possible.

Observation Tower & Getting to the Maid of the Mist Dock

The Observation Tower platform extends a bit farther out than the Niagara Gorge, providing amazing panoramic views of all three falls. Spend a bit of time here to capture some photos. You can also return here after your boat ride as well. The elevator in this area is also the only way to get to the Maid of the Mist dock, so go ahead and take it down when you’re ready. Additionally, once at the bottom, you can also climb a series of stairs to Crows Nest where you can get up close to the American Falls.

Boarding Maid of the Mist

Once on the Maid of the Mist dock, there will likely be a huge line. Getting on the boat is on a first come, first serve basis, and a boat comes around about every 15 minutes. Even though the boats can hold a large capacity, the wait times can range from 15 to 60 minutes. However, if you come here early the wait times are much shorter, about 15-20 minutes! Before boarding, you’ll also receive a free poncho that you can put over your clothes if you prefer to stay dry.

*Line to board the Maid of the Mist boat*

Maid of the Mist Experience

The boat has an upper and a lower deck and you can move between them during the journey. The bottom deck will get less wet since the deck above will help block the water. The upper deck is where you want to be if you want to experience the action! When the boat gets close to the Horseshoe Falls, you’ll get the wettest here, and you’ll feel and hear the sheer power of the Niagara River thundering down. Soak it all in! On your ride you’ll also pass by the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. When you pass these, you’ll notice a trail full of poncho’d people interestingly near the bottom of the falls, but don’t fret! You’ll get to do that experience next!

*View of the American and Bridal Veil Falls from Maid of the Mist boat*

Prospect Point Observation Point

A few minutes walk from the Maid of the Mist, you’ll arrive at the Prospect Point Observation Point. Here you’ll get a closeup view of the crest of the American Falls. Amazing! From here, you’ll follow the edge and walk about 15 minutes. You’ll have to walk over the Niagara river via Goat Island Rd, which will then get you on Goat Island. If you follow the edge a bit farther, you’ll get onto Luna Island, which will place you right at the edge and in between the Bridal Veil and American Falls.

Cave of the Winds

Getting There

Not far from Luna Island, you’ll get to the Cave of the Winds Plaza, which has a Cave of the Winds Snack Bar and Ice Cream parlor. So grab a bite to eat or cool off if it’s a hot sunny day. Before heading to the Cave of the Winds, stop by the multimedia experience, the World Changed Here Pavilion, where you can learn more about the falls.

Accessing Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds does not have any tickets to purchase online, so you’ll have to purchase once you arrive. Check out their website here.

Cave of the Winds Experience

Before you get on the trail, they’ll provide free ponchos and waterproof sandals. If your shoes aren’t waterproof then I suggest getting these, otherwise you might have to deal with wet socks all day (although I brought an extra pair just in case).

Once you enter, there’s only one direction you can take, so simply follow the traffic and wooden walkways and enjoy the up close views of the Bridal Veil Falls. Along the path, there are several points where the waterfall is pouring directly overhead to the point of showering you. What a thrill! Hope you wore the proper footwear for these! Following the stairs up will lead you to the Hurricane deck, which is another opportunity to let the waterfall soak you. To exit, you’ll take the same way back. Expect to spend about 45 min to 1.5 hours on this experience.

Cave of the Winds, base of the Bridal Veil Falls — *At the base of the Bridal Veil Falls*

Terrapin Point

Terrapin point is the closest observation deck to the Horseshoe Falls on the NY side. It’s only a short walk from the Cave of Winds experience. On the way you’ll also pass the Top of the Falls restaurant where you can plan to have a meal. The restaurant overlooks Terrapin Point with a view of Horseshoe Falls just beyond it.

Day 2: Niagara Falls – Canada side

On your last day of your 2-day itinerary in Niagara Falls, explore the Canada side! Check off a bucket list item and zipline with a view of the waterfalls, then gaze at them from a bird’s eye view! If you prefer or are interested in a guided tour of the Canadian side, check out this Niagara Falls Canadian Side Tour.

Zipline to the Falls

Seeking a thrill while in Niagara Falls? Ride the Zipline to the Falls! You’ll surely never forget flying with the amazing views of Niagara Falls throughout your zipline adventure. Get your zipline tickets here. This company also has other experiences if you want to continue the thrill! Such as the Whirpool Adventure where you can make your way through obstacles from 20ft (6m) to 40ft (12m) high. Check them out here.

Fallsview Trail

The Fallsview Trail stretches the length of the cliffside from the zipline experience to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. You’ll have an awesome view of the Niagara Falls while strolling along them, with nonstop photo opportunities. Along the way, you’ll spot the Queen Victoria Place Restaurant. Take in the views from here while grabbing a bite to eat. There are also additional food options if you continue on the trail to Table Rock Centre.

Table Rock Centre

The Table Rock Centre is worth a visit and contains several shopping and food options. It is also right next to the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, so walk to the edge and gaze at the falls! Check out the Table Rock Market to grab a bite, or if you prefer to dine in with a view, then head to Table Rock House Restaurant. Table Rock Centre also has Niagara’s Fury, a 4D motion experience, and the entrance to Journey Behind the Falls.

Journey Behind the Falls

The Journey Behind the Falls is a must-visit where you’ll get to be in the heart of a waterfall! You’ll descend down an elevator and venture through underground tunnels. Experience being behind a powerful waterfall, a once in a lifetime experience. Check out the observation decks and get a stunning up close view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls! Prepare to get wet as it will be very misty, but if you don’t want to get drenched, then a poncho is provided for free. Check out their website here.

Skylon Tower and Dinner w/ a View

If you want to get a bird’s eye view of the Niagara Falls, then you must include visiting the Skylon Tower to your 2-day Itinerary! The Skylon Tower has two observation decks and two dining options: the Revolving Dining Room and the Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room. The Revolving Dining Room Restaurant will provide 360 degree views of the Niagara Falls and region as it will rotate around the tower. It makes one revolution per 1 hour, so it rotates rather slowly where you can hardly feel it. If you prefer not to rotate while eating, then head to the Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room, which still has spectacular views of the falls. When you dine at either of these options, the ride to get to the top Observation Deck is included.

The Skylon Observation Deck offers amazing panoramic views of the mighty Niagara Falls. You can check out the indoor and outdoor decks, although the outdoor deck might be a bit windy, so bring a windbreaker! Check out everything the Skylon Tower offers at their website here, where you can also make dining reservations or purchase observatory tickets.

*View of the Niagara Falls from the Skylon Tower*

Fireworks Show

At around dusk, the falls will be illuminated in colorful lights that stays on until midnight. And if you’re not tired from your day, watch the fireworks show! From May through October, the fireworks show occurs every night at 10pm. The fireworks show can be viewed from either the US or Canada side, but if you’d like a better view of the illuminated falls alongside the fireworks, then watch from the Canada side.

Check out some other tours and activities you can add to your Niagara Falls itinerary:

Final Words

Niagara Falls, whether you visit the US side, the Canada side, or both, is a must-visit area you’re sure to marvel at. Plan your visit and check off Niagara Falls from your bucket list! I hope my 2-day itinerary helped you plan your trip to Niagara Falls! Bon Voyage!