Niagara Falls City Cruise Behind the Falls and Skylon Tower

Getting up close to the power and beauty of Niagara Falls is truly an experience worth doing, and this Niagara Falls City Cruise Behind the Falls and Skylon Tower tour offers a compact, well-rounded glimpse of the iconic sights. Priced at $147.12 per person, this 4-hour adventure is ideal for visitors seeking a mix of immersive water experiences and panoramic vistas, with the convenience of hotel pickup and mobile ticketing.

The tour’s highlights include exploring tunnels behind the Horseshoe Falls, cruising past all three waterfalls from the water, and ascending the Skylon Tower to enjoy sweeping views from 520 feet in the air. While the tour is accessible for most, it’s best suited for those comfortable with short walks and some mild activity. The inclusion of admission tickets to key attractions and expert guides makes this a reliable choice for visitors wanting a structured and memorable day.

Key Points

• Includes visits to the Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara City Cruise, and Skylon Tower
• Duration of approximately 4 hours, with scheduled stops and guided narration
• Price of $147.12 per person, with most bookings made 24 days in advance
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are included within the downtown Niagara Falls area
• Seasonal boat cruise operates from April to November, giving a water-level perspective of the waterfalls
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience for full refund

Discover the Power of Horseshoe Falls from Behind the Rock

The tour begins with Journey Behind the Falls, where you descend 13 stories into tunnels carved into bedrock. These tunnels lead to observation portals just feet from the thundering Horseshoe Falls. Visitors experience the raw power of over 700,000 gallons of water rushing every second, and the guides explain the geology and history behind this natural wonder.

This stop lasts around 40 minutes and is included in the tour fee. Its close proximity to the falls offers a uniquely immersive perspective that photos alone can’t capture. The tunnels are accessible, and the experience is safe, but the experience can be quite wet, so waterproof clothing is advisable.

Experience the Niagara City Cruise from the Water

Next, the Niagara City Cruise provides a close-up water-level view of all three waterfalls: the American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls. The boat glides past these formations, offering a dramatic perspective of the waterfalls’ scale and power. Guests feel the refreshing spray and hear the roar firsthand, making it a sensory-rich experience.

This 40-minute cruise is included in the tour and operates seasonally, from April through November. It’s a popular highlight, especially for those wanting to see the waterfalls from the water. The boat approach to the base of the Horseshoe Falls allows for fantastic photo opportunities, but be prepared for some mist and wind.

Panoramic Views from the Skylon Tower

After the water-based activities, the tour takes you up to the Skylon Tower, soaring 520 feet above Niagara Falls. The 30-minute visit to the observation deck offers sweeping panoramic views of Niagara Falls and the surrounding landscape. From here, you see the full scope of the Niagara River, as well as the American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls.

The Skylon Tower’s vantage point makes it easy to appreciate the scale of the waterfalls and the layout of Niagara Falls State Park. The observation deck is accessible via elevator, and the experience is perfect for photo enthusiasts and those wanting a bird’s-eye perspective.

Exploring Whirlpool Rapids and the Floral Clock

The tour also highlights dramatic natural features like the Whirlpool Rapids, where swift currents create standing waves and swirling whirlpools. This area demonstrates the raw energy of the Niagara River and adds an element of excitement to the tour.

Plus, a visit to the Floral Clock provides a scenic photo stop. The clock is a large botanical timepiece, famous for its vibrant floral design, and offers a picturesque moment against the lush backdrop.

Practicalities: Transport, Guides, and Booking

The entire experience takes place with a professional guide providing narration throughout, sharing stories, facts, and insights about Niagara Falls. Transportation is in an air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off available within the downtown area in Niagara Falls.

Most travelers find the group size capped at 30 to be comfortable for immersion and interaction. The tour operates rain or shine but requires good weather; cancellations due to poor weather result in either a full refund or a reschedule.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package includes admission tickets to the major attractions like Journey Behind the Falls and Skylon Tower, along with the boat cruise (seasonal). The professional guide ensures smooth navigation and engaging narration.

Food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase at various stops, and travelers should plan accordingly if they want to grab a meal or snack during the tour.

Meeting point and Booking Details

The tour departs from 758 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada. Advanced booking is recommended, with most tours booked about 24 days in advance. Confirmation is received immediately upon booking unless done within 1 day, in which case it’s confirmed as soon as possible.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for those with uncertain schedules. The price of $147.12 per person reflects a comprehensive experience combining water, land, and panoramic highlights.

Final Thoughts on the Niagara Falls City Cruise Behind the Falls and Skylon Tower Tour

This 4-hour tour packs a lot into a manageable timeframe. The combination of tunnels behind Horseshoe Falls, the boat cruise, and the panoramic view from Skylon Tower offers a balanced mix of immersive and scenic experiences.

It’s well-suited for visitors who want a structured, guided overview of Niagara Falls’ key sights without spending an entire day. The inclusion of admission tickets and transportation makes it a convenient choice. However, the seasonal boat cruise means that part of the experience is weather-dependent, so planning ahead is important.

This tour provides a trustworthy, engaging introduction to Niagara Falls, ideal for first-time visitors or those looking for a hassle-free way to experience the falls from multiple perspectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat cruise operating year-round?
No, the boat cruise operates seasonally from April to November.

Are the attractions accessible for people with mobility issues?
The Journey Behind the Falls and Skylon Tower are accessible, but it’s best to check specific accessibility details if necessary.

What should I wear for the Journey Behind the Falls?
Waterproof clothing or rain ponchos are recommended because of the mist produced by the falls.

How long does the Skylon Tower visit last?
The Skylon Tower visit lasts around 30 minutes.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase at various stops.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within the downtown Niagara Falls area.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Who is the experience provider?
The tour is operated by Grape & Wine Niagara Tours Inc..