Niagara Falls - How to Make the Most of your Day

14th October 2015: Here's my guide on how to make the most of your day at Niagara Falls - what to do, where to eat and where to stay. We stayed in Toronto and were up bright and early in the morning to spend the day at Niagara Falls. The journey is 1hr and 30mins from Toronto with scenic views on the way.

Hornblower Cruise

When we arrived we went straight onto the Hornblower Cruise. This is a must! You get so close to the Falls you will get wet but well worth it. They provide plastic macs that protect you fairly well. This is around a 20 minute trip - when you depart the cruise you can purchase photos to remember your experience.

Journey Behind the Falls

We jumped onto our bus and the driver took us to the Journey Behind the Falls to take pictures. We walked a couple of minutes to see the Falls from behind. I wasn’t too keen on this as I thought it could be along small tunnels but it was absolutely fine. In the tunnels you are literally right behind and so close to the Falls. There is a viewing point which has a fantastic view.

Helicopter Trip

Next, we took our helicopter trip! This lasted 10 minutes. At this point we literally saw the Falls at every angle. Even though it seems rather extreme to do all the excursions I'm so glad I have done them all. It is so spectacular and never ceases to amaze.

Where to Eat

We ate at the Edgewaters Restaurant. The food there was delicious and had so much choice, from healthy to comfort food.

Wine Tasting

We drove to Château des Charmes Winery - it was founded in 1978 by Paul Bosc, a fifth generation French winegrower. Paul and his young family arrived in Niagara in the 1960’s with the idea that growing his own grapes was the best way to make fine wine. We had a tour and some wine tasting! The wines were superb and there was a chance to make a purchase at a very reasonable price.

Where to Stay

On the journey home we drove through a town named Niagara-on-the-Lake. If I had customers wanting to stay at Niagara this is where I would suggest. You can stay at Niagara on the Falls but it is a little too touristy. Niagara-on-the-Lake, often called the loveliest town in Ontario, has a long and distinguished history. Stroll back through history and enjoy world class theatre, fine dining, shopping, estate wineries, farm markets and historical sites.

I stayed in Toronto at the Eaton Chelsea which is the largest hotel in Toronto, although you would never think it - it never felt overcrowded. There was a buffet dining area for all meals with plenty of choice. The rooms were clean and very comfortable and the beds are so comfortable you actually don’t want to move!

Joanne travelled to Canada with 1st Class Holidays – her day at Niagara was part of a longer trip taking in Toronto, Montreal and Ottowa. If you’re thinking of a holiday to Canada next year, Joanne would love to help you plan your dream trip and share her knowledge of this amazing country with you.

Travel Blog by Joanne Greenway, Travel Specialist