Great fall drive from Niagara to Toronto
Travel from Niagara’s majestic waterfalls and lush vineyards to downtown cityscapes in Toronto on a gorgeous Canadian fall adventure.
Niagara Falls | Niagara Falls Tourism
Stop 1: Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is famed for its breathtaking waterfalls: The Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and the American and Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side. With 28 million litres of water cascading every second, it boasts the highest flow rate in the world.
On the Ontario side, enjoy stunning views of the 170-foot-high (52-metre) Horseshoe Falls from multiple vantage points.
Attractions and activities
Niagara City Cruises
Cruise so close to the mighty Niagara waterfalls that you’ll feel the mist on your face and the thundering roar in your chest.
Location: 5920 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
Aero Whirlpool Aero Car
Ride across the Niagara River in an antique cable car and take in views of the swirling whirlpool and rapids below with stunning fall foliage beyond.
Location: 3850 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls Power Station
This decommissioned facility has been transformed into an incredible landmark attraction with immersive exhibits, including a vast underground tunnel that leads to an observation deck at the river’s edge, located at the base of Horseshoe Falls.
Location: 7005 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
Niagara Helicopter Tours
Get a bird’s eye view of the falls and the surrounding area bathed in fall foliage. On a clear day, you’ll see the outline of Toronto to the north and the shores of Lake Erie to the south.
Location: 3731 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls
Restaurants and wineries
Weinkeller
An upscale craft winery and restaurant that serves a seasonal, local and fully customizable menu.
Location: 5633 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls
Mcuire
Enjoy the fusion of flavours of authentic Nigerian and Ghanaian cuisine, with a Canadian twist, at this award-winning African-themed restaurant.
Location: 3876 Main Street, Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls Revolving Restaurant
Continental cuisine is served at over 750 feet (228 metres) above the falls in the Skylon Tower dining room, which rotates at one revolution per hour for maximum panoramic impact. Evening seating is extra special with the falls illuminated in colour.
Location: 52 Robinson Street, Niagara Falls
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery
A multi-generational family-owned farm and winery with an onsite restaurant specializing in wood-fired pizza.
Location: 1366 York Road, St. Davids
Château des Charmes
Old-world wine-making traditions continue at this stunning family-run estate. Reserve a winery tour and tasting experience.
Location: 1025 York Road, St. Davids
Stop 2: Niagara-on-the-Lake
Approximate distance and travel time from Niagara Falls: 15 miles (25 kilometres), 25 minutes.
Settled by British Loyalists in 1792, Niagara-on-the-Lake became the first capital of Upper Canada, which later became the province of Ontario.
Today, this charming town is celebrated for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, scenic waterfront views and nearby lush vineyards, earning it the title of “the prettiest town in Ontario.” Explore the tree-lined Heritage District, home to boutique stores, cozy cafes and a striking cenotaph clock tower.
Attractions and activities
Fort George National Historic Site
See what military life was like during the War of 1812 at this former military post.
Location: 51 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Zoom Leisure Bikes
Rent traditional or electric bikes and set out on a scenic guided or self-guided tour along farmlands, vineyards and orchards.
Location: 431 Mississauga Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Botanical Gardens
Explore traditional landscaping, rose and herb beds and wild gardens at this floral oasis. Onsite, a butterfly conservatory features over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Hourly parking is available.
Location: 2565 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Restaurants and wineries
Treadwell Cuisine
Hailed as one of Canada’s Top 10 Wine Restaurants by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. For an extra treat, homemade fudge is made daily in small batches next door at Maple Leaf Fudge.
Location: 114 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara Oast House Brewers
Kick back with small-batch, farmhouse-style brews and backcountry barbecue fare over the weekend.
Location: 2017 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Peller Estates
Crafting quality wines for over half a century, including Ontario’s famous Icewines, Peller offers a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience in an underground, ice-themed 10Below Icewine Lounge.
Location: 290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Two Sisters Vineyards
Recognized as the best small winery in Canada by the National Wine Awards, Two Sisters features an upscale Italian-inspired restaurant and several wine tasting experiences.
Location: 240 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery
A 23,000-square-foot (approximately 2,127 hectares) facility founded by the Great One himself, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. It’s also Ontario’s first combined winery and distillery.
Location: 1219 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Places to stay
124 Q Hotel & Spa
The perfect blend of modern luxuries and historic elements makes this downtown boutique inn and spa one of the area’s finest.
