Niagara Falls Festival of Lights Tour from Toronto
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Toronto, Canada
- 10 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Witness the spellbinding beauty of Niagara Falls lit up at night in winter on this coach trip from Toronto. Start with a scenic drive through Niagara’s verdant wine region, and a stop for maple syrup tasting, en route to the falls. Opt for lunch or activities packages, or spend time exploring the Niagara Falls area. After dark, enjoy the Winter Festival of Lights at the Dufferin Islands.
- Avoid the hassle of driving back to Toronto after dark
- Make the most of winter in Ontario on a seasonal tour
- Stop at Maple Leaf Place to sample Canadian Maple Syrup
- Select a package at booking to suit your needs
What's Included
- Round-trip coach from downtown Toronto
- Professional, English-speaking tour guide
- Free time for self-guided exploration
- Maple syrup, fudge, chocolate tasting
- Guided illumination drive and commentary
- Climate controlled vehicle
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 55 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 1R7, Canada
Boarding for the tour will begin at 11:30 AM from 55 York St, Toronto, ON (right in front of Tim Hortons). Please be on time with your e-ticket and photo I.D ready
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.12:00 pm
Itinerary
Your journey to Niagara Falls begins in Toronto in the afternoon. As you approach Niagara Falls, take a scenic ride through the Niagara Peninsula, a region dotted with orchards and vineyards, where you stop for a tasting of maple syrup, fudge, and other sweet treats.
Once you arrive at Niagara Falls, head to Whirpool Rapids and the Table Rock Centre for impressive views of the falls. Take your pick of packages when booking. Opt for a gourmet lunch and entrance to the Journey Behind the Falls experience, if you like. Spend some free time exploring the area.
After dark, your guide escorts you to the captivating, colorful evening illumination show, the Winter Festival of Lights at the Dufferin Islands. On some evenings you can see a fireworks display over the falls.
The last stop will be free time on Clifton Hill, exploring the theme parks and other attractions as you wish.
Your tour ends with return coach service to central Toronto, arriving late in the evening.
Once you arrive at Niagara Falls, head to Whirpool Rapids and the Table Rock Centre for impressive views of the falls. Take your pick of packages when booking. Opt for a gourmet lunch and entrance to the Journey Behind the Falls experience, if you like. Spend some free time exploring the area.
After dark, your guide escorts you to the captivating, colorful evening illumination show, the Winter Festival of Lights at the Dufferin Islands. On some evenings you can see a fireworks display over the falls.
The last stop will be free time on Clifton Hill, exploring the theme parks and other attractions as you wish.
Your tour ends with return coach service to central Toronto, arriving late in the evening.
1
55 York St
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Maple Leaf Place
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Journey Behind the Falls
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
Table Rock Welcome Centre
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Dufferin Islands Park (Pass By)
5
Clifton Hill
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
6
Queen Victoria Park
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Toronto
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Itinerary is subject to change without notice
- This tour operates in all weather conditions
- All infants and toddlers traveling on our vehicles are required to occupy their own seat. For safety purposes, they must be secured in a government-approved car seat or booster seat appropriate for their age, height, and weight.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 55 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Volodymyr_T
It was great, the trip in general and falls in particular. It was a visit during the winter, and I would recommend to do it in a warmer season.
Reviews
4.5
based on 222 reviews
Tiffany_C, Dec 2025
Tour itself was great... but the texts about canceling it right before was annoying only to realize that it was a full tour bus with 20 people. Waiting to hear back about the refund for lunch that we weren't able to have...had to pay extra in cash to the tour guide to have a dinner at a hotel that wasn't even expecting us. We ended up at an ok dinner place, the view was so nice but the buffet style food was eehhhh.
This takes nothing away from Johnny the tour guide who was knowledgeable & awesome the whole time.
Went during a good time, cold but no lines.
Do recommend the tour!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Dear valued guest
Thank you for sharing such a detailed review. I’m very glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour overall, found Johnny knowledgeable and awesome throughout the day, and were able to experience the Falls at a quieter time with no lines.
I’m truly sorry, however, for the stress and frustration caused by the last-minute cancellation texts and the confusion around lunch and dinner. That’s not the smooth, well-coordinated experience we want for our guests.
The situation with the missed lunch, having to pay extra in cash, and being taken to a hotel restaurant that wasn’t prepared to receive you is especially concerning. Even if the view was nice, “just okay” buffet food and unclear arrangements are not up to the standard we aim to provide. We’ll be reviewing this with our team and partners to understand what went wrong and prevent a repeat.
