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A 3 Day Niagara Falls Itinerary That Goes Beyond Just The Falls

Last Updated November 30, 2022 William Tang

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The might, power, and thunder of Niagara Falls is mesmerizing and there are so many different ways of seeing it! For first-timers to the area, it’s easy to feel like you should spend all your time in the popular Fallsview Boulevard, Lundy Lane or Clifton Hill District, but for those that are hungry for the outdoors, seeking out delicious food and wine and looking to spend time in a charming and picturesque town, I’m here to show you how you can plan a Niagara Falls itinerary on the Canadian side and dive deeper than just the falls.

This is a Niagara Falls itinerary where you can check out the highlights of my recent trip, and also get inspired to carve out your own adventure in the close by postcard-perfect town.

Read more about Ontario

  • Best Niagara Falls winery tours
  • Best restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Where to book yurts in Ontario
  • 12 of the best easy hikes in Toronto
  • Top free things to do in Toronto

Where to stay in Niagara?

  • The Prince of Wales Hotel is older than the country of Canada itself, having opened its doors in 1864.   Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, this property is highly recommended and one of the most popular in the region.

Table of Contents

Looking for something specific in this itinerary?  Jump to what you want to read.

Here's what we're covering:

  • 3 Day Niagara Falls Itinerary Highlights
  • Things To Do In Niagara Ontario – A 3 Day Itinerary
    • Trip Planning Map
    • Day 1 – The Falls and Gorge
    • Day 2 – Ride and Splash
    • Day 3 – Wakeboarding
  • Where To Stay In Niagara
  • Recommended Activities to Book
  • A Quick Niagara Canada Travel Guide
  • The Whole Experience

3 Day Niagara Falls Itinerary Highlights

niagara falls itinerary white water walk travel guide

Whether you’re planning for a long weekend, a summer getaway or a couple of days to spare when passing through the region, this 3 day Niagara Falls itinerary is packed with things to do when looking to go off the beaten path. From the adventure of its spectacular outdoors and renowned wine to the farm-to-table cuisine and charming landscape, these are what make the Niagara Region a favourite to so many.

Here were my top 5 highlights of the Niagara region:

  1. Whirlpool Jet Boat
  2. Niagara Glen Gorge
  3. Prince of Wales
  4. Wakeboarding
  5. Winery tour with Zoom Bikes
whirlpool jet boat tours niagara falls itinerary highlight

1. Whirlpool Jet Boat

If you love water and adrenaline, this is the best activity you can do in the Niagara region!
niagara glen gorge highlight

2. Niagara Glen Gorge

A serious dose of nature with beautiful trails, and up-close views of the gushing river.
prince of wales hotel in niagara on the lake

3. Prince of Wales

Historic hotel in the middle of Niagara-on-the-Lake is the perfect place to stay.
wakeboarding boarder pass canada niagara falls itinerary activity

4. Wakeboard

Wakeboarding park located in Port Colborne is next-level fun and a must-do in the Niagara Region.
zoom leisure bikes niagara itinerary highlight

5. Zoom Leisure Bikes

DIY your own winery tour with this pick up and drop off bike rental service.
Want to know where we stayed? As much as I love Niagara Falls, I wanted to get away from the tourist crowds, making Niagara-on-the-Lake the perfect choice. We stayed at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel and it was magnificent!  If that doesn’t suit your fancy, there are other options I recommend—Keep reading to find out.

Things To Do In Niagara Ontario – A 3 Day Itinerary

niagara glen gorge escarpment

There’s a wealth of things to see, do and eat in Niagara’s Canadian side, and with a limited number of days to work with, it can be a challenge to fit it all in, but with planning and inspiration from this 3 day itinerary, you’ll make the most out of your vacation!

Trip Planning Map

I get it, trip planning isn’t easy and that’s why at Going Awesome Places I focus on creating in-depth guides and itineraries to make it a piece of cake.  Whether it’s Canadian content like the 4 day Richmond BC itinerary, 3 day Calgary itinerary, or the super popular top ramen in Tokyo guide, I ensure Google Maps is a key component to each. I use these maps when travelling and find they really help to put perspective on each location and their surroundings.