Location: 124 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Riverbend Inn & Vineyard
A striking, Georgian-style mansion surrounded by vineyards and gardens is located along what many consider to be Ontario’s prettiest drive, the Niagara River Parkway.
Stop 3: St. Catharines
Approximate distance and travel time from Niagara-on-the-Lake: 12 miles (20 kilometres), 30 minutes.
Nestled between the Niagara Escarpment, St. Catharines offers a rich history and heritage. It is the largest community along the Welland Canal, a shipping passage between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. Explore downtown shops and head to the lakeside neighbourhood of Port Dalhousie for a sunset stroll on the beach.
Attractions and activities
St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre
Located at Lock 3, watch ships navigate the Welland Canal from the viewing platform and explore local history with interpretive programs and engaging exhibits.
Location: 1932 Welland Canals Parkway, St. Catharines
Decew Falls
Explore hiking trails around the scenic Decew Falls and visit Morningstar Mill, a restored 19th-century gristmill.
Location: 2714 Decew Road, St. Catharines
Food and drink
Oddbird
A cozy bistro with inventive cocktails, seasonal fare and an open concept chef bar.
Location: 52 St Paul Street, St. Catharines
Pharmacii Snackbar
Enjoy unique tapas, shareables and craft beverages at this trendy downtown Korean-inspired eatery. Visit Pharmacii Snackbar’s Instagram for more details on the food and drink menu.
Location: 22 King Street, St. Catharines
13th Street Winery
Local art, wine and food are celebrated at this popular winery, bakery and tasting bar.
Location: 1776 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines
Stop 4: Niagara Benchlands
Approximate distance and travel time from St. Catharines: 10 miles (15 kilometres), 15 minutes.
The Niagara Benchlands along the Niagara Escarpment is a sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula wine region.
Drive past lush vineyards and farm fields and experience small-town charm in the villages of Lincoln, Jordan and Beamsville. Treat your palate to a delightful adventure with world-class wines and fresh, farm-to-table cuisine.
Attractions and activities
Balls Falls Conservation Area
Well-marked, one-mile hiking trail along a creek to a series of cascades and waterfalls. This is a section of the Bruce Trail, which is one of the oldest and longest continuous trails in Canada.
Location: 3292 Sixth Avenue, Lincoln
Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre
Browse the collection of art and artifacts, including pottery, textiles, Group of Seven paintings and folk art.
Location: 3800 Main Street, Jordan Station
Restaurants and wineries
The Good Earth Food and Wine
The seasonal menu showcases the bounty of local, farm-fresh ingredients, pairing them perfectly with wine. Gardens, orchards and vineyards provide a scenic dining backdrop on a warm fall day.
Location: 4556 Lincoln Avenue, Beamsville
The Restaurant at Pearl Morissette
Distinctive wines, a MICHELIN-starred restaurant, as well as bakery and garden tours make Pearl Morissette a must-visit.
Location: 3953 Jordan Road, Jordan Station
Domaine Le Clos Jordanne
A sweeping estate that produces delightful Burgundian-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that celebrate the distinct Niagara Escarpment terroir.
Location: 4260 Mountain Road, Beamsville
Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery
Renowned for its exceptional dining and rich sauvignon blanc, Chardonnays and Bordeaux-style reds, this picturesque property overlooks endless rows of vineyards with views of the Toronto skyline.
Location: 5600 King Street West, Beamsville
Places to stay
Jordan House
A renovated historic roadhouse in the village of Jordan with pub-inspired dining at the Jordan House Tavern.
Location: 3751 Main Street, Jordan Station
Inn on the Twenty
Elegant village inn with restaurant and spa conveniently located across the street from Cave Springs Winery, home to some of Canada’s finest Rieslings.
Location: 3845 Main Street, Jordan
Stop 5: Toronto
Approximate distance and travel time from Niagara Benchlands: 70 miles (110 kilometres),1.5 hours.
Canada’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, Toronto, is a multicultural mosaic of art, heritage, cuisine and entertainment.
From renowned art galleries to graffiti culture, haute couture to vintage shopping and fine dining to market food stalls, discover the best of Ontario’s trendiest city.
Attractions and activities
CN Tower
Don’t miss Toronto’s most iconic attraction, featuring unmatched city views from observation platforms, and a revolving 360 Restaurant, 1,150 feet (350 metres) high.
Location: 290 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Explore a wide range of permanent and visiting exhibitions at one of North America’s most significant art collections.
Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Toronto Shopping Guide
From high fashion to vintage markets, there’s a shopping experience for just about every whim and fancy.
