Niagara Falls, ON: Helicopter Ride with Boat & Skylon Lunch

Planning a trip to Niagara Falls? This tour promises a whirlwind of breathtaking sights, delicious food, and unbeatable perspectives all wrapped into about 5.5 hours. From soaring above the falls in a helicopter to getting up close on a boat cruise and dining with a view, it’s designed for travelers eager for variety and authentic experiences.

What really makes this tour stand out? We’re fans of the small group size, which keeps things intimate and personalized. The expert guides earn high praise for their knowledge and humor, making each stop both informative and fun. Plus, the stunning vistas from the helicopter and Skylon Tower are truly unforgettable.

On the flip side, a thing to consider is the seasonality of the boat cruise — it operates only from May to October. If visiting in winter, you’ll visit alternative attractions like Niagara’s Fury and Butterfly Conservatory instead. This tour suits those who want a full, curated Niagara experience without the hassle of planning each activity separately.

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Key Points

All-in-one experience with boat, helicopter, lunch, and sightseeing
Small group size guarantees a personalized adventure
Stunning views from multiple perspectives, including aerial and behind the falls
Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with humor and local insights
Seasonal activities mean boat rides are only May-October
Great value for a packed day of iconic Niagara attractions

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Niagara Falls in Style: An Overview

This tour covers many of Niagara’s top highlights in one seamless package, making it perfect for first-timers or those who want a quick but comprehensive look at what makes this destination so special. At its core, it’s about experiencing the falls from every possible angle — above, below, and close-up.

Starting with hotel pickup in Niagara Falls, you’ll set out on a narrated drive that provides context about the city’s history and geography. The very first stop is Journey Behind the Falls, where descending about 125 feet into tunnels behind the cascading water offers a thrilling perspective. Reviewers consistently mention how the tunnels lead to viewpoints that are perfect for photos and feeling the raw power of the falls — “spectacular,” as one traveler put it.

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The Helicopter Experience: Soar Over Niagara

The helicopter ride is undoubtedly the highlight for many. Bird’s-eye views of the falls, gorge, and surrounding landscapes are breathtaking and unforgettable. You’ll get a sense of the vast scale of this natural wonder, with the chance to see the whole area in a matter of minutes.

Weather plays a crucial role here — the flight is weather-permitting, and some guests have been lucky enough to do it on clear days. One reviewer raved, “The helicopter ride was awesome — highly recommended!” However, if weather doesn’t cooperate, the tour offers vouchers so you can do it another day, which is a thoughtful touch.

The first-hand accounts emphasize how these panoramic views are worth the premium price, especially when compared to looking at photos later. “The photos you take from the helicopter are guaranteed to make your friends jealous,” shared a reviewer, highlighting the personal value of this experience.

Getting Close with the Voyage To The Falls Boat Tour

From May through October, you’ll hop aboard the Hornblower Niagara Cruises boat for a ride that gets you right up to the base of the falls. Being so close to the roaring water offers a visceral sense of nature’s raw power — many reviewers describe it as “spectacular,” and one person mentioned needing rain ponchos because of the spray.

This boat cruise is a highlight, offering an immersive experience that’s hard to match from land. It’s a chance to feel the mist on your face and capture jaw-dropping photos of the falls from below. The reviews reinforce this, with travelers saying it’s “a beautiful ride over the falls” and “the main highlight of the trip.”

It’s important to note that, due to seasonal operation, if you visit in winter, this part is replaced with visits to Niagara’s Fury and Butterfly Conservatory, which are more suited to colder months.

Lunch with a View: Skylon Tower

After the exhilarating boat, it’s time for a well-deserved break and lunch at Skylon Tower. Ascending in a glass elevator, you’ll reach the rotating restaurant or observation deck for a spectacular vista of the falls and surrounding region. The reviews frequently mention the panoramic views from the restaurant, with many describing it as “the best way to enjoy a meal in Niagara.”

Lunch options are typically buffet-style, with a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes. One reviewer appreciated the convenience of pre-ordering the meal, noting “the view made up for the meal,” and others praised the quality of the food and the opportunity to snap photos from the deck afterward.

The observation deck is also a great spot for selfies and group photos, with many guests commenting on how the views make for stunning pictures.

