From Montreal: Toronto, Niagara Falls & 1000 Islands Tour

From Montreal: Toronto, Niagara Falls & 1000 Islands Tour – A Comprehensive Review

Traveling from Montreal and craving a quick yet rich taste of Ontario’s highlights? This 2-day adventure promises to show you some of the most iconic sights, from the stunning Thousand Islands to the thundering Niagara Falls, and finally, the vibrant cityscape of Toronto. It’s a packed itinerary, but for those looking to maximize their time and see a lot without planning every detail themselves, it can be a real win.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines scenic boat cruises with city exploration, giving you a blend of natural beauty and urban energy. The inclusion of a hotel within walking distance of Niagara Falls is another plus, allowing you to soak in the illuminated falls after dark. However, be aware that the trip involves long hours on a bus—sometimes over 15 hours in total—which might be tiring for some.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who don’t mind a tight schedule and want an organized, guided experience with a good mix of sights. It’s especially good if you’re visiting Montreal and looking for a quick, comprehensive taste of Ontario’s top attractions without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets yourself.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary with visits to Thousand Islands, Niagara Falls, and Toronto
• Includes guided tours and boat cruises for better insight and memorable views
• Hotel stay close to Niagara Falls for convenient evening exploration
• Long travel hours, so prepare for significant bus time
• Variety of activities like the Hornblower Cruise, SkyWheel, and city walks
• Guides praised for their friendliness and multilingual abilities

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Tour

This experience is designed as a whirlwind, but it’s thoughtfully curated to give you a solid overview of some of Ontario’s most famous sights. Starting from Montreal, you’ll head eastward, exploring scenic waterways and historic sites along the way. It’s an efficient way to see diverse attractions—nature, history, and city life—all packed into two days.

The Thousand Islands

Your journey begins with a boat cruise through the Thousand Islands archipelago. These islands are better appreciated from the water, where you can marvel at the Gilded Age mansions that line some of these tiny islands. The boat tour (available from May through October) provides a relaxed yet impressive introduction to this scenic area. Reviewers mention that the cruise offers stunning views and a chance to see some of the opulent lakeside estates, which adds a touch of elegance to the trip.

Niagara Falls: The Heart of the Experience

Arriving at Niagara Falls is usually the highlight for most travelers—and this tour does a good job of offering different perspectives. You’ll have the choice between a Hornblower Cruise, which gets you up close to the falling water and envelops you in the mist, or the Journey Behind the Falls (available November through April), which offers a more sheltered, tunnel-based experience.

The night illumination of the falls is equally compelling. Your hotel is within walking distance, so you can stroll over in the evening and marvel at the sight of the falls lit up against the night sky. Several reviews appreciate this close proximity, noting it allows for spontaneous visits when the crowds are smaller.

Day Two: Toronto’s Highlights

After a restful night, you’ll head to Toronto, a city that buzzes with energy. The CN Tower is a must-see, providing panoramic views of the cityscape—a truly breathtaking photo spot. The inclusion of Ripleys Aquarium adds an engaging element, housing over 16,000 marine creatures, which makes it a hit for those interested in marine life.

Many travelers enjoy wandering downtown Toronto, exploring neighborhoods, or just soaking in the atmosphere. While optional activities aren’t included, the guided aspect and free time allow you to tailor your visit, especially if you’re a city explorer.

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The Logistics & Value

The tour includes hotel accommodation for one night, roundtrip transportation, and several key attractions, with taxes covered. From reviews, the guides—particularly Eddy and Christian—are highly praised for their friendliness, multilingual explanations, and safe driving.

However, the journey involves significant bus time, with some reviews mentioning over 15 hours on the bus, which can be tiring. The seats are sometimes uncomfortable, and the limited charging spots on the bus may be a minor inconvenience during long hours.

Pricing-wise, the value depends on how much you enjoy guided tours and organized itineraries. With a mix of boat rides, city sights, and a hotel stay, many find it a good deal considering how much is packed into the two days. Still, some travelers might find the long hours a bit overwhelming, especially if they prefer a more leisurely pace.

The Food & Extras

One common critique is the lunch buffet, which some found expensive with limited options. Since food isn’t included in the package, you’ll want to plan for quick bites or bring snacks. The tour does include a ferry ride on the 1000 Islands and the SkyWheel in winter, which are memorable activities, adding value and variety.

The Long Hours & Group Size

Being part of a group means you get the benefit of guides’ expertise, but it also means long hours on the bus—something to consider if you aren’t a fan of extended travel time. The reviews indicate that the guides are good at keeping everyone engaged, and the group sizes seem manageable, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Who is this tour best for?

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive, guided experience with minimal planning on their part. It’s perfect if you enjoy scenic boat cruises and city exploration and don’t mind long hours on a bus. If you’re traveling with friends or are comfortable with a fast-paced schedule, you’ll likely find it very rewarding.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility issues, the long travel days and limited free time might be less ideal. Also, those who are sensitive to bus comfort or prefer to eat independently might want to budget extra for meals and consider whether the long hours are manageable for their group.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children who enjoy boat rides and city sightseeing will find plenty to do. Keep in mind the long bus hours, which might tire younger travelers.

Are entrance fees included?
Not all entrance fees are included. You’ll pay separately for attractions like the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and any other optional activities beyond what’s listed.

What should I bring for the boat cruise?
Comfortable clothing and perhaps a waterproof jacket are good ideas since you’ll get close to the falls and may experience mist during the boat ride.

Can I request hotel pickup?
Yes, pickup from your Montreal hotel within 5 km of the departure point is available. Be ready and waiting in the lobby 15 minutes early.

What’s the best time of year to do this trip?
The boat cruise runs from May to October, offering better weather and water conditions. The Journey Behind the Falls is offered November through April, providing a different winter experience.

How strenuous is the tour?
It involves a fair amount of walking and long bus rides. If you’re comfortable with extended travel and standing, you’ll be fine. Otherwise, consider your comfort with long durations on a bus.

Final thoughts

This 2-day tour from Montreal is a solid choice for travelers eager to see a lot of Ontario in a short period. The guides and included activities tend to be well-received, and you’ll get fantastic views of waterfalls, islands, and cityscapes. While the long hours on the bus are a notable consideration, many reviewers feel the sights and experiences make it worthwhile.

If you’re someone who loves well-organized trips packed with diverse attractions and doesn’t mind the travel time, this could be a memorable addition to your Canadian adventure. For those seeking a more relaxed, less hectic pace, consider whether you’re comfortable with the long hours and busy schedule before booking.

In essence, this tour offers a taste of Ontario’s best—beautiful natural sights, impressive waterfalls, and a lively city—all bundled into one delightful, if slightly demanding, package. It’s especially suited for curious explorers eager to check multiple boxes in a short timeframe and willing to embrace a guided, organized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: