Niagara Falls: Boat Cruise, Skylon Tower & Maple Tasting

Boat into Niagara’s spray then taste maple with locals

You’ll feel Niagara’s power right from the boat deck as mist soaks your skin (poncho included!), glide up Skylon Tower for panoramic views, stroll past gardens and theaters along the parkway, then warm up with a maple syrup tasting led by locals. It’s not just sightseeing. You’ll actually feel part of it all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Skylon Tower45m · entry included
2. Niagara Fallspassing by

Niagara Falls boat ride and sightseeing

• Board Voyage to the Falls boat cruise
• Sail into the heart of Niagara Falls
• Take in views of American and Bridal Veil Falls
• View Canadian Horseshoe Falls from the boat
• Visit Skylon Tower observation decks
• Enjoy aerial views from the observation deck
• Drive along Niagara Parkway with narrated tour
• Stop at Queen Victoria Place and Oakes Garden Theater
• Pass Clifton Hill and Bird Kingdom
• Walk the White Water Walk
• Enjoy maple syrup tasting and guided tour

The experience

The first thing I remember is the sound: that deep, rolling thunder of Niagara Falls before you even see it. We were still walking down to the dock when our guide, Sam (born and raised in Niagara), handed out these bright red ponchos. I laughed because they looked flimsy but honestly, by the time we got close to Horseshoe Falls, I was grateful for every bit of plastic. The spray hit my face like cold pins and my glasses fogged up instantly. There’s something wild about being so close. I caught myself grinning at strangers on the boat just because we were all getting soaked together.

After drying off a little (my shoes squelched for hours), we headed over to the Skylon Tower. The elevator is all glass. You shoot up in under a minute and suddenly everything’s tiny: cars, trees, even the falls themselves look different from above. Sam pointed out Toronto on the horizon and some old wine estates near Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was windy up there and I kept losing track of time just watching the mist drift over Queen Victoria Park below. There’s something about seeing both sides of the border at once that makes you feel small in a good way.

I didn’t expect to care much about maple syrup, but at this local spot on what they called “the Maple Trail,” it smelled sweet and earthy inside, almost like toasted nuts. We tried three kinds (the darkest one tasted almost smoky) and there was chocolate too. Li, who ran the tasting, told us how her family taps trees every spring. She laughed when I tried to say “sugar shack” in French, probably butchered it. By then my shoes were dry again and I was sort of wishing I’d bought a bottle for home.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within downtown Niagara Falls, entry fees for all attractions including pre-reserved tickets for either the Voyage to the Falls boat cruise or its seasonal alternative, access to Skylon Tower’s observation decks via those quirky yellow bug elevators if selected, plus a guided maple syrup tasting with chocolate at a local producer: all in a small group led by an English-speaking local guide.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour plus Boat CruiseGuide in English · 09:30, 10:00, 14:00 and 15:30Take a ride into the mist of Niagara on this memorable boat trip that brings you as near as possible to the thundering waterfalls. (Seasonal) Pickup is included.

Tour with Boat and Skylon TowerGuide in English · 09:30, 10:00, 14:00 and 15:30The Niagara package with Boat and Skylon Tower gives you the complete experience, combining the boat cruise with a ride to the top of the Skylon Tower. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 10:00, 14:00 and 15:30Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Fallsview Tours Inc.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 2 years).

Is hotel pickup included for this Niagara Falls tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you're staying in downtown Niagara Falls.

What happens if the boat cruise is closed during winter?

The tour substitutes the boat ride with Journey Behind the Falls or Niagara Takes Flight during winter months (December to April).

How long does it take to reach Skylon Tower from Niagara Falls?

Skylon Tower is located near Niagara Falls. It's just a short drive or walk away as part of your day trip itinerary.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible for travelers with mobility needs.

Will we get wet during the boat cruise?

You will likely get wet from the falls' mist during the boat ride. Ponchos are provided but some spray may still reach you.

Is there a maple syrup tasting included?

Yes, you'll enjoy a guided maple syrup tasting with chocolate samples as part of your experience.