Niagara Falls: Boat Cruise, Skylon Tower & Maple Tasting

Summary

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.

What’s the experience like?

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 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

Top questions

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.

Are children allowed on this day trip to Niagara Falls?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome on this tour.

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.

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.