Last Updated on February 7, 2026
As the largest and most magnificent waterfalls in North America, Niagara Falls rightfully holds a place on most people’s travel bucket lists. Thanks to centuries of world fame, the destination has become a popular tourist attraction, bringing in more than 30 million visitors every year. As a result, Niagara Falls isn’t always ideal for the globetrotter: Prices can be high, and reservations can be necessary. I’ve always been a budget-conscious traveler, which is why I put together a low-budget Niagara Falls itinerary for you.
Because, fortunately, it is possible to see the best of Niagara Falls on a small budget. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit to these famous waterfalls and the surrounding countryside on a short, affordable trip to Niagara:
Stay Close to the Falls
Since you likely don’t have much time to explore the whole Niagara region, you should try to find accommodations close to the action. On the Canadian side of the falls, there are a number of affordable, deluxe hotels and resorts within walking distance of major attractions, and many of these accommodations boast rooms with outstanding views. I highly recommend the Marriott on the Falls, which is the closest hotel to Niagara Falls and offers award-winning amenities, including a spa and an upscale restaurant. Plus, you can usually find last-minute bookings for low prices because major hotels like Marriott are eager to fill their rooms. You can check out room rates for the date of your visit here:
- Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, Canada – double rooms per night from US$93
- Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls (Canada) – double rooms per night start at US$68
- Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls Canada – double rooms start at US$70
- Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls USA – double room start from US$84
Tip: Read my Niagara Falls Smack Down : The American Falls vs the Canadian Side for more accommodation recommendations near Niagara Falls, both on the American side and the Canadian side.
Buy a Niagara Falls Trip Package
During a last-minute vacation, you don’t have time to waste trying to plan an itinerary, compare prices or perform other preliminary research on your destination. Therefore, it is likely worth your money to buy a vacation package, which will include admission to various attractions as well as some meals during your trip.
Because Niagara Falls is a popular tourist destination, you have hundreds of tour packages to choose from, but I suggest choosing one offered through your hotel. These will be more convenient, often including transportation to and from different attractions. Marriott’s Niagara Falls, Canada vacation packages include family-friendly waterpark days, adult casino nights, wine-tastings, luxurious breakfasts, spa services and more.
Decide How to Get Around At Niagara Falls
As long as you stay in the heart of the tourist areas of Niagara Falls, Canada, you won’t have to worry too much about transportation – you can just use your two feet. Major attractions like Queen Victoria Park, the Rainbow Bridge and boat tours are easily accessible by pedestrians. If you want to venture slightly farther afield, perhaps to the wineries of the Niagara countryside, you might consider renting a bike or even signing up for a cycling tour of Niagara’s vineyards.
If neither of these sounds appealing, you shouldn’t opt for a rental car just yet. Niagara also boasts a unique visitor transportation system called WEGO, which connects hotels with all major attractions in the Niagara area, from Niagara-on-the-Lake in the north to the Floral Showhouse in the south. For two days of unlimited rides, you pay only $15 per adult or $11.50 per child between 6 and 12 years. That’s a steal compared to rental car prices, which are upwards of $40 per day – and that’s for compact models.
Niagara Falls Attractions that are free or don’t cost much
Now that you have your logistics sorted, you can focus on the fun. Niagara Falls has grown into a tourist’s playground, filled with adventures and excitement that can last weeks, so if your time is limited, you will have to pick and choose from the following list of low-budget activities you can’t miss.
Niagara parks and gardens
Queen Victoria Park offers the best view of Niagara Falls, but you can also mosey around Dufferin Islands, Niagara Glen, and the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens to see beautiful scenery.
The Mesmerizing Niagara Falls Light Show
January 1-31: 5pm – 1am; February 1 – March 11: 5:30pm – 1am; March 12-31: 7:30pm – 2am; April 1 – May 14: 8pm – 2am; May 15 – July 31: 8:30pm – 2am; August 1-15: 8pm – 2am; August 16-31: 7:30pm – 2am; September 1-19: 7pm – 2am; September 20-30: 6:30pm – 2am; October 1-15: 6:15pm – 2am; October 16-31: 6pm – 2am; November 1 – December 31: 4:30pm – 2am
The light show is best seen from the Canadian side (Victoria Park).
