ON Road Trip: Niagara Falls, Ice Wine Country, and Toronto’s EdgeWalk
Have the ultimate Ontario adventure with this fun road trip!
From the awe-inducing Niagara Falls, where you'll feel the force of three of the most powerful waterfalls in the world...
To the picturesque vineyards of Niagara Wine Country, where you can sip on sweet ice wine in a one-of-a-kind 10Below Icewine Lounge...
To the vibrant city of Toronto, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle a Guinness World Record while standing on the highest skyscraper in Canada...
This 3-day itinerary takes you to the shores of Lake Ontario and to some of the most breathtaking wonders of the modern world.
So pack your bags and hit the road for this luxurious, nature-inspired adventure that has something for everyone!
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Note: If you’re planning a longer trip, consider stretching each location to two or more days so you have time to experience more in each destination. This 3-Day Ontario Road Trip can easily turn into a 6+ day trip by simply spending two days at Niagara Falls, two days in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and two days in Toronto.
Day 1: Niagara Falls
There’s always an ongoing conversation about “tourist traps” and overrated tourist destinations, and Niagara Falls is one such destination that seems to regularly be part of that conversation.
I’ll be the first to admit I wasn’t interested in visiting Niagara Falls. Jon had been on a family trip to the area growing up and pushed for us to add Ontario - primarily to visit Niagara Falls - to our 2022 Travel Season Itinerary.
Possibly because I’m not a big fan of waterfalls, and Niagara Falls is, well, three giant waterfalls, this popular destination was never one that drew my attention.
And I share this because I’m happy to report I was wrong. (Don’t tell Jon 😝) Sure, Niagara Falls is a giant waterfall (or again, three giant waterfalls), but the power and force of these waterfalls takes your breath away!
What is Niagara Falls? Niagara Falls is one of Ontario's most iconic places to visit, attracting millions of visitors each year. The falls, located on the Niagara River, straddle the US-Canada border and are a group of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. Together, they form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world.
When people think about Niagara Falls, they’re generally thinking about the biggest and most powerful of the three falls: Horseshoe Falls.
Niagara Falls (from left to right): American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls
You can visit either the American side or the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. We’re sharing this itinerary from the Canadian side. The Canadian side is where you’ll find the best view of the most popular waterfall at Niagara Falls: Horseshoe Falls.
Horseshoe Falls is the largest and most powerful waterfall at Niagara Falls. It’s also sometimes referred to as the Canadian Falls because of its location on the Canadian side of the Niagara River. The Horseshoe Falls is shaped like a horseshoe and is considered one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world.
There are four main ways to enjoy the Horseshoe Falls: (1) from a viewing area, (2) from a boat, (3) from behind the falls, or (4) while lit up with lights at night.
We recommend you start your visit to Niagara Falls at the Table Rock Welcome Center, where you’ll get one of the best views of Horseshoe Falls from the viewing areas outside of Table Rock. (There’s a walking path along the river you can follow from the Power Station to Table Rock and Horseshoe Falls to American Falls and Rainbow Bridge.)
You have many options for parking by Horseshoe Falls. One of the easiest and most convenient places to park is in the parking lot by the Niagara Parks Power Station, where parking costs $30 for the day. Our recommendation is to drive through the lot as far as possible to park near the Table Rock Welcome Center, as you’ll be closer to the Falls from there. Parking near the power station itself is good, too, as you can walk along the river to Horseshoe Falls.
Horseshoe Falls from a viewpoint along the walking path
Horseshoe Falls from Journey Behind the Falls
American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls
Keep walking along the river path towards Rainbow Bridge to view the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. These are the other two waterfalls that form “Niagara Falls”.
While Horseshoe Falls is spectacular due to its sheer size and grandeur (and it is grand… this coming from someone who isn’t often impressed by a waterfall!)… and Bridal Veil Falls is unique as the smallest of the three waterfalls (and one you can visit up close while on foot), the American Falls has its own charm.
A jagged and rocky face exposes the underlying geology of the area, and there’s something particularly striking about the way the mist created from the flow of the American Falls contrasts with its rocky shoreline.
The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are only steps from the Horseshoe Falls, so plan to see all three while you’re in town!
While the vantage point directly across the American Falls on the Canadian side is gorgeous, our favorite view of the American Falls was from the Hornblower Boat (since you’re able to view its power from much closer).