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Behind the Curtain: Journey Behind the Falls

Next up is Journey Behind the Falls, an experience that takes you into tunnels behind the water curtain of the Horseshoe Falls. Descending 40 meters, you’ll explore caves leading to observation decks directly behind the roaring water.

Reviewers consistently find this tour captivating. “The ride behind the falls is breathtaking,” said one, and many appreciated the opportunity to get so close to the falls in a safe, controlled environment. Some mentioned it being challenging for visitors with limited mobility, but overall, it’s an experience that offers a different, behind-the-scenes perspective of this natural marvel.

Like being on the water? We've looked at these other boat experiences in Niagara Falls Ontario

A Scenic Drive to Wrap Up

The tour concludes with a narrated drive through Niagara’s scenic spots, including Dufferin Islands, the International Control Dam, the Old Scow, and Whirlpool Rapids. This winding tour helps put everything into context, highlighting the geographic features and historical points that shape Niagara Falls.

Guests have praised guides like Judy, Ed, and Vinny for their humor, knowledge, and attentiveness, making the drive both educational and enjoyable. One reviewer commented, “Our guide, Joe, was very informative and kept us well-paced all day,” emphasizing the value of a professional guide to enrich the experience.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour costs $321 per person, which covers a packed itinerary, transportation, and multiple activities. Given the combined value of the boat cruise, helicopter ride, lunch, and guided tours, many guests feel it’s a worthwhile expense. However, it’s worth noting that the small group size — limited to about 6 guests — adds a layer of intimacy and personalized service.

Transportation is included for pick-up and drop-off within Niagara Falls, making logistics straightforward. The tour is wheelchair accessible, which opens the experience to a wider range of travelers. Since the boat ride is seasonal, plan accordingly if visiting in winter — the alternative activities still deliver a fun, immersive experience.

The tour lasts roughly 5.5 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers with a full day available. Advanced booking is recommended, and cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours in advance.

Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers

Guests consistently rave about the knowledgeable guides and their friendly, humorous approach. “Our guide, Martine, was AMAZING,” shared one reviewer, highlighting how guides add enthusiasm and insider tips. Many mention how the stunning aerial views and close-up encounters make the price worthwhile, especially with the “spectacular helicopter ride.”

Some comments point out that the lunch at Skylon Tower is a highlight, offering great views along with a satisfying meal, while others appreciated the smooth organization and minimal wait times thanks to pre-paid tickets. A few reviewers mention weather-dependent activities, but overall, the tour strikes a good balance of adventure and comfort.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers craving a comprehensive, hassle-free day at Niagara Falls, especially those interested in stunning visuals and authentic moments. The combination of aerial, water-based, and land-based activities ensures a varied and memorable visit. The small group format adds a personalized touch, making it suitable for couples, families, or solo travelers who value quality over quantity.

If you’re looking to tick off multiple bucket list items in one day — from flying over the falls to feeling the spray up close — this tour offers excellent value. It’s particularly perfect for those who want a guided, seamless experience without the stress of planning each activity individually.

FAQ

Is the helicopter ride weather dependent?
Yes, the helicopter tour is weather-permitting. If weather prevents flying, vouchers are provided to reschedule or use later.

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off within Niagara Falls, guided transport, the boat cruise (seasonal), helicopter ride, lunch at Skylon Tower, and admission to the observation deck.

Can I do this tour if I have mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. However, some activities like the tunnels behind the falls may be challenging for those with limited mobility.

Is the boat ride available year-round?
No, the boat ride operates from May through October only. In winter, it is replaced with visits to Niagara’s Fury and the Butterfly Conservatory.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for a broad range of ages, but children should be comfortable with boat and helicopter rides. Check with the provider for specific age or height requirements.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 5.5 hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

Is the tour small-group?
Yes, limited to about 6 participants, which allows for personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

What are the dining options at Skylon Tower?
The tour typically includes a buffet lunch with panoramic views from the restaurant, with the opportunity to go to the observation deck afterward.

What if the boat cruise is canceled due to weather?
In that case, the tour replaces the boat with visits to Niagara’s Fury and Butterfly Conservatory, ensuring you still get a full experience.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now without paying upfront, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In all, this Niagara Falls tour offers a well-rounded, memorable day packed with authentic experiences, spectacular views, and expert guidance. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting to see the falls from every thrilling angle, all while enjoying the comfort of a small, curated group.

You can check availability for your dates here: