Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular destinations on the planet. Spanning across the US-Canadian border, the massive waterfalls are truly an incredible sight. The entire region is gorgeous as well. You have a couple of options for how you do this trip.
Most people choose to either start from New York City or Toronto and heads towards the famous falls. You can mix and match on this 5-day itinerary doing a round trip to either starting city or using it as a launching point for your next big coast to coast adventure!
Before We Begin: A Few Niagara Falls Essential Tips
Niagara Falls is an extremely popular tourist destination. Even outside peak seasons, it can still be pretty crowded so plan accordingly. There are many places to view the falls from—since they are massive. But make sure you give yourself plenty of time to navigate the traffic of the area.
If you plan on crossing from the US into Canada or vice versa, make sure you have your passport. Furthermore, check to make sure your RV rental contract allows you to travel into other countries. You’ll also need to verify with your insurance provider as well. Since both the American and Canadian sides of Niagara are so closely connected, it shouldn’t be a problem but it’s best to make sure before you head out. You can always cross the border on foot and explore the other side.
Day 1: Toronto
Whether this is your first time in Toronto or you’ve been there many times, there’s no shortage of amazing things to do here. Toronto has a little something for everyone, but since you’re headed to great outdoors why not take today to enjoy the exciting art and culture scene of the city? In the morning, you can check out the Royal Ontario Museum—Canada’s largest museum of world culture, natural history, and art all in one place. From here, you can sightsee around the city checking out famous spots like the St. Lawrence Market, Nathan Phillips Square, and the Distillery District. Check out Izumi—Ontario’s first sake brewery!
Day 2: Toronto - Hamilton
Hamilton’s an easy 1.5-hour drive from Toronto. Compared to the big city, Hamilton will seem small but it's rich in culture and history and sits surrounded by gorgeous nature. You’ll also be just a short distance away from the falls. Don’t worry, you’ll get there soon. In Hamilton, there are two fantastic spots you have to check out. The first is the Royal Botanical Gardens. The largest botanical garden in Canada, these parks are magnificent places where you can savor great nature trails and the beautiful scenery.
Not too far from here is the HMCS Haida National Historic Site. The is Canada’s most famous battleship serving from 1943 to 1963 in WWII, the Korean War and the Cold War. You can dig into history on board this famous ship. Hamilton has a few RV parks. Most people enjoy Gulliver’s Lake RV Park which features fantastic amenities and is located close enough to the lake for swimming in the warmer months.
Day 3: Hamilton to Niagara-on-the-Lake
When most of us think of Niagara, the image of the massive falls probably comes to mind. While that’s what the area is most famous for, it’s also home to over 100 other waterfalls of varying heights. Leaving Hamilton, drive the short distance to Niagara and check out the famous viewing platforms. However, you’re headed to Bruce Trail which will take you to some of the secret waterfalls of the area.
Then head to the town of Niagara-on-the-lake. Here you can try delicious local wines from producers like Peller Estates, Inniskillin, and Lake View Wine Co. You can dine right on the lake and enjoy the nightly fireworks display at 10 pm (weekdays only). You have your choice of few campgrounds including a provincial park or the many amenities of Niagara RV rentals
Day 4-5: Niagara Falls Outdoor Adventures
There are so many different ways you can experience the falls. If you're ready to get the adrenaline pumping then out ziplining. You’ll be able to soar through the sky with a spectacular view of the falls right in front of you. It’s a truly one of a kind experience. You can also check out both the helicopter and boat tours of the falls. In the afternoon, get ready to fuel up and head down the serene Niagara Parkway.
This stunning drive alone makes the trip worth it. And if you're looking for another taste of excitement you can jump on the Whirlpool Jet Boat which will take you across some of Niagara class 5 rapids. Then you can unwind in your RV and have a little barbecue to wrap up these fun-filled days.
Day 6: Niagara to Toronto
Take one morning to explore the fun activities and beauty of the falls. There’s so much more you can do here from exploring Lake Ontario to digging into more spot along Niagara Parkway and more. Then time to head back towards Toronto. There’s even more to experience here. You can head out to the Toronto Islands or Casa Loma. Outside of Toronto is even more of the majestic Canadian countryside with many great RV campgrounds perfectly located for you to enjoy it.
Bonus: Niagara to New York City
If you have some extra time then cruise down to New York City (or to Toronto if you’re coming from there). Upstate New York has many spectacular places you can check out from the Adirondack Mountains and Albany down to America’s biggest city. You can even make it a full circle and head across the Northeast before winding into Montreal and back over to Toronto for a truly incredible RV adventure.