Tip: View the Niagara 3 day planning map in full screen and create a copy (this step is key) for yourself.  Make tweaks for your own trip in Google Maps, you’ll be able to view it by going into the menu, selecting “My Places” and the “Maps” tab.

Back to the top

Day 1 – The Falls and Gorge

niagara falls horseshoe closeup plunge

No matter how many times you’ve seen it, the majesty of Niagara Falls never gets old.  Follow the water as it gently rolls from your view along the railing until the roar of the water gets louder and louder.  Soon, the swift current splashes in trepidation and at the crest, it disappears into a wall of white mist that erupts into the sky.

niagara falls viewpoint

Start your first day in Niagara Falls getting right up close to the action at, in my opinion, the best place to see it—adjacent to the Table Rock Welcome Centre.  From here, you’re right by where the water thunders downwards and at the same time you can peel back and see the entirety of Horseshoe Falls.  This area is also what I affectionately call the “splash zone” because there’s intermittent waves of refreshing water.

table rock welcome centre niagara falls

Spend the morning exploring this area, take a ton of photos, and roam left and right of the Welcome Centre. There’s also a perfect viewing platform here that you should definitely take advantage of.

table rock house restaurant niagara falls

When your stomach starts to growl, make your way up to the Table Rock House Restaurant for lunch. With a panoramic view overlooking the Falls, this restaurant serves up an internationally inspired menu focused on bringing locally sourced ingredients and offering a number of vegan and vegetarian options.  The striploin steak, cured Atlantic salmon, and prosciutto with fresh burrata are great choices. You’ll find it hard to leave because of the view.

TIP: Make a reservation and request a seat by the window to ensure you get a great view.  Lunch is usually a great time to go because it’s not too packed.

PARKING: The most convenient place to park is at the lot right across from Table Rock Welcome Centre, but expect to pay at least $25 for it.

Need a car rental from Toronto or Buffalo? 

If you require a car rental from the airport, I highly recommend you book with Avis who has one of the largest fleet of vehicles.  Use coupon MUWA056 to save $15 off $125.

This is the last time you’ll be in the downtown Niagara Falls area, and from here on out you’ll be exploring other areas of the region that not everyone is aware of.

Ever wonder where those trillions of gallons of water rushing down the falls go?  Start your journey with White Water Walk, which will get you right in that same water you just saw over lunch.

white water walk boardwalk

Take an elevator down the escarpment and end up on a self-guided boardwalk with several points where you can view the water funnelling through a narrow part of the Niagara River, creating the highest class of rapids – the Class 6.

niagara white water walk drama rocks

There are two viewing platforms that jut out closer to the water, and as you watch in disbelief at the Falls themselves, you’ll focus on one area of the river and be dumbfounded by just how ridiculously fast and powerful the water is moving through.  You can't help but feel the power and adrenaline of the rapids here.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  4330 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 6T2

Hours:  9AM-8PM during the summer but varies quite a bit during the off-season so it's best to check the website.  This is a seasonal attraction open April to mid November weather permitting.

Price:  $14 for adults (13+) and $9 for children (6-12)

Website:  White Water Walk

Parking:   There is street parking right by the entrance to White Water Walk but it is metered and not free.

Tips:  

  • It's recommended you book your tickets in advance to save you the extra time needed to purchase them at the gift shop but you can only do that if you purchase the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass which bundles a number of activities together.
  • Since there is only one elevator that goes down, there is inevitably a line to go down.  This line is first-come-first-serve so account for some time to get down.

READ THE REVIEW

Continue along the way towards Niagara-on-the-Lake and eventually, you’ll see the Niagara Glen Nature Centre on your right.  This one is easy to miss, but if you love the outdoors and are looking for a unique way to see the region, this is not to be missed.

niagara glen nature centre sign

Located in the Niagara Gorge, you’ll be taking the stairs down to the base of the cliffs which then opens up to 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) of rugged hiking trails that are extremely well marked. Twisting through jagged rock, prehistoric geological formations, the forest and wild flora and fauna, it’s a perfect way to escape and connect with the natural landscape.

niagara glen nature centre hiking trails

There are a number of trails to choose from, but the best by far is the River Trail, which follows the Niagara River with a number of lookout points and canopied peek-throughs.  A great point to take a break is right at Cripps Eddy where the Eddy Trail and River trail meet.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  3050 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E

Hours:  10AM-5PM May to October but for specific dates, make sure to check their website.

