It's so tough picking things on TripAdvisor or anything really because reviews are always very mixed, and if you're like me, you're a tad indecisive. I just had to hit purchase on this one and hope for the best. This weekend was my first time in Toronto/in Canada period, and I could not have made a better decision of where to go and what to do! This tour was THE highlight of our trip.
I had a bit of confusion after booking because my hotel (Thompson Toronto- highly recommend) wasn't listed. I called and they were very responsive, and made sure to add my location for pick-up. Nathan was there right at 7:45 a.m. as they said he would be and patiently waited a few extra minutes for my boyfriend and I. He was extremely informative, very sweet, and obviously extremely knowledgeable about the area. When I read "small tour" I was thinking it would be about 10-15 people. This was me, my boyfriend, and one other lovely couple (from Romania and Lebanon). It was essentially a private tour of Niagra. So intimate and unique. Nathan was very clear with what the tour consisted of, what would be happening at what time, where to meet back up, gave wonderful suggestions, etc.
Most of my worry came from being a US southerner and not knowing how to navigate Niagra in such drastic winter temperatures. But I must say, it was the experience of a lifetime and as long as you're layered, you'll be fine! Seeing Niagra in winter far surpasses what I'm sure it looks like in Summer. I've seen it from stateside and I was much more in awe of what turned into a winter wonderland! We did "Journey Behind the Falls" which I had already decided on before going. However, Nathan presented it as an option on the tour and advised us to do that first thing to beat the crowds. It basically felt like we had Niagra to ourselves with how early we got out there. Seeing the falls from below was breathtaking, and then getting up above it was just the same. Just such a fun, adventurous time. We spent time there and then got a tour of the Niagra on the Lake area, stopped at this village for lunch (which I wish was just a little bit longer for exploring--an extra 30 minutes would have been perfect), stopped at a winery to try ice wine. Just a beautiful day with another great couple and Nathan, our excellent driver. Very impressed with this experience and will highly recommend to anyone!!