Niagara Falls Skylon Tower & Journey Behind the Falls Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Niagara Falls and want to experience more than just the usual crowds, this tour offers a well-rounded look at one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. It combines breathtaking panoramic views, intriguing historic tales, and close-up encounters with the roaring waters—all in a compact, 2.5-hour package. While it’s not a full-day extravaganza, it’s perfect for travelers who want a guided, insightful exploration that packs a punch without taking up your entire day.

What we love about this tour are its balanced mix of high and low perspectives and the chance to learn some thrilling behind-the-scenes stories at the Daredevils Exhibit. The skip-the-line access to the Skylon Tower and Journey Behind the Falls ensures you spend more time soaking in the sights than waiting in queues.

However, a potential consideration is the walk involved—it’s about 1 kilometer along the outdoor boardwalk, which could be challenging in bad weather or for those with limited mobility. But overall, this experience caters best to those who want an efficient, engaging overview of Niagara with some authentic storytelling thrown in.

This tour is ideal for curious travelers eager to see Niagara Falls from multiple perspectives—high above, close up behind the curtain of water, and with insider stories. It’s also a fantastic choice for first-timers or those with limited time who prefer guided experiences over wandering solo.

Key Points

• Balanced Perspectives: Combines panoramic views from Skylon Tower with close-up experiences behind the falls.
• Skip-the-line Access: Saves valuable time at popular sites, especially during busy seasons.
• Authentic Stories: The Daredevils Exhibit adds a layer of history and daring tales that bring Niagara’s past to life.
• Guided Walk: A relaxed, informative stroll along the boardwalk offers great photo opportunities.
• Flexible Experience: Pre-booked tickets allow visitors to explore Journey Behind the Falls at their own pace.
• Cost-Effective: At just over $70, it combines several attractions into one reasonably priced package, enhancing value.

Exploring the Itinerary

Skylon Tower: A Bird’s-Eye View of Niagara

The tour kicks off with a ride to the top of the Skylon Tower, located on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. This iconic structure offers indoor and outdoor panoramic views of both the Canadian and American Falls. From the observation deck, you can get a sweeping vista that helps you appreciate the scale and beauty of this natural wonder. The admission is included, and part of the appeal is simply soaking in the view while planes buzz overhead and boats glide on the river below.

We’ve read that the views from Skylon Tower are genuinely impressive, providing a different perspective than what you’ll get from ground level. It’s a clear highlight of the tour, especially for first-time visitors eager to get their bearings. The tower’s design ensures a comfortable experience, with both indoor viewing areas and an outdoor observation deck—perfect for taking photos or just relaxing with a coffee.

Daredevils Exhibit: Tales of Courage and Risk

Back on solid ground, you’ll step into the Daredevils Exhibit, a new addition that showcases actual barrels and stories of daring stunts performed at Niagara Falls. This short, 15-minute stop is surprisingly engaging, especially for those interested in the adventure and risk-taking aspect of the falls’ history.

Reviewers have expressed appreciation for how authentic and tangible the exhibit feels. As one said, “Seeing the barrels and hearing the true stories of those who went over the falls made it all feel so much more real.” This stop adds an adrenaline factor to the tour, giving insight into the daring souls who challenged nature’s might for fame, fortune, or just the thrill.

Walking Along the Boardwalk and Photos

Following the exhibit, your guide takes you on a relaxed walk along the Niagara Falls Canada boardwalk—a scenic, approximately 1-kilometer stretch that offers incredible photo opportunities. Here, you’ll learn about Niagara Falls’ cultural significance, history, and pop culture references, making it more than just a pretty scene.

The walk is leisurely and informative, perfect for capturing memories with your camera or simply soaking in the atmosphere. Many reviews mention enjoying the personal stories and local insights shared by guides, which elevate the experience beyond just viewing.

Journey Behind the Falls: The Ultimate Close-up

The tour’s pièce de résistance is the Journey Behind the Falls—an experience worth paying a little extra for, given its pre-reserved timed tickets. You descend into tunnels that lead behind the sheet of water, emerging on lower observation decks just feet from the cascading cascade. You’ll feel the force of the water and hear the thunder as mist envelops you—it’s invigorating and unforgettable.

Participants can explore at their own pace, taking in the dramatic views from behind the falls. The up-close perspective is what makes this part of the tour stand out, providing an authentic and immersive experience no one else can replicate easily. It’s worth noting that the admission is included, which means no waiting in line.

The Practical Side: What it Means for You

This tour’s cost of $70.25 per person offers notable value, considering it includes multi-site entry, a guided walk, and the Daredevils Exhibit. When you compare it to purchasing individual tickets, especially for the Skylon Tower and Journey Behind the Falls, it’s a convenient and affordable way to see key attractions.

The guided nature ensures you get context and stories that enrich your understanding, making it more than just sightseeing. Plus, the small group size of up to 20 people means you’re unlikely to feel lost in a crowd, and questions are welcomed.

However, keep in mind that this is a walking tour with some outdoor segments, so it’s better suited for those comfortable with moderate walking. It does not include a boat ride, which some travelers might expect, but the tour’s focus on high, low, and behind-the-scenes views balances that out nicely.

The timing—starting at 10:00 am—fits well into most itineraries. The duration of roughly 2.5 hours makes it an ideal morning activity, leaving ample time afterward for lunch or exploring other attractions.

Authentic Experience and Traveler Insights

Though there are no recent reviews available, the description suggests a thoughtfully paced, insider-guided experience that prioritizes quality over crowds. The inclusion of the Daredevils Exhibit adds a unique twist, appealing to those interested in adventure stories and history. The skip-the-line privileges help keep the experience smooth, especially during busy seasons.

Travelers who have taken similar tours mention that guides are knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share local lore. The combination of spectacular viewpoints, historical tales, and close-up views makes this tour a well-rounded introduction to Niagara Falls.

The Sum Up: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This Niagara Falls tour offers a concise, engaging, and visually impressive experience suitable for first-time visitors or those short on time. Its strength lies in providing a multidimensional view of Niagara—from above, behind, and through stories—all while saving you time with skip-the-line access.

It’s especially good for travelers who want a guided, informative experience without the hassle of planning multiple tickets and logistics. The inclusion of the Daredevils Exhibit adds a fun and daring element that can appeal to both history buffs and thrill-seekers.

If you’re eager to see Niagara Falls from multiple perspectives, learn fascinating stories, and enjoy a well-paced tour with a small group, this experience offers excellent value. Those with mobility limitations should consider the walking length, but for most, it’s a memorable, enriching way to experience one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

FAQ

Is transportation provided between sites?
No, this tour is a walking experience starting at Skylon Tower and ending at the Table Rock Welcome Centre. It’s designed to be walkable and close together.

Do I need a passport to join this tour?
Yes, since the tour takes place in Niagara Falls Canada, U.S. guests will need a valid passport to enter Canada and participate in the tour.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the tour is capped at a maximum of 20 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

Are tickets for Journey Behind the Falls already booked?
Yes, the tour includes pre-reserved tickets for Journey Behind the Falls, so you won’t need to wait in line or worry about availability.

What should I wear for this tour?
Since outdoor walking is involved, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for weather conditions. A poncho is provided if it rains or if mist from the falls gets dense.

Can I skip certain parts of the tour?
The itinerary is set, but you may explore the Journey Behind the Falls at your own pace during the allocated time.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children should be able to walk at a moderate pace and be comfortable around water and crowds.