Price:  Free

Website:  Niagara Glen Nature Centre

Parking:   There is a large parking lot in front of the visitor centre but it is metered and not free.  Pricing is $1.25 per hour or a maximum of $10 per day (covering 8 hours).

Tips:  

  • Make sure to drop by the visitor centre to grab a map because that will help you navigate the various trails and icon markers.
  • If you are interested in bouldering, you can pick up a day-permit at the visitor centre.
  • Daily guided hiking tours are available in the summer at 11AM and 2PM.  You need to call for more information and availability.
  • The hiking trails aren't necessarily difficult but there are inclines and of course the staircase that takes you down and up the escarpment.  Good hiking shoes are recommended.
  • While well-marked, there are a few forks in the trail that can get a little confusing.  Always be on the lookout for the icon markers for the trails.  If confused, go a little bit further down a trail to figure out whether it's the right way.  If you don't see anything, turn back and go the other way.

READ THE REVIEW

Take the scenic tree-lined parkway towards Niagara-on-the-Lake and get yourself situated by checking in to your hotel, in the case of our trip this was the Prince of Wales Hotel.

Get changed and be ready for a night on the town affectionately known as NOTL.  Teeming with a spectrum of colours from the impeccable landscaping, lush greenery from the nearby Simcoe Park and restored 19th-century houses now converted to charming eateries and boutiques, you’ll want to take a peek into everything you pass by.

treadwell restaurant notl open kitchen

Eventually, make your way to the award-winning Treadwell Restaurant, one of the restaurants that's also featured in our guide of the best restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake.  Celebrated for its farm-to-table, it's well-known for its status as one of the best restaurants in the region.  The father-son duo, Stephen (father, chef) and James (sommelier, son) have created a dining experience that is all about emphasizing the best artisan producers from Niagara in memorable dishes that’ll have you coming back for more.

treadwell niagara on the lake restaurant interior

While there is an outdoor patio and roomy tables, the best seats in the house are right up at the bar where you have full view of the performance happening in the open-kitchen.  As hungry as you’ll feel, your eyes will be darting back and forth between the chefs sautéing fresh asparagus and poaching eggs to the grilling of perfect cuts of beef, the sizzle of scallops, and finally the plating steps as the head chef barks out orders to his disciples acknowledging with “Yes Chef!”

roasted beef striploin treadwell restaurant notl

Both the Seared “Icy Waters” Arctic Char and Roasted “VG Meats” Beef Striploin were superb. The fish cooked perfectly with crisped skin and filled with a lobster surprise that boasted delicious flavours. The striploin, another fantastic offering, cooked to perfection and balanced with potato rosti and that hint of truffle.

What you'll see:

  • Niagara Falls
  • Table Rock Welcome Centre
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake

What you'll do:

  • White Water Walk
  • Niagara Glen Nature Centre

Where you'll eat:

  • Lunch – Table Rock House Restaurant – An exceptional restaurant with the perfect view of the Falls.
  • Dinner – Treadwell Restaurant – Foodie heaven with farm-to-table creations that are of the highest quality paired, with the best selection of wines.
  • Dessert – COWS Niagara on the Lake – Ice creamery that is udderly fantastic thanks to its ingredients and 16% butterfat that originated from Prince Edward Island.  This is the only COWS in Ontario so take advantage!
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Back to the top

Day 2 – Ride and Splash

niagara on the lake winery self bike tour
prince of wales breakfast omelette

Start your day off right with breakfast at the Prince of Wales with a quality selection of fresh bread, pastries, and favourites such as waffles, eggs benedict, and more.

It’s not a secret that Niagara-on-the-Lake is best known for its bounty of vineyards and world-class wines, and so it’d be remiss to not have this included in your 3-day Niagara Falls itinerary. What better way to see a few of these wineries than to rent a bicycle and take in the lush scenery that allows the grapes to grow so well.

zoom leisure bike rental pick up

Whether you pick up your bikes from Zoom Leisure Bikes at their office or have them delivered, you’ll head out on the road and make your way to your first stop, Peller Estates.  Along the way you’ll be rolling along Queen’s Parade and pass by Fort George National Historic Site.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  431 Mississauga Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0

Hours:  Open April to October 31, 7 days a week, 8:30AM – 7PM

Price:  Half Day (up to 3 hours) for $20 and Full Day (up to 24 hrs) for $30

Website:  Zoom Leisure Bikes

Parking:  There's free onsite parking and additional free street parking on William Street.

