A Local’s Top Secrets to Saving Money in Niagara Falls

1. Visit During the Off-Season

On my top money-saving tips for Niagara Falls is visiting during the off-season or shoulder season, if you are able to. While summer is the most popular time to visit, traveling in the off-season (late fall, winter, and early spring) can save you money on accommodations and attractions. It’s also cheaper (and less busy) to stay during the week rather than a weekend, if you can swing it!

Many hotels offer significantly lower rates during these months, sometimes slashing prices by 50% or more. Some attractions (like Journey Behind the Falls) offer discounted rates during the winter and you’ll encounter fewer crowds, too.

Spring is a gorgeous time to visit, and if you time it right, you’ll be able to be among the first visitors to get into the attractions that have reopened for the season, like the Whirlpool Aero Car and White Water Walk (my top 2 things to do in Niagara Falls!).

You’ll also be able to catch the best of spring in the Niagara Region with the flowers blooming at places like Kingsbridge Park for cherry blossoms, Magnolia Alley for the stunning magnolias, and Queen Victoria Park for tulips and daffodils.

Fall is another jaw-dropping season that’s absolutely gorgeous. With the peak crowds dissipating, it’s an amazing time to come and visit the attractions. If you’re one who loves fall colours, there’s no better time to take a scenic fall hike at the Niagara Gorge.  

Winter in Niagara Falls is magical and is my favourite time to visit. The season adds an extra layer of magic, as the Falls often freeze into stunning ice formations, making for breathtaking photos. It’s also a great time to check out the Winter Festival of Lights (which is FREE!) and offer free entertainment and stunning light displays.

Navigating Niagara Tip: During 5 days of November of every year, Sleep Cheap Charities Reap offers insanely discounted hotel packages (including Fallsview rooms). If you sign up with them, you will get notified of the upcoming event. Plus, the money raised goes towards local charities!

2. Take Advantage of Free Attractions

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy Niagara Falls! Some of the best experiences are completely free, aside from seeing Niagara Falls in all its glory!

Some examples include:

• Viewing the falls from Queen Victoria Park, the perfect spot to take in the stunning scenery and snap memorable photos.
• Walk or bike along the Niagara Parkway, a scenic route that offers beautiful views of the river, gardens, and historical landmarks like the Floral Clock.
• Taste different grades of maple syrup for free and learn how its made at Maple Leaf Place. Don’t forget to try a Canadian favourite – frozen maple taffy!
• Exploring Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, home to 99 acres of sprawling gardens and 80,000 plants, including a stunning rose garden! 
• Watching the Niagara Falls Illumination, where the falls are lit up in vibrant colours every night, and the fireworks displays (which runs daily from mid-May to Canadian Thanksgiving in October and during the Winter Festival of Lights on select nights), offering a dazzling nighttime spectacle—all at no cost!

✨ Check out my complete guide to free things to do in Niagara Falls! ✨

3. Use Discount Attraction Passes

If you plan to visit multiple attractions, consider purchasing a Niagara Falls Adventure Pass, which bundles top attractions at a discounted rate. This is the BEST way to save money in Niagara Falls, as it packages everything together with a steep discount AND includes transport around the Falls on the WEGO bus. You can save anywhere from 18%-57% compared to buying everything separately, so it’s absolutely worth taking a look at.

Honestly, this is the top way to visit the Falls, and even though you can find deals on websites like Groupon and Travelzoo for dining and hotel stays in the area, if you’re planning to visit the attractions, this is the way to do it!

If you’re a Niagara local (or visit the Falls frequently throughout the year), the best investment for us has been the Niagara Parks Annual Pass, which includes unlimited access to Niagara Parks attractions for one annual price.

✨ We saved SO much money with the Annual Pass. See my review and detailed breakdown and find out if the Niagara Parks Annual Pass is worth it. ✨

Want to spend a day up and down Clifton Hill? Consider buying a Clifton Hill Fun Pass which will give you access to many attractions for one low price! For $34.95/adults and $22.95/child, you get access to 6 attractions which saves you over $30! We took my niece to Niagara Falls and she had a blast doing the attractions on this pass.

Get entry to:

• Niagara Skywheel
• Dinosaur Golf or Wizard’s Golf
• Zombie Attack 6D Theatre Ride
• Movieland Wax Museum
• Cosmic Coaster XD Theatre Ride
• Ghost Blasters Dark Ride

Navigating Niagara Tip: Are you a Costco member? You can get the Clifton Hill Fun Pass even cheaper at the warehouse at Costco in Niagara Falls and Stoney Creek (possibly other locations, but these are the two stores I’ve seen them at)!  Passes expire 1 year from the date of purchase. You don’t have to do all the attractions in one day either!

4. Eat Smart and Save on Dining

Dining near the Falls can be pricey (as with any popular tourist area!), but there are ways to save. 

• Enjoy local restaurants just a short drive or walk from the main tourist area. Places like Taps Brewhouse, Cheryl’s Deli & Subs, Betty’s Restaurant (you will need a car) and Chuck’s Roadhouse offer delicious food at reasonable prices.
• Choose lunch over dinner at sit-down restaurants, as many offer lunch specials at a fraction of the dinner price.
• Opt for takeout or picnic meals. There are some great picnic spots in Niagara Falls, like at Queenston Heights and Kingsbridge Park.
• Bring your own snacks and drinks to avoid the high prices at tourist hotspots.
• Fuel up with a big breakfast at places like Queen’s Coach or Hi-Lite Cafe to keep you going most of the day!

Navigating Niagara Tip: Expect to pay an additional 3%-12% in “destination marketing fees” when you dine in the tourist area. Be aware of this fee (not all establishments add this to the final bill) so you don’t tip on that amount, too. If you’re a local, you can always ask for them to remove this. We’ve had success doing this, so it doesn’t hurt to ask!

5. Park Strategically (or Use the WEGO!)

Parking near the falls can be expensive, with some lots charging $35 or more! Save money by:

• Invest in a Niagara Parks Parking Pass. It’s $50 for the year but pays for itself in as little as 2 visits (or even just a day if you drive and park at various parking lots across the Falls!)
• Purchase a Daily Parking Pass online when you purchase a Niagara Parks Attraction Pass or attraction tickets. It’s $31.86 + HST for the day, but allows you to park at any Niagara Parks parking lot. 
• Parking further away at locations like Rapidsview Parking Lot for $10 (includes free WEGO shuttle to Table Rock), or independent lots near Clifton Hill which range anywhere from $10-$30). You can also park for free at Fallsview Casino if you spend $50 or more in any of the participating stores.
• Using the WEGO Bus System, an affordable and convenient way to get around Niagara Falls without worrying about parking fees. A day pass costs a fraction of what you’d pay for multiple parking fees. This is the perfect option if you are visiting without a car, PLUS it’s included in Niagara Parks Attraction Passes!
• Checking hotel parking policies, as some accommodations like Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls and the Glengate Hotel offer free parking for guests, making it a great value if you’re staying overnight.
• Utilizing street parking, which may be available at a lower cost or even free in certain areas outside the main tourist district.

Navigating Niagara Tip: Parking is free at the Whirlpool Aero Car, and is free at White Water Walk when you purchase a ticket or have a pass. Just enquire on your entry, and you will have to put a ticket on your dash.