Note: Are you visiting the US side as well? The Cave of the Winds on the American side of Niagara Falls is a series of wooden walkways and platforms that allow you to get up close and personal with the Bridal Veil Falls.
American Falls (viewed from the Canadian side)
American Falls and Rainbow Bridge
Hornblower Boat
If you’re visiting the American side and want to hop on a boat to visit the Horseshoe Falls, you’ll book a ticket on the Maid of the Mist.
On the Canadian side, you’ll board the Hornblower Boat.
It’s pretty much a must-do on your first visit to Niagara Falls. Sure, it’s a total tourist activity but for good reason: Getting soaked by Horseshoe Falls is part of the fun of visiting Niagara Falls!
You definitely don’t have to hop on the boat for amazing views; but if you’ve never been before, it’s a thrilling and immersive way to experience the Falls from so close.
We actually signed up for the “Exclusive First on the Boat Tour”, which meant we were signing up for a walking tour that included the Hornblower Boat and Journey Behind the Falls. We signed up for this because we wanted to do both activities, and this was a way to “skip the line” and be the first on the first Hornblower Boat of the day. (We were on a mission to get the spot we wanted for the best views!)
But unless you love walking tours, we wouldn’t recommend this tour, even if you’re hoping for a very particular spot on the boat.
The first Hornblower Boat doesn’t leave until 930am, but the walking tour starts at 8. (If you’re driving from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Hamilton, or Ontario, you’ll appreciate having the extra time.)
You do get to skip the line (at least in theory; there was miscommunication the day we were visiting that meant some people in the “regular” tour line boarded before some of those on the tour with us ) but… Just sign up for the first boat of the day and get there a little bit early to get in line.
You’ll still get a great spot on the boat (particularly if you’re okay with getting pretty wet up at the front), plus you’ll be able to head directly to Journey Behind the Falls afterward. (The “Exclusive First on the Boat Tour” picks back up the walking tour from the Hornerblower Boat boarding area to the Journey Behind the Falls area at Table Rock, so you won’t start the Journey Behind the Falls until 11:30am or later.)
With that said, here’s our pick for the best spot on the boat… The bottom front (left) of the boat. We highly recommend this spot if you’re okay with getting soaked because there’s nothing in front of you, which means you get GORGEOUS views of the water and the Falls.
Most people on our tour seemed to prefer the top of the boat (the viewing area on the boat’s top deck), which is another reason you’re probably okay skipping the “first on the boat” tour if you want a spot in the bottom viewing area.
RTL Tip: On the bottom front viewing area of the boat, we stayed to the right of the flag in the middle of the boat. We chose the front right because the boat turns left so you get more time at the Horseshoe Falls and then get to enjoy the American Falls on your right on the way back. But honestly, you’re moving so fast on the way back that this part of the trip goes super quick. For this reason, we’d actually recommend the front left (bottom front of the boat, left of the flag in the middle) so you can enjoy unobstructed views of the American Falls at the beginning of your trip.
How wet will you get on the Hornblower Boat? Use the poncho you’re given and definitely prepare to get more wet the closer you are to the front of the boat.
If it’s a warm, sunny day, you’ll dry quickly as long you’re wearing waterproof or at least water-resistant shoes. You will want to think about how to keep your phone dry if you’re planning on taking a lot of photos. (Maybe using something like this.) Otherwise, enjoy the water as part of the immersive experience!
Heads up: While I was prepared for water, I wasn’t prepared for being pelted in the face by the Falls as we got closer and closer. I could barely keep my eyes open at the closest point of our journey but again: that’s part of the fun and the uniqueness of visiting Niagara Falls. Worth it once in my opinion!
After our morning boat tour, our walking tour continued, and we learned some neat things about the history of Niagara Falls and the Daredevils of Niagara Falls. This was really interesting, but the majority of the stories were available to read during the Journey Behind the Falls, so you can learn more on a self-guided tour there.
Learn more about Hornblower Boat Tours here.
Standing on the bottom front of the boat, ready to sail into Horseshoe Falls, which you can see in the background. This is what I mean by unobstructed views of the water and the falls from the bottom viewing area of the boat.
Pictures don’t capture this experience, but here’s a glimpse at how close you get to the Horseshoe Falls and the misty conditions you’ll experience! The water is SO powerful!