Delivery service: If you'd like to pick up your bike from your hotel, they can arrange for a special drop-off there for a $20 flat fee.

Tips:  

  • During your planning, you may get a little confused between Zoom Leisure Bikes and Zoom Bike Share.  They are both owned by the same company but Zoom Leisure Bikes runs more like a traditional bicycle rental company whereas Zoom Bike Share is app-based and is a completely different from a pricing standpoint and where you can pick-up and drop-off.
  • E-bikes and tandem bikes are available to rent as well.
  • The comfort cruiser is quite comfortable.  They come with a handle bar bag and the height of the bikes can be manually adjusted without a wrench.  That said, if you plan on buying a lot of wine, make sure you bring a backpack.  Also, don't forget to bring tons of water.
  • For convenience, reserve bicycles with Zoom Leisure Bikes and have them deliver them straight to your hotel so you can start riding right away.

READ THE REVIEWS

peller estates winery niagara on the lake entrance

Peller Estates is one of the most prestigious winemakers in Niagara-on-the-Lake, having won numerous awards. As a winery, Peller offers a great tasting and dining experience and is often included in many top Niagara wine tours.

When you’re here you can decide to do one of the many tours they offer or head up to the Estate Room for a tasting of their premium vintage wines.

estate room at peller estates for wine tasting icewine

The Estate Room is by appointment only and is a smaller exclusive space with comfortable chairs.  The list of wines that you can try here are also different than what is available on the main floor and you’ll also get more personalized service here from the wine consultants.  Trust me, this is the way to go if you come to Peller Estates.

If you prefer sweeter wines, make sure you ask about their Sparking Ice Cuvée and Cabernet Franc Icewine, both of which are quite unique in their class.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, Canada L0S 1J0

Hours:  

  • Summer Hours – Sunday to Thursday: 10AM to 9PM | Friday & Saturday: 10AM to 10PM
  • Winter Hours – Sunday to Thursday: 10AM to 7PM | Friday & Saturday: 10AM to 9PM

Price: varies depending on the experience.  The Estate Room wine tasting is $15 per person.

Website:  Peller Estates

Parking:  There's plenty of free parking onsite.

Tips:  

  • Make sure to book your experiences ahead of time as they do fill up quickly.
  • You can also do wine tasting on the main store floor which is cheaper but your won't be able to access to the finer vintages.

READ THE REVIEWS

When you’re done, grab your bike and hit the trail again.  This time you’ll ride towards another famous winery called Inniskillin, a household name when it comes to Niagara wines.

The Inniskillin Wine Estate is one of the pioneers of Canada’s wine industry, first starting off in Niagara-on-the-Lake, now grown to having a winery in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.  With 35 years of history under their belt, they carry some of the most respected VQA wines (Canada’s regulatory system for wines) thanks to their progressive and artisanal winemakers.

inniskillin market grill lunch outdoor patio

Depending on how you feel, you can go for another flight of wines in their tasting room, go on a tour or just have a relaxing lunch on their outdoor patio called Market Grill.

The Market Grill boasts a selection of menu items that are uniquely Canadian with favourites such as the all-Ontario beef brisket and pull pork sandwiches, Canadian cheeses and smokehouse poutine topped with wine-inspired sauces.  All you have to do is pair it with a refreshing glass of Rosé and you can recharge while looking out at the vineyard.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address:  1499 Line #3, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada L0S 1J0

Hours:  

  • Summer/Fall Hours (May – October) | 10AM – 6PM | Daily
  • Winter/Spring Hours (November – April) | 10AM – 5PM | Daily

Price: Public wine tasting is $10 for a flight of 1 oz. glasses.  You can also join one of their tours.

Website:  Inniskillin

Tips:  

  • There are a number of public tours available that I highly encourage reservations for.  You can find them here.   There are also private tours that can be booked.
  • The Market Grill menu shows the type of food that you can order for the outdoor patio.

