Niagara Falls, Canada: 3-Day Itinerary (May 9–11, 2026)

Niagara Falls, ON · Saturday, May 9, 2026

Arrival & Niagara Falls Highlights

7:30 AM:

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant with views over the park; try their signature pancakes while planning the morning.

8:30 AM:

Stroll the scenic promenade to Table Rock Welcome Centre and take in the morning light on the Horseshoe Falls while snapping photos.

9:15 AM:

Board the seasonal Journey Behind the Falls for the behind-the-water vantage points and the roaring tunnel experience.

10:30 AM:

Walk or take the WEGO bus to Queen Victoria Park for flowerbeds and viewpoints; rest on a bench and enjoy panoramic vistas of both American and Horseshoe Falls.

11:15 AM:

Visit Niagara Parks Power Station for an interactive guided tour about the history of hydroelectric power and superb interpretive exhibits.

12:30 PM:

Lunch at Table Rock House Restaurant with close-up views of the Horseshoe Falls; sample local Niagara wines by the glass or enjoy their fish special while seated near the windows.

1:30 PM:

Experience the iconic Hornblower Niagara Cruises (seasonal) - board at the Niagara City Cruises dock for a mist-drenched ride toward the base of the falls and dramatic photo opportunities.

2:30 PM:

Dry off and explore the interactive exhibits at the Great Canadian Midway on Clifton Hill for a fun, retro arcade break or take in the views from the Niagara SkyWheel for panoramic vistas.

3:30 PM:

Wander the historic Queen Street shops and galleries in the Fallsview area; pop into the Niagara Brewing Company tasting room for a local craft beer sampler.

4:30 PM:

Take the elevator down to the Journey Behind the Falls exit area again for a quieter late-afternoon perspective and to stroll the lower promenade along the river.

5:15 PM:

Return to your hotel for a short rest and freshen up; if staying with a fallsview room, enjoy the changing light over the Horseshoe Falls from the balcony.

6:00 PM:

Dinner at AG Inspired Cuisine (Fallsview) for a refined farm-to-table meal featuring Niagara produce and regional wines; reserve a window table for evening fall views if possible.

7:00 PM:

Walk the illuminated promenade to Table Rock Lookout for twilight views of the lit falls, then pause at Queen Victoria Park to watch the colors change on the Horseshoe Falls.

7:45 PM:

Catch the nightly Falls Illumination show from the best vantage point near Table Rock House Restaurant or the promenade; photograph the cascading water bathed in vibrant lights.

8:30 PM:

Head to Skylon Tower for cocktails on the observation deck; enjoy a rotating panorama of the illuminated falls and the city lights below.

9:30 PM:

For a lively evening, stroll to Clifton Hill for games at the Great Canadian Midway or dessert at BeaverTails-a classic Canadian pastry stop popular with visitors.

10:30 PM:

Return to Fallsview and finish the night with a nightcap at Illinois Street Social Club or on your hotel's balcony, listening to the distant roar of the falls as you unwind.

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Niagara Falls, ON · Sunday, May 10, 2026

Falls Boat Tour & Clifton Hill

7:30 AM:

Start with breakfast at Brasa Peruvian BBQ for a flavor-packed morning or grab coffee and pastries at Third Drawer Down before heading out to the waterfront.

8:15 AM:

Walk the riverside promenade toward the boat docks and stop for photos at Queen Victoria Park looking across to the Horseshoe Falls in the soft morning light.

9:00 AM:

Board the seasonal Hornblower Niagara Cruises at the Niagara City Cruises dock for the misty, up-close boat experience - bring a waterproof layer and your camera for dramatic shots.

10:15 AM:

After returning to shore, dry off and explore the interactive displays at Table Rock Welcome Centre, learning about the geology and history of the falls while enjoying close-up viewing platforms.

11:00 AM:

Take the short walk to Journey Behind the Falls to descend the tunnels and stand on the observation decks for a thunderous behind-the-water perspective.

11:45 AM:

Pause for a light mid-morning snack or early lunch at Table Rock House Restaurant with views of the Horseshoe Falls - try a local charcuterie plate and a Niagara wine by the glass.

12:30 PM:

Walk toward the lively Clifton Hill strip and enjoy an upbeat lunch at Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls or grab gourmet poutine at Mr. O'Toole's while people-watching.

1:30 PM:

Step into the retro arcade fun at the Great Canadian Midway for games and a quick adrenaline boost, then ride the nearby Niagara SkyWheel for elevated views of the falls in daylight.

2:15 PM:

Visit the whimsical Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium for a light, curiosity-driven hour of odd exhibits and interactive displays perfect for families or the curious traveler.

3:15 PM:

Take a short taxi or walk to White Water Walk and stroll the boardwalk along the gorge to watch Class 6 rapids and learn about the river's powerful currents from interpretive panels.

4:15 PM:

Head back toward Fallsview and stop at Niagara Brewing Company for a tasting flight of local beers and a chance to relax while enjoying views of the skyline.