Regarding the lunch refund you mentioned you’re still waiting on, we don’t want that to be left unresolved. At your convenience, please contact our customer care team with your booking reference, date of travel, and the name on the reservation so we can properly review the charges and ensure any owed refund or adjustment is processed.
Thank you again for recommending the tour in spite of these issues and for recognizing Johnny’s efforts—your kind words mean a lot and will be passed along to him. We hope we’ll have the chance to welcome you back for a much smoother experience from start to finish.
Kind regards, Stephanie
Tom_B, Sep 2024
I feel like the trip was missold as we skipped multiple listed points on the itinerary, with the only stop being the wine tasting and then Niagara Falls. We did not visit the Floral Clock, the Whirlpool, Queenston Heights Park, Table Rock Welcome Centre or the Power Station.
We also paid extra to have dinner as it was a trip for our anniversary, but I feel this was ruined by the fact we had to share a table with another couple on the trip, despite the restaurant not being busy, which made the whole experience awkward and not enjoyable. Had it been advertised that the meal would be communal, we wouldn’t have selected this option and we would have made our own arrangements.
Our driver and guide Michael was brilliant, very informative and kind throughout but overall I feel very let down with this tour.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Dear valued guest,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We sincerely apologize for the experience you had during your recent tour. It’s clear that we did not meet your expectations, and I understand how disappointing it must have been to miss several key points on the itinerary.
We strive to ensure our tours are both enjoyable and informative, and it is evident that we fell short in this instance. I am particularly sorry to hear about the inconvenience with the dinner arrangements. Your anniversary was an important occasion, and it’s unacceptable that the communal dining experience affected the enjoyment of your special meal.
I’m glad to hear that Michael, your driver and guide, provided excellent service, and I will be sure to pass along your compliments to him. However, we understand that this does not compensate for the issues you experienced.
We are reviewing this situation thoroughly to address these shortcomings and prevent them from happening again in the future.
Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding as we work to improve our services.
Best regards,
Stephanie
Jamika_W, Jul 2024
My group did not pass the vibe check. We had a few who could've save their money and our time by not coming.
The driver was great and the guide was good too. However, I don't like being dropped off places when I paid for a guide. The guide kinda just passed us off to people. The dinner wasn't mind blowing to say the least. I didn't enjoy it at all and no one else seemed moved by it. It was a buffet style meal. The Falls fireworks lasted 5 minutes max. If I come back I'll be taking a different tour.
This tour was definitely overpriced. This review has NOTHING to do with the performance of the guide or driver but moreso the company!!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear valued guest,
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us.
We're sorry to hear that your experience didn't meet your expectations. We value your input and take your concerns seriously.
It's great to hear that you found both the driver and the guide to be competent, but we regret that certain aspects of the tour, such as the dinner and the overall value, were disappointing.
We strive to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for all our guests, and it's clear we missed the mark in some areas during your visit.
Your comments about the dinner and the tour structure will be carefully reviewed as we continuously work to improve our offerings.
We understand your frustration with the fireworks and will consider your feedback in future planning.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate your honesty.
If you decide to give us another chance in the future, we would love the opportunity to provide a better experience.
Thank you again for taking the time to leave your review.
Kind regards,
Stephanie
DARIA_T, Jul 2024
Was a really late. Came at 5.30 pm. to Niagara Falls, missed a lot of time. Traffic Friday. Driver was very polite. But needed to push people a little more to be in time on a bus.
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear valued guest,
Thank you for your feedback.
We apologize for the delay in arriving at Niagara Falls and any inconvenience it may have caused. Traffic on Fridays can be challenging, but we understand the importance of making the most of your time at the Falls. We're glad to hear that the driver was polite. We'll work on ensuring that our schedules are better maintained and that guests are more promptly guided back to the bus. We appreciate your understanding and hope to provide a smoother experience on your next visit.
Kind regards,
Stephanie
Volodymyr_T, Feb 2024
It was great, the trip in general and falls in particular. It was a visit during the winter, and I would recommend to do it in a warmer season.
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Dear Volody,
Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review about your recent tour with Gray Line Toronto.
We look forward to welcoming you to another tour with us in the future.
Kind regards,
Crystal Sheriff
Jonathan_J, Nov 2019
Had a wonder experience or this trip. We were celebrating my wife's birthday and we were not disappointed.
Response from Host, Jan 2020
What a great way to spend a birthday! We are particularly fond of Niagara Falls at night, and we're happy to have share this with you!
