Niagara Falls Attractions + Tour: Journey Behind Falls, Boat

Discover the Best of Niagara Falls with This All-Inclusive Guided Tour

The Niagara Falls Attractions + Tour: Journey Behind Falls, Boat offers a comprehensive half-day experience for just $99 per person. With an approximate duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, this tour combines two of Niagara Falls’ most iconic attractions: the Journey Behind the Falls and an up-close boat cruise. Led by professional, licensed guides, the tour ensures you skip long lines with priority access, making your visit smoother and more enjoyable.

This tour departs from the Niagara Parks Welcome Centre and is designed to suit those wanting a deep dive into the natural wonder, with plenty of fascinating insights into the falls’ history and geology. With over 491 reviews and a 5.0/5 rating, it’s clear that visitors find this experience both informative and fun. The tour’s small group size—limited to 30 travelers—keeps the experience intimate and engaging, while the full refund cancellation policy offers flexibility in case of weather concerns or changing plans.

Key Points

• All-inclusive tour with priority access to major Niagara Falls attractions
• Experience the thunder and cascading water from unique vantage points behind the falls
• Up-close boat cruise that brings you to the edge of the falls, feeling the mist on your face
• Guided by knowledgeable, engaging guides with lots of enthusiastic reviews about their expertise
• Includes tickets for both the Journey Behind the Falls and the boat voyage
• Additional discounts available for dozens of other Niagara attractions

Starting Point at Niagara Parks Welcome Centre

The tour begins at the Niagara Parks (Murray Hill) Welcome Centre located at 5146 Murray St, Niagara Falls, ON. This central meeting spot makes it easy for visitors arriving by public transportation or parked nearby. The group size is capped at 30 to maintain a personal feel, and most travelers find the meeting point convenient and accessible.

From here, guides lead guests on a well-paced walk through Niagara’s key sites, setting the stage for the adventure ahead. The tour ends back at the starting location, ensuring a convenient and straightforward experience.

Exploring Niagara Falls Stop-by-Stop: The Itinerary in Detail

The tour includes several notable stops and passes by key landmarks that add context and richness to the experience. These stops are both educational and scenic, revealing the area’s history and engineering marvels.

Passing the Nikola Tesla Statue and Power Stations

The first stops include Nikola Tesla Statue and the Niagara Parks Power Station, which was completed in 1905. These sites highlight the region’s significance in hydropower development and Tesla’s contributions. Guests get a glimpse of the first major power plant on the Canadian side and learn about how the falls have been harnessed for electricity.

Visiting the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse and Toronto Power Station

Next, the tour passes by the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse, a lush garden oasis perfect for a quick photo. The Toronto Power Generating Station, designed by architect Edward James Lennox and finished in 1906, showcases historic industrial architecture and its role in powering the region.

The Story of the Niagara Scow

A brief pass-by reveals the Niagara Scow, a famous shipwreck seen upstream from the falls. Visitors learn about the shipwreck’s history, adding a touch of local lore before heading to the main attractions.

Journey Behind the Falls: The Main Attraction

The highlight of the tour is descending 125 feet into the bedrock for the Journey Behind the Falls. This well-organized experience allows guests to feel the thunderous vibrations as they approach from below the 13-storey-tall waterfall. The admission tickets are included, and the experience lasts about 1 hour.

Guests get exclusive access to unique vantage points behind the cascading waters, with limited crowds thanks to the priority access. Standing just behind the falls, visitors witness the immense power of nature up close, with thunder and spray enveloping the senses.

Exploring the Table Rock Welcome Centre

After the behind-the-falls adventure, guests have around 30 minutes at the Table Rock Welcome Centre. This site offers a great photo opportunity at the Canadian Horseshoe Falls edge, along with restroom facilities, souvenirs, and a bit of local history. It’s a perfect spot to reflect and capture memories before moving on.

The Niagara Falls Boat Cruise

The tour continues with the Niagara City Cruises, where visitors hop aboard the famous Hornblower boat. This 1-hour boat voyage takes passengers close to the falls, offering an immersive experience of the sights and sounds of rushing water. Dress accordingly for the mist, which is felt intensely during this part of the tour, and enjoy the stunning panoramic views.

Passing the Rainbow Bridge

As the tour concludes, guests pass by the Rainbow Bridge, an iconic arch that connects Canada and the USA across the gorge. This provides a scenic backdrop and an understanding of the region’s geography.

Highlights of the Tour: What Makes It Stand Out

The Journey Behind the Falls and boat cruise are undeniably the core highlights. Being first behind the falls offers an intimate, exhilarating perspective that’s hard to match elsewhere. The boat trip complements this by bringing you right into the spray and roar of the falls, a thrilling, sensory-rich experience.

Guides are consistently praised as knowledgeable and engaging, often sharing fascinating stories about the history, geology, and engineering behind Niagara. The small group size ensures that questions are welcomed, and the pace remains comfortable.

Practical Details: Logistics and Group Size

This tour departs from the Niagara Parks Welcome Centre, making it accessible for most visitors. The group size is limited to 30, which promotes a more personalized experience and less waiting time. The tour includes all fees and taxes, and the tickets for both main attractions are included in the price.

Travelers should be aware that food, drinks, transportation, and parking are not included. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, and it operates in most weather conditions, with a full refund offered if canceled due to poor weather.

The Value of This Niagara Falls Tour

Priced at $99, this tour provides excellent value for the comprehensive experience it offers. The inclusion of priority access, guided commentary, and tickets to two major attractions—plus over $200 in discounts for other Niagara activities—makes it a smart choice for visitors seeking an organized, hassle-free day.

The reviews back up this value, with many highlighting the guides’ knowledge, humor, and enthusiasm as key strengths. The short walking distances and well-paced itinerary suit travelers who want a thorough exploration without exhaustion.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour covers major highlights with efficiency, it does involve a good amount of walking, which might be taxing for some. The experience is heavily focused on the main attractions, so those looking for extended exploration or diverse activities might want to supplement their day.

The boat cruise and Journey Behind the Falls are both subject to weather conditions, but the tour offers full refunds or rescheduling options if canceled.

Final Wrap-Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Niagara Falls Attractions + Tour is an excellent choice for anyone wanting an all-in-one experience that balances sightseeing, history, and adventure. The value for money, combined with priority access and expert guides, makes it especially appealing for first-time visitors or those who prefer organized outings.

If you enjoy engaging guides, stunning views, and hassle-free access to the most popular sites, this tour delivers. It’s designed for most travelers, with enough walking and activity to keep it lively but not overwhelming. For a balanced, memorable introduction to Niagara Falls, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the tour include?
The tour includes tickets to Journey Behind the Falls and the boat cruise, all fees and taxes, priority access, and a guided walking experience led by a licensed guide.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from the Niagara Parks (Murray Hill) Welcome Centre, located at 5146 Murray St in Niagara Falls, Canada.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the experience is generally accessible, though walking is involved. Service animals are allowed.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended, especially since the tour is booked 5+ times today, and it offers full refund cancellation if needed.

What if weather conditions are poor?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you will be offered a reschedule date or full refund.

Can I get discounts for other attractions?
Yes, the tour includes over $200 in discounts to other Niagara Falls attractions like the Zipline and Clifton Hill.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, nor is hotel pickup or transportation.

Is parking available?
Parking is not included in the tour fee, so visitors should plan accordingly.

How do I get tickets?
Tickets are provided as part of the tour package, and mobile tickets are accepted for ease of entry.

Can I extend or customize this tour?
The tour is fixed in its itinerary, with no options for customization, but it offers the convenience of combining two top attractions in one experience.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of the Journey Behind the Falls and boat cruise, along with priority access and expert guides, offers a balanced and immersive way to experience Niagara Falls at a great price.