The 4 Best Cruises And Boat Tours in Niagara Falls Ontario
Niagara Falls, Ontario, is famous for its roaring waterfalls, but it’s also packed with opportunities to experience them from different angles. Whether you’re after a close-up boat ride, a walk behind the falls, or a guided tour with insider tips, there’s something here for every kind of explorer. The Niagara Falls: Walking Tour, Journey Behind Falls, & Cruise takes you from high above at the Skylon Tower to the depths behind the roaring water. The Guided Tour with Behind the Falls & Boat Ride offers a shorter but equally immersive experience, while the Ultimate Niagara Falls Tour combines walking, boat, and discounts in one package. For a full day out, including lunch and cross-border views, the Niagara Falls: USA/Canada Tour with Boat Cruise and Lunch delivers it all.
In this guide, we’ll explore each of these top-rated experiences—what’s included, what makes them stand out, and who they’re best suited for—so you can pick the perfect way to see Niagara Falls from the water, the land, and behind the curtain of mist.
Quick Overview
We’ve selected four tours that showcase different sides of Niagara Falls. The first combines a walking tour, elevator ride, behind-the-falls cave exploration, and a seasonal boat cruise, all guided by a knowledgeable local. The second emphasizes priority access and a shorter, 2.5-hour experience with a focus on the iconic Journey Behind the Falls and a thrilling boat ride. The third offers a guided walk plus boat cruise with some exclusive discounts, ideal for those who want a deep dive into the area’s history and scenery. The last is the most comprehensive, including a boat cruise, lunch at Skylon Tower, and the chance to see both the American and Canadian sides.
All these tours are highly rated, with reviews praising guides, value, and the unforgettable experiences they provide. Your choice depends on how much of Niagara Falls you want to see, whether you prefer guided walking or boat cruises, and if you’re interested in including lunch or crossing into the U.S. side.
1. Niagara Falls: Walking Tour, Journey Behind Falls, & Cruise
Starting with this comprehensive experience, you get a guided walking tour that covers Niagara Falls’ most iconic sights. The tour includes a ride up the Skylon Tower’s 520-foot glass elevator to an observation deck with panoramic views. Then, you’ll descend into the cave-like tunnels of Journey Behind the Falls, where you stand just meters from the thundering water, feeling the spray and hearing the roar up close. The seasonally available Voyage to the Falls cruise takes you even closer to the water, giving you a sense of the raw power of the falls from the deck of a boat.
What makes this tour stand out is its variety of experiences packed into 3.5 hours—an ideal choice if you want a well-rounded visit. The guide’s commentary adds depth, helping you understand the falls’ history and geology. The tour’s $108 price reflects its richness, especially considering the Skylon Tower elevator ride and behind-the-falls experience, which are usually paid separately. The walking pace is moderate but involves some stairs and proximity to water, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Reviewers love the friendly guides and smooth flow of activities, with many noting the value of seeing multiple attractions in one go. This tour is perfect for travelers who want an all-in-one guided experience with plenty of insider info and scenic views. The only potential drawback is the longer duration, which might be tight for those on a quick visit.
Bottom Line: A well-balanced tour offering a full day of highlights, ideal for first-timers who want a deep, guided dive into Niagara Falls’ top sights.
2. Niagara Falls: Guided Tour with Behind the Falls & Boat Ride
This shorter, 2.5-hour experience is designed for visitors who want the essentials without the extra fuss. The tour offers priority access to the major attractions, making it easier to skip long lines. You’ll start at 5146 Murray St, then go straight into the Journey Behind the Falls, feeling the mist on your face as you stand behind the thunderous sheet of water. Following that, you’ll enjoy the Voyage to the Falls cruise, where you’ll get up close and personal with the waterfall from the deck of a boat.
The $99 price makes this a good value considering the two major attractions included, both with skip-the-line convenience. The knowledgeable licensed guide adds context and history, making the experience informative and engaging. Many reviews praise the smooth organization and the thrill of getting close to the falls without the hassle of wait times.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a focused, fast-paced visit with a mix of walking and boat rides. If your time in Niagara is limited, this is a smart choice. A potential downside is that it offers less time for sightseeing, so it’s not ideal if you’re looking for a leisurely day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those with limited time who want a guided, hassle-free visit to the falls’ key highlights, including the walk behind the falls and boat cruise.
