Niagara Falls Tour Review: Skylon Tower, the Thrill of Journey Behind the Falls & Whirlwind Boat Ride

Niagara Falls! Just the name conjures up powerful images, doesn’t it? Like, massive amounts of rushing water, and the mist that soaks everything and that feeling like nature is showing off its wild side? You get the picture, it is all this and loads more, it might just blow you away (sometimes literally, because that wind can be intense). A visit is almost like signing up for an experience, and there are a few popular ways to see the Falls that often get bundled together like a sightseeing trifecta. The Skylon Tower offers you a bird’s-eye view, then there’s the Journey Behind the Falls where you get to be so very close to all that cascading water, and, naturally, a boat ride that takes you right into the heart of the action. If you are pondering this particular combo, well, I can help you to plan out your next adventure! Let’s go through what you can probably expect.

The Skylon Tower View – Way, Way Up

OK, so let’s start at the top — literally. Skylon Tower, so they say, is pretty hard to miss. It sort of rises above everything else, and because of this, gives you the best kind of view of the area, is that right? Getting up there is actually half the fun because those glass-walled elevators zip you up at what seems like a crazy fast speed. Before you know it, you’re, like, hundreds of feet above the ground, peering out over Niagara Falls, New York, Canada, Lake Ontario too it’s almost as if you can see the whole world!

The observation deck, in a way, gives you plenty of room to move around and grab different views. You get the mighty Horseshoe Falls right in front of you, plus the American Falls, as a matter of fact, and even the Niagara River snaking off into the distance. Try to go up on a clear day, and you’re really in for something spectacular, because everything will be sharp and vibrant, in that case. They also have a revolving restaurant up there, it could be a fun option, although, admittedly, I haven’t personally tried it. From what I have heard it does make the whole dining-with-a-view thing feel pretty special. So that makes it very appealing.

Getting Intimate with the Falls – Journey Behind the Falls

After viewing it from above, going Behind the Falls really allows you to connect, at least somewhat, on a whole new level. Basically, you take an elevator down (way down!) and then walk through tunnels that have been carved right into the bedrock, might as well be like something from an adventure flick, eh? The climax is the viewing platforms, like the ones that are cut into the cliff face right behind Horseshoe Falls.

And that’s when it hits you. You cannot understand how loud it can get, it does almost feel like you’re standing next to a gigantic, roaring beast, that is the water pounding down right in front of you. The mist is intense. Have I said that enough times? You’ll be soaked pretty quickly, actually so consider that! They do give you ponchos, I have to be honest they may help a little bit but I did bring my own raincoat just in case. So you might just want to bring one, very! It’s truly the sort of sensory overload that will stay with you and that most will remember.

Taking a Boat Ride: Getting Up Close with Niagara

Now for that famous boat tour, I tell you what everyone talks about. There are a couple of different companies that operate these, very, Hornblower Niagara Cruises on the Canadian side. These tours get you as close as possible, in a way, to the base of the Falls. Get on board, and you’re sailing along the Niagara River, so, past the American Falls, and then toward the main event: Horseshoe Falls.

You do get a poncho again (color-coded depending on which boat tour you are on). Then prepare to get drenched! Seriously, though, the mist is like a constant rainstorm. Standing on the deck while that thing happens, in some respects, really gives you a sense of the Falls’ raw strength. The boat rocks and rolls with the water, and all around you, actually, are people laughing, screaming, and snapping pictures of that crazy view, is that right? That said, is all about the total experience, so!

Practical Things to Know for your Visit

OK, I’ve painted a pretty descriptive picture (hopefully), but here are some practical things you might want to know too it’s almost like getting there and maximizing your visit.

Timing is Important: Niagara Falls is, actually, a year-round destination, but peak season is summer, alright? That’s when everything is open, and the weather is usually nice. That also means crowds. If you would prefer, like, smaller crowds and cooler temperatures, you could also consider visiting in the spring or fall. Winter can be lovely too it’s almost like that snowy landscape, yet several of the outdoor attractions may be closed.
Tickets & Passes: You can, so they say, purchase tickets for each attraction individually, very! Niagara Falls Adventure Pass, that, basically, bundles several attractions together at a reduced price? It can be something great, that, basically, saves money if you are planning on seeing multiple things. Consider buying tickets online ahead of time to dodge the long lines, basically.
What to Wear: Be prepared, naturally, to get wet, right? Waterproof jackets are a pretty good option. Quick-drying clothes, that, are arguably more comfy than heavy jeans. Basically, you can wear whatever footwear you want, yet keep in mind it may get slippery and possibly soaked.
Getting Around: While the main tourist area is walkable, you might want to hop on the WEGO bus system in a way, basically, to get around more quickly. Or that to get to attractions further afield, you know. Parking, honestly, can be a pain, and that can get expensive, at the end of the day.
Food: Niagara Falls has a few places you might be familiar with, at the end of the day, from fast food to tourist-trap restaurants. Instead, walk a block or two away from the main drag and you can support a couple local businesses with good food, so!

Other Niagara Falls Sights

Skylon Tower, naturally, the Journey Behind the Falls and a boat ride get top billing, honestly, but there’s even more to Niagara Falls than just those things.

Clifton Hill: You will discover this is, basically, like, the town’s entertainment central, honestly, it is kind of tacky, yet a fun distraction. The amusement park rides are amazing, they feature wax museums, themed restaurants, arcades, basically all in that space! A fun place for that family with the youngsters, anyway, it might make the teens roll their eyes, right?
Niagara-on-the-Lake: Only a few minutes outside of Niagara Falls is the cute little town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Like that that quaint main street, its actually loaded with boutique shops, tea rooms, that offers you nice dining. Home to the Shaw Festival, is that right? it has lots of cultural appeal, really.
White Water Walk: This walk actually allows you to get close with class 6 rapids that, frankly, will boggle your brain! Check out the geological wonder known to some as Niagara Glen as well.

In a nutshell, it might look like this

So, doing Skylon Tower, Journey Behind the Falls, so, also doing the boat tour may feel somewhat touristy, because it all is, so. That that doesn’t take away the excitement. Like, if you really want a full, intense encounter with the greatness of Niagara Falls, they may not disappoint. Put it like this the Skylon Tower provides you the view. While, the Journey Behind the Falls delivers that thundering, water-in-your-face closeness. As for that boat tour brings the whole sensory explosion together! Honestly it is one of the iconic sightseeing things everyone just wants to do. So, I just shared what you could expect!

Here are the Highlights:

The Skylon Tower provides, seemingly, breathtaking panoramic views, might be the top attraction.
Journey Behind the Falls that puts you right next to the thundering water, and the ponchos barely help.
The boat ride, in a way, guarantees you’ll get soaked and feel exhilarated.
Basically, spring/fall are fantastic for avoiding the summer hordes.
Check into that Niagara Falls Adventure Pass actually for discounts at multiple tourist spots, in some respects, possibly will help to cut down on expenditures, right?