READ THE REVIEWS

It’s now time to switch gears (pun intended) and get your heart pumping.  Drop off your bike at your designated point and call an Uber to where the next adventure will begin.

Save on Uber

All you have to do is create a new Uber account with code willt1234ue and receive $10 off your first ride.

I thought I had an idea of what the most extreme jet boat could be like based on the top things to do in Queenstown, New Zealand.  Zipping through canyons at blazing fast speeds and pulling 360 spins like they were nothing was on my mind, and so when I got a glimpse of the rapids during our Niagara Glen Nature Centre hike and seeing some of the jet boats go by, I was worried that this would be a weak experience.

whirlpool jet boat point of view of the rapids

Let me tell you, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours is anything but weak.  With 600 horses strapped to the back of these custom-made jet boats, you set out to the Class-5 rapids.  You’ll return with a true appreciation for the power of that water.

Things start off pretty easy with the captain spinning you around near the towering hydropower plants.  You actually start by riding against the current of the rapids which gives you a sense of what’s to come but you really have no idea what’s in store until you make your very first run.

All I’m going to say is that with every dip into the swells a battering wave of water clobbers everyone on the boat (those in the front more-so than in the back).  You think it’s over with the first smash as you make your first gasp of air and wipe the dripping water off your eyes, and BAM, you get hit with another splash.  The onslaught keeps coming and at the end of it all, you’re ear to ear smiles. The jet boat makes another run upstream and let’s just say there are a couple more runs in the tank to keep you soaked.

The jet boat makes another run upstream and let's just saw there's a couple more runs in the tank to keep you soaked.

whirlpool jet boat tours lockers

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The focus here will be for the Wet Jet Tour but I'll touch on the other options as well.

Address: 55 River Frontage Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0.  This is the primary Canadian location.  Alternatively, you can check-in at the Floral Clock at 14004 Niagara Pkwy, Queenston, ON L0S 1L0.

Hours: There are time slots for tours from 10AM – 4PM during the summer.

Price:  $69.95 for adults and $45 for children 12 and under (save $5 with code 1051)

Website:  Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

FAQ: 

  • What's the difference between the two tours? There are currently two boats, one is the standard boat they have that they call the “Wet Jet Tour” which is not covered.   The other is a fully covered that's under the “Jet Dome Tour” and this means that smaller children can ride and you won't get wet.
  • Is there a bathroom onboard? No.
  • Is this okay for those that get nauseous easily? My wife gets nauseous easily but didn't throughout this trip so I think it's safe!
  • How long does the tour actually take? The tour is 45-60 minutes.
  • Are there restrictions for children? Children must be at least 44 inches tall (112cm) to participate in the Wet Jet Tour and at least 40 inches tall (102cm) to participate in the Jet Dome Tour.  Anyone under the age of 18 must have an adult to sign for them to ride the boat. Guests aged 16 and 17 are able to ride without adult accompaniment but must have a parent or guardian present to sign their participation form.
  • Is safety gear provided? Life jackets are provided.
  • What if it's too cold? They do provide extra layers such as fleece if the temperatures are low.
  • Are there lockers? Free lockers are available to store your change of clothes and other gear.  No coin deposit is required.
  • Are there change rooms?  Yes, there are change rooms.
  • What do I need to bring? You'll need a change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, waterproof camera, and appropriate wear.
  • Are shuttles available? Yes, they offer complimentary shuttle at the Floral Clock on the Niagara Parkway to the docks which means you can get there via the bus if you need to.  To be clear, you need to make your own way to the Floral Clock of the docks.