3. Ultimate Niagara Falls Tour with Boat Cruise
This combo tour offers a guided walking experience plus a boat cruise, making it one of the most comprehensive ways to see Niagara Falls. For $85, you get the standard attractions along with some extras, including $200 in discounts on nearby attractions, which can add significant value if you plan to explore further.
The tour begins at 5146 Murray St, where your guide provides a detailed overview of the falls’ history and interesting facts. Then, you’ll enjoy a boat voyage that takes you up to the base of the waterfalls, feeling the spray and hearing the roar from just feet away. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you get the most out of your time, with insights on the area’s history and hidden gems.
Reviewers frequently mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the quality of the information provided during the walk. The highlight for many is the up-close boat ride, which offers a visceral experience of Niagara’s raw power. The $85 price is quite competitive given the combination of activities and discounts.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a thorough overview of Niagara Falls with an emphasis on local insights and value-added discounts. It’s not overly long, making it suitable for those with limited time but who still want a full experience.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, affordable option for travelers who want to combine walking, boat adventure, and extra savings on attractions.
4. Niagara Falls: USA/Canada Tour with Boat Cruise and Lunch
This is the most extensive tour, offering a 6-hour journey across international borders. Starting from Niagara Falls, this experience includes the famous Niagara Boat Cruise (seasonal), a buffet lunch at Skylon Tower, and a visit to Cave of the Winds. You’ll explore both the Canadian and U.S. sides of the falls, making it ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive cross-border adventure.
The $249 price reflects the full-day nature, lunch, and multiple attractions included. The boat cruise operates seasonally, so check availability. The lunch at Skylon Tower offers panoramic views, perfect for a relaxing break amidst the action. The Cave of the Winds gives an up-close, wet experience of the Bridal Veil Falls, one of the most exhilarating parts of the day.
Reviewers note the well-organized itinerary and the opportunity to see both sides of the falls, which is rare on a single tour. The $249 cost might seem high, but it covers a full day of activities and a nice meal, making it good value for those wanting an all-inclusive experience.
This tour is best for those with a full day to spare, families, or travelers eager to see both the American and Canadian sides of the falls with a mix of boat rides, sightseeing, and dining.
Bottom Line: The ultimate all-in-one experience for travelers who want a cross-border adventure, complete with a cruise, lunch, and all the iconic sights.
How to Choose Your Niagara Falls Boat and Walking Tour
When picking between these options, consider your budget, time, and what your main interests are. If you’re after a full, guided day with everything included, the Niagara Falls: USA/Canada Tour is perfect. For those wanting to focus on the waterfalls’ power and up-close experiences, the Guided Tour with Behind the Falls & Boat Ride offers a concise, value-packed visit. The Walking Tour, Journey Behind Falls, & Cruise provides a well-rounded exploration with scenic views and insider knowledge, ideal for first-timers or those craving variety. Lastly, if you’re pressed for time but want the essentials with some extras, the Ultimate Niagara Falls Tour hits the highlights efficiently.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, and check availability for seasonal activities like the boat cruise or Cave of the Winds. Consider your physical comfort level too—some tours involve stairs, walking, or getting close to spray.
Final Thoughts
All four tours offer a different way to experience Niagara Falls from the water, land, and behind the scenes. The full-day cross-border tour is best for those wanting a comprehensive adventure with lunch. The guided behind-the-falls and boat experience is perfect for a quick, immersive thrill. The walking tour combined with a boat cruise offers a balanced mix of sightseeing and local insights, while the all-in-one package covers everything for a memorable day.
No matter which you choose, Niagara Falls’ awe-inspiring power is something to see in person. If you’re eager to get a real feel for the falls’ scale and roar, booking early and choosing a tour suited to your schedule will ensure a memorable visit.