A Road Trip Stop: Five Days of Niagara Falls, Toronto, and Adventure

This August, my family and I set off on a summer road trip from Boston to New York City, with Niagara Falls as our first major stop. After several hours on the road, we arrived late in the evening, and checked into the Courtyard Hotel, our base for the next five nights. With plenty of time, we planned to explore the falls, enjoy nearby attractions, and take a day trip to Toronto. Day One: Arrival and Evening Walk We arrived late following the long drive up from Boston, so we checked in to the hotel and had a quick dinner. The hotel is well situated just off Clifton Hill, and there are plenty of family friendly restaurants nearby. Day Two: The Falls, Maid of the Mist, and Clifton Hill Our first full day started on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. The Horseshoe Falls were breathtaking: mist rising into the sky, rainbows shimmering in the sunlight, and the deep, constant roar of the water filling the valley. The highlight of the morning was boarding the Maid of the Mist. We put on the iconic blue ponchos, and my daughter squealed with delight as we approached the base of the falls. The spray cooled us instantly, and the sheer force of the water was exhilarating. Watching her wide-eyed wonder reminded me just how awe-inspiring this place is. After drying off, we wandered along the promenade and later walked across the Rainbow Bridge to the U.S. side and spent several hours on the American side of the Falls, including walking over to Goat Island. Later in the afternoon, we explored Clifton Hill, the entertainment hub of Niagara Falls. Its bright lights, street performers, and fun attractions made it a lively contrast to the serene promenades. We rode the Niagara SkyWheel, which gives panoramic views of the falls and surrounding area. My daughter loved spotting the mist rising from the Horseshoe Falls below, exclaiming at every tiny detail she could see from above. It was the perfect mix of excitement and sightseeing in one place. Insider Tip: For the best experience at Clifton Hill, visit in the late afternoon when the crowds are slightly smaller and the lights start to glow. The SkyWheel ride is especially magical around sunset. Day Three: Niagara-on-the-Lake and Waterpark Fun After breakfast at the Courtyard, we drove a short distance to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming town with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and lakeside cafes. We spent a relaxed morning strolling along the waterfront, visiting the unique shops and trying some locally made ice cream. Returning to Niagara Falls in the afternoon, we spent a few hours at the Fallsview waterpark, perfect for a mix of excitement and relaxation. Slides, splash zones, and a lazy river kept us entertained. The combination of thrills and downtime made it perfect for a four-year-old, and we left both tired and happy. Insider Tip: Arrive early at the waterpark to secure seating and avoid long waits for popular slides. Day Four: Toronto and Centerville Amusement Park One of the highlights of the trip was a day trip to Toronto, about a 90-minute drive from Niagara Falls. We explored the downtown area and visited the CN Tower, where the panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario were incredible. My daughter loved spotting boats and cars from above, pointing out “tiny little people like me!” After lunch, we caught the ferry to Toronto Islands, and headed to Centerville Amusement Park, a small but fun park perfect for young children. Our daughter loved the gentle rides, spinning attractions, and games. It was a lively afternoon, full of laughter and energy. By early evening, we returned to Niagara Falls, exhausted but satisfied from a full day. Insider Tip: Pack a small backpack with water, snacks, and sunscreen—it makes navigating the park much easier. Day Five: Skylon Tower and Fireworks Our final full day started with a return visit to the falls, capped off by a trip to the Skylon Tower. From 775 feet above the ground, the Horseshoe Falls and surrounding areas looked spectacular, and my daughter was fascinated by the tiny people and boats far below. As night fell, we watched the fireworks show over the falls. Bursts of colour lit the misty sky, reflected in the water below. Watching the display from the tower provided a magical end to our extended stay, and my daughter clapped with delight at every burst of colour. Insider Tip: Check the fireworks schedule ahead of time—August evenings are ideal, and Skylon Tower offers one of the best vantage points. Day Six: Continuing the Road Trip to New York City After five nights at the Courtyard Hotel, we packed up and continued our road trip to New York, NY. Reflecting on our time at Niagara Falls, it was easy to see why it’s a must-stop for families or travellers with young children. From the Maid of the Mist and Rainbow Bridge to Clifton Hill and the SkyWheel, Niagara-on-the-Lake, the waterpark, Toronto and Centerville Amusement Park, and the fireworks at Skylon Tower, every day was a mix of natural wonder, sightseeing, and kid-friendly fun. Staying multiple nights allowed us to explore at a relaxed pace, without feeling rushed. Whether traveling with a child or simply looking to experience everything Niagara Falls has to offer, a multi-day stop provides the perfect combination of activity, sightseeing, and downtime. Insider Tips for Traveling with a Young Child: • Pack ponchos for Maid of the Mist rides—the spray can be intense even in summer. • Comfortable shoes are essential for walking around the falls, amusement parks, and city excursions. • Plan a mix of activities: combine sightseeing, amusement parks, and water fun to keep a young child engaged. • Pack snacks and water to keep energy levels up. • Stay multiple nights: a base like the Courtyard Hotel allows flexibility and ease of access to Niagara Falls and nearby attractions. Niagara Falls is a memorable road trip stop, blending natural beauty, urban exploration, and child-friendly adventure. Five nights gave us time to experience everything from awe-inspiring waterfalls to thrilling rides, creating memories we will treasure forever.