Niagara Falls with Outlet Shopping, 2-Day Tour from NYC

If you’re considering taking a trip from New York City to Niagara Falls paired with some shopping, this 2-day tour might catch your eye. We haven’t done it ourselves, but we’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers who have—so we can give you a thorough, practical picture of what’s in store.

What stands out is the combination of iconic natural beauty with retail therapy—something that appeals to many with a busy schedule. We also like how the tour balances scenic sightseeing, hands-on experiences like the Maid of the Mist boat ride, and time for shopping at one of the biggest outlet malls in the country. But, as with any guided experience, there are some points to consider.

For those who enjoy well-organized trips, appreciate knowledgeable guides, and want a taste of Niagara Falls without the hassle of planning every detail, this tour could be a good fit. On the flip side, if you’re seeking a totally flexible, independent adventure, this might not be the best match.

Key Points

• Convenience: A well-structured 2-day experience with hotel stay, meals, and transport included.
• Scenic Highlights: See Niagara Falls from multiple angles, including boat rides and night views.
• Shopping: Large outlet mall stop offering brand-name bargains.
• Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, sharing insights along the way.
• Mixed reviews on hotels and food: While some travelers loved the accommodations and stops, others found the hotel options and dining choices less impressive.
• Weather considerations: The winter itinerary replaces Watkins Glen with Montour Falls, and some activities depend on the season.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

This tour is designed to give a comprehensive look at Niagara Falls over two days, with a few extras thrown in for variety. It begins early, departing from Midtown Manhattan, and heads north through scenic parts of New York State.

Day 1: From the City to Niagara

Starting at the Port Authority in Manhattan at around 6:30 a.m., you’ll hop into a comfortable vehicle—either a van or bus, depending on group size. The journey north is about 7-8 hours, but it’s broken up with interesting stops.

If you’re visiting in summer (April-October), your first stop is Watkins Glen State Park. Here, you walk through scenic Watkins Glen Canyon, marveling at waterfalls and lush surroundings. It’s about a 45-minute visit, and trust us, the photos alone make it worth the brief stop.

In winter (November-March), due to accessibility issues, the tour switches to Montour Falls instead, which is a nice alternative. It’s a shorter 20-minute stop but still offers a pretty view of the waterfalls.

After the scenic stop, the journey continues past Seneca Lake into Niagara Falls. Depending on the season, you might arrive in the late afternoon or early evening.

Exploring Niagara on the US Side

Once overnighted near the falls, you’ll have time to explore Niagara Falls State Park. The US side boasts views of the American Falls, Goat Island, and Luna Island. It’s about a 2-hour tour, free of charge, giving you a chance to take photos, walk along the river, and get a sense of the power of the waterfalls.

If the weather is good, you might also cross into Canada—border crossing permitting—to view the falls from the other side, which many agree offers a different perspective. That’s optional, and travelers without the necessary documents can enjoy the American side and the illuminated falls at night instead.

The Waterfall Experience

On the second day, the highlight is a close-up experience of the falls. During peak season (May-October), you’ll ride the Maid of the Mist boat, which gets you right into the spray of Horseshoe Falls. Many reviews rave about how magnificent this is, with some calling it “truly spectacular.”

In winter (November-April), when the boat isn’t running, you’ll visit the Cave of the Winds and Power Vista Hydro-Electric Station instead, which offer different ways to get close to the falls and learn about their power.

Shopping and Return Trip

After soaking in the scenery, you’ll head south towards one of the largest outlet malls—either Crossings Premium Outlets or Waterloo Premium Outlets. Here, you’ll have about an hour and a half to shop for brand-name bargains and stretch your legs before heading back to NYC.

The return trip is about 4-5 hours, with some reviews noting a comfortable coach and well-timed stops. The tour ends back at the Manhattan meeting point in the early evening.

What the Reviews Say

Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful views. One reviewer mentioned, “The tour guide including the driver were very nice and able to answer my questions,” highlighting the helpfulness of the staff. Others appreciated the well-organized schedule, like the reviewer who said, “Benjamin and his team managed the time well.”

