Tour of Niagara Falls with Boat Cruise

Discover Niagara Falls and Around with an Exciting 5-Hour Tour

For those eager to explore the stunning sights of the Niagara Falls region, this $74.14 per person tour offers a well-rounded day of sightseeing, wine tasting, and charming town visits. Starting from the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, the tour lasts approximately 5 hours, making it a perfect option for travelers with limited time who still want a comprehensive experience.

What makes this tour stand out is the inclusion of the Hornblower Niagara Cruise—or a substitute when the boat isn’t operational—and visits to Niagara-on-the-Lake and a local winery. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for personal interaction. While this tour is packed with highlights, it’s important to note that lunch is not included, and scheduling can be affected by weather or availability of the cruise.

Key Points

• Includes a cruise to see American Falls and Horseshoe Falls up close
• Round-trip transport from Sheraton on the Falls Hotel simplifies logistics
• Visits Niagara-on-the-Lake for shopping, dining, and parks
• Wine sampling at Pillitteri Estates, featuring Canada’s famous Ice Wine
• Stops at three key Niagara Falls viewing points for unobstructed views
• Tour duration is approximately 5 hours, with flexible itinerary options

Convenient Pickup and Drop-off at Sheraton Fallsview Hotel

The tour begins at 10:00 am at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel located at 5875 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ON. This central meeting point makes it easy for visitors staying in the area to join without extra hassle. The tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, which adds comfort especially during busy or hot days.

Once the tour concludes, travelers are dropped back at the same location. The WiFi onboard allows for sharing photos or staying connected during the drive. The pickup process is straightforward, although the tour provider recommends confirming the exact pickup time, as it may be arranged prior to departure and can vary based on passenger volume.

Up-Close Views of Niagara Falls from Three Key Spots

The first stop offers an opportunity to witness Niagara Falls from three different vantage points. Visitors get unobstructed views of American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and the Hornblower boat experience itself. The boat cruise is a major highlight, allowing travelers to get close to the thundering waterfalls—a memorable perspective that captures the power and beauty of Niagara.

The cruise is typically operational from May to October but can be substituted with the Journey Behind the Falls if weather or operational issues arise. This flexibility ensures that guests still enjoy a spectacular experience, even when the boat isn’t available.

Exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Heritage District

Next, the tour takes visitors to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming town famous for its shopping, dining, and parks. The one-hour stop allows for a leisurely exploration of this locally owned town, where visitors can browse boutiques, enjoy a meal, or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere. This stop provides a nice contrast to the bustling falls area, offering a taste of local life and history.

The town’s well-preserved heritage architecture and scenic streets make it an ideal place for photos and relaxing strolls. While the tour doesn’t include specific activities here, the free time is sufficient for a quick snack or some souvenir shopping.

Tasting Canada’s Famous Ice Wine at Pillitteri Estates Winery

No visit to Niagara is complete without sampling Canada’s renowned Ice Wine, and this tour includes a 30-minute stop at Pillitteri Estates Winery. Here, visitors enjoy a wine tasting session that highlights Niagara’s best vintages, especially the Ice Wine that has gained international acclaim.

The winery experience provides insight into the local wine-making process and allows guests to purchase bottles directly from the source. This stop is both educational and delicious, appealing to wine lovers and curious newcomers alike.

Flexible Itinerary with a Mix of Sightseeing and Free Time

The overall itinerary balances guided sightseeing with free time to explore, relax, or shop at each stop. After viewing the falls and tasting wine, there’s ample opportunity for lunch and shopping back in Niagara Falls, although lunch is not included in the price. Guests can choose to bring snacks or purchase meals during the free time segments.

The itinerary is subject to change based on weather conditions, operational schedules, or group size, but the core experience remains the same. The total duration of about 5 hours makes it a manageable and engaging option for day-trippers.

Highlights of the Tour Experience

The tour’s main draws include the comprehensive sightseeing of Niagara Falls, with up-close waterfall views from multiple angles, and the exciting boat cruise or Journey Behind the Falls experience. The visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake adds a scenic, cultural element, while the wine tasting introduces a local specialty.

Participants appreciate the hassle-free transportation, WiFi service, and the knowledgeable guides who make the journey enjoyable. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed and easy accessibility.

Practical Considerations and Limitations

While the tour offers many highlights, travelers should remember lunch is not included, so packing snacks or planning meals beforehand is advisable. The boat cruise is seasonal, typically operating from May to October, but the Journey Behind the Falls serves as a solid alternative when necessary.

Weather can impact the experience, especially the boat cruise, and the itinerary may change without notice. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, which helps maintain a comfortable environment but means booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

The Tour’s Value for Money and Overall Assessment

At $74.14 per person, this tour offers a good balance of sightseeing, tasting, and cultural exploration. It delivers a comprehensive look at Niagara Falls and its surroundings in a convenient, guided format. The inclusion of the Hornblower Niagara Cruise (or an alternative) and the wine tasting enhances the overall experience.

While some reviews mention unsatisfactory experiences, such as missed pickups or weather-related adjustments, the tour provider’s flexibility and clear cancellation policy—full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance—add peace of mind. The tour suits those seeking an engaging yet manageable day trip with a mix of nature, history, and local flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included, but there is free time for meals and shopping after the main sightseeing stops.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The Hornblower Niagara Cruise (or its substitute) for up-close views of American Falls and Horseshoe Falls is the standout feature.

Can I join this tour if I arrive late?
It’s best to arrive at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel by 10:00 am, as the tour starts promptly. Confirming pickup times in advance is recommended.

What happens if the boat cruise is not operational?
The cruise is replaced with the Journey Behind the Falls, ensuring guests still experience the waterfalls from an exciting perspective.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour’s physical demands are minimal.

How long is the stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake?
The stop lasts about one hour, giving enough time for shopping, sightseeing, or a quick meal.

What does the wine tasting involve?
Guests sample Niagara’s famous Ice Wine at Pillitteri Estates Winery, with an opportunity to purchase bottles directly.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is WiFi available during the tour?
Yes, WiFi is provided onboard for sharing moments or staying connected.

How many travelers are typically on this tour?
The maximum group size is 50 travelers, maintaining a comfortable environment for everyone.

This tour of Niagara Falls with a boat cruise offers a well-organized and memorable way to experience some of the region’s most iconic sights, combined with local flavor and scenic towns—a practical choice for a fun, hassle-free day.