Niagara Falls on a budget?

[MHSweb79]

Anyone have suggestions for doing Niagara Falls on a budget? We have vacation July 14-21 of this year.

Any must-do's for the area?

Thanks in advance!

 

[lizabu]

The least expensive area to stay in is on Lundy's Lane. There is a Walmart and a lot of fast food restaurants in that area so you can easily feed your family on a shoestring. You can then either drive to the Falls/Clifton hill area or take the bus (Niagara Transit...(adults 24 hour pass is $10 and 2 kids 12 and under can ride free with each paying adult). If you drive you will have to pay to park pretty much anywhere close to the falls ($10-20 depending where and when). I would buy the Adventure Pass and just do everything on that. Picnicing is great and there are so many beautiful parks to picnic in. The floral clock is free. You can walk around the Buddist Temple across from the White Water walk for free. If you go to the US side Whirlpool park is beautiful and you can explore goat island. Fridays and Sundays there are fireworks all summer. Sometimes across from the falls where that large restaurant is they will sometime have free open air concerts or magic show and things for kids.

 

[rigs32]

There are tons of threads on the budget board about niagara falls with a lot of information. Run a search and you'll find what you need.

 

[mafibisha]

I agree with doing a search here, but also go to the forums at fodors.com and do a search there. Absolutely everything has been, or is currently being discussed regarding travel, with lots focused on the Falls.

We like the Best Western Fallsview. Within walking distance to much of the touristy stuff, nice rooms and balconies.

Also, keep in mind that even fast food in Niagara Falls is much more than in the states. Captive audience and all

Two big and VERY unwelcome *surprises* people often experience:

1) The Denny's close to the falls is not your typical Denny's. It is over the top ridiculously priced and the food is gross.

3) The Holiday Inn (close to the falls) is NOT in *the* Holiday Inn chain. Not related at all. IOW no points, no perks etc. It was named decades ago and somehow they were allowed to keep it, even though they're not with the chain. It is close to the falls, but you pay for that convenience.

HTH

 

[lizabu]

...

Also, keep in mind that even fast food in Niagara Falls is much more than in the states. Captive audience and all

Two big and VERY unwelcome *surprises* people often experience:

1) The Denny's close to the falls is not your typical Denny's. It is over the top ridiculously priced and the food is gross.

3) The Holiday Inn (close to the falls) is NOT in *the* Holiday Inn chain. Not related at all. IOW no points, no perks etc. It was named decades ago and somehow they were allowed to keep it, even though they're not with the chain. It is close to the falls, but you pay for that convenience.

HTH

Once you drive a few blocks out of the "tourist zone" you start to see a difference in the prices. Anything within walking distance of the Falls and Clifton Hill is going to be much pricier. Once you leave that area prices are much like you see in any other city.

 

[marmalade]

If you feel like driving approx 20 minutes from the falls, the week you are going is also Canal Fest http://www.canalfest.org/.


ETA: I just looked at the website and it looks like they still have last years event schedule, but it should be updated soon. It takes place from July 15-22.

 

[MHSweb79]

Thanks everyone- we'll have a car so we can drive outside the Falls area to eat. We've eaten at that Denny's - I still remember paying $16 for a waffle. And this was about 10 years ago!

I'll do a search here and definitely check out Fodor's.

 

[Elmck]

We have only been once, but we loved it!! My favorites were Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds.

 

[tink15823]

Not sure if its still there but on the american side we found a Country Buffet . It has been ten yeas also agree with Lundy Lane for cheap shopping we always walked . We LOVE LOVE LOVE Marineland . Don't forget the falls look great at night.

 

[MissSaraMangel]

Are you doing American side, Canadian side or both? I live in Niagara Falls, NY. Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist are the best bets to experience the falls on the American side. I'm not sure of the costs for those but there are the MUST DOS if you are visiting. Both the Canadian and American side operate the Maid of the Mist however. Definitely take a look at the falls at night as its lit up and breathtaking. Canadian side gives the best view for this.

Park at the Seneca Niagara Casino for free parking and its walking distance to Canada, Goat Island and everything in the area. To walk over to Canada its only $0.50 a person to cross over. Most Canadian places take American money, you just will get change back in Canadian. Ripleys Believe it or Not on Clifton Hill in Canada is a little pricey but fun for all ages and if you look at everything you'll spend at least an hour in there so it really is worth the cost. Planet Hollywood is a fun restaurant to go to in Canada right across the border as well.

Marineland is probably a waste of money, havent been there in years but all the reviews I see tend to say that.

Have fun!

 

[lizabu]

Yuck! I hate Marineland. The animals just seem so sad. Plus its all concrete and few trees. The last time I went there it was just baking in the sun...pure misery.

I just got an email for a TeamBuy for the Ramada Inn. I've never been there but the location seems good http://www.teambuy.ca/travel/281383...mpaign=TRAVEL++20120612104008&utm_term=119185

 

[babym66]

We went to Niagara Falls every Labor Day growing up. Just recently did we discover Niagara on the Lake. It's about 30 miles up the road. You can take a nice drive up the Niagara Peninsula, stop at the wineries, fruit stands and get something to have a picnic on a little beach/park where the Niagara River empties into Lake Ontario. There is a parking lot (pay) and clean restrooms. Niagara on the Lake is a beautiful town with a lot of flowers, nice parks and shops. There is also a fort , but we never stopped to tour.

 

[MHSweb79]

We are going 1 night on the American side and 2 nights on the Canadian side.

We're planning to do Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist and whatever else strikes our fancy.

We are also visiting Cooperstown for the Baseball Hall of Fame on our way home to Rhode Island.

Does anyone have any thoughts about us stopping at Letchworth State Park also? It's not that far from Niagara Falls.

 

[SenecaