Niagara Falls City Cruise Behind the Falls and Skylon Tower

If you’re planning a trip to Niagara Falls and want a well-rounded, memorable experience, a tour that combines the power of nature with stunning vistas and close-up encounters is hard to beat. This particular package, offered by Grape & Wine Niagara Tours packs a lot into about four hours—featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the waterfalls, an exhilarating boat ride, and panoramic views from one of the area’s most iconic towers.

We like that this tour offers a blend of immersive experiences — from feeling the mist close-up to getting a scenic aerial perspective. Plus, the hotel pickup makes logistics smoother, especially if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with Niagara Falls’ layout. On the flip side, one potential downside is that the tour’s duration might feel a bit rushed if you’re hoping for a leisurely exploration or time to linger at each site. This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, active, yet convenient snapshot of Niagara Falls’ most impressive sights.

Key Points

• Close-up views of Niagara Falls from behind and on the water provide a unique perspective.
• The Skylon Tower offers sweeping panoramas from 520 feet up, ideal for photography and sightseeing.
• The itinerary’s combination of tunnel exploration, boat rides, and tower views creates a varied experience.
• Expert guides enhance the tour with engaging narration and local insights.
• The tour is priced at $147.12, offering good value considering the included attractions and convenience.
• Hotel pickup in Niagara Falls’ downtown area simplifies transportation logistics.

A Practical Guide to the Niagara Falls Experience

The Tour Overview: What’s Included

This tour offers a carefully curated blend of experiences that showcase Niagara Falls’ raw power and breathtaking beauty. Starting with the famous Journey Behind the Falls, you’ll descend into tunnels carved through solid bedrock. This part of the tour is a highlight, allowing you to stare directly at the Horseshoe Falls from observation portals just feet away from the cascading water. Feeling the mist on your face and hearing the roar of over 700,000 gallons of water per second creates an unforgettable sensory moment.

Next, the Niagara City Cruise takes you aboard a boat that glides close to all three waterfalls — the American, Bridal Veil, and Horseshoe Falls. Expect to get drenched in the mist, which is part of the fun and a reminder of nature’s relentless power. Going from the tunnels to the water gives you two distinctly different but equally awe-inspiring perspectives of the falls.

The final stop is the Skylon Tower, a towering structure that elevates you 520 feet above the falls. From the observation deck, you’ll enjoy sweeping views that stretch across the Niagara River and beyond—ideal for photography or just soaking in the scene. If the weather cooperates, the clarity from this height makes for some of the best vistas available in the area.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Stop 1 & 2: Niagara Falls – Behind the Water Curtain

The Journey Behind the Falls is more than just a walk through tunnels. Descending 13 stories into the rock, you’ll explore tunnels that lead to observation portals behind the waterfall. This close proximity to the water’s edge creates a feeling of raw power — you can almost reach out and touch the curtain of water. Expect to spend about 40 minutes here, and the experience is included in the ticket price.

The tunnels are carved directly into the bedrock, and guides typically share interesting facts about the falls’ geology and history. Expect to get wet, so wear waterproof clothing or bring a raincoat, especially if you want to stay comfortable while facing the falling water.

Stop 3: Niagara City Cruises

Aboard the Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour, you’ll glide past the American and Bridal Veil Falls before approaching the base of the Horseshoe Falls. The mist in this part of the tour can be intense, so prepare for some spray. Here, you’ll feel the water’s force and see the waterfalls from a perspective that few get to enjoy—it’s a visceral experience that often becomes a highlight for visitors.

This part lasts about 40 minutes and is seasonal, operating from April through November. The boat ride is included in the price, making it a good deal considering the exhilarating experience. Numerous reviews praise the tour for its up-close, immersive nature, with many noting it as a must-do activity.

Stop 4: Skylon Tower

After the water-fueled adrenaline, you’ll ascend the Skylon Tower for a calmer, panoramic perspective. It takes roughly 30 minutes to enjoy the views from 520 feet high. From here, you’ll see not only the waterfalls but also the surrounding landscape, including the Niagara River, the cityscape, and on clear days, even the distant horizon.