The Maid of the Mist boat ride is a crowd favorite—reviewers describe it as “magnificent” and “really the best experience of the trip.” Seeing the falls up close, feeling the mist, and witnessing the rainbow over the Canadian side are moments many keep in their memory.

Not everyone had perfect experiences, though. Several reviews point out that the hotel accommodations and restaurant options were less impressive—some found the hotel location too far from main attractions, or the food choices limited. One traveler called the hotel “quite poor and very bad location,” so managing expectations here might be wise.

Weather can impact the experience too. One guest, who experienced a snowstorm, was very disappointed, describing the situation as “incredibly dangerous” and a “terrible experience.” The tour company mentioned they organized alternate routes and safety measures, but weather remains a factor to keep in mind.

The Practical Side: Transport, Cost, and What You Get

For $350, this tour offers a lot—hotel stay, transportation, guided sightseeing, boat ride (seasonal), and breakfast. It’s generally regarded as good value because it includes several major attractions that would be more expensive to visit independently, plus the convenience of round-trip transport.

Transportation is by a comfortable coach or van, with Wi-Fi available on full-size buses. Group sizes are capped at around 50, which helps keep things manageable and social but not crowded.

The hotel stays are included, with options like Ramada or Comfort Inn, though some reviews mention the quality varies. Breakfast is part of the package—continental style—saving you from hunting down a meal early in the morning.

Time management appears to be a strength of this tour, with regular stops, enough free time for sightseeing, and the opportunity to cross into Canada if you have the proper documents.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who prefer a structured, guided trip—especially those who want to see Niagara Falls from multiple angles without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. If you’re interested in learning from knowledgeable guides, taking iconic boat rides, and combining the falls with shopping, this tour hits those marks.

It’s also a good option if you’re traveling with a group or just looking for a convenient, all-in-one package that covers most major sights in two days. However, if you’re looking for total flexibility, want to explore at your own pace, or have specific hotel preferences, you might find this tour a bit too regimented.

The Sum Up

The Niagara Falls with Outlet Shopping tour from NYC provides a solid, well-rounded experience for those wanting to enjoy the natural wonder of the falls along with some retail therapy. It offers the convenience of hotel stays, guided sightseeing, and transportation all wrapped into one package. The reviews suggest that the tour guides are a real highlight—knowledgeable, friendly, and able to juggle the busy schedule with good humor.

While there are some downsides, like variable hotel quality and weather dependencies, many find the experience to be worth the cost. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors, solo travelers, or groups looking for a hassle-free trip with plenty of memorable moments.

If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable way to check Niagara Falls off your bucket list—without the stress of planning every detail—this tour could be a great choice. Just keep an eye on the weather, and be ready for a packed but rewarding two days.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?
No, you have to make your own way to the meeting point at 330 W 42nd St, NYC. Parking is available nearby if you drive.

What vehicle will I be traveling in?
Depending on the group size, you’ll travel in either a comfortable full-sized bus or a van with air conditioning.

Is Wi-Fi available during the trip?
Yes, Wi-Fi is provided on full-size coaches, but it may not support streaming or heavy data use.

Can I bring luggage?
Yes, luggage is limited to one piece plus a small carry-on per person, with no restrictions on size or weight.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included each morning. Other meals are at your own expense, with vegetarian options available.

Can children join this tour?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, children over 2 years old can travel as lap children. Be sure to specify if bringing an infant.

What if I can’t cross into Canada?
You can still join the tour, enjoy the American side, and see the illuminated falls at night. You’ll miss the Canadian perspective and boat ride on the Canadian side.

What happens if the weather cancels activities?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This tour presents a practical, well-organized way to see Niagara Falls, especially if you’re keen on combining sightseeing with some shopping and don’t mind a structured schedule. With knowledgeable guides and stunning views, it’s a good pick for first-timers or those wanting a straightforward, memorable trip.