5:15 PM:

If you're up for a thrill, pre-book the Zipline to the Falls for an exhilarating ride toward the basin; otherwise take a calm riverside stroll past Queen Victoria Park to soak in late-afternoon light.

6:00 PM:

Dine at The Keg Steakhouse & Bar (Fallsview) for a classic steak or seafood entree with panoramic windows overlooking the illuminated falls; book a reservation for a window table to catch sunset colors.

7:15 PM:

Take a leisurely twilight walk through Queen Victoria Park, pausing at the Table Rock promenade to watch the first colors of the nightly illumination wash over the Horseshoe Falls.

8:00 PM:

Experience the nightly Falls Illumination from the vantage of Table Rock Lookout or the lower promenade for unobstructed views and excellent photo opportunities as lights change on the water.

8:45 PM:

Head up to the observation deck at Skylon Tower for post-illumination city lights and a cocktail at the lounge while the falls glow below; the rotating view keeps the scene dynamic.

9:45 PM:

For a lively evening option, stroll to Clifton Hill for bright lights, arcade games at the Great Canadian Midway, or grab a late dessert at BeaverTails to enjoy while wandering the strip.

10:30 PM:

Unwind with a nightcap at Illinois Street Social Club or return to your hotel fallsview balcony to listen to the roar of the falls and reflect on the day's highlights.

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Niagara-on-the-Lake / Niagara Falls, ON · Monday, May 11, 2026

Wine Country & Departure

7:30 AM:

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Balzac's Coffee Roasters in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake, pairing a strong pour-over with a fresh pastry while planning the winery route.

8:15 AM:

Stroll the charming streets of Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake, popping into boutique shops and taking photos of the historic streetscapes before the crowds arrive.

9:00 AM:

Arrive at Peller Estates Winery for a guided vineyard tour; learn about Niagara's cool-climate vines and finish with a structured tasting of icewine and reserve vintages.

10:30 AM:

Drive or cycle a short distance to Inniskillin Wines for a behind-the-scenes look at icewine production and a tasting flight highlighting their signature varietals.

11:30 AM:

Head to Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate for a cellar tour and a scenic tasting on their terrace, sampling contemporary blends while enjoying vineyard views-perfect timing to decide on a light lunch.

12:30 PM:

Have an early lunch at The Olde Angel Inn (or their patio if weather permits) for classic pub fare and local charm before returning to Niagara Falls or heading to your departure point.

1:30 PM:

Drive back toward Niagara Falls and pause at Dundurn House for a brief historic-house stroll and shaded gardens - a calm interlude before returning to the riverfront.

2:15 PM:

Visit White Water Walk for a boardwalk stroll along the Niagara River gorge; watch the Class 6 rapids and read the interpretive panels about the river's geology and power.

3:15 PM:

Head to Table Rock Welcome Centre to enjoy the close-up falls viewpoints and the indoor exhibits; sip a coffee at the café while taking in the misty panorama of Horseshoe Falls.

4:00 PM:

Take the short walk to the Journey Behind the Falls vantage area for late-afternoon light and quieter viewing platforms, capturing different photos than the morning visit.

4:45 PM:

Stop by Queen Victoria Park for a leisurely walk among the flowerbeds and memorials, finding a bench to relax and watch the river flow as the day begins to cool.

5:30 PM:

Dine early at Queenston Heights Restaurant (or a Fallsview bistro if preferred) for a relaxed meal using local ingredients and a final toast to the trip with a Niagara wine.

6:30 PM:

Return to your hotel to collect luggage and freshen up; if you have time, enjoy a last balcony moment overlooking the falls or river to savor the sound one more time.

7:15 PM:

Depart for your onward travel - whether driving out of Niagara or heading to the airport, leave with directions, traffic checks, and time to spare for a stress-free journey home.

7:00 PM:

Enjoy a relaxed, early-evening tasting and small-plate pairing at Two Sisters Vineyards restaurant terrace, savoring a final flight of local wines while watching vineyard shadows lengthen.

8:00 PM:

Take a gentle stroll along Queen Street back toward the waterfront, popping into boutique shops that stay open late and pausing for a gelato or coffee at Balzac's Coffee Roasters.

8:45 PM:

Drive or return to Niagara Falls and stop at Table Rock Welcome Centre to capture the falls under evening light and enjoy a warm beverage from the onsite café as mist drifts by.

9:15 PM:

Find a vantage near Queen Victoria Park to watch the nightly Falls Illumination, photographing the cascading water as it cycles through vibrant colors and reflecting on the trip's highlights.

9:45 PM:

Head up to the observation level at Skylon Tower for a final panoramic view of the illuminated falls and city lights while enjoying a dessert or nightcap at the lounge.

10:30 PM:

Return to your hotel for packing and a last moment on your balcony or at the Fallsview promenade to listen to the falls' roar before bed, sipping a final glass of Niagara wine if you like.

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