Carlos_N, Oct 2019
The twilight cruise to the Falls is the best. The Falls are lit with warm colors that bring the already vibrant natural waters to even greater life beneath the evening light shrouded by the awesome mist of the roiling water, punctuated by the thunder of the falling water.
Alana_P, Sep 2019
The bus was an hour delayed, but still found time to take us to the winery to try ice wine (delicious). View from the deck on the Sheraton dinner was awesome but the food was not worth it - next time I would get the package without food. Honestly all in all, this was probably the best deal to see everything at the Falls. Will do it again next time
Nicki_C, Jun 2019
I really this tour. We did the boat trip in the daytime and got to see the fireworks and the falls lit up at night. We had a ice wine tasting at Trius Winery and a fantastic dinner overlooking the falls.
Baxter97, Jun 2019
Great tour for first time Niagara Falls visitors
Great guide and the buffet was wonderful
A lot of sitting on the bus but totally worth it
JeraldL_L, Jul 2018
After a 5 hour(!) bus ride to the Niagara area due to Sunday afternoon traffic, the tour guide insisted we stop at the winery even though we were running horribly behind. This forced us to choke down the buffet dinner in 20 minutes then rush over to the boats. The tour was terribly disorganized - good luck getting that free bag and bottled water (no granola bars in any bags)- the guide handed them out to the first half of the bus then stopped. Even though the guide was very clear on the times everyone was supposed to be back on the bus after the few stops, we still waited, waited, and waited for stragglers which caused us to be even further behind. If you are considering this trip, it is easier, cheaper and less stressful to take the GO train to and from Toronto to Niagara Fall instead. We have taken many Viator tours and loved many of them, but this one had to be the worst. Sorry guys.
Kelly B, Jun 2018
Eva was an amazing guide! The food and the views were wonderful!
We will definitely be coming back again!
parry_r, Dec 2017
Wonderful day trip, the highlight must be a trip by boat to the foot of the falls.
The only reason for not giving a higher rating is that the light show was almost non existent.
Carmen M, Oct 2017
Highly recommend this tour, it was amazing and very professional.
Cheryl E, Oct 2017
The trip was amazing. The tour guide was very good. The horseshoe rapids were very good and a nice little shop. The trip to the falls was nice with lovely scenery. The falls were amazing seeing them during the day.The trip on Boat was amazing and I enjoyed getting close and wet. The meal was very nice. The falls at night with the extra fireworks was truely amazing. I loved the tour would recommend this tour.
simon_harrington, Sep 2017
Excellent tour. We travelled early afternoon and did the boat trip to the falls in daylight and then saw the lights in the evening after nightfall from Niagara town which I would recommend as you get best of both worlds and being up close to the falls in daylight is probably a better experience. We had excellent driver and tour guide who was very knowledgeable. Drive to the winery and through the village of Niagara on the Lake was a great additional part of the day and the meal we had in Niagara, at the Sheraton, was superb. Great day and thoroughly recommend it.
Alyson S, Sep 2017
Really well thought out day with just the right amount of free time. Maid of the mist tour is a real experience and Buffet meal and tour guide David were excellent
TheRaysort, Aug 2017
We enjoyed this tour and David our guide was excellent however, the description of the tour on Viator is misleading. It states the tour is approximately 9 1/2 hours. It was 11:45 before we were dropped off at our hotel and even later for those who were picked up at the bus terminal for the 1:00 tour commencement. The description gave the impression that we would be dining while viewing the illuminated falls. This was not the case. We ate first and took the cruise afterward. It was not possible to take a promenage along the deck as you float along the majestic Niagara River and if you stayed inside to avoid getting wet you could not admire unobstructed views. We definitely did not view the Whirlpool Rapids, but only saw the American Falls, Bridal Vail and Horseshoe Falls. After the cruise we had two hours of free time. I would have preferred spending those two hours visiting additional wineries or returning to our hotel earlier.
smadams, Aug 2017
A MUST do!! This tour is such an awesome experience!!! We stayed in Toronto, and wanted to tour Niagara Falls. This tour allowed us to see how beautiful Niagara Falls is during the day and night. The 30 minute, boat ride was so much fun, expect to get wet they do provide rain coats! The food at the buffet was great. We were able to get a couple hours of free time to do more site seeing. They picked us up on a coach bus, the ride lasted about 1.5 hours. They also provided us with a drawstring bag, bottled water and granola bar :-
David P, Aug 2017
David our guide was superb. Boat tour, buffet dinner and fireworks were fabulous
missjayo5, Aug 2017
The tour guide was amazing. The wine tasting was GREAT! We had the opportunity to taste ice wine for the first time and it was good. There wasn't enough time to stop for the helicopter ride but the tour guide made an effort to give the option for individuals who wanted to stay and stated he would come back later. The boat ride near the falls was awesome. The only the thing I would've changed was the food option at the buffet.
