What to Do in Niagara Falls For Free
As a local to Niagara Falls for over 15 years, 'What to do in Niagara Falls for Free' is quite the easy question.
In fact, there are lots of things to do for free or for a minimal charge in the area if you know where to look and of course what you're looking for.
The region itself has a ton of cool things to see and do as well if you're willing to travel outside the falls area.
But for now let's focus on my top 3 selections in the tourist areas on the Canadian side.
For starters, Niagara Falls itself is completely FREE! You can spend as long as you want taking it all in.
Try exploring the falls late into the night when they are lit up by huge lighting cannons situated in an old castle.
A romantic stroll later into the evening will prove itself rewarding with an amazingly intense fireworks display that lights up the night on friday, sundays and holiday nights through the summer months.
During winter months, the mist from the falls creates ice an inch thick on pretty much everything.
It makes for a truly amazing winter wonderland.
Also, the Niagara Parks puts up their Festival of Lights displays.
These magnificent lighting displays show off everything from Disney characters, to lighting up the Niagara Parks Police Building.
A favourite for my family is driving around a small island called Dufferin Island just south of the falls.
It's littered with all sorts of animated lighting that the kids love to look at.
Enjoy a hot drink as you walk or drive around the island and take in the lights.
They are looking for a small donation however none is required.
Moving to warmer weather and from the falls into the gorge area, you'll find some breathtaking settings you can enjoy completely free.
If you follow the quick flowing water that runs from the falls you'll find the gorge which is home to some class 5 rapids and 180 foot rock walls on both sides of the water.
A favourite pastime for my wife and I is hiking down the rock face and climbing down to the rapids.
If you follow the flow of the river 8 km's north on Niagara Parkway, past the whirlpool, you will see a small center located on your right with a lot of totem poles.
If you park in the parking area and walk down the hill past the picnic areas you will find a huge steel stairwell that takes you down a sheer cliff.
Explore 4 km's of hiking trails where you will pass giant boulders, cold caves, wildflowers, and forest.
Not only that, the more adventurous can climb out on the boulders that line the edge of the rapids, fish or line out a picnic! Watch as tourism jet boats roar up the rapids within 30 feet of your picnic! Don't forget to wave at the tourists, they'll think you're a local.
Once you've finished your hike, travel a slight jaunt further down the parkway until you reach the Botanical Gardens.
This magnificent outdoor arrangement of flowers acts as a classroom for students attending the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture.
Some of the most beautiful arrangements and scents you will ever smell are all arranged in 99 acres of professionally manicured gardens, including their world famous rose garden with over 2,400 roses.
The setting also has old homes, and barns that have been refurbished to suit the atmosphere.
Make sure you make way for the traditional horse drawn carriages as they pass you by on the trail.
You camera will be an asset at this location, so be sure to take lots of pictures with your friends or family.
In fact, there are lots of things to do for free or for a minimal charge in the area if you know where to look and of course what you're looking for.
The region itself has a ton of cool things to see and do as well if you're willing to travel outside the falls area.
But for now let's focus on my top 3 selections in the tourist areas on the Canadian side.
For starters, Niagara Falls itself is completely FREE! You can spend as long as you want taking it all in.
Try exploring the falls late into the night when they are lit up by huge lighting cannons situated in an old castle.
A romantic stroll later into the evening will prove itself rewarding with an amazingly intense fireworks display that lights up the night on friday, sundays and holiday nights through the summer months.
During winter months, the mist from the falls creates ice an inch thick on pretty much everything.
It makes for a truly amazing winter wonderland.
Also, the Niagara Parks puts up their Festival of Lights displays.
These magnificent lighting displays show off everything from Disney characters, to lighting up the Niagara Parks Police Building.
A favourite for my family is driving around a small island called Dufferin Island just south of the falls.
It's littered with all sorts of animated lighting that the kids love to look at.
Enjoy a hot drink as you walk or drive around the island and take in the lights.
They are looking for a small donation however none is required.
Moving to warmer weather and from the falls into the gorge area, you'll find some breathtaking settings you can enjoy completely free.
If you follow the quick flowing water that runs from the falls you'll find the gorge which is home to some class 5 rapids and 180 foot rock walls on both sides of the water.
A favourite pastime for my wife and I is hiking down the rock face and climbing down to the rapids.
If you follow the flow of the river 8 km's north on Niagara Parkway, past the whirlpool, you will see a small center located on your right with a lot of totem poles.
If you park in the parking area and walk down the hill past the picnic areas you will find a huge steel stairwell that takes you down a sheer cliff.
Explore 4 km's of hiking trails where you will pass giant boulders, cold caves, wildflowers, and forest.
Not only that, the more adventurous can climb out on the boulders that line the edge of the rapids, fish or line out a picnic! Watch as tourism jet boats roar up the rapids within 30 feet of your picnic! Don't forget to wave at the tourists, they'll think you're a local.
Once you've finished your hike, travel a slight jaunt further down the parkway until you reach the Botanical Gardens.
This magnificent outdoor arrangement of flowers acts as a classroom for students attending the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture.
Some of the most beautiful arrangements and scents you will ever smell are all arranged in 99 acres of professionally manicured gardens, including their world famous rose garden with over 2,400 roses.
The setting also has old homes, and barns that have been refurbished to suit the atmosphere.
Make sure you make way for the traditional horse drawn carriages as they pass you by on the trail.
You camera will be an asset at this location, so be sure to take lots of pictures with your friends or family.
