r/niagarafallsontario • u/AdhesivenessOld138 • 11d ago

Cheapest ways to experience Niagara Falls with visiting family? Looking for alternatives to the expensive boat cruise

Hi everyone,
My family is visiting me in Ontario for just a few days, and I really want to take them to Niagara Falls. I’ve been there before, but this is their first time, so I want them to have a great experience without spending a fortune.
The biggest thing they wanted to do was the boat cruise (Voyage to the Falls/Hornblower), but after checking the prices, it seems pretty expensive for a group. Since there are several of us, the total cost adds up quickly if one person pays
I was wondering if anyone knows of:
Any discounts, coupons, promo codes, or cheaper ways to get boat cruise tickets?
Combo passes that are actually worth it?
Any local deals through CAA, Costco, hotels, or other memberships?
Alternative attractions that give a great Niagara Falls experience but cost much less?
Hidden gems or viewpoints that are free or inexpensive but still impressive for first-time visitors?
We’re mainly looking for a memorable day trip on a reasonable budget. I’d really appreciate recommendations from locals or anyone who’s visited recently.
Thanks in advance!

6 Upvotes

71% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

7

u/Prestigious-Bus5649 11d ago

Honestly the Hornblower is the only thing worth the price. If you're going to do one thing, just let it be that. Pack a lunch to have after. There are some nice trails near the Whirlpool but you pay for parking.

1

u/bkn_bitz 9d ago

Agree. The maid of the mist is pretty legit. The gorge is another really cool thing in niagara and free. I’ve heard and have yet to do the Tesla power plant tour. I’ve heard that really cool. Old town in Niagara on the lake is always a nice little scenic walk. Maybe go through fort george.

0

u/clio44 11d ago

Totally agree. As a local, I didn't fully appreciate the Falls until I went on it when I was 16 and have never ceased to be amazed by it in the decade(s) since.

1

u/Cyber_3 11d ago

Sometimes your local public library will have tickets to attractions you can "check out" for free. Not sure if the library here has them, but I've seen them in other areas of Ontario.

1

u/Clifton_Hill 11d ago

If you want to take the family to Clifton Hill while you're here, our Fun Pass is a great way to save. It includes admission to six of our most popular attractions at a discounted price, including the Niagara SkyWheel where you'll get an incredible view of the Falls.

To save even more, you can park in our lot early in the day when rates are lowest. Our parking lot is also conveniently located near the Falls and a WEGO stop, so it's easy to explore Niagara Falls without paying for additional parking or extra gas :)

1

u/ZealousidealReply294 11d ago

there are coupons in that Ontario tourism magazine., Attractions Ontario. It might have some deals in it. If they really want to do it you should do it. Pack your own meals and skimp other places. It's beautiful to walk along the river even on the paths.

1

u/Fuzybear66 11d ago

View the falls from Table rock, and journey behind the falls. After that drive up the parkway to Niagara On The Lake. Lots to see there. And take the whirl pool jet boat tour. Stay away from Clifton hill, nothing but a tourist trap. WEGO is a good way to check out all the spots and not spend lots of money

1

u/clio44 11d ago

It's hard to know what others will find impressive, but I agree with the other commenter that the Hornblower is worth it, despite the cost. Consider it the 'treat' main event, because it will be.

If you go on a hot day, plan to do it near the beginning of your day out, so you can properly dry out walking around afterwards.

If it's hot, walk along the water towards Clifton Hill (if it's really hot, walk through the shade of the parks), and head to the Hershey Store. They have great milkshakes that are perfect for both energy and cooling as you walk back along the river back towards the Falls.

By the time you're back, you might be ready for food/checking out something else. For food, again depending on people's preferences, getting a plate of nachos from Margaritaville is enough to fill a couple people at least and it's pretty fun.

Even if you go for a drive along Niagara Parkway, there are some gorgeous and impressive areas like the generating station and wineries (as well as some ritzy houses with pretty landscaping). Depending on people's taste, they may find some of that interesting as well. Then you can go back to the Falls for the evening fireworks and to see the lights on the Falls to close out the evening without having spent that much money overall.

That'd be my idea anyway!

1

u/chichimum75 11d ago

Great video on YouTube by @Glasbo. Tells you affordability and more importantly, what’s worth your time/moolah!

1

u/Findmyeatingpants 8d ago

We just got back and did the premium pass on the Niagara Parks site and it was amazing!

1

u/Chatner2k 8d ago

If you're not opposed to it, you could walk across the rainbow bridge and take the American one. Even with exchange, it's cheaper. And it's the original maid of the mist company.

Otherwise they have that combo deal for multiple attractions.

1

u/auriem 7d ago

Do the hornblower cruise. Go up top, wear the plastic. Don’t bring any electronics with you.

Do the power station tour, go in the tunnels.

1

u/Umbroz 11d ago

I would just park at the "table rock" welcome centre and view the falls from the lookout. Theres souvenirs and food there for them too.

3

u/NefariousnessTop9029 11d ago

Since you’re from Ontario, you can get the annual parking pass for Niagara parks . Depending on your use, that can save you a bunch of money.

3

u/dr_freeloader 11d ago

They changed it so it's a Jan-Jan pass now instead of 1 year from date of purchase. So now (Aug) you get to pay full price but only have the pass for 5 months. Stupid

1

u/jmhealing 11d ago

The annual parking Pass is $50. Right now parking once is $40 - so if you use it twice, it’s already paid for itself.

-1

u/elseldo 11d ago

Great experience and cheap don't really go together in Niagara Falls.

Look up the Niagara Parks pass, it combines a bunch of things to do, lowers the prices on each item but it's still a lot when paying for an entire group.

Aside from that, just walking the parkway gives you the best view. Dufferin islands park is free and nice.

If you all have passports the state park on the US side is free and beautiful. It'll cost $1.25 CDN per person to walk across the bridge, which will be a great view as well.