Spending Time in Niagara Falls Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
There is plenty for families to do in Niagara Falls on a tight budget. The southern side of Ontario houses stunning natural spaces, including Niagara Falls and many wonderful parks, all of which can be explored for free. Those visiting with a passion for history can enjoy visiting the many battlefield sites and forts that date back to the War of 1812.
Continue to read to find out the best things to do on a budget in Niagara Falls, ON.
1. See the Niagara Falls In-Person for Free
Families who are looking to access the Niagara Falls State Park will find that it is free! Without having to spend a penny, you can view Niagara Falls for free from the sidewalk alongside Niagara Parkway, north of the welcoming Table Rock Welcome Center. When you approach the center, you will find yourself close to the Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. The other two that can be seen are the American and Bridal Veil Falls, which can be seen for free from Queen Victoria Park, 400 metres on the Canadian side of the Niagara River.
2. Hike and Explore the Dufferin Islands Park
Escape the hustle of the city of Niagara Falls into the pristine Dufferin Islands. The group of islands is connected by scenic wooden bridges and crisscrossed by easy walking trails. The islands cover a total area of 40,000 sq m, free to access for anyone anytime. Visitors can get to the islands by WEGO bus, the last stop–Rapid View Station–is 500 meteres north of the entrance to the park. Enjoy a leisurely walk in a superb natural environment where you and your children can spot wildlife including moose and beavers. Events such as the Winter Festival of Lights can be viewed through lighting displays between November and January.
3. Check out the Niagara River Recreation Trail
the 56-km-long cycling trail of the Niagara River Recreation Trail links Old Fort Erie in the south to Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake to the north. The beautiful trail runs along the Niagara River through plenty of natural surroundings, with stunning views. There are many great spots to stop along the way, including restaurants to stop for a break. When staying in Niagara Falls, you will be at the midpoint of the trail, where bike rentals are easily accessible.
4. Take Plenty of Pictures of The Floral Clock
The Floral Clock was built in the ’50s in Queenston, just 10 km north of the falls. Maintained by the Niagara Park horticulture staff, the beautiful landmark features a 12.2-metre diameter face of 24,000 vivid carpet plants arranged in a psychedelic design. The flowers are rotated with new ones twice a year, with a fun history guide telling of the vintage mechanism of the clock in the smaller tower at the back. Just opposite the tower near the base of the clock visitors can find a large water garden to toss a coin in and make a wish.
5. Satiate Your Inner Child at the Hershey’s Chocolate World
A visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World will not break your budget, that is, if you don’t spend too much on the many delicious sweets available at the popular store. Take a mouth-watering trip down memory lane while you snap photos with the Hershey’s products’ characters while you browse the aisles to find Jolly Rancher candies, Twizzlers, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, among many other great sweet treats.
6. Wander the Infamous Streets of Clifton Hill
The manmade alternative of Niagara Falls is Clifton Hill, the 250-metre-long street is popular, as it offers a great range of leisure and entertainment venues, including finds like Upside Down House, Castle Dracula Wax Museum, and many more finds. The Niagara Skywheel is the central position on the Cliffton Hill. Apart from the entertainment, there are plenty of dining options available. Make your trip fun by visiting at night in bright neon.
7. Enjoy the Community at the Niagara Falls Farmers’ Market
The Niagara Falls Farmers’ Market has been established for over 50 years, giving visitors the chance to mingle with the community to purchase delicious, fresh produce at affordable prices. Every Saturday, the market is behind the Niagara Falls History Museum. It is easily accessible by the WEGO bus, and the small market features a few vendors, and up to 20 stalls in summer.
8. History Buffs can Explore the Niagara Falls History Museum
Check out the Niagara Falls History Museum on a Thursday after 5 pm for a free evening and nab a map of the historic sites in the region. You can organize a self-guided tour and check out the historic remains of the War of 1812. Using the WEGO transportation buses allows visitors to get around the sites without spending a fortune. Historic sites include the Chippawa Battlefield Park, Fort George, and Old Fort Erie, just to name a few. This wonderful tourist attraction is a pleasant way to discover the natural surroundings of Southern Ontario.
9. Work on Your Tan at Crystal Beach
Hop on a bus with your family to Crystal Beach, just 25 km south of Niagara Falls for a relaxing time on the shores of Lake Erie. Crystal Beach reaches 3 km in length, a popular spot for locals to spend time at. Crystal Beach features golden powdery sand and clean water, locals can also find great bars, restaurants, shops, and water sports like paddleboarding. The beach is usually crowded from June to August, so make sure to choose a time to beat the rush.
10. Explore the Niagara Gorge
Take your family on an adventure through the captivating Niagara Gorge. Hike the scenic trails winding beside the rushing waters on meandering paths of the Carolinian Forest, where you can soak in the natural beauty of the area.
Interested in spending a low-budget day exploring the natural beauty of Niagra Falls, ON? The scenic city is a tourist hot spot for many reasons, as it offers the best views of its namesake, Niagra Falls, as well as plenty of outdoor opportunities where families can immerse themselves in the captivating nature around them. From spending time outdoors at the Falls and navigating the many wonderful park trails to spending time exploring community events like farmers’ markets to visiting chocolate factories, there is something for everyone to enjoy when in Niagara Falls. What better way to explore these amenities than by calling the area home? Let the professionals at Hendricks Team Realty guide you in finding your dream home in the many wonderful communities in Niagara Falls, ON today.