Solo Travel to Niagara Falls, Canada - Is One Day Enough?

Is Niagara Falls, Ontario a Good Location for Solo Travel?

Is Niagara Falls, Ontario, a good destination for solo travel? Can I see all of Niagara Falls in one day? Those were the two questions I asked myself before I set off on my solo trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario. I wanted to visit Niagara Falls to recreate a family trip from my childhood.

In my opinion, Niagara Falls is a perfectly acceptable destination for solo travel, and the entire Canadian side can be seen in one marathon day. Just know that much of the town of Niagara Falls, Ontario, is set up for families, and solo travelers will navigate a sea of carnival rides, minigolf, and fun houses.

Although the before-mentioned places may cause a slight frustration for Niagara Falls solo travelers, the American and Horseshoe Falls can be enjoyed by anyone of any age, whether they are solo or with their families.

A Rainbow Seen Near Niagara Falls
A Rainbow Seen Near Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario is Designed for Families
Niagara Falls, Ontario is Designed for Families
Dinosaur Golf - Niagara Falls, Ontario
Dinosaur Golf
Niagara Falls - Horseshoe Falls - At Night
Niagara Falls - Horseshoe Falls - At Night

Solo Travel to Niagara Falls, Canada - Is One Day Enough? - Table of Contents

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Best Activities for a Solo Visit to Niagara Falls, Ontario

In the sections below, I will highlight the places that I visited during my solo visit to Niagara Falls, Ontario. During my full day at the Falls, I wanted to spend my time at the attractions that focused on the falls, and stay away from the tourist traps that can be found in any family tourism destination.

Here are the places that I visited during my solo visit to Niagara Falls, Ontario.

1) The American Falls
2) The Horseshoe Falls
3) The Journey Behind the Falls
4) The Skylon Tower
5) A Cruise to Niagara Falls
6) The Niagara Falls Light Show and Fireworks
7) The Whirlpool Aerocar

The Main Pedestrian Path at Niagara Falls
The Main Pedestrian Path at Niagara Falls

Walking from the American Falls to the Horseshoe Falls

I have visited lots of waterfalls, including Iguazu Falls, the various Icelandic Waterfalls, and Plitvice Lakes. One of the issues with visiting those waterfalls is that you have to take a hike to be able to get a good view. Niagara Falls is different. To view Niagara Falls, visitors can park their car, cross the street, and view the falls.

There is a pathway that goes from the Rainbow International Bridge to the Amerian Falls and then to the Horseshoe Falls. For anyone making a solo visit to Niagara Falls, I highly recommend this walking path as their first stop.

The American Falls Seen from the Pedestrian Pathway on the Canadian Side
American Falls

Along the path, there are various locations to view the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. I believe that the best views of both waterfalls are from the Canadian side and that visitors can experience Niagara Falls without crossing into the United States.

The Horseshoe Falls Seen from the Canadian Side
Horseshoe Falls

The Niagara Falls walking path is fairly flat and can be enjoyed by solo travelers of all ages. For visitors who have a physical disability, the path is wheelchair friendly.

The Pedestrian Path on the Canadian Side of Niagara Falls
The Pedestrian Path Takes Visitors from the American Falls to the Horseshoe Falls

My favorite part of the Niagara Falls walking path is the section that allows visitors to get right up next to the Horseshoe Falls. This location really shows the extreme power of the water.

At the end of the path, I decided to visit my next location, the Journey Behind the Falls.

Close-Up View of Niagara Falls - Horseshoe Falls - Seen from the Canadian Side
Close-Up View of the Horseshoe Falls

Visiting the Journey Behind the Falls

The next stop on my solo tour of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was the Journey Behind the Falls. This amazing tour allows visitors to view the Horseshoe Falls from behind the curtain of water. There is also an observation platform at the base of the curtain where tourists can get extremely close to the falls.

The Journey Behind the Falls costs C$23.50 for adults. When you purchase your ticket, the agent will try to sell you a package. As a solo traveler, I recommend declining the package as many of the items included are designed for families with small children.

The Ticket Line for the Journey Behind Niagara Falls
The Ticket Line for the Journey Behind Niagara Falls

When visiting the Journey Behind the Falls, you will get wet. It is a good idea to keep all non-waterproof electronics in a dry bag. I also highly recommend wearing the plastic rain poncho that is provided.

During my visit to the Journey Behind the Falls, I only took photos using my GoPro Hero 9, which is waterproof.

Raincoats are Necessary for the Journey Behind Niagara Falls
Raincoats are Necessary for the Journey Behind the Falls

The first stop is at a platform at the base of the Horseshoe Falls. It was extremely difficult to get a good photo as the viewing area constantly gets sprayed by water from the falls.

Journey Behind Niagara Falls Viewing Platform
Journey Behind Niagara Falls Viewing Platform

Following the viewing platform, visitors wind through underground tunnels to two viewing areas behind Niagara Falls. 

One of the Tunnels at the Journey Behind the Falls
One of the Tunnels at the Journey Behind the Falls

Below is a video showing the two viewpoints.

Taking in the View from the Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower provides the best views of Niagara Falls as it has the highest observation deck in the area. Once again, when purchasing a ticket, the salespeople will try to upsell a package that includes things that are designed for families. As a solo visitor to Niagara Falls, decline the addons and simply pay the C$19 to go to the top.

Once at the top, visitors will have a 360-degree view of the area. I brought my zoom lens and was able to take some spectacular photos of both the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls.

I spent about 20-minutes at the top of the Skylon Tower, which was surprisingly not crowded. Had there been a larger crowd, I likely would have needed more time to take all of my photographs.

The Skylon Tower - Niagara Falls, Ontario
The Skylon Tower
American Falls from the Skylon Tower
American Falls from the Skylon Tower
Horseshoe Falls from the Skylon Tower
Horseshoe Falls from the Skylon Tower

Taking a Cruise to the Falls

One of the best ways to experience Niagara Falls is to take a sightseeing cruise. From the Canadian side, the company Niagara Falls City Cruises by Horn Blower offers a chance to get soaked by both the American and Horseshoe Falls.

As always, there will be multiple attempts to convince visitors to purchase add-ons. Once again, decline all of these and only pay C$32.75 for the boat ticket.

The boat dock is fairly easy to find. From the walking path near the American Falls viewing location, follow the signs to the ticket kiosk. After purchasing your ticket, take the elevators down to the boarding area. During peak time, the cruises leave every 30-minutes.

Buzz’s Tip: During the summer, Niagara Falls City Cruises by Horn Blower is open until 8:00 PM. Take a later cruise to avoid the crowds.

A Niagara Falls Cruise Ship Photographed from the Skylon Tower
A Niagara Falls Cruise Ship Photographed from the Skylon Tower

During this cruise, you will get soaked. Make sure you wear the rain poncho provided, even though it won’t entirely keep you dry. After my cruise, I returned to my hotel to change into dry clothes and shoes.

As with the Journey Behind the Falls, I did not bring my camera on the cruise. Instead, I used my waterproof GoPro.

Boarded the Cruise to the Falls
Boarded the Cruise to the Falls

The Niagara Falls cruise takes visitors near the American Falls before going under the misty spray of the Horseshoe Falls.

The American Falls from a Niagara Falls Cruise
The American Falls from a Niagara Falls Cruise
Headed Towards the Horseshoe Falls on a Niagara Falls Cruise
Headed Towards the Horseshoe Falls on a Niagara Falls Cruise

In my opinion, a Niagara Falls cruise is one of the “must-see” attractions for any traveler of any age.

Getting Soaked from the Horseshoe Falls on a Niagara Falls Cruise
Getting Soaked from the Horseshoe Falls on a Niagara Falls Cruise

Watching the Niagara Falls Light Show and Fireworks

During the 2022 tourism season, Niagara Falls will have nightly fireworks from May 20th until October 10th. The fireworks show begins at 10 pm. In addition to the fireworks, both the American and Horseshoe falls will be illuminated from 9 pm until 2 am. As the summer winds down, the light show begins earlier and earlier. For more information, visitors can view the light show schedule by clicking HERE.

In my opinion, the best place to watch the fireworks is just past the Niagara Falls City Cruises’ dock. The fireworks are launched from the Canadian side between the American and Horseshoe falls. The show only lasts about 10 minutes but is an impressive fireworks display.

The Nightly Niagara Falls Fireworks Seen from the Canadian Side
The Nightly Niagara Falls Fireworks Seen from the Canadian Side

During my solo visit to Niagara Falls, I spent about two hours walking the Niagara Falls, viewing path, and photographing the falls at night. To get good photos, you will need a sturdy tripod.

The settings I used to photograph Niagara Falls at night were ISO 1600, f/16, and a shutter speed of anywhere from 3 to 30 seconds. I preferred to use a higher aperture setting to get the water to look like a curtain. I did change the settings quite a few times, but those were my baseline settings.

The American Falls Illuminated in Purple for Indigenous Peoples Day
The American Falls Illuminated in Purple for Indigenous Peoples Day

During my visit, the falls were illuminated in purple for the first 15 minutes of every hour to celebrate World Indigenous Peoples Day. Then, the falls were multiple colors, including red, blue, and yellow, to show support for Ukraine and rainbow.

The Horseshoe Falls Illuminated in Purple for Indigenous Peoples Day
The Horseshoe Falls Illuminated in Purple for Indigenous Peoples Day
The Horseshoe Falls Illuminated in Red
The Horseshoe Falls Illuminated in Red
The Horseshoe Falls Illuminated in Blue and Yellow in Support of Ukraine
The Horseshoe Falls Illuminated in Blue and Yellow in Support of Ukraine
The Horseshoe Falls Illuminated in Rainbow Colors

Visiting the Whirlpool Aero Car

The Whirlpool Aero Car is located about a mile upstream from the Rainbow International Bridge. I tried to visit the aero car as I was leaving Niagara Falls, but the line was between a one and two-hour wait.

I did take some photographs of the aero car as well as the whirlpool area below it. For solo travelers visiting Niagara Falls, I would suggest visiting the Whirlpool Aero Car, as it seemed like it would provide a unique view of the river and whirlpool area.

Admission for adults is C$17, and tickets can be purchased at the departure station. The Whirlpool Aero Car has a large parking lot which is free. I know that I read that many people park in the lot and then walk the mile to the falls.

 

The Whirlpool Aerocar Near Niagara Falls
The Whirlpool Aerocar Near Niagara Falls
Whirlpool Aerocar Cable Car
Whirlpool Aerocar Cable Car

Niagara Falls in 60 Seconds Video

In the spring of 2022, I started a series on my YouTube channel called “In 60 Seconds.” Below are one-minute video highlights of my trip to Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls Tours and Packages

Niagara Falls is a place that is easy to enjoy without taking a tour or hiring an expert. There are signs all around that explain the attractions, and everything is within walking distance of most hotels. Still, I know some people prefer to take a tour, especially when solo traveling.

Below are some tours that caught my eye. Please note that as an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a small commission if you purchase a tour or package using one of my links. This commission is at no additional cost to you.

Prices are accurate as of April 2023.

Best of Niagara Falls Tour
Best of Niagara Falls Tour from Niagara Falls, Ontario - $146.47

Your first stop is Skylon Tower, you’ll head up 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 & surrounding area.

At your next stop you will descend 125 ft (approx. 40m) to explore cave-like tunnels 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.

Next we will take you to board the Hornblower Niagara Cruises boat ride. You will sail around the Niagara gorge, get as close as possible to the Falls and feel the refreshing mist on your skin.

During the final portion of your tour, your guide will take you on a narrated driving tour of the city. Your guide will take you to several points of interest including the Dufferin Islands, the International Control Dam, the Old Scow, Whirlpool Rapids and the Floral Clock.

Niagara Falls Domed Boat Ride
Niagara Falls CANADA Domed Jet-Boat Ride - $67.06

All the thrills of a jet boat ride without getting wet! The Niagara Gorge Domed Jet Boat Ride speeds down the Niagara River and past 18 miles (29 km) of exhilarating scenery to the churning white waters of the famous Niagara Whirlpool. The covered boat keeps you dry as waves crash and splash around the domed jet boat! 

Niagara Falls Scavenger Hunt
Niagara Falls Scavenger Hunt: Hunt Along Niagara Falls - $12.44

Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.

Zipline to the Falls
Zipline To The Falls in Niagara Falls, Canada - $63.12

This iconic attraction promises thrilling one-of-a-kind panoramic views as riders soar on 4 parallel Ziplines 67 meters high above the Niagara River Gorge and glide 670 meters past the American Falls to the Falls Landing and Observation Deck at the base of the Horseshoe Falls. Hold onto your heart and keep your eyes wide open because you're in for the ride of your lifetime. You'll feel the breathtaking force of nature as you soar towards the awesome power, thundering roar and amazing mist of the mighty Canadian Horseshoe Falls. You'll experience Niagara's favorite and most thrilling Falls experience and with unrivaled Falls viewing and photo opportunities.

Niagara Falls Canadian Adventure Tour
Niagara Falls Canadian Adventure Tour - $162.09

You may have seen the Falls before but you've never seen them quite like this. Our best value tour offers approx 5-6 hours of tour of all major attractions in the Canadian side of Niagara Falls with pickups from your Hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York. Our legendary Niagara Falls boat tour takes you as close as possible to the thundering roar, awesome power, and amazing mist of the Mighty Falls. Admission to Journey Behind the Falls is a year-round attraction that offers an unique view of the Falls from below and behind. Explore the Niagara's scenic escarpment, power plants, rapids and vast whirlpool before returning to your Hotel.

One Hour Aerial Tour of Niagara Falls
One hour Aerial Tour of Toronto and Niagara Falls with iflyTOTO - $210.71

The only tour of its kind where you experience two major attractions in one exhilarating flight. You experience the magnificence of the CN tower in Toronto with its landscape and the breathtaking views of Niagara Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world while you enjoy a glass of champagne.

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