Evergreen Brick Works
Enjoy nature trails and gardens, a cafe, artisanal shopping and a weekend farmer’s market at this eco-forward, community-oriented complex.
Location: 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto
Toronto Heli Tours
Take in the sights of the city from above on a helicopter tour departing from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Hangar 1.
Location: 2 Eireann Quay, Toronto
Events and entertainment
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Each September, Toronto hosts one of the world’s largest and most prestigious film festivals, with 10 days of celebrity sightings and film viewings.
Dates: September 4–14, 2025
Nuit Blanche
Explore over 100 contemporary art installations and exhibits displayed across the city for one whole night from dusk to dawn.
Date: October 4, 2025
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
The country comes to the city for almost two weeks every year, delivering the best in agricultural achievements, local food, crafts, entertainment and equestrian shows at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto.
Dates: November 16–25, 2025
Food and drink
Toronto restaurants and cafes
With over 9,000 restaurants and over a dozen craft breweries, you’ll never run out of great food and drink options in this city, including over a dozen MICHELIN-starred restaurants.
The Distillery District
A pedestrian-only neighbourhood with Victorian industrial architecture, cobblestone streets and a cluster of bars, cafés, restaurants, bakeries, brewpubs and a chocolate maker. Naturally, there’s also a distillery in the district. Enjoy a tour and tasting at Spirit of York Distillery.
Location: Distillery District, Toronto
St. Lawrence Market
A large, historic brick building bustling with organic groceries, bakeries, cheese and olive vendors, restaurants and food stalls. Try the famous peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery or Paddington’s Pump.
Location: 93 Front Street East, Toronto
Kensington Market
One of the city’s most eclectic and colourful pockets is a mix of boho, vintage boutiques, cheese and spice shops, bakeries and an array of fusion food, from Jamaican patties to Chilean empanadas, tucked into the historic Victorian architecture.
Location: Kensington Market, Toronto
Little India
From tandoori barbecue, curries and thalis to chai shops and sari boutiques, the flavours and colours of Southeast Asia come alive in this exciting neighbourhood.
Location: Gerrard Street East, Toronto
Places to stay
1 Hotel Toronto
Strike the perfect balance between urban and cottage chic with reclaimed and upcycled materials, natural design elements, and high-end perks, including filtered water taps, floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces.
Location: 550 Wellington Street West, Toronto
Shangri-La Toronto
Indulge in stylish decor, top-notch service, signature cocktails and the upscale Miraj Hamman Spa.
Location: 188 University Avenue, Toronto
Bisha Hotel
A mix of hotel and residences in Toronto’s Entertainment District with select suites designed by artist Lenny Kravitz. Book a table at KOST Restaurant, located on the 44th floor.
Location: 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
Getting here and around
Customs documentation
Travellers to Canada must present a valid passport or NEXUS card. Get more information on customs, passports and requirements.
Crossing the border
There are 14 road border crossings from the United States into Ontario. Before travelling, check border wait times.
The closest border crossing locations to Niagara, Canada include:
- Lewiston-Queenston Bridge from Lewiston, New York to Queenston, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
- Rainbow International Bridge from Niagara Falls, New York to Niagara Falls, Ontario
- Peace Bridge from Buffalo, New York to Fort Erie, Ontario
Getting around
This itinerary is designed as a self-driving road trip in a private vehicle or motorcycle. However, there are alternative ways to get around in Niagara Falls and Toronto.
WEGO Niagara Falls provides hop-on and hop-off bus transportation to and from hotels, attractions and Niagara Parks sites.
Toronto has an extensive transit system, including city streetcars, subway and bus network and regional train service. Buy a TTC Day Pass to move around the city at your leisure.
Bike Share Toronto provides bicycle rental kiosks across downtown Toronto.
Know before you go
Visit Niagara Canada and Destination Toronto are great resources for more local insights and trip planning information.
Weather
Ontario is a four-season destination. Temperatures and weather change dramatically throughout the year. Learn more about the weather in Ontario and get suggestions on what to pack and how to prepare for a fall road trip.
Currency, measurements and holidays
Find helpful things to know about Ontario, including Canadian currency, measurements and public holidays acknowledged in the province.
Safety information
Emergencies aren’t always the first thing we consider when planning a vacation, but it’s essential to know who to contact in an emergency.
Land acknowledgement
The Niagara Region is situated on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, covered by the Upper Canada Treaties. It is also part of the land under the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement.
Toronto is on the traditional territory of various Indigenous nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
Last updated: August 6, 2025