Journey Behind the Falls
You’ve been up close and personal with the Horseshoe Falls by boat; now it’s time to walk behind the falls to see their force from another, perhaps even more impressive, angle.
The Journey Behind the Falls attraction takes you to multiple viewpoints of Horseshoe Falls. You’ll walk a short way to a side view of Horseshoe Falls and then to two additional viewpoints where you can stand directly behind the falls. (You’ll likely have to wait in small lines for these viewpoints as they’re much smaller.)
What makes this experience worth doing is seeing from up close the force of the flow of the falls. It’s mesmerizing to watch the water cascade over the edge and crash into the river below as the mist that rises from this process just envelops you. I was humbled by the sheer force and beauty of this; It takes your breath away!
Anyway, the view from the biggest viewing area in the Journey Behind the Falls had possibly the coolest view of the day because you are SO close to the falls (but not getting pelted in the face, lol), so it’s easier to enjoy and soak up (no pun intended) the falls’ full force.
What should you wear when visiting Niagara Falls? You’ll want comfortable walking shoes as you walk from Horseshoe Falls to the American and Bridal Veil Falls. If you’re not going on the Hornerblower Boar or taking the Journey Behind the Falls, tennis shoes are best. If you are planning to see the falls up close, then we recommend waterproof or water-resistant shoes. I wore comfortable walking flip-flops, but Jon had on water-resistant hiking boots and said they didn’t really get wet on either tour.
Learn more about Journey Behind the Falls here.
The POWER and force of Horseshoe Falls from so close was awe-inducing! Probably my favorite viewpoint of the day from the Journey Behind the Falls Tour.
An example of what the viewpoints directly behind the Falls are like. You can’t see the water but it’s coming down over that window and you can get a feel for how much water is flowing by the pool it creates in front of the railing.
Niagara Falls Light Show
Unfortunately, we didn’t make it back to Niagara Falls at night for one of the other incredible things to do: enjoy the Niagara Falls Light Show.
Most nights, starting at dusk, hundreds of LED lights illuminate the American and Horseshoe Falls for a spectacular view!
Learn more about the times and dates of light shows (including some special event light shows) here.
Note: Looking for a hike near Niagara Falls? Check out the Niagara Whirlpool Loop. This was a local recommendation for a great nearby hike that we didn’t have time for on our trip.
Day 2: Niagara Wine Region
This was THE. MOST. FUN. surprise of our trip!
Some people might know that about 40 minutes down the street from Niagara Falls, you’ll find the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and some of the oldest, most established vineyards in the Wine Region of Ontario, Canada.
But I most definitely did not know this. (Or perhaps I would have been more excited about adding Niagara Falls to our 2022 Travel Season, ha!)
If I had to pick, exploring the beautiful vineyards and tasting rooms throughout the Niagara Peninsula was probably my favorite part of our three-week stay in Ontario.
One of the more unique things to do in Niagara Wine Country (compared to other wine countries throughout North America) is sip on local ice wine.
Tour the beauty of Niagara Falls, then taste the sweet splendor of Ice Wine Country!
What’s the deal with Icewine and Ontario? The Niagara region of Ontario has the perfect climate for producing ice wine. Grapes are left on the vine past the typical harvest season; They’re picked after temperatures get cold enough for so many days in a row, then it’s all hands on deck to harvest before the grapes thaw. This freezing of the grapes before harvest results in a much sweeter wine, making ice wine an amazing dessert wine. (Ice wine is typically more expensive and comes in a smaller bottle, but as a sweet dessert wine, you generally don’t drink as much in one sitting.)
We spent a few different days exploring wineries. While I’ll list our favorites here, there are TONS of incredible wineries to explore if you have additional time or don’t see one that interests you. Browse other Niagara wineries here.
Greatest Winery Tour at Peller Estates
This was our first winery stop (we actually stopped on the way back to Hamilton after our first visit to Niagara Falls), and it’s one we highly recommend for a few reasons… though mainly because this tour ends with a taste of icewine in Peller’s “10Below Icewine Lounge”.
What a unique way to kick off your trip to Ice Wine Country!
We were able to enjoy four tastings during this Greatest Winery Tour, starting with a tasting in Peller’s piano room lobby, then heading through the vineyards for a second and third tasting in Peller’s cellar, before finally getting to sample Peller’s “liquid gold” inside the 10Below Icewine Lounge.
