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Niagara Falls State Park is open the entire year, all 365 days, 24 hours a day, and you can visit it for free. However, most of the well-known tours are closed between end-October to about mid-April.
But if you are going in winter, worry not. Here’s a neat little plan for a 24-hour trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto.
Morning
Arrive at Niagara Falls
UP Express and GO Transit: I took the UP Express train from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto. Take the escalator to the second floor to reach the station. Adult one-way fare was $12.35 CAD, and it took about 25 minutes. From Union Station, I took the GO train to Burlington, then transferred to a GO Transit bus. Tickets cost $20 CAD. In winter, there is only one direct train from Union Station to Niagara Falls (usually at 8:20 AM). Flixbus/ Greyhound buses go from Union Station to Niagara Falls at various times of the day.
On weekends you can opt for GO/WEGO Combo Tickets that are available for $25/person, which includes the round-trip GO Train ride all the way from Union Station, along with local Niagara WEGO bus connections.
Check in to your hotel
There are several good places to stay in Niagara. To cut costs I stayed in a motel. King’s Inn was fab. Clean, large rooms, and close to Clifton Hill and the Falls. Cadillac Motel also looked pretty good. Hilton and Marriott are pricier options but with stunning views of the falls.
Breakfast
I had a great American-style all-you-can breakfast at AlMacs Buffet which was close to King’s Inn. Other good breakfast options are the Frontier BBQ & Smokehouse and Chuck’s which was well-priced and had a good range of food.
Afternoon
Self Guided Walk
I find visiting a place off-season the best way to experience it, and Niagara Falls was no different. It was a pleasant walk through the length of it and I encountered very few people. Most visitors appeared to be on their afternoon/evening strolls.
A popular route which takes about an hour follows: Skylon Tower, Queen Victoria Park, Sky Wheel, Clifton Hill, Fallsview Waterpark, Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls to end at Table Rock Welcome Centre (in whose warmth I spent most of the evening when it got rainy and chilly 
)
Not the Usual Tours
Several awesome (and pricey!) tours run during the summer starting sometime in April and ending in October/ early November. I saw the below list displayed at the Table Rock Centre. A historical building converted into a two-level commercial establishment, Table Rock Centre hosts a tour ticket office, shopping and fast food options, and superb views.
Lunch
Evening
Niagara Falls Illumination
As the sun starts to set, head back to the falls to see them illuminated in a rainbow of colours. This nightly light show is a must-see. In winter, it starts at around 7 PM.
Dinner at Elements on the Falls
Enjoy dinner with a view at Elements on the Falls, located in the Table Rock Centre. This upscale restaurant offers a menu of delicious cuisine and stunning views of the falls. They recommend reserving in advance although it is easier to find a seat in the winter months.
Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill is great (especially for kids) any time of the day. There is just so much to do! But it comes alive at night with lights, colours, and action! Clifton Hill runs from River Road on the Niagara Parkway through to Victoria Park. It hosts several amusement park rides including the Niagara Skywheel and the Speedway, as well as Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Movieland Wax Museum, and the House of Frankenstein.
Alternate Activities
Sample Ice Wine
Sample Maple Syrup
Fallsview Casino Resort
Helicopter Tour
Other North American travel itineraries: Do the USA without a car, Go to Chicago for a weekend, and go to Mexico from Vancouver .
- First, I go to TripAdvisor and check out top things to do, top places, and experiences. I use this to make a rough itinerary.
- From TripAdvisor I often go to Viator to book day tours. I love their user friendly platform and flexible cancellation policies. Compare their offers with GetYourGuide, which is great too.
- I book my accommodations in Booking because of their flexibility and that the bookings are easily cancellable. The mobile app is great and the genius discounts are on point.
- I recommend getting the Priority Pass. It gives you access to airport lounges and has helped me through many long waits. It’s definitely well worth the money.
- And I am literally always on Skyscanner. I get to see the best airfares, and the airline / third party providers offering them. Try the “From: origin city” to “To: Everywhere” option to ignite your imagination on where to travel to next.