Niagara Falls 3-Day Train Tour from NYC — Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds & Canada Option
Board the Maple Leaf and trade skyscrapers for roaring water: this three-day train tour from NYC brings you face-to-mist with Niagara Falls, with options for Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and a Canada-side itinerary. Practical tips on tickets, passports, and what to pack inside.
The Experience
Before You Go
Book train early
Amtrak Maple Leaf coach seats are limited; reserve early to lock the included fare and avoid paying upgrade fees.
Bring a passport for Canada option
If you want the Canadian itinerary (Skylon Tower, Table Rock, Journey Behind the Falls), a valid passport or appropriate travel documents are required.
Pack waterproof footwear
Boardwalks and boat decks stay wet—waterproof shoes or quick-dry trail runners improve comfort and safety.
Expect stairs and uneven surfaces
Cave of the Winds and some viewing areas have stairs and slippery zones; bring a daypack and use handrails.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Terrapin Point on Goat Island for a quieter face‑on perspective of the Horseshoe Falls
- •Niagara Gorge trails downstream for rugged viewpoints and fewer crowds
Wildlife
- •Gulls and waterfowl
- •Occasional peregrine falcons hunting the gorge
Conservation Note
Water flow and shoreline access are managed binationally to balance power generation and tourism; stay on designated paths and avoid feeding wildlife.
Niagara became a tourism icon in the 19th century and later a focus of hydroelectric development; the falls sit on land long traversed by Haudenosaunee peoples.
Photographer's Notes
- • Table Rock / Canadian lookout
- • Terrapin Point on Goat Island
- • Skylon Tower observation deck or Niagara SkyWheel
What to Bring
Waterproof jacket or rain shellEssential
Keeps you dry during boat rides and on windy observation decks.
Waterproof footwear or quick‑dry shoesEssential
Necessary for wet boardwalks, boat decks and Cave of the Winds platforms.
Compact daypackEssential
Carries layers, snacks, camera, and any documentation you need for border crossings.
Passport/ID and photocopiesEssential
Required for cross-border travel and train check‑in; carry originals when visiting Canada.
Common Questions
Is the Maid of the Mist included?
The Maid of the Mist is offered as an optional activity on the US-side itinerary; if selected it's included per the itinerary choice.
Do I need a passport?
Yes for the Canadian itinerary; US permanent residents also need proper ID and possibly visas — check entry requirements before you book.
How long is the train ride?
Each leg on Amtrak’s Maple Leaf is roughly 9.5 hours from New York to Niagara Falls and back.
Are hotels included?
Yes — two nights at a boutique or scenic hotel (e.g., Wyndham Garden or similar) are included in the tour package.
Can children join?
Yes — kids travel at 50% off certain fares; children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and booster seat laws apply for road segments.
What if attractions are closed due to season or weather?
Operators reserve the right to modify the itinerary; alternative activities will be offered when possible and refunds handled per the supplier’s policy.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 days (approx. 9.5 hours train each way, plus guided sightseeing)
Location
Niagara Falls, New York
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light fitness — must be able to stand and walk short distances, negotiate stairs and damp surfaces.
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