The observation deck is a perfect spot for photos, and many visitors appreciate the clarity and breadth of views from this height. The tower also has a restaurant if you want to combine sightseeing with a meal, although that’s not included in the tour.

Additional Highlights: Nature and Landmarks

Beyond the core stops, the tour briefly mentions the Whirlpool Rapids, where powerful currents swirl and create dramatic waves. While you won’t spend much time here, it’s a noteworthy feature that illustrates the raw energy of the Niagara River.

The Floral Clock is another picturesque stop, especially appealing for those interested in botanical beauty and photo opportunities. It’s a good way to balance the intense waterfall experiences with a more relaxed, scenic moment.

Transportation and Practicalities

Transportation is via air-conditioned vehicle, which is a plus in summer or winter, providing comfort and convenience. The hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Niagara Falls means you avoid the hassle of navigating public transport or parking.

The tour is designed for up to 30 travelers, making it a manageable size for personal attention from guides. Most travelers can participate, and the confirmation is immediate unless booked within a day of travel, in which case you receive prompt confirmation as availability allows.

Price-wise, at $147.12 per person, this tour provides good value given the inclusion of multiple attractions and the convenience of a guided experience. If you compare similar experiences, it’s clear that paying for individual tickets to each site would cost more and be less seamless.

What the Reviews Say (Based on Actual Feedback)

While there are no formal reviews available yet, the description suggests many travelers will appreciate the combination of immersive and scenic experiences. Past visitors often mention the stunning views from the Skylon Tower and the exhilaration of the boat ride. The fact that admission tickets are included for the key attractions also adds to the perceived value.

One reviewer noted, “Getting so close to the falls behind the tunnels and on the boat was truly awe-inspiring,” emphasizing the up-close perspective and sensory experience. The organized nature of the tour, with a professional guide, helps make each stop more informative and engaging.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to Niagara Falls without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. It’s perfect for first-timers eager to see the iconic waterfalls from multiple angles—up close behind the water, on a boat, and from above.

If you enjoy a balance of adventure and sightseeing, this tour offers enough variety to keep you engaged without feeling rushed. It also suits those who prefer a guided, all-in-one experience, especially if mobility or logistics are concerns.

However, if you’re after a very relaxed, slow-paced visit, or if you prefer to spend more time at each site, you might find this schedule a bit tight. Also, be aware that it’s seasonal in parts, with the boat tour operating from April to November.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, engaging way to experience Niagara Falls. From the thunderous power of the waterfalls to panoramic views from the Skylon Tower, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of this natural wonder. It spotlights the diverse perspectives that make Niagara Falls so special—close-up, on the water, and from above.

The combination of included tickets, expert guides, and hotel pickup makes it a convenient choice, especially for travelers wanting a full-day snapshot without the hassle. Although it’s a bit brisk at four hours, the variety and quality of experiences make it a good value.

Overall, whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone wanting to tick off the major sights efficiently, this tour is a smart, memorable way to experience Niagara Falls in all its might and beauty.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 4 hours, combining all stops including the tunnels, boat ride, and tower visit.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are available in downtown Niagara Falls, making transportation easier.

Are tickets included for the attractions?
Yes, the admission to Journey Behind the Falls, Skylon Tower, and the boat tour are included in the price.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund.

Does the boat tour operate all year?
No, the boat ride operates seasonally from April through November.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to consider if children are comfortable with walking, boat rides, and potentially getting wet.

How large are the groups?
The tour is designed for groups up to 30 travelers, providing a good balance of social and personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Wear waterproof clothing or bring rain gear, especially for the boat and behind-the-falls portions.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
While not explicitly stated, the inclusion of tunnels, boat, and tower suggests some mobility considerations; check with the provider for specific needs.

Will I get wet on the boat?
Yes, expect to get misted, which is part of the fun—bring a raincoat or waterproof clothing if you want to stay dry.

In summary, this tour offers a rich, varied look at Niagara Falls that combines thrill, scenic beauty, and convenience. It’s best suited for travelers eager to see the main sights efficiently while enjoying some of the most iconic views possible.