Niagara Falls for Summer Adventure Seekers: Under, Over & in Niagara River in 24 Hours

Arrive at the edge of your Niagara adventure by plane or vehicle to Buffalo, New York, for lunch at the original Anchor Bar. Home to the buffalo wing phenomenon, you’ll go for the wings but stay for the weck.

Ready to start your sightseeing with a splash, head to Niagara Falls State Park on Goat Island, where you’ll purchase a timed entry to Cave of the Winds and trolley tickets to pass the time while you wait. Once your trolley view of the American Falls rapids is complete, prepare for an exhibit and pre-show about the formation of Niagara Falls as you enter the line to drop (by elevator) 175 feet to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. You can gauge your own level of getting wet once entering the boardwalk, with options for a drier photo op near the river or ascending to the hurricane platform directly under the falls. Want to get wet but make an easy transition to dry without changing your outfit? No problem: You’ll receive a poncho and can wear water shoes and/or a raincoat as an extra layer.

Passport in hand, drive over the border to check in at your Fallsview hotel. Make your way down the Niagara Falls Incline Railway to Table Rock Welcome Centre for dinner at food hall–style Table Rock Market and view the night lights over Horseshoe Falls as the sun begins to set.

For the night owls, cap off the night with a stroll to Clifton Hill for an original Canada treat at Beaver Tails. Find a spot in the grassy area near the Information Centre and War Memorial for a view of the Niagara Falls fireworks over the American Falls.

Grab your passports and walking shoes before starting your day on the Niagara Falls Incline Railway, descending to the accessible walkway along Niagara River between the Horseshoe and American Falls. Stop in at the Queen Victoria Place Café for coffee, pastries, or souvenirs before detouring along the walkway near Clifton Hills and entering the Rainbow Bridge. You’ll walk between barriers to car traffic at the border station and an unobscured view of Horseshoe Falls. Share picture-taking at the plaque marking the border between the US and Canada, getting creative with standing on each side of the line. After you take photos, you can choose to continue strolling the length of the bridge to the US border or turn around to stay in Canada. Either way, prepare to show your passport before exiting the bridge.

The Skylon Tower buffet will be a delight after your morning walk, so be sure to make an early reservation for the best chance of having a window seat to the falls. You’ll of course want to fuel up for the biggest adventure of all: a whirlpool jet boat tour. The hint is in the name, so make sure you give yourself enough time between lunch and the tour to dress for a water activity. Grab a few towels, a set of dry clothes, and water shoes (flip-flops are not allowed) because you’ll get drenched from head to toe. Scurry to the meeting spot early to prepare for a safety briefing and secure your valuables in a locker, with anticipation of purchasing souvenir pictures since your personal camera won’t be what you’ll be holding on to during your ride.

The exhilaration of cruising through Niagara River at high speeds will likely have you a bit exhausted, so make dinner easy and affordable by ordering an Oh! Canadian for pick-up at Zappi’s Pizza & Pasta. Enjoy a night in overlooking the magnificent falls views from your hotel room or, if you’re still feeling the sightseeing vibes, check out the after-hours light show at the Niagara Parks Power Station.