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17 Best Day Trips From Niagara Falls (2024)
If you’re looking for the best day trips from Niagara Falls, you’re in luck!
As a Canadian native, I spent a fair amount of time exploring the region of Niagara Falls growing up.
Niagara Falls is one of the best areas in Canada, with plenty of things to do!
Whether you have a car or want to join a tour, I’ve got you covered!
From sipping wine in the picturesque Canadian vineyards to exploring vibrant cities like Toronto, there is something for every type of traveler.
If you’re ready to find the best places to visit near Niagara Falls, check out one of these day trips!
1. Niagara On The Lake Wine Tasting
Driving Time: 15-20 minutes from Niagara Falls
Did you know Canada is home to some incredible wineries?
Despite the cold winter in Canada, the Niagara peninsula is a booming wine region!
The cooler climate of Niagara is the perfect environment for many types of grapes.
While more than 30 grape varieties are grown in the Niagara region, the area is best known for its Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Niagara Wine Route passes through more than 70 wineries. That makes Niagara on the Lake a great place to visit near Niagara Falls in Canada for wine tasting.
While you could drive to the vineyards yourself, the best way to learn more about Canadian wines is to join a wine tasting on a Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour.
Joining one of wine tasting Niagara Falls tours is an excellent way to sample wines without worrying about driving yourself.
You’ll learn everything you need to know about how the wine is made and how to distinguish different varieties like a professional!
Driving Time: 15-20 minutes from Niagara Falls
🍷Get a chance to visit the top-rated wineries of the Niagara Wine Region in this Half-day Wine and Cheese Tour!
2. Buffalo (USA)
Driving Time: 25 minutes from Niagara Falls
Buffalo is one of the best towns near Niagara Falls to visit on the USA side of Niagra Falls.
Buffalo is the second largest city in New York, but it is often overlooked in favor of New York City.
This lakeside town is best known for its glorious past as one of the most important cities in the USA, its delicious food scene, and its vibrant American culture.
Some fun things to add to your Buffalo itinerary are visiting the Buffalo history museum, the Botanical Gardens, or a kayak tour down Buffalo Canals.
The city has many thriving restaurants, so be sure to try some Buffalo classics like the Beef On Weck sandwich or Buffalo Chicken Wings.
3. Ellicottville
Driving Time: 1h 15min from Niagara Falls
Ellicottville is a picturesque village in western New York, about a 1-hour and 15-minute drive from Niagara Falls. Best known for its 2 renowned ski resorts, Ellicottville is a wonderful place to be as winter rolls around.
The ski resorts feature slopes for every level, so it is a great place to learn how to ski if it is your first time. However, you’ll probably need more than a day to get good at it.
If winter sports are not your thing, Ellicottville is still one of the best day trips from Niagara Falls. Ellicottville is a charming place to stroll and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a small mountain town.
About 14km north of Ellicottville is Griffis Sculpture Park. It is a large park featuring over 250 sculptures scattered along the trails, fields, and forest.
In the summer, take a trip to Sky High Adventure Park. This large recreation park features several zip lines, an incredible roller coaster running through the forest, and plenty of climbing opportunities.
4. Lake Ontario
Driving Time: 20 minutes from Niagara Falls
Nature lovers will be thrilled to know that Niagara Falls is just about a 20-minute drive from the great Lake Ontario.
Lake Ontario is one of the 5 Great Lakes of North America and a perfect destination to spend time in nature.
There are plenty of things to do on Lake Ontario. You can explore the beautiful beaches and embark on one of the scenic hikes along the lake.
Lake Ontario is a fantastic swimming spot in the summer, with numerous beaches. Some of the closest beaches to Niagara Falls are Sunset Beach and Lakeside Park Beach.
Lake Ontario is a great hiking spot if you visit Canada in the fall or spring. Heritage Trail is especially picturesque in the fall, and George Nicholson Memorial Trail is a great option to enjoy a peaceful walk along the water.