This was a huge highlight during our trip and a winery tour we highly recommend. Learn more about tours at Peller Estates here.
10Below Icewine Lounge in Peller Estates. (You are offered a parka before heading inside.)
Peller’s “liquid gold”
Vineyard Dome Experience at Konzelmann Estate Winery
The Vineyard Dome Experience at Konzelmann Estate Winery was our favorite winery experience of our trip.
That said, it is more of an experience rather than a tour, so keep that in mind if you have to pick and choose wine tours during your trip and prefer one over the other.
The Vineyard Dome Experience is an hour-long tasting that begins with generous pours and some history of the Konzelmann Estate Winery. (Bonus: You can ask all the questions you want as it’s a private tasting!) Then, you’re left alone to enjoy, snack, and take in gorgeous vineyard views.
We were so comfortable and had so much to drink and eat during our tasting that we could have easily sat there for hours. (That was the only “con” to our experience - the hour goes quickly!)
This is an amazing romantic winery experience or something that would be a blast to do with a group of friends.
Plus, at Konzelmann Estate Winery, you’ll get to try their famous peach wine, made with fresh, local peaches. Learn more here.
Vineyard Dome Experience, Konzelmann Estate Winery
Ice Wine Tasting
Since the Niagara Wine Region is known for being an ice wine region, it’s worth enjoying an ice wine tasting at least once during your visit.
That’s what we did (an Icewine Flight) at Reif Estate Winery.
If you’re hungry, locals told us “The Guilty Burger,” currently located in Reif’s Sensory Garden, has amazing burgers! (As a self-proclaimed burger and fry fanatic, I would have eaten here to put this claim to the test had we not just stopped for a pizza at BarrelHead Pizzeria and a glass of icewine sangria from Pilliteri Estates.)
This was our third winery of the day, and we spent the tasting chatting with locals, so while I don’t have a picture of the tasting, I do have a picture of the Cabernet Icewine we loved and took home. Icewine is perfect if you have a sweet tooth and are looking for something sweet but light in place of dessert.
Learn more about Reif Estate Winery here.
Looking for another highly recommended ice wine experience? The Niagara Ice Wine Festival takes place in January, but you can try Icewine year-round at many wineries in the region. One winery known for its ice wine is Inniskillin Winery. They offer a unique ice wine tasting experience, which includes a tasting of their award-winning ice wines paired with local artisanal cheese and dark chocolate. Learn more about visiting Inniskillin here.
Reif Estate Winery & Sensory Garden
Reif Estate Cabernet Icewine
BarrelHead Pizzeria, Pillitteri Estates
Wine & Butter Tarts at 13th Street Winery
Besides ice wine, Ontario is also known for butter tarts, a flaky pastry with a sweet filling. (Think: Incredibly light and flaky professionally homemade mini pecan pies melting in your mouth.)
For two local experiences with one stop, consider a visit to 13th Street Winery and Bakery, where you can eat lunch, enjoy a wine tasting, and load up on delicious butter tarts all at the time.
We recommend a reservation because this place gets busy, but they’ll also accommodate walk-ins when possible. (We walked in because we weren’t sure what time our maple tour - recommendations for this coming next! - would end, and we were able to get in for a tasting right away.)
Learn more about 13th Street Winery and Bakery here.
13th Street Winery & Bakery
Outdoor tasting at 13th Street Winery
Delicious butter tarts courtesy of 13th Street Bakery
Bonus: Maple Tour & Tasting at White Meadows Farms
As you’re driving through wine country from Niagara Falls to Toronto, you’ll pass another amazing stop: White Meadows Farm.
While you’re on a wine and butter tart-tasting mission through the region, why not throw a maple tasting in there as well?
On our last day in Canada, we signed up for a maple tour and tasting from White Meadows Farms, and we absolutely loved our experience!
We got to learn about the maple syrup process, walk through a working maple tree farm, make deliciousness on a stick (i.e. maple taffy), and sample the four flavors of maple syrup: golden, amber, dark, and very dark.
Plus, we added a maple-inspired charcuterie board to our tour to sample even more delicious maple eats.
This was such a fun experience that we highly recommend! Learn more about maple tours at White Meadows Farms here.
