Autumn in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a spectacular wonder of the world and October is the perfect time to experience it. The crowds have dwindled, and the maple trees are on full display in colors of yellow gold, crimson red, and pumpkin orange, lining the parkway and the riverbank for everyone to enjoy. Add to that the roaring sound of the falls as you look out over the most magnificent waterfall and it’s the perfect adventure.

Monday, October 13th – Today we begin our journey north to see one of the world’s most popular destinations: Niagara Falls. Our travels today will take us to Altoona, Pennsylvania for the night. And, if the timing is just right, we can stop by a public viewing station in Altoona and possibly see a train coming around the famous Horseshoe Curve, the eighth engineering marvel of the world. (D)

Tuesday, October 14th – It’s going to be a wonderful day! After breakfast we’ll make our way to Canada, but the fun of traveling is the little stops along the way and so today, we will stop in Jamestown, New York for lunch and a driving tour. And what’s so special about Jamestown? Well, it is the hometown of Lucille Ball. We will eat lunch at the Tropicana and then see the house that she was born in, the house where she grew up, larger-than-life I Love Lucy murals, legendary Lucy statues, Lucy’s final resting place and more while our knowledgeable guide gives us insight into Lucille Ball’s life. For most of us, this will be a walk down memory lane, for she was an important part of our youth. Then we’ll continue on our way, crossing the border into Canada and arriving at our hotel in time to enjoy a welcome reception before checking into our rooms. Our hotel is just two short blocks from the brink of the Falls. It’s also in the center of walkable neighborhoods. And, since it’s an 18-story hotel, the panoramic views are spectacular. What a fun day this will be! (B, L, D)

---

Wednesday, October 15th – A delightful breakfast awaits before joining our local Niagara guide for a 3-hour tour. We will travel along the Niagara River Parkway and visit the amazing Niagara Falls, witnessing the beauty of one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Then we will witness the mighty power of water as we visit the Whirlpool, formed approximately 4,200 years ago by the upstream erosion of the Niagara Escarpment by the Niagara River. The rapid flow of water exiting the Niagara Gorge results in turbulent swirling of the river. Then we’re off to see the world’s largest floral clock which is 40-feet wide and is formed of more than 25,000 plants, dressed in their vibrant fall colors. After lunch you’ll board a Niagara City Cruise boat (formerly Maid of the Mist) for a breathtaking voyage to the base of Niagara Falls. You’ll witness spectacular views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, and culminating in an up-close encounter with the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The thunderous roar, immense power, and mist of the falls on your face will surely make this a magnificent adventure. How can we top that? Well, how about having dinner in the Skylon Tower revolving dining room, overlooking the falls? An elevator will whisk you up 775 feet where you can relax and enjoy the legendary Falls as the restaurant revolves 360 degrees every hour. The Falls illuminated, the dazzling city lights below us and the seasonal Falls fireworks will make this a night to remember. (B, D)

Thursday, October 16th – It’s another great day as we explore the surrounding area of Niagara Falls with a local guide. Today we will visit Welland Shipping Canal, considered an engineering feat connecting Lake Ontario with Lake Erie. A series of eight locks make it possible for ships to ascend and descent the Niagara Escarpment, completely bypassing Niagara Falls. It is quite amazing. Then we’ll continue on to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a well-preserved 19th – century village that is often referred to as the prettiest town in Ontario. It is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, beautiful parks and a rich Canadian history. After free time for lunch and shopping, I promise you that it will be difficult to pull yourself away from this town. But we must continue on for we have reservations at a local winery for a tour and tasting before heading back to our hotel for some time to relax or stroll through the neighborhood prior to dinner. (B, D)

Friday, October 17th – What a wonderful time we will have had in Canada, but it is time to begin our journey south and so after breakfast we will travel to Indiana, Pennsylvania for the night. Along the way we will stop at the Duty-Free Shop before going through Border Control. In the late afternoon we will stop in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania for this is where Punxsutawney Phil lives. This world-famous groundhog’s yearly weather predictions regarding winter have drawn the attention of thousands of followers for years. While there we will visit Gobbler’s Knob, where Punxsutawney Phil makes his annual weather prediction, Phil’s Burrow and his statue. Then it’s a short distance to our hotel in Indiana, Pennsylvania. (B, D)

Saturday, October 18th – This morning we will enjoy a driving tour of Indiana, hometown of Jimmy Stewart, before we make our way home. But what wonderful memories we will take with us and I’m sure you’ll agree, pictures cannot do it justice. You have to hear the roar and feel the mist of the Falls. What a magnificent adventure! (B)

You must have a passport to enter Canada. The passport cannot expire prior to May 1, 2026.

---

---