🍇 Enjoy the scenic views of vineyards and Lake Ontario in a Private Vineyard Dome Experience!
5. Letchworth State Park and The Genesee Valley
Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes from Niagara Falls
Cross the border to the United States and explore the mesmerizing Letchworth State Park and The Genesee Valley.
Letchworth State Park is one of the most beautiful areas around Niagara Falls and the surrounding area. It is also known as the Grand Canyon of the East, so you can expect stunning scenery.
The Park follows the course of the Genesee River through a deep gorge known as the Genesee Valley and over three large waterfalls.
If you’re an avid hiker, you’re in luck! The park has over 100km (66 miles) of hiking trails.
There are plenty of other activities to do in the area as well. Some popular things to do in Letchworth State Park are kayaking, white water rafting, and even snow tubing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
If you want to visit Letchworth State Park for a truly unforgettable experience, book a hot-air balloon ride over Letchworth.
🎈 See the beauty of Letchworth State Park from above through a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Letchworth!
6. Niagara Ice Wine Tour
Driving Time: 15-20 minutes from Niagara Falls
Did you know that the Niagara region is one of the top producers of ice wine?
Canada is the only wine-producing region in the world where the climate is so cold that winemakers can guarantee the annual production of this sweet wine.
Ice wine is very sweet, made from grapes left on the vine in the winter. During this time, the water in the grapes freezes, but the sugar doesn’t.
If you’re an ice wine lover or have never heard of ice wine before, you must join this private Niagara Falls Ice Wine tour!
The tour takes you along Niagara Wine Trail to Ice Wine Country, where you’ll visit up to 8 wineries specializing in ice wine production.
Your knowledgeable guide and winemakers will teach you everything there is to know about ice wine production, and you’ll try the most delicious wine directly from the wineries.
🍇 Check Availability For the Famous Niagara Falls Ice Wine Tour Here!
7. Finger Lakes Region
Driving Time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Niagara Falls
The Finger Lakes are about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Niagara Falls, but they are worth the drive if you enjoy spending time in nature!
Finger Lakes refers to a group of 11 elongated lakes of glacial origin. They get their name from their unique, narrow, and elongated shape.
The nature in this region is undoubtedly stunning, and you could spend time hiking or kayaking in the lakes! However, there is more to the Finger Lakes Region than just the lakes.
This region is renowned for winemaking, with over 100 wineries you can visit for wine tasting! You can book a wine tasting or tour the wineries close together in the Finger Lakes Region. Finger Lakes Riesling is renowned as one of the best wineries in the world!
In addition to the wineries, Finger Lakes is home to several breweries, distilleries, and cider houses.
8. Toronto
Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes from Niagara Falls
Toronto doesn’t need an introduction, as it is one of the most popular towns in Canada.
While most people visit Niagara Falls on a day trip from Toronto, day trips from Niagara Falls to Toronto are also a viable option!
The best things to do in Toronto include visiting the CN Tower, The Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Royal Ontario Museum.
Most activities in Toronto are not weather specific, so you can visit at any time of the year and still have a great time.
However, the best time to visit Toronto is in the early fall when the leaves change colors and the crowds of holidaymakers disperse.
9. Old Fort Niagara
Driving Time: 30 minutes from Niagara Falls
A day trip to Old Fort Niagara is one of the best Niagara Falls day trips for history buffs.
Old Fort Niagara is the oldest continuously occupied military site in North America!
The first post in this location was established by the French in 1679. While the original post did not stand the test of time, you can still visit the impressive French Castle, built in 1726.
Fort Niagara changed ownership throughout history, with the British gaining control over it before it was finally given to the Americans in 1815.
Today, you can visit the Old Fort Niagara Museum, which features some of the finest collections of original military artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries in the United States.
If you’re really into military history, plan your visit during one of their special events when they recreate the historical events and explore the lives of the troops living in the Fort.
10. Six Flags Darien Lake
Driving Time: 1 hour 15 minutes from Niagara Falls
If you’re looking for a day trip from Niagara Falls that combines fun and adventure, how about a visit to the Six Flags Darien Lake theme park?
Six Flags is one of the most popular theme parks in the USA, with 27 locations throughout North America. Since Darien Lake is located just about an hour away from Niagara Falls, it is a great day trip idea.
Six Flags Darien Lake opened in 1982, and today it is a huge theme park with 45 total rides!
The park features 8 thrilling rollercoasters, so adventure seekers won’t be disappointed! Ride of Steel is considered one of the best, so be sure to give it a ride!
Six Flags Darien Lake also features a water park, making it a perfect day trip if you visit Canada in the summer.
11. Niagara Falls Zipline
Driving Time: 5 minutes from Niagara Falls
There is more than one way to admire the breathtaking Niagara Falls.
Ziplining over Niagara Falls is the most adventurous way to admire the falls with incredible panoramic views as you zipline across Niagara River Gorge.
Zipline to Niagara Falls is the ultimate bucket list experience. It is safe, thrilling, and a great activity regardless of your fitness level.
You’ll enjoy an incredible view of both waterfalls and have a great photo opportunity at the bottom of the zip line.
The zip line is lower than it might seem, and the ride is long and not too fast. Just relax and enjoy the views!
The only potential downside of this adventure is the long waiting times. In the high season, it can be up to 2 hours!
12. Lake Erie
Driving Time: 30 minutes from Niagara Falls
Lake Erie is the 11th largest lake in the world, and you can visit it on a leisurely day trip from Niagara Falls.
Just like Lake Ontario, it is one of the 5 Great Lakes and the most biologically diverse.
Driving along the Lake Erie coastline is one of the area’s most popular activities.
The north shore of the Lake features some of Ontario’s most picturesque countryside, with many port towns to explore.
13. Seneca Lake and Waterfalls
Driving Time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Niagara Falls
Seneca Lake and Falls are yet another stunning natural gem in the Finger Lakes region in the USA.
If you only have time to visit one of the Finger Lakes, Seneca Lake (and its stunning waterfalls) is a great one to see.
Hector Falls cascades down more than 60m, and you can see it right off the road!
Glenora Falls is another waterfall easily accessible by car, located across the lake from Hector Falls, and it is over 30m tall!
Taughannock Falls is the most beautiful of Seneca Lake waterfalls, as it rushes in a single stream over the edge of a cliff into the small lake.
14. Niagara State Park
Driving Time: 20 minutes from Niagara Falls
The American side of Niagara Falls, within the Niagara State Park, offers a unique experience, even if you already visited the Canadian side!
Niagara State Park features many trails that allow you to explore Niagara Falls and admire the scenery.
Some Niagara State Park highlights are the Observation Tower, with the only panoramic view of all three Niagara Falls, the Maid of the Mist boat tour, and the Cave of the Winds, where you get to go behind the waterfall!
15. Rochester
Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes from Niagara Falls
If you’re looking for a quick city break from Niagara Falls, Rochester in the USA is a great idea. Located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Niagara Falls, Rochester is the 4th largest city in New York.
One day in Rochester is enough time to hit all the main highlights like Highland Park, Charlotte–Genesee Lighthouse, and The Strong National Museum of Play.
If you like baseball, Frontier Field is a great spot to catch a game!
16. Whirlpool Adventure Ropes Course
Driving Time: 10 minutes from Niagara Falls
Whirlpool Adventure Ropes Course is fun for all ages!
You’ll get to walk high above the Niagara Gorge through 41 ladders and obstacles that get higher and more challenging as you go.
There is also an Extreme route for more advanced climbers and a night climb option.
The route might seem simple from the ground, but that quickly changes when you’re high above the ground. If you’re scared of heights, start with the classic and then decide if you want to continue with level 2 and level 3.
The Classic route takes about 2.5 hours to finish, while it can last up to 5 hours if you go for the Extreme and the What’s To Fear 12m high jump.
