Niagara Falls: Boat Ride, Behind Falls & Skylon Tower

Three ways to see Niagara Falls in one morning, from the mist, the tunnels, and 520 feet up

You ride a boat into the mist of the Falls, descend 125 feet into the tunnels behind the Horseshoe, then ascend 520 feet to see all three falls from above: all in one morning with a small group and a local guide. Admission and the three main attractions are included, so you don't have to buy separate tickets or figure out the order yourself. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and public transit gets you to the starting point.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Journey Behind the Falls45m · entry included
2. Skylon Tower45m · entry included

Niagara Falls boat ride and views

• Visit Skylon Tower observation deck
• Explore Journey Behind the Falls tunnels
• Take Niagara Falls boat ride

The experience

What happens when you're standing on a boat 188 feet below the Horseshoe Falls and the spray hits so hard you can't see the person next to you? You stop thinking about the photo and just feel it. That's the Niagara Falls boat ride. You board a sturdy vessel (usually the iconic red Maid of the Mist or the newer Hornblower) and it takes you straight into the thundering heart of the water. The roar is louder than you expect. Your clothes get soaked. And somehow that's exactly why you came.

After the boat settles back at the dock, you head down: 125 feet below the surface into the tunnels and caverns behind the Horseshoe Falls at Journey Behind the Falls. The air changes. It's cooler, heavier, and the sound of the cascading water fills the space in a way that makes you feel small. You're standing inside the rock, watching the raw power of millions of gallons pour down on the other side of the stone. The Old Scow, a massive rusty-red rock formation stranded in the river just above the Falls, sits visible from certain angles: a reminder that even solid things don't always stay where they land.

The final stop is Skylon Tower's observation deck, 520 feet above the Falls. The elevator ride alone takes a minute, and when the doors open, you're looking down at all three falls at once (the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil) spread out in a panorama that makes the boat ride feel intimate and the tunnels feel like a secret. On a clear day, you can see across the Niagara landscape in all directions. Groups stay under 15 people, so you're not jostling through crowds, and the local guide knows which angles matter and when the light hits best. Admission is included, and the whole experience moves at a pace that lets you actually absorb each one instead of rushing between them.

What’s included

• Niagara Falls boat ride on a sturdy vessel cruising close to the 188-foot drop.
• admission to Journey Behind the Falls with tunnel access 125 feet below the surface.
• Skylon Tower observation deck at 520 feet with 360° views of the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls.
• small-group experience limited to 15 guests with local guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00, 13:00 and 16:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “We meet all the clients inside the Tower nearby Starbucks.”

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Niagara Falls Discovery Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see Niagara Falls from three completely different angles (water level, inside the rock, and high above) without arranging separate tickets or figuring out the logistics yourself. The small group size and included admission mean you move through each stop at a real pace instead of rushing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

How wet do you actually get on the Niagara Falls boat ride?

Very. The boat cruises close to the thundering waterfalls, and spray soaks passengers. Bring a waterproof bag for phones and cameras, and wear clothes you don't mind getting wet.

What is Journey Behind the Falls?

It's a tunnel system 125 feet below the surface that runs behind the Horseshoe Falls. You walk into caverns carved into the rock and feel the force of the cascading water from inside the cliff.

How high is Skylon Tower?

The observation deck is 520 feet above Niagara Falls. On clear days, you can see across the Niagara landscape in all directions and view all three falls (Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil) in one view.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

How many people are on the tour?

Groups are limited to 15 guests, which keeps the experience more personal and less crowded than larger tours.

What is included in the price?

Admission to all three attractions (the boat ride, Journey Behind the Falls, and Skylon Tower observation deck) is included.

Is public transportation available?

Yes. Public transportation options are available nearby to reach the tour starting point.

What should I bring?

A waterproof bag for electronics, a change of clothes or a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. The boat ride soaks you, and the tunnels involve some walking.