Did you know you can take a train to Niagara Falls? Yep! It’s possible with the Amtrak Maple Leaf, and this blog post will outline how you can plan a solo trip to Niagara Falls. I went as a solo traveler and had so much fun – it was delicious, luxurious and adventurous weekend.
This guide focuses on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. I did not visit the U.S. side, so I cannot tell you what to do there. Here is what you need to know to take the Amtrak Maple Leaf train to Niagara Falls.
Amtrak Maple Leaf train tips to Niagara Falls
When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls?
Mid-October to early May is considered the off-season for Niagara Falls. This means some attractions may be unavailable, but it is also a bit cheaper. Most travelers visit between June and August. I visited in July and thought it was a great time to visit! The weather was hot, but it was sunny, and the rain was minimal.
What is the route of the Amtrak Maple Leaf?
The Amtrak Maple Leaf train starts in New York City and ends in Toronto. The train itself leaves from Penn Station. The entire route is 12 hours long. However, from New York City to Niagara Falls (the Canadian side) is 9 hours long. The train stops throughout New York State, including Syracuse, Albany, Buffalo and more.
How long is the Amtrak Maple Leaf?
As previously mentioned, the Maple Leaf takes 12 hours from start to finish. However, the route to Niagara Falls takes 9 hours. If you are contemplating staying on the U.S. side, Niagara Falls, NY, is roughly 8.5 hours, so there is no big difference in time.
How much does the Amtrak Maple Leaf cost?
Tickets for the Maple Leaf train vary. I only took the train one way, and it was $60 for coach and $150 for business class. I also went during the week of the 4th of July so that prices could have been more expensive than usual.
For logistical reasons, I did not take the train round trip, as I continued on a few days later to Toronto. However, when I checked the Amtrak website, trains back to New York City were $68 in coach and $143 in business class. I recommend checking Amtrak’s website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Tips for planning your trip on the Amtrak Maple Leaf
Decide how you will get to New York City
Since the Amtrak Maple Leaf train starts in New York City, you will have to find a way to get there. One option is to take another Amtrak train to New York City and then plan to take the Maple Leaf. However, if you are a further distance away, you can fly.
When figuring out how to plan a solo trip to Niagara Falls, I knew it would be easier to fly. However, as someone who enjoys the journey of a train just as much as a destination, I flew to New York City instead of directly into Niagara Falls. And after taking the train to Toronto, I flew back home. The choice is yours!
Buy your tickets early
The Amtrak Maple Leaf is a popular train! Niagara Falls is one of the country’s biggest attractions, so travelers are always looking to plan a trip. I would book a month and a half in advance for the best availability. Sooner is always better. However, note that U.S. holidays like Memorial Day and the 4th of July fill up even faster.
For more space, book business class
If you want extra legroom, book a business class seat! The seats are wider; if you’re solo, they have single-seat options. You’re also closer to the cafe car. You will pay a little more, but you’re also getting a bit more. There are limited seats compared to the coach, so booking early will be your best bet.
Remember to bring the proper identification
A good rule of thumb for international trips is to bring your passport. You can use your passport book or passport card on the Amtrak Maple Leaf train. Select states can also use their enhanced IDs. For more information, check out Amtrak’s website for the most up-to-date requirements for border crossings into Canada.
Decide which side you want to visit
Don’t book the wrong train ride! Be sure to triple-check that your train aligns with your planned activities on the U.S. or Canadian sides. If you’re headed to Canada, it will say Niagara Falls, ON. The U.S. side will say Niagara Falls, NY.
Where to stay in Niagara Falls
Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa
For my solo trip to Niagara Falls, I decided to splurge. I booked two nights in a room with a view at the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa. This room was a bit on the pricier side, but I think it was worth it. The view from my room was incredible, and it made for a relaxing vacation when I could sleep in and wake up to the falls or even see the sunrise and sunset over the falls.
However, there are many options when planning your trip to Niagara Falls. It is a small area that has been built up with lots of hotels and restaurants. Other hotel options include Hiltons, Embassy Suites, Doubletrees, and more, which offer rooms with and without views.