Susan S, Jul 2017
This is a MUST!! The stop on the way for a wine tasting was a nice touch. Very knowledgeable guide. The best value! Plenty of time to explore on your own. Ponchos are helpful but you still get soaked.
Mary, Jun 2017
This tour was amazing. Our guide was informative and very engaging. The winery stop was interesting. The falls were stunning especially at night. Lots of free time to wander the town - very much designed like a mini Las Vegas. The dinner was Ok But wouldn't do it again. Many other better options.
Slawomir M, Jun 2017
Excellent organization, Excellent guide, Excellent food and Excellent views and Memories! Highly recommented!!!
Davetommo, Nov 2016
This was billed as better than the day trip, having not done a day trip I can't say, however this experience was frankly outstanding, the quick visit to the winery for ice wine was great, loads of time at the falls, no queue at the boat trip, stunning, you will get wet, guaranteed, but not surprising. The buffet was outstanding. Loads of free time as well to look around. Not to forget the tour guide who was keen, knowledgeable and very amusing, this was a holiday of a lifetime and this trip did not disappoint.... If you can afford it the helicopter option is worth every penny.
Susan R, Oct 2016
This tour was poorly planned. I understand it was due to the night coming earlier. We arrived and had some time to get wet looking at the Falls from the promenade, then at 5:30 we were rushed off for dinner at the Sheraton. The food was a buffet and was very good. But we had little time to relax and enjoy it and I had to abandon my coffee when we were whisked away for our boat trip. The boat experience lasted around 15 minutes. Then it was about 6:00pm and we had to wait till around 9:00pm for the Falls to be illuminated. I guess people were expected to go to the mini Las Vegas for a spot of gambling, then hang around till 10:00pm to see some fireworks.
It was a long drawn out evening and we didn't get back to Toronto until after midnight.
First of all, the parkland leading up to the Falls was very attractive and I wouldn't have minded half an hour there just to have a wander. Then we should have had the boat ride before dinner. The length of the ride was disappointing but since we got wet and cold I guess I wouldn't have wanted to stay longer. Dinner should have been AFTERWARDS considering the length of time we had to hang around, especially as some of us had come for the Falls and not for the gambling. So overall it was poorly organised.
The illuminations were ok, but only took a few minutes to look at, and the fireworks were a bit neff and not as spectacular as I've seen at Blickling.
The Falls themselves are amazing, and the true extent is experienced from the boat. But this mini Las Vegas-style environment that has grown up around them is exploitation of a natural resource and denigrates an amazing natural phenomena.
I believed that the tour would consist of a boat ride, dinner on the boat, and a greater experience of the Falls that way.
If you can drive, drive there and experience it at your own pace. The added illuminations and fireworks do nothing to add to the experience, only drags out a long day, so a day tour may work better.
Karrie D, Oct 2016
Really enjoyed, picked up right from hotel no worries. Tour guide told us exactly what to do and where to be so we had plenty of time to see the town out on our own to do some shopping and fun things.
Richard W, Sep 2016
A it too long from 12.30pm to 1am early dinner thought viewing lights and fireworks over dinner but otherwise ok
Jean S, Sep 2016
The vineyard visit was OK as a break in the journey, but the wine very expensive. However, the falls were spectacular and the buffet dinner superb. Boat trip was included and there was plenty of time to explore. Don't normally like coach travel, but this was comfortable. Worth the money.
Margaret A, Sep 2016
Falls are spectacular! Problems with our tour. The P.A. system did not work and we could not hear our guide which made it difficult to get intructions. The 20 minute tour of the winery was not worth it. After the Ice wine tasting and discussion there was no time to taste or purchase anything else. Should either allow more time or drop from tour. The Falls View Dinner was a dissapointment. Only 2 tables in our group were at the windows, the others up to 5 rows back. The dining area was almost empty and we all could have been accomidated but I was told we had to take the tables assigned to the group so no falls view for me!!! There was too much time, 3 hours between our boat tour and departure at 10:15. No suggested activities, points of interest nor maps given to help us. Most of us spent the last hour or two in the hotel lobby. Maybe the schedule should be adjusted?
From $74.41
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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