Looking for exciting and free things to do in Niagara Falls?
Just because it’s free, doesn’t mean it’s boring!
Niagara Falls is always fun to visit, and you can find plenty of fun and free activities and things to do in Niagara Falls.
Here are some of the best free things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario!
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Hotels in Niagara Falls
If you do decide you want to stay overnight, book a stay at one of the best hotels in Niagara Falls:
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson: a cozy 3-star hotel located around the corner from Clifton Hill, perfect for families and couples, with free breakfast, an indoor pool, and a gym.
- Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview: a modern 3-star hotel located right by the Falls, with some rooms facing the Falls, as well as an indoor pool and fitness centre.
- Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls Fallsview: a contemporary 4-star hotel located right by the Falls, with some rooms facing the Falls. Also connected to a shopping centre, multiple restaurants, and an indoor pool.
Plan your Niagara Falls trip
If you’re planning a trip to the Niagara Region, you might enjoy these posts as well:
- Looking for the top places to eat? Here are the best restaurants in Niagara Falls.
- Spending a day at Niagara Falls? Here’s your perfect Niagara Falls day trip itinerary.
- Planning a weekend getaway? Peep out my Niagara Falls weekend itinerary!
- Driving to Niagara? Check out my road trip tips, listen to the best podcasts for your road trip, and be sure to wear comfy road trip outfits.
- Staying overnight? Read up on my tips on finding the best Airbnbs!
If you’re coming from Toronto, you might want to check out this Toronto to Niagara Falls day tour by bus – it includes wine tasting, scenic photo stops, and free time to explore on your own!
If you’ll already be in Niagara Falls, this fun half-day wine tasting tour by bus takes you to 2 to 4 Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, depending on the option you choose.
Though it is a little pricy, it is totally worth doing a scenic helicopter tour over Niagara Falls, especially if you’re looking to treat someone.
If you prefer something more adventurous, ziplining over the Niagara River Gorge is pretty epic!
Free things to do in Niagara Falls
Go to the Horseshoe Falls viewpoint
Of course, walking over to the Horseshoe Falls viewpoint is always free, and it’s a must-do every time you visit Niagara Falls.
Be sure to arrive early unless you want to fight with tourists for photo spots along the gate.
Also be prepared to get completely soaked if you walk too close to the gate – at least wear waterproof makeup!
Check it out during the day to see it in its roaring glory, and stop by later at night to see it illuminated in all the pretty colours.
LOCATION: Niagara Falls, ON
Hike at the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
Niagara Glen is a gorgeous nature reserve located on the Canadian side of the Niagara Gorge, and it offers up incredible and Instagrammable views.
You can enjoy 4km of rugged trails, but definitely bring a good pair of hiking shoes if you have them!
Swimming is prohibited as the river is dangerous, but you can enjoy the turquoise waters from the shore.
If you visit during the fall, you can enjoy all the stunning fall foliage!
While it is free to visit, parking is $2.50 an hour, and it fills up quickly.
LOCATION: 3050 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON
Stroll through the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
Fun fact: Niagara Falls is home to the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, so you’ll find plenty of beautifully-maintained florals around the area!
The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens is a stunning European-style garden that’s been around since the 1930s, and it’s also home to the School of Horticulture.
The botanical garden takes up 99 acres of land, so there’s plenty to see and walk through – including their world-famous rose garden with over 2,400 roses!
While the gardens are free to explore, there is paid parking.
It’s also located right by the Butterfly Conservatory if you’re planning a visit there!
LOCATION: 2565 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON
Wander around Clifton Hill
Of course all the activities in Clifton Hill have ticket fees, but you can still wander around this marvellous little street for free.
Plus, you can even do some window shopping at the unique souvenir shops, like the Hershey and Coca Cola stores!
If you’re lucky, you might even find free tickets on the floor at the arcade (I did a few years ago while passing through it lol).
LOCATION: Niagara Falls, ON
Watch the fireworks over the Falls
If you visit on a weekend (Friday through Sunday), you’ll be able to catch fireworks over the Falls at 10 PM each night!
Even if you’re not visiting on a weekend, you can catch the Falls illuminated in pretty colours every single night of the year.
LOCATION: Niagara Falls, ON
Free things to do in Niagara Falls:
- Go to the Horseshoe Falls viewpoint
- Hike at the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve
- Stroll through the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
- Wander around Clifton Hill
- Watch the fireworks over the Falls
These were some of the best free things to do in Niagara Falls!
What are the best free things to do in Niagara Falls in your opinion? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
If you’re planning a trip to the Niagara Region, you might enjoy these posts as well:
- Looking for the top places to eat? Here are the best restaurants in Niagara Falls.
- Spending a day at Niagara Falls? Here’s your perfect Niagara Falls day trip itinerary.
- Planning a weekend getaway? Peep out my Niagara Falls weekend itinerary!
- Driving to Niagara? Check out my road trip tips, listen to the best podcasts for your road trip, and be sure to wear comfy road trip outfits.
- Staying overnight? Read up on my tips on finding the best Airbnbs!
Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest if you aren’t already!
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