Best transportation in Niagara Falls
Aside from taking the train from NYC to Niagara Falls, there are some other transportation considerations. I used rideshares to and from the train station, as well as to locations further away from the falls in town (such as the pasta making class mentioned below). Every ride was 15 minutes or less. Around the falls I walked but, my hotel also provided a free bus pass to other popular attractions which came in handy because it is hilly.
Things to do in Niagara Falls
Niagara City Cruise at night
One of the most popular activities at Niagara Falls is riding as close as possible to the falls. Many Travelers choose the Maid of the Mist tour for their cruise of choice. However, I did not want to get super close, as water activities are not my favorite. I also did not want to get soaking wet, which I heard was a possibility. Therefore, I opted for the Niagara City Cruises at night to get my poncho, see the falls light up, and enjoy the fireworks.
Journey Beyond the Falls
Journey Beyond the Falls is also a traveler’s favorite. This is the opposite, unlike the other experiences where you see Niagara Falls from the front. During the Journey Beyond The Falls experience, travelers visit the back end. There is a self-guided tour, and you will need your poncho for this experience too! However, some travelers also opt to couple this experience with a full-day tour of the Canadian and American sides.
Zipline alongside the falls
Ziplining is always a fun activity, and WildPlay Zipline was a quick and fun experience. Though the ride it’s is short, note that the line is super long. It took almost 2 hours to finally get on the zipline. Be sure to budget your time wisely – I suggest doing this right when it opens!
Helicopter ride over the falls
For your solo trip to Niagara Falls, consider a helicopter ride! Yet another way to experience Niagara Falls, a short helicopter ride can help you see it from above. Niagara Helicopters is the most popular tour company for this experience, and they accept walk-ins.
Pasta making class
When researching how to plan a solo trip to Niagara Falls, I did not expect a pasta-making class to be a highlight. I took an evening class with Terra Mia and loved my experience. The food was delicious and fresh, and the class was super interactive and great for beginner pasta-makers. Plus, it is always nice to support a family-owned business like Casa Mia Ristorante.
Walk around Clifton Hill
Between eating and enjoying the views of the falls, consider going to Clifton Hill. This area is a built-up tourist attraction with a bunch of games and activities for people of all ages. You can buy a fun pass to get access to all the best rides or hop around on your own. Rides include a Ferris wheel, go-karts, arcade games, and much more.
Spa day
I love adding a day of relaxation to my travel itineraries. While on my solo trip to Niagara Falls, I spent some time at the Burning Springs Spa and Thermal Pools at the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa. I bought a day pass and a glass of local wine from Niagara-on-the-Lake, and I bounced between the pools before taking a nap. It was glorious.
Enjoy the fireworks
Enjoying the fireworks was a surprising addition to my solo trip to Niagara Falls. I knew they happened during the evening night cruise. But technically, there is no guarantee they will be displayed every night. Thankfully, during my trip, every night, I saw fireworks from the boat, hotel, and even outside up close.
Eat at the many restaurants
Niagara Falls is not necessarily known for its food scene. However, I found some delicious spots on my solo trip to Niagara Falls. I recommend Zappi’s for lunch or dinner and ordering one of their pizzas. A breakfast recommendation is Hi-Lite Restaurant, a diner in Niagara Falls for quite some time. Another brunch recommendation is The Flour Mill Scratch Kitchen. I enjoyed their avocado toast and blueberry cornbread.
On being a Black solo female traveler in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls was a location that was low on my bucket list. While I knew it existed, I didn’t want to see a large body of water cascading for a few days. However, I learned I was wrong! I loved my solo trip to Niagara Falls, and as a Black solo female traveler, I had no issues. The train ride was also smooth!
Granted, I used part of this trip to relax in the lovely and expensive hotel room I purchased with a view. But, I did explore outside the touristy areas, as it can get overwhelming. Overall, everyone was lovely and welcoming, and I had no awkward interactions during my stay.
Final thoughts on a solo trip to Niagara Falls
Since posting my trip on social media, I’ve learned that some people have firm opinions about Niagara Falls! Many said the U.S. side was not as good as the Canadian side, and others thought the Canadian side was overpriced. I say that you should visit for yourself! Yes, it’s a touristy experience. But I had a delicious, adventurous and slightly luxurious solo trip to Niagara Falls that I won’t forget.
Are you worried about traveling on the train alone? Read these tips with things to do to avoid boredom.
