Many Canadians, Americans and international tourists flock to Niagara Falls, Canada to see the breathtaking Canadian and American falls. Niagara Falls, Canada has more to offer than a spectacular view of some famous waterfalls; it’s home to two casinos, White Water Walk, Fallsview Indoor Water Park, the Butterfly Conservatory, Bird Kingdom, Marineland, an IMAX Theatre, the Niagara Skywheel, Hornblower cruises and Journey Behind the Falls. Visiting Niagara Falls can cost you a week’s salary if you’re not careful. Having been to Niagara Falls more times than I can count, I want to share with you my tips to save money when visiting Niagara Falls, Canada.
Don’t eat breakfast in the tourist section
Even if you’re staying at one of the four star hotels with a view of the Falls, do you really want to pay $15-$20 for one order of bacon and eggs? Get in your car and take a three minute drive up to Lundy’s Lane where you’ll find breakfast for much cheaper. I usually eat at Falls Manor Restaurant on Lundy’s Lane where you can get eggs, toast and home fries for $7.99. I have also heard that Abby’s Breakfast and Lunch at 7990 Portage Road and Easy Street Sandwiches and Treats at 8240 McLeod Road offer inexpensive, but good breakfasts.
Park at Fallsview Casino
If you are planning to visit Fallsview Casino, you just have to show the parking attendant proof on your Fallsview Casino Players Advantage Card (obtain this free at the casino) that you gambled at least $20 at the casino and your parking will be free. Since Fallsview Casino is located just above the Horseshoe Falls, you can leave your car parked at the casino and walk down to the Niagara Parkway (it’s a 12-15 minute walk downhill) where you’ll have a spectacular view of the Falls. Go on the Hornblower Cruise or take the Journey Behind the Falls.
There is even a Tim Hortons with a patio on Niagara Parkway at Murray Street that gives you a great view of the Horseshoe Falls. This Tim’s location is one of the most inexpensive places to have a coffee and sandwich while enjoying a five-star view of the Falls.
Take the WEGO Bus
The WEGO bus system that stops at hotels, as well as all the tourist attractions. If you are going to be travelling to and from your hotel to various Niagara Falls attractions, it’s much cheaper to take the WEGO bus that will stop outside your hotel than to pay for parking each time you visit an attraction. WEGO 24-hour passes are Adult (13+) $9; Child (6-12) $6; and Child (5 and under) Free. To give you an idea how expensive parking is in Niagara Falls, if you park at the parking lot on the Niagara Parkway, you’re looking at paying at least $22 for a maximum of three hours.
There is also a Niagara Falls bus tour you can take from Toronto to Niagara Falls. which will stop at Niagara Falls attractions. Led by an experienced guide, the tour includes free time by Niagara Falls, stops at the floral clock, Niagara Parkway, hydro power stations and Queenston heights and wine tasting.
Book a Hotel without a Falls View
Rooms that have a view of the Falls are super pricey! In the summer, you’re looking at a minimum of $320 a night for a queen room with a view of the Falls. If you don’t mind not having a view of the Falls from your room, you will save a lot of money if you book at hotels that don’t have a view of the Falls, but are still in walking distance of all the attractions. Consider hotels on nearby Victoria Street such as the Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls, the Howard Johnson Hotel by Wyndham and the Days Inn by Wyndham Niagara Falls Near The Falls. If you can book a room with a small kitchen, you can save more money by picking up groceries at either No Frills or FreshCo on Lundy’s Lane.
Niagara Falls Adventure Pass
If you are planning on visiting several Niagara Falls attractions, you will save a lot of money by buying the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass. The Classic Niagara Falls Adventure Pass will give you access to the Hornblower cruise, Journey Behind the Falls13+) , and White Water Walk, as well as a two-day pass on the WEGO bus.
The Plus Niagara Falls Adventure Pass gives you access to all of the attractions and WEGO bus included on the Classic pass, as well as access to the Butterfly Conservatory, Whirlpool Aero Car, the Floral Showroom and the Falls Incline Railway. The Classic Adventure Pass is Adult (13+) $65; Child (6-12) $43 and 5 and under Free. The Plus Adventure Pass is Adult (13+) $90; Child (6-12) $59 and 5 and under Free.
And if you want to move permanently to Niagara Falls, Davids & DeLaat reveals that the cost of living in Niagara regions is fairly low compared to other Canadian cities and the Niagara Falls real estate market has been attractive lately. This could be a great place to live with ample opportunities available for work or play and it’s still fairly close to the GTA.
Do you have any tips to save money when visiting Niagara Falls? Please mention them in the comment section.
I have to grab all the savings in order to afford travel. I am looking at the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass right now.
These are amazing tips! We are thinking of visiting next year!
I hope you get a chance to visit. It’s a great place for families! Cheers, Lori
Thank you for sharing these practical tips. We committed a grave mistake of having breakfast a the tourist section and yes, that was really expensive. Taking note of recommendations and recommendations. We’re keen to get the pass too.
Oh yes, you’ll pay double for breakfast in the tourist section! The pass will also save you a lot of money. Cheers, Lori
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