The Top 10 Best Free Things To Do in Niagara Falls, Canada
Whether you are planning a cheap trip, are already in ‘the Falls’ or, you just know that the best things in life are free; here are my favourite top 10 free things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
#1 Take a hike in the Niagara Glen
If you are taking a trip to Niagara Falls then you absolutely have to visit a most beautiful hiking trail through the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve. The terrain is rocky and there are 200 stairs, so proper footwear is recommended. Trail maps are available for free at the gift shop. For those who would like a guide, there are several tours available, however; we recommend the Natural Connection Tour with Natural Niagara Tours at $35 per person.
#2 Take a Stroll in the Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens on the Niagara Parkway are a delight to stroll through. On the grounds of the Niagara Parks Commission Botany school, these historical sprawling gardens are filled with the most beautiful of flora and fauna. A walk along the various paths and park segments is soothing for the soul and can be an inspirational muse to those who like to write, practice Yoga or just like to saunter and observe wildlife!
#3 Walk or bike along the Niagara River
The Niagara River walking/biking trail along the Niagara Parkway is beautiful. Whether you take the whole trail or just a portion of it, you will be delighted with serene and mesmerizing expanses of water and some of the most beautiful trees that Canada has to offer. The lower river offers wine country and the little town of Niagara On the Lake while the upper river offers a closer view of the river and the many river birds.
#4 Sit a while by the Falls
Seeing Niagara Falls is amazing, but taking the time to step out of the crowd , find a comfy bench or place to put your picnic blanket and really take it in can not be substituted by a quick drive-by or pause and selfie. Spending the afternoon with a journal while you bask in the rainbow mist of an ancient waterfall; priceless, but free!
#5 Enjoy some live music
Live music is a must and when it is outdoors and free, it is just that much better. Thursdays blues in the park at Firemans park is a Niagara Falls favourite for the locals and for the price of a beer, you can enjoy free music at the cool and hip pubs on the local downtown strip on Queen Street. We recommend Taps and Camp Cataract for their regular live music shows.
#6 Thursday Nights at the Museum
Thursday nights at the Niagara Falls Museum there is always something exciting to do and the exhibits are always free on Thursdays. Check out their website for details.
#7 Fireworks over the falls
There is nothing quite as magical as a fire works show; and to see it over Niagara Falls is exhilarating. Fire work displays last about 5-10 minutes and are free to the public. See the Niagara Parks Commission website for the newest firework time schedule.
#8 Free events put on by the Niagara Parks Commission
The Niagara Parks Commission puts on various events throughout the year. Past events have included: Birds of Prey exhibits, outdoor art shows and musical Water/lazer concerts. The New Years Eve Show is a Yearly free event as well as the Festival of Lights which is free to explore throughout the Christmas and holiday season.
#9 Hike along the Bruce Trail
The Bruce Trail is the oldest Walking path in Canada and is still hiked to this day by many eager travellers. The trail extends all the way to Tobomory along the ridge of the Niagara Escarpment. This trail would take more than 3 months to walk in it’s entirety, but is a great place to visit for a short stroll. Remember to always hike with a friend or tell someone where you are going. This part of the trail is relatively flat for the first 15 minutes though it can become mucky in rainy weather.
#10 Visit the beach
Niagara Falls is smack dab between two beautiful beaches on the Great Lakes; Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
Crystal Beach is on lake Erie and is a beautiful 40 minute drive from Niagara Falls The drive takes you through the country side and farmers’ fields). Crystal beach has a large, sandy beach. Port Dalhousie on Lake Ontario is a small town about 20 minutes by highway from Niagara Falls. Port Dalhousie has two of the most beautiful sandy beaches for watching the sunset, swimming and viewing Toronto across the lake.
Written by: Christa Barette
To book a tour with us give us a call today at 905-353-5323 or email us at naturalniagaratours@gmail.com