CANADA | Train excursion to Niagara Falls

In May and June 2023, we travelled from east to west across Canada. From Halifax in Nova Scotia to Montreal in Quebec, to Toronto in Ontario, to Vancouver and Whistler in British Columbia. Along the way some night trains and commuter trains, the Niagara Falls and – imagine this – a bus journey. A true Trans-Canada Train Trek.

I have known (the) Niagara Falls since I was a child. It features in ‘Superman II‘ from 1980. Yes, I am that old.

Although Danny and his parents had done the Falls in 2019, Sam and I hadn’t. So we did the excursion.

Presentation

Niagara Falls is a famous natural landmark located on the border between the United States of America and Canada. It consists of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are situated on the Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario.

The Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls, is the largest and most recognizable of the three. It is named for its distinctive horseshoe shape and is primarily located on the Canadian side of the border. The American Falls, as the name suggests, is situated entirely within the United States, and the Bridal Veil Falls is located between the other two falls.

Niagara Falls is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and the sheer volume of water that cascades over the falls. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The falls are illuminated at night, creating a spectacular display of lights, and various boat tours and observation decks allow visitors to experience the falls up close.

The area around Niagara Falls also offers numerous attractions, including parks, casinos, museums, and recreational activities. It is a significant source of hydroelectric power, with several power plants harnessing the energy of the falls. The natural beauty and power of Niagara Falls have made it an iconic landmark and a symbol of natural wonder.

Niagara Falls is sometimes referred as being part of a trio with Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe; and Iguazú Falls / Iguaçu Falls between Argentina and Brazil. Ot is also said you should first do Niagara Falls, then Victoria Falls, then Iguaçu.

Getting there by train

“The GO Train has a weekday commuter service that goes from Niagara Falls to Toronto in the morning, with weekend-only service runs that goes vice versa during the May long weekend and every weekend starting from July 1 to Labor Day“, Destination Toronto writes.

Amtrak and VIA Rail work together to offer “direct departures from Toronto, Cleveland and New York City to Niagara Falls daily, with a return service in the evening”.

We combined both. The GO Train in the morning was pretty full. The seats are not super comfortable for a slow, two-hour ride. Niagara Falls is not that far, but the tracks make a fast riding train impossible.

In the evening we took the Altrak train from New York, with a VIA Rail crew. The attendant at Niagara Falls Railway Station was very strict. Only people with a valid Amtrak or VIA Rail ticket allowed. There was no point trying to use a GO Train or Presto ticket. He repeated it several times. And people didn’t listen. For Danny and I this nitwit attitude from people is all too relatable.

The Amtrak train was much more comfortable, by the way.

In situ

So what is Niagara Falls like on site? You’ll probably start taking photos and videos from the promenade near the falls’ edge. And then, the most common thing to do is a ‘cruise’ to the Falls. Let’s get wet, girls.

The Government of Canada has tasked Niagara City Cruises with these. “The 20-minute Voyage to the Falls boat tour brings guests on the journey of a lifetime. Enjoy stunning views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, and come face-to-face with the famous Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Feel the thundering roar, awesome power, and amazing mist (a protective recyclable mist poncho is provided) that come along with these natural wonders or, ride after sunset for a light-mist experience with the illumination of the Falls.”

“All boarding is located at the Lower Landing in the Great Gorge. The entrance is located at the Niagara City Cruises Ticket Plaza at 5920 Niagara Parkway in Niagara Falls, Canada.”

So, there you know. We thought we were smart by buying tickets online, to skip the the line. Well, unfortunately the line for people with prepaid tickets was mega long. Quite disappointing. Luckily, the line advanced swiftly so we did not miss our time slot.

Even if it’s absolutely very touristy to do, the cruise is fun. You get a red poncho coming from Canada and blue one if you depart from the US side. You will get wet. People will scream. It’s fun.

Fair

So you did that. What next? Niagara Falls is one big fairgrounds. The streets nearby are full of attractions, fairground activities and mediocre to average restaurants. Not my cup of tea, but it kept us busy until it was time to head back to the station.

There is a WeGo bus service between those two. You can have it included in your GO Train ticket.