adminWhen one thinks about landmarks in Canada, Niagara Falls is very likely to be the first one that comes to mind. This famous landmark draws millions of people every year from the farthest corners of the world. However, you will be surprised at how a few other lovely cities in Canada are located not far from such an awe-inspiring attraction. One of these cities is Hamilton in Ontario.
We can also say that Hamilton is one of the other appealing additions that one can have along the way since it is almost in between Toronto and the Niagara Falls area. This means that it is one of the best places to start on your Niagara Falls Tours Canada. So, how far is it from Hamilton to Niagara Falls? What are the other aspects that are necessary to know before taking the trip? Let us take a closer look at the distance, the means of traveling, and a few suggestions that will help you enhance the quality of your trip!
Travel Time From Hamilton To Niagara Falls
Simply put, the distance in kilometers between Hamilton and Niagara Falls is approximately seventy, which is equivalent to forty-three miles. And if you happen to be on the road connecting both destinations, then it should take you approximately an hour give or take, depending on the congestion and the nature of the road. But, whether by automobile, coach, or railway, the route is not boring, and each mode offers a different experience.
Travelling to Niagara Falls from Hamilton by Road
By a long shot, driving is the favored means of transport from Hamilton to Niagara Falls for a Niagara Falls day trip. The advantage of one’s vehicle is that there are no strict itineraries to be stuck to, and the driving itself is fairly simple.
The Shortest Path:
Through the Queen Elizabeth Way: This is the most popular route taken since it makes a trip to Niagara Falls quite convenient. The QEW is the surface quick route that covers the city of Toronto to Hamilton and further down to Niagara Falls, which is at the border of the United States. Usually, the drive takes about 50 – 60 minutes, subject to congestion along the route.
There is a beautiful view looking down the road towards Niagara Falls. The scenery is no longer that of a metropolitan city but rather a calming view of Lake Ontario to the northeast. As you draw closer, you also get a glimpse of the waterfalls.
Alternative Scenic Route:
Regional Road 8: In case there is less time pressure and you wish to have a long drive, you can go on King’s Highway 8. It goes this way due to the stunning counter of grape farms of the Niagara Peninsula followed by Grimsby’s, Beamsville, and Vineland’s glamorous cities. The drive takes a little bit longer, close to one hour and twenty minutes, but it’s a good deal as you get to enjoy many places along the way.
What Are The Public Transit Options Available?
Not everyone possesses a car, however, there are other ways to travel from Hamilton to Niagara Falls without the use of a car, as Hamilton is well connected to Niagara Falls.
GO Transit (Bus and Train):
It is very easy and cheap to travel from Hamilton to Niagara Falls by bus using GO Transit. There are also direct Niagara Falls Bus Tours between the two cities, especially during the summer and within holidays, which are peak tourist periods. The bus ride takes approximately 1.5 hours.
GO Transit also has a train service from Toronto to Niagara Falls stopping in Hamilton cities. For those of you who would like to travel on a train, this service comes handy especially if you love viewing beautiful landscapes out the window. The train takes longer, almost a two hour journey between Hamilton and Niagara Falls, not because of its speed but its smoothness and its views.
Megabus:
Also, there is Megabus, a long-distance coach service which offers low-cost fares. It is the only bus line which has a direct route to Niagara Falls. The prices for tickets begin from 10 CAD when booked in advance. This is a one-hour-long bus trip which makes it another cheap and short alternative for the tourists to enjoy the Toronto Niagara Falls tour.
Greyhound:
Greyhound also offers bus services in conjunction to that between Hamilton and Niagara Falls. The journey time is the same as Megabus, and it provides a good option in cases when the other services are completely booked.
Which Is The Best Time For a Niagara Falls Visit?
While Niagara Falls is a place worth visiting any time, the experience varies from one season to the other. In the summer, it is the most preferred season for Niagara Falls sightseeing tours as it is warmer, more places are opened, and the beach fireworks show over the Falls is also a highlight. This implies, however, that the places are crowded with a large number of people.
On the other hand, spring and fall are ideal for people who dislike crowds as well as hot weather. The Falls are still impressive, and the areas around such as the Niagara Parkway and Queen Victoria Park are splendidly beautiful in spring when the flowers are out or in fall when the leaves turn bright colors.
Winter is a completely different feeling altogether. The Falls can freeze a bit, resulting in nice ice sculptures. Winter is also a good time to take the Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto or Hamilton as it has an interesting event called the Winter Festival of lights which takes place between the months of November and January.
What Are The Other Factors To Consider?
Parking in Niagara Falls
If you are bringing your own car, make sure to note that it is tough to get a parking spot in Niagara Falls, particularly when it is peak season. Try looking for nearby parking areas that are not close to the main attractions as they have more affordable charges. If you are spending the night, you can leave your car at the hotel since most hotels have shuttles to the Falls.
Considerations For Exchanging Money
Although Niagara Falls is in Canada, it is also relatively close to the United States border. Some shops or even restaurants within the vicinity can accept either Canadian or American currency but it is advisable to use a bank to get the local currency. The usage of credit cards is highly acceptable.
Exploring the Nearby Places
Remember that while taking a Niagara Falls Day Trip, there are other interesting activities in the region. If you get lucky and manage your time well, you can take a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming town with a remarkable past known for the majority of its vineyards, the shopping and the theatre. Another option is to enjoy the Butterfly Conservatory or the view of the Falls on the Hornblower Boat Tour that takes you right near the Falling Water.
Final Words
A lot of people consider the distance from Hamilton to the Niagara Falls as very minimal, but little do they know the journey is so much fun and full of attractions. Either by driving, taking public transport, or even riding a bike, one can certainly enjoy one of the world’s stunning sceneries. So, pick the essentials and get ready to enjoy the Toronto Niagara Falls tour!
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