You also get an incredible view over the Niagara River!
🧗 One of the best thrilling activities in Niagara Falls is this Whirlpool Adventure Ropes Course! Book Your Tickets in Advance Here!
17. Niagara Falls Grand Helicopter Adventure
Driving time: 15 minutes to the departure point from Niagara Falls
If you want a truly unique Niagara Falls experience, how about taking Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour?
See the majestic Falls from a completely different perspective as you fly over the Falls and other Niagara region landmarks.
You’ll get to admire the vineyards of the Niagara region before flying over American Bridal Veil and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The areal view of the falls is like no other!
The pilot leading this tour is knowledgeable and friendly, which is amazing if it’s your first helicopter tour and you’re nervous about flying.
Taking a Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour is a great way to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or other special occasion. A helicopter tour is one of the best day trips from Niagara Falls if you visit Niagara Falls in winter. The falls covered in snow are breathtaking, and if you’re lucky, you might witness the spectacular sight of frozen falls!
🚁 Enjoy the breathtaking view of Niagara Falls from up above with this Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour!
FAQs About Day Trips from Niagara Falls
How many days do you need in Niagara Falls?
While it is possible to visit Niagara Falls on a day trip, for the best experience, plan to spend at least 2 days in Niagara Falls. If you stay the night in the area, it is easier to get to the falls earlier and enjoy Niagara Falls before day trippers arrive.
What is the closest major city to Niagara Falls?
The closest major cities to Niagara Falls are Hamilton on the Canadian side and Buffalo on the USA side. Hamilton is located about 66km (47 miles) from Niagara Falls, while Buffalo, USA, is 32km (20 miles) from Niagara Falls.s
Is Niagara Falls a good vacation spot?
Niagara Falls is a lovely region of Canada, with so many things to do and see, including several bustling cities like Toronto and Buffalo, wine tastings in Niagara on the Lake, and plenty of hiking trails to enjoy.
What is there to see on the American side of Niagara Falls?
Some of the best things to see on the American side of Niagara Falls are Niagara Falls State Park, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist electric vessel cruise, and Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center.
Conclusion: Day Trips From Niagara Falls
While Niagara’s majestic waterfalls are on everybody’s Canada bucket list, there is much more to see and do in the region and plenty of attractions near Niagara Falls to discover!
Niagara Falls is perfectly situated to take a day trip and discover other points of interest in the Niagara Falls, Canada area, and even some USA destinations!
Whether you want to go on a road trip from Niagara Falls or join a tour in the region, you’ll be spoilt for choice with day trips from Niagara Falls!
Read More About Niagara Falls
- Visiting Niagara Falls Canada in Winter: 31 Best Things to Do
- 3 Best Niagara on the Lake Bike Wine Tours
- 22 Best Niagara on the-Lake Wine Tours
- 15 Best Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto
- 21 Best Niagara On The Lake Breweries
Read More About Ontario
- Best Ontario White Water Rafting Tours
- Top Toronto Wine Tours to Taste Ontario VQA
- Best Places to See Fall Colours in Ontario
- Most Romantic Getaways in Ontario for Couples
- Best Things to Do in Almonte Ontario
- Moving to Quebec from Ontario: Benefits, Costs & More!
- Moving to Ontario from Quebec: Costs, Benefits & More!
- Jaw-Dropping Things to Do Tobermory, Ontario
- Things to Do in Elora, Ontario
- Best Road Trips in Ontario from Toronto: Unforgettable Places You Need to See
- Best Things to Do in Perth, Ontario: Sights, Tourist Attractions, & Restaurants
- Pros and Cons of Living in Ottawa, Ontario
- Ultimate 7 Day Northern Ontario Road Trip Ideas
- Cozy Cabins in Ontario for an Autumn Weekend Getaway
- Amazing Hiking Trails on Manitoulin Island, Ontario
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- Hiking the Cup and Saucer Trail: Everything You Need to Know for an Epic Adventure
- Hiking the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
