Niagara Falls Boat Ride VIP Boarding & Journey Behind the Falls

Niagara Falls , Canada

Niagara Falls Boat Ride VIP Boarding & Journey Behind the Falls

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(477 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Be first on the morning boat ride and claim the best spots before the crowds board! This VIP Early access on a Niagara Falls boat ride means you can take the best onboard photos ....and enjoy front row mists! The 20 minute cruise around the falls can drench anyone adventuring near enough.

Following the Niagara City Cruise, your guide will immerse you in the history and stories of the Falls and point out key landmarks that define the Falls, and you'll enjoy more iconic vantage points you'll want to capture with your camera.

Table Rock Visitor Center is next where you’ll get to enter the Journey Behind the Falls experience. With a pre-booked time slot, climb right down the stairs into the rocky caves behind Niagara Falls where crashing water reverberates through the tunnels. The path leads to a ledge on the side of the falls where you can feel the true power of 3,160 tons of water a second as it comes cascading down close by.

Available options

First Niagara Boat

First Niagara Boat & JBTF

What's included

Local English-speaking guide

Niagara City Cruises poncho

Journey Behind the Falls ticket

Live guide audio

Skip-the-line First Elevator

Expertly guided walking tour

Niagara City Cruise ticket

Detailed itinerary

See Niagara Falls up close on a stunning boat cruise followed by a guided walking tour and visit to Journey Behind the Falls. This ultimate Niagara Falls tour with special access to the first elevator of the day. This journey brings you 19 stories down into the gorge, complete with panoramic views, meaning you’ll be the first ones down to the docks and personally escorted onto the Niagara City Cruises boat. Once on the boat, you get to pick the best possible viewing spot before the crowds arrive. A complimentary poncho is included and trust us you’ll need it! The 20 minute cruise around the falls can drench anyone adventuring near enough.

Stop 2

Following the Niagara City Cruise, your guide will immerse you in the history and stories of the Falls as you take a walking tour around the boardwalk. Your guide will point out key landmarks that define the Falls, and you'll enjoy more iconic vantage points you'll want to capture with your camera.

Stop 3

Next, visit Table Rock Visitor Center for pre-reserved entry to the Journey Behind the Falls. Descend the stairs into rocky caves behind Niagara Falls, where crashing water echoes through the tunnels. Reach a ledge beside the falls, experiencing the awe-inspiring force of 3,160 tons of cascading water up close.

What's not included

Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

198 reviews

5★

160

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

279 reviews

5★

262

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour.

Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs.

Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations; please refer to the government website in the country of your tour for the most up-to-date information.

This is a walking tour, guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace, you'll cover roughly 2 Km (1 mi). We encourage appropriate footwear for uneven surfaces.

Please note that this tour takes place entirely outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. We recommend dressing appropriately for the season. Winter months in particular can be quite cold, be prepared to remain outside for the majority of the tour’s duration.

Meeting point

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at 5920 Niagara Parkway - Niagara City Cruises Main Ticket Plaza. Look for the white sails beside the Zipline Tower.

Important notes

- The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- Tours run rain or shine. Ponchos are available on City Cruises Boat and Journey Behind the Falls. You will get close to the waterfall. Be prepared to get wet.
- This is a walking tour, guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace, you'll cover roughly 2 Km (2 mi). We encourage appropriate footwear for uneven surfaces.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs.
- Limited restroom availability, please go prior to your tour and ensure you are ready for the tour when you arrive at the meeting point.
- Please note that this tour takes place entirely outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. We recommend dressing appropriately for the season. Winter months in particular can be quite cold, be prepared to remain outside for the majority of the tour’s duration.

About Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous natural attractions in the world, known for its breathtaking waterfalls and scenic beauty. The area around Niagara Falls offers a mix of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and family-friendly entertainment, making it a versatile destination for all types of travelers.

Top Attractions

Niagara Falls

The main attraction, featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Offers stunning views and various activities.

Nature 2-4 hours Free to view, activities range from $10-$40 CAD

Clifton Hill

A vibrant street filled with attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Entertainment 2-3 hours Free to walk, attractions range from $10-$30 CAD

Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

A tropical garden filled with thousands of butterflies from around the world.

Nature 1-2 hours $20 CAD

Must-Try Local Dishes

BeaverTails

Fried dough pastry stretched to resemble a beaver's tail, topped with various sweet toppings.

Dessert Vegetarian (check for specific toppings)

Poutine

Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.

Main Course Vegetarian (check for specific variations)

Popular Activities

Hiking in Niagara Glen White-water rafting Zip-lining Wine tasting Spa treatments Scenic boat tours Visiting museums and galleries Attending theater performances

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the most popular time to visit, with warm weather and all attractions fully operational. However, it can be crowded.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, French
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Niagara Falls is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or deals that seem too good to be true
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services

Getting there

By air

Toronto Pearson International Airport • 130 km (81 miles)
Buffalo Niagara International Airport • 30 km (19 miles)

By train

Niagara Falls VIA Rail Station

By bus

Niagara Falls Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient, with routes to major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Niagara Falls Niagara-on-the-Lake

Day trips

Niagara-on-the-Lake

20 km (12 miles) • Half day to full day

A charming historic town known for its wineries, historic sites, and Shakespearean theater.

Toronto

130 km (81 miles) • Full day

Canada's largest city offers a mix of cultural attractions, shopping, and dining.

Festivals

Winter Festival of Lights • Mid-November to late January Niagara Icewine Festival • January

Pro tips

Visit the falls early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Consider purchasing a Niagara Falls Adventure Pass for discounted entry to multiple attractions
Explore the area beyond the falls, including Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Niagara Glen Nature Centre
Try local specialties like ice wine and BeaverTails
Check for seasonal events and festivals that may enhance your visit