Exploring Niagara: Bus Tour Duration And Experience

Niagara Falls is a popular tourist destination, famed for its waterfalls and other attractions like parks, casinos, and wineries. It is located in Ontario, Canada, and is just a 90-minute drive from Toronto. The best way to get to Niagara Falls is by taking a bus tour, which offers hassle-free travel with hotel pick-up and drop-off services. These tours typically last for 9 to 10 hours and cover various attractions, including the falls themselves, the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and local wineries. So, how long is the bus ride for a Niagara tour, and what can you expect from the experience?

Niagara Falls bus tours from Toronto

There are several bus tour companies offering trips from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls takes about 1.5 hours each way, and tours typically last 9 hours in total, with prices starting at $99 plus tax per person.

Zoom Tours

Zoom Tours offers a range of tour options, including a Deluxe Day Tour with a boat cruise, a private tour, and a helicopter tour. The Deluxe Day Tour includes a Hornblower Cruise, a visit to the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and a scenic drive along the Niagara River Parkway. The helicopter tour includes pick-up from Toronto hotels and lasts 8 hours.

Niagara & Toronto Tours

Niagara & Toronto Tours have been operating since 1978 and offer an award-winning, intimate, and timely tour experience. The tour includes a stop at the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a drive along the Niagara River Parkway, a photo stop at the Whirlpool Rapids, and 3 hours of free time at the Falls. The tour also includes admission to the Hornblower Boat Cruise and a visit to the Skylon Tower outdoor observation deck.

Niagara Tours

Niagara Tours offers a 9-hour bus tour that includes a Hornblower Boat Ride and a 45-minute stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake. The tour also offers free time to explore attractions such as Lundy's Lane, Sky Wheel, and the wax museum. The tour guides are licensed and tested annually by the Niagara Falls Parks Commission.

Additional Information

All the tours mentioned offer pick-up from Toronto hotels, Airbnbs, and residential addresses, with drop-off at select downtown Toronto hotels and attractions. The tours run all year round and include air-conditioned buses with free Wi-Fi.

Niagara Falls bus tours: What to see

Niagara Falls is one of the world's greatest natural wonders, and a bus tour is a great way to experience it. The driving time from Toronto to Niagara Falls is about 1.5 hours each way, and there are plenty of sights to see along the way and upon arrival.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

The historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is often included in Niagara Falls bus tours. This picturesque town is one of the most beautiful in Canada, and tours typically allow around 45 minutes for visitors to take photos and explore boutique shops.

Niagara Falls Attractions

Once you arrive at Niagara Falls, there is plenty to see and do. Many tours offer free time to explore attractions such as Lundy's Lane, Sky Wheel, the casino, and the wax museum. The famous Hornblower boat tour is a popular add-on, taking visitors on a thrilling ride on the water. This attraction has been wowing visitors since 1846 and is particularly popular in spring, summer, and fall.

For those visiting in the winter months, the Journey Behind the Falls is a popular choice. This tour add-on takes visitors through a series of tunnels near the bottom of the Horseshoe Falls, culminating in an upper observation deck that provides a unique vantage point for photographers.

Other Points of Interest

Depending on the season and the weather, Niagara Falls bus tours may also include stops at wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake or the Floral Clock, a 40-foot diameter clock made from 15,000 plants.

Tours from Other Cities

In addition to tours departing from Toronto, there are also bus tours available from other cities, including New York, Boston, New Jersey, Washington DC, and Philadelphia. These tours typically range from 2 to 7 days and may include other destinations in addition to Niagara Falls.

So, whether you're joining a bus tour from Toronto or another nearby city, there is much to see and do at Niagara Falls and along the way. With its natural beauty, thrilling attractions, and charming towns, Niagara Falls is a must-see destination.

Niagara Falls bus tour: Practical information

The driving time from Toronto to Niagara Falls is about 1.5 hours. The distance from Toronto to Niagara Falls is about 130 km (80 miles). Most bus tours from Toronto to Niagara Falls are 9 to 10 hours long, including the time spent at the falls.