Hike in Niagara Falls State Park (US side)
Fun fact: Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the U.S.! The park offers over five miles of hiking trails, including a hike down into the Niagara Gorge. The Gorge Overlook Trail is an easy 1-hour hike. The park is currently expanding its trail network, so expect more trails in the future. Head to the Niagara Gorge Trailhead Center where most of the trails start.
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens are located on the Canadian side of the falls. The gardens contain 99 acres of horticulture, including 80,000 annual plants and a gorgeous rose garden with more than 2,400 roses (!). There are themed seasonal displays, and the gardens are free to visit.
- Address: 2565 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
- Opening Hours: The Gardens are open daily from 6am till midnight.
Niagara Falls History Museum
If your last-minute trip coincides with a Thursday evening, you can get into this museum free of charge. Exhibits include the history of Niagara Falls, especially the region’s role in the War of 1812.
- Address: 5810 Ferry St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1S9, Canada
- Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm; until 9pm on Thursday nights
- Admission: CA$6, Thursday nights are free
Clifton Hill (Canada)
Playing any arcade games will cost you a few quarters, but you can also enjoy the lights and action of the iconic Street of Fun for free. See below for some of the cheapest attractions you can visit on Clifton Street.
The cheapest Niagara Falls attractions
These are the cheapest attractions you can book in Niagara Falls:
- Niagara Skywheel US$12
- Skylon Tower Observation Deck US$16
- Niagara Falls 6 Attractions Pass (US$28): If you’re planning to visit more than just a couple of attractions, the 6 Attractions Pass for Clifton Hill (Canada) is well worth the $28. It includes admission to Niagara SkyWheel, Zombie Attack, the Movieland Wax Museum, Dinosaur Adventure Golf or Wizards Golf, the Ghostblaster’s Dark Ride and Toy Store 4D Ride or Carnival Chaos
Save money by shopping at a Niagara Falls Outlet Store
Forget the overpriced shops near the Falls – if you want to do some shopping, but you’re visiting Niagara Falls on a small budget, head to one of the outlet stores instead. There are two big outlet stores in Niagara Falls, one on the American side and one on the Canadian side of the Falls.
The U.S. Niagara Falls Outlet Store is:
Fashion Outlets
Address: 1900 Military Road; Niagara Falls, NY 14304, USA
Some of the stores you find here: Adidas, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, Columbia, Crocs, Eddie Bauer, Footlocker, Forever 21, Fossil, GAP, Guess, H&M, J.Crew, Kate Spade, Levi’s Marshalls, Michael Kors, Nike, Oakley, Old Navy, PINK, POLO Ralph Lauren, Puma, Rainbow, Skechers, Sunglass Hut, Swarovski, Timerbland, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, Vans, Victoria’s Secret, and more.
The Canada Niagara Falls Outlet Mall is:
Outlet Collections at Niagara
Address: 300 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada
Stores you find here include: The Northface, Michael Kors, Adidas, ALDO, American Eagle, ASICS, Banana Republic, Bath & Body Works, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, The Children’s Place, Columbia, Coach, Cole Haan, DKNY, Crocs, Ecco, Eddie Bauer, Fossil, GAP, GEOX, GNC, Guess, Jack Jones, Kate Spade, Lacoste, Levi’s, L’occitane, Lululemon, Marshalls, Mountain Warehouse, New Balance, Nike, Old Navy, Pandora, Puma, POLO Ralph Lauren, Reebok, Saks Off Fifth, Samsonite, Skechers, Sunglass Hut, The Body Shop, The Shoe Company, Tommy Hilfiger, UGG, Under Armour, Vans, and more.