Not pictured: Our tour through a working maple farm to better understand how maple syrup gets from a maple tree to our breakfast table!
Our delicious maple-inspired charcuterie board with maple iced tea.
Day 3: Toronto
We spent our three weeks in Ontario in the city of Hamilton. This was a great home base for us to bounce between Niagara Falls, Niagara Wine Region, and Toronto.
That said, we would have also loved to spend more days in Toronto itself. Summer weather is glorious, and there are tons of amazing restaurants and parks to enjoy the outdoors on the water.
Drive about an hour and a half from the Niagara-on-the-Lake wine region to Toronto and spend the final portion of your road trip exploring the largest city in Canada (also the capital of the province of Ontario).
Toronto is a vibrant city sitting on the northwestern shores of Lake Ontario. It’s also home to one of the world’s tallest freestanding structures, the CN Tower.
CN Tower’s EdgeWalk
If you’re up for a thrill, this is a must-do in Toronto during your Ontario Road Trip!
While you could simply visit the CN Tower to view Toronto from 1,136 feet high, we recommend taking this adventure to another level by walking around the outside of the CN Tower so you can enjoy unobstructed, panoramic Toronto views.
By doing so, you’ll actually complete a Guinness World Record, as the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk is the highest hands-free, full-circle skywalk in the world!
As a bonus, when you book your EdgeWalk experience, you’ll get free access to the other viewing areas in the CN Tower afterward. But, disclaimer: They just don’t compare to overlooking the city without any barrier between you and the city’s skyline.
(That said, we do recommend visiting the highest observation deck after your tour and looking down to find the next group of EdgeWalkers to witness the achievement you just completed!)
RTL Tip: We recommend the first EdgeWalk Tour of the day. You’re the only ones out there, and if you’re nervous, this gets you up and moving first thing. Plus, you’ll then have the rest of the day to explore Toronto.
Learn more about visiting the CN Tower here!
Calm your nerves afterward with a walk through Roundhouse Park across the street, and then grab food on the water. (We ate at Amsterdam Brewhouse - if there’s a long line, try sitting at the bar - but there are plenty of other restaurants to choose from, too. The Steam Whistle Biergarten in Roundhouse Park was packed and looked great.)
Not a green screen; We’re quite actually dangling over the edge of the building!
Humber Bay Shores Park & River Walk
Another great place for views of Toronto is Humber Bay Shores Park. (From various viewpoints along this river walk, you’ll actually get to see the CN Tower you just climbed.)
Walk along the river, take pictures of the Humber Bay Arch Bridge, and/or walk to one of many public beaches near Sunnyside Park.
If you'd prefer less of a water-focused stroll and to get more into the heart of the city, check out Trinity Bellwoods Park and walk Ossington Avenue to Queen Street.
Can you spot the CN Tower in the background?
Humber Bay Shores Park
Ossington Avenue
Suggestions from Locals
While visiting the swinging bridge at Belfountain Conservation Area (about an hour and a half from downtown Toronto), we met two locals who shared with us some of their top Toronto recommendations.
So courtesy of them, here are more ideas of things to do and see during your road trip to Toronto!
High Park
Tommy Thompson Park
Toronto Island Park
Her Father's Cider Bar + Kitchen
The Goodman Pub and Kitchen (patio should be dog friendly)
Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library (not open on weekends)
Pleasantville Curve (an hour outside of Toronto)
Note: If you decide to visit Belfountain (reservations required) during your trip, you may wish to visit Island Lake Conservation Area and Cheltenham Badlands (reservations required) at the same time. At the time of our visit, by buying entry into either the Cheltenham Badlands or Belfoundtain, you received free entry to Island Lake.
Swinging bridge at Belfountain Conservation Area
Happy Road Tripping!
Thanks for joining us on this fun road trip through Ontario, Canada!
From the powerful Niagara Falls to the picturesque vineyards of Niagara wine country and the bustling city of Toronto, we hope you’ve found something that has you excited to hit the open road and explore.
Happy road-tripping!
Plan Another Road Trip
Your turn!
We’re always looking for inspiration and would love to hear about your adventures, too!
What’s a road trip in the Ontario area you love, or which of these activities would you most love to do?
Or, what are YOUR favorite stops near Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Toronto? Please share with us in the comments below!
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