Tips:  

  • Arrive early – You should plan to be at the docks or  Floral Clock at least 45 minutes ahead of time.
  • Expect to get fully soaked – The ponchos they provide have the illusion of some protection but you will get very soaked so I recommend you wear sandals or shoes you don't mind getting fully wet.  There are “waterproof” pouches near the grab handles in front of you for your sunglasses and hat but it's not water-tight so they might get wet but they will at least keep them secure.
  • Bring sunscreen – You'll be soaking in all the UV rays on top of the water so I would recommend putting this on before you head out.
  • Photography – They're not too strict here as they only ask waterproof cameras have a wrist strap but my recommendation is to bring a GoPro on a hands-free mount for the best experience.
  • More action is in the front – If you really want an intense water splashing experience, try your best to get up front.  The line up is a bit of a free for all and once you get to the boat you can decide which row you want to be on depending on what's left.
  • Photo and video package – They take photos pre-trip and have the GoPro running on the boat.  You can purchase everything for $49.95 or just photos for $29.95.
niagara falls whirlpool jet boat tours discount code promotion savings

SAVE $5 WITH CODE 1051

Heads up: The dock area is a black-zone for cellular reception so you may need to schedule an Uber ahead of time or walk around to find a signal.  Also, since you’re right across the border, your phone may start switching to data roaming so turn that off if you don’t want to inadvertently chew through data.

zee's patio and grill where to eat in niagara on the lake

Catch another cab ride back into Niagara-on-the-Lake and freshen up before getting done up for dinner at another local favourite, Zee's Patio and Grill.  They're located right across from the Shaw Festival Theatre and has a nice mix of patio, open-porch, and interior seating depending on what you're feeling.  Most of their food is also farm-to-table so expect a welcoming casual dining experience with fresh dishes to delight.

What you'll do:

  • Peller Estates
  • Zoom Leisure Bikes
  • Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

Where you'll eat:

  • Lunch – Inniskillin Market Grill – Outdoor patio that serves up BBQ-fare that has a twist of Canadiana and wine.  Personally, I thought the food was just average but it’s a quick bite for those that are on-the-go like we were with our bikes.
  • Dinner – Zee's Patio & Grill – A restaurant with chill vibes and a menu filled with fresh seafood, delicious appetizers and tantalizing dinner options.

Back to the top

Day 3 – Wakeboarding

boarder pass canada port colborne wake boarding centre

It’s time to say goodbye to Niagara-on-the-Lake early on your last day because there are big surprises for you coming ahead.  Most people know Niagara to be this combination of the Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake because the name shows up in both places, but the municipal region itself covers a vast part of land that includes many other cities.

sugarloaf marina port colborne

One of those cities is Port Colborne.  Most people that travel through don’t know about this lovely little city, but since you’re here, I’ll let you in on a little secret.  Known mostly for being one of the outlets for the Welland Canal into Lake Erie, there’s a company known as Boarder Pass that runs a wakeboarding centre right at Sugarloaf Marina.

getting ready to go wakeboarding in port colborne

Now typically wakeboarding involves being dragged by a boat like you would in jet-skiing except replace the skis with a board, and riding the waves (aka wake) created by the boat, but since that is expensive and harder to learn, straight-line cable wakepark was created to make the sport more accessible.

Before doing this trip, we had never done wakeboarding before and so there was a little bit of nervousness heading into it, but once we got our training, suited up, strapped into the board and hit the water, it was surprising how quickly we were able to pick it up.

wakeboarding first timer in port colborne adventure activity niagara falls

The magic happens once you figure out how to carve your wakeboard at the end of the line, so by the time the pulley turns the other direction, your momentum brings you around.  It’ll take a few tries, but I eventually got it and had quite the accomplished feeling.

niagara falls activity wakeboarding lesson with boarder pass port colborne

Overall, it’s a thrilling activity that looks a lot harder than it actually is when it comes down to the basics.  You’ll fall into the water your first few times, but in no time you’ll be gliding along the glistening water and shouting “yee-haw” like I did if you watch the video.

This is the perfect activity to learn something new, take in the fresh outdoors and stay cool with the inevitable splash into the water.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: 3 Marina Dr, Port Colborne, ON L3K 6C6.  You'll notice that this isn't well-marked on Google Maps but you can also easily find them on the trip planning map.

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 1PM to 7PM and Friday – Sunday: 11AM to 7PM during the summer months.

Price:  20 minutes for $35 (with rental) or $30 (without rental), 10 minutes for $25 (with rental) or $20 (without rental)

Website:  Boarder Pass Port Colborne

FAQ: 

  • Are there change rooms? Yes, the marina facilities has bathroom and change room facilities.
  • Is 10 or 20 minutes enough? If there's anything I learned, you get tired really quickly on the water.  This is plenty of time especially if its your first time.
  • Are there lockers?  Since Boarder Pass itself doesn't really have any built-in facilities other than picnic bench and pop-up gazebo, the rest is the open marina park.  Since there aren't a lot of people around, keeping things near the picnic bench is pretty safe especially since the instructor sits near there to control the pulley.

