To truly experience Niagara Falls, the amount of time you need depends on your "depth" of interest. For a quick "stop-and-snap" visit where you simply view the Horseshoe and American Falls from the Queen Victoria Park boardwalk, 2 to 3 hours is sufficient. However, if you want to participate in the iconic "big three" attractions—Niagara City Cruises (the boat tour), Journey Behind the Falls, and the White Water Walk—you should set aside a full 6 to 8 hours. This allows for wait times (which can be over an hour in peak summer) and a relaxed lunch at Table Rock. If you are staying on the Canadian side and want to explore the neon-lit entertainment of Clifton Hill or visit the nearby town of Niagara-on-the-Lake for wine tasting, a two-day (overnight) trip is the "Gold Standard" recommendation. This ensures you can see the falls illuminated at night and witness the fireworks without feeling rushed by a day-trip schedule from Toronto or Buffalo.