Where do they depart from?

Bus tours to Niagara Falls offer free pickup and drop-off from your hotel lobby in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area. Some bus tours also offer pickup and drop-off from the airport and other locations such as Mississauga, Oakville, and Burlington.

In addition to round-trip transportation, Niagara Falls bus tours typically include a professional tour guide, admission to Niagara Falls, and free time to explore the area. Some tours also include a boat ride, such as the Hornblower Niagara Cruise, and visits to nearby attractions such as wineries, the Floral Clock, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Bus tours to Niagara Falls typically depart in the morning, around 8:00 AM, with some offering an additional afternoon departure at 1:00 PM. The return trip to Toronto usually departs Niagara Falls around 6:30 PM, although the exact time may vary due to traffic and weather conditions.

The price of a Niagara Falls bus tour can vary depending on the company and the inclusions, but they typically start at around \$99 plus tax per person. Some companies offer discounted rates for students and children.

When preparing for a Niagara Falls bus tour, it is important to bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera to capture the stunning views. Some tours include a boat ride, so a rain poncho or waterproof gear may be useful.

Niagara Falls bus tour: Where to book

A Niagara Falls bus tour is a great way to explore the area and take in the sights. There are a variety of operators offering bus tours, with options to suit different interests and budgets. Here are some of the top companies to consider when booking your Niagara Falls bus tour:

Niagara Tours

Niagara Tours offers a 9-hour bus tour that departs from various locations in Toronto, including hotels and Airbnbs. The tour includes admission to Niagara Falls, free time to explore attractions such as Lundy's Lane and the Sky Wheel, a stop in the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and transportation in air-conditioned vehicles. The price starts at $99 plus tax per person, with discounts for students and children.

Viator

Viator provides a range of bus tour options, including tours of both the American and Canadian sides of the falls. Their tours typically include hotel transfers, admission to attractions like the Maid of the Mist boat cruise and the Cave of the Winds, and knowledgeable guides. Some tours also offer skip-the-line tickets and complimentary water bottles. Prices vary depending on the duration and inclusions, with some tours likely to sell out fast.

TakeTours

TakeTours offers Niagara Falls bus tours departing from various cities, including New York, Boston, Washington DC, and Philadelphia. Their tours range from 2 to 7 days and often include visits to nearby destinations like Toronto and Boston. TakeTours provides knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and hotel accommodations for longer tours. Prices vary depending on the duration and departure city, with some promotions offering "buy 2 get 2 free" deals.

Niagara Falls State Park

For those interested in exploring Niagara Falls, New York, the official Niagara Falls State Park website offers a range of guided tour options. You can choose from boat excursions, bus tours, walking tours, and even food tours. These tours provide in-depth knowledge of the falls, the surrounding destinations in Niagara County, and the New York side of the falls.

When booking your Niagara Falls bus tour, be sure to compare the different operators' offerings, inclusions, and prices to find the one that best suits your needs and interests.

Niagara Falls: Other transport options

If you're not keen on a bus tour, there are several other transport options for getting to and getting around Niagara Falls.

The drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls takes around 90 minutes, so hiring a car is a good option if you want to make your own way there. There are several car rental companies in Niagara Falls, including Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Discount Car & Truck Rentals.

If you don't want to drive, you could take a train or a bus to Niagara Falls. The bus takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes from Toronto.

Once you're in Niagara Falls, you can get around the city and the parks using the WEGO bus system. There are two lines: the Blue and Green lines that serve the city's tourist areas, and the Green line that runs through Niagara Parks. You can purchase a pass for 24 hours ($13 for adults and $9 for children) or 48 hours ($17 for adults and $13 for children).

Niagara Falls also has several taxi companies and Uber is available.

If you're staying in Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake, you can get around by bike. Zoom Leisure Bikes has kiosks in both towns and offers free parking.

Finally, if you want to sit back and relax while someone else does the navigating, you can book a private tour in a limo or even a Segway.

Frequently asked questions