Tips:  

  • Bring sunscreen – There is no cover when you're on the water so make sure you're fully protected before you start.
  • You will be sore – I'm not going to lie, my arms and upper body was sore the few days after but that just means this is a really good work out right?

BOOK

brimstone brewing craft brewery ridgeway ontario niagara

The last thing on this 3-day Niagara Falls itinerary is a visit to a brewery in the nearby Ridgeway.  Wine isn’t the only thing that’s produced in this region and this is your chance to sample some of the best craft ales in a really unique setting.

brimstone brewing flight of beers

Your last stop is Brimstone Brewing Company, located in a re-purposed 20th-century church.  Here, the basement is used as the brewery and a large garage extension built out as a patio, they’re most well-known for their Sinister Minister IPA, but they also have quite the line of beers that range from easy-drinking to hop forward, and experimental.

While you’re here, definitely order their flight of beers served on a wooden cross and pair it up with their Niagara peach flatbread or Reuben sandwich.

When you’re done, it’s time to head home or your next destination!

What you'll do:

  • Boarder Pass Port Colborne

Where you'll eat:

  • Lunch – Brimstone Brewing Company – Craft brewery in an unexpected part of the Niagara Region and set in an old church.

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Where To Stay In Niagara

prince of wales where to stay in niagara falls guide

When it comes to looking for a place to stay in Niagara Falls, my personal opinion is that basing yourself in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a much better choice because you get access to the best dining options, not to mention all of the wineries.  That said, you have a lot of choices here so let me share with you four different accommodations that I think you’ll like.

I STAYED HERE

prince of wales hotel niagara on the lake

 PRINCE OF WALES HOTEL

This historic hotel right in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake is in a location that doesn't get any better. Rooms are spacious and comfortable and their staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.  It's a classic for a reason.



Booking.com

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

CLOSE TO THE FALLS

hilton niagara falls hotel accommodations

HILTON NIAGARA FALLS

This is one of the best properties in Niagara Falls. Connected to Fallsview Casino by a walkway, this hotel boasts 3 on-site restaurants, on-site restaurants, walking distance to Clifton Hills, and faces right out to Horseshoe Falls.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

ULTIMATE B&B

casa blanca boutique b&b niagara on the lake

CASA BLANCA BOUTIQUE B&B

A charming family-owned B&B where the rooms are extremely comfortable and breakfast incredible.  Free parking is available and the location of this property is only 500 metres from Jackson Triggs.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

AFFORDABLE NOTL 

hilton garden inn place to stay in niagara

HILTON GARDEN INN NOTL

The means a reliable stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake where you know you'll get a high quality room, free breakfast if you have Gold status, indoor swimming pool, free parking, and free wifi.

TripAdvisor

Booking.com

Recommended Activities to Book

peller estates wine tasting recommended activities

As you're planning your itinerary, the places and activities I've mentioned may not be exactly what you're looking for so I've compiled a few tours here that I recommend.

Hornblower Niagara Falls Boat Tour – Most locals think of “Maid of the Mist” but this is actually a misnomer because this is not the cruise that leaves from the Canadian side.  Hornblower Cruises is the Canadian boat that goes as far as they can into the Horseshoe Falls where you're relentlessly misted by the Falls and the thunder of the water will blow you away.

Niagara Falls Zipline – There's only one place in the world where you can ride a 670 metre past the American Falls to the Falls Landing and Observation platform at the base of the mighty Canadian Horseshoe Falls at a soaring height of 67 metres.  Skip the line and save money with this ticket!

Niagara Falls Wine Tour with Cheese Pairing – This is a half day Niagara-on-the-Lake small-group tour that includes multiple wine-tastings at world-class wineries that's topped off with Ontario's famous ice wine and cheese pairing.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Cycle and Wine Tasting Tour  – This is a guided biking and wine tasting tour where there's the option of doing a 6.5 hour tour that includes a picnic lunch or a 4.5 hour tour that includes a specialty cheese pairing.  Pedal through flat and easy biking routes to the region's best wineries. For other ideas, make sure to read the best Niagara Falls wine tours.

Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour – Experience Niagara Falls in a way that you've never seen it before – from the sky.  This is a thrilling 10-minute scenic helicopter ride that leaves from the Niagara Falls Heliport where you'll get a birds-eye-view of American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.

A Quick Niagara Canada Travel Guide

niagara falls travel guide binoculars

Money – The Niagara region is credit card friendly so you’ll be fine to not carry too much Canadian cash.  That said, one thing to keep in mind is that many local shops might not take American Express.

When is the best time? – As a local, Niagara is honestly great to go any time of the year because each season brings out a different side to the Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.  Summers are of course great because everything is open to visitors including the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, wakeboarding and White Water Walk which typically run from May to October.  This is also during high-season so expect crowds.  Fall colours are a magical time to come especially around Niagara Glen Gorge so October is a great month to come for that.  The winter months are of course cold but there’s something magical about being here with the snow and snuggling up to the cozy fireplace during that time of the year.  Lastly, spring is exciting too because of the flowers blooming and foliage coming back in.

Getting here – Toronto is only 1.5 hours away and Buffalo is only 40 minutes away, each of those cities has a major international airport (YYZ and BUF) for those coming from further away.  If you’re coming from Toronto and looking for a day trip, there are day trips from Toronto that you can consider.

 How do I get around the region? – If you’re looking to explore the whole region, having a car is going to be your best bet.  If you’re going to be requiring a car rental from either Toronto or Buffalo airports, I highly recommend that you check out my car rental coupon code resource to save a ton of money.  Otherwise, public transit within the Niagara Falls area has been greatly improved thanks to WeGo.  They have 4 lines including a shuttle to Niagara-on-the-Lake and only costs $9 for 24-hour unlimited usage.

 Where should I stay? – The most comprehensive platform for bookings based on personal experience was Booking.com.  They had everything from hotels, hostels, and guesthouses and we always managed to find an awesome place for a great place.  As an alternative, there's also Expedia and Airbnb.

Do I need travel insurance? – As always, travel insurance is highly recommended.  My philosophy is that you want to make sure you’re covered in case the unknown happens.  With the amount of travel that I do, I always get basic travel insurance that’s good for multiple trips and lasts the full year.  World Nomads is the best balance of coverage and price for anyone looking for travel insurance. Make sure to read my full review of why and a breakdown of how they work. For a more broader look at travel insurance, make sure to read this.

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The Whole Experience

niagara on the lake clocktower night timelapse

As someone that’s been to Niagara Falls countless times, this is an itinerary that is meant to show you a different side to the region – one that’s an adventure of the culinary arts, outdoors and decidedly gorgeous landscapes.

Over the course of this 3 day Niagara Falls itinerary, you start off by not burying the lead and seeing the main attraction, but from there you peel off to do sights and attractions that are off the beaten path.  Intermingled between beats of adrenaline such as wakeboarding and jet boating, you can have a relaxed and romantic stroll on Queen Street with a cone of Cow’s ice cream in your hands, or have a string of wine tastings in Ontario’s best.

So what are you waiting for?  It’s time to explore the Niagara Region and make all of your friends and family jealous along the way.

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This trip was in collaboration with Tourism Niagara but all opinions and thoughts are my own.

Got questions for your own trip to Niagara Canada? Let me help by simply dropping a comment down below!

What you should read next

  • Best Restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • Top 15 Niagara Falls Wine Tours
  • 16 Popular and Secret Weekend Trips from Toronto
  • 3 Wineries to Visit on the Niagara Wine Trail
  • 3 day Calgary itinerary – City, Caves, Mountains, and Lakes
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About William Tang

William is the Chief of Awesome at Going Awesome Places which is focused on off-the-beaten-path, outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring others to travel, writing detailed trip itineraries to help others plan their own trips, and providing helpful tips and tricks to guide readers to travel better. He is based in Toronto, Canada but you'll find him on the road more often than not. Make sure to learn more about William to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

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author will tang going awesome places profile photoHey, my name is Will and I'm here to help you travel to some awesome places around the world and my home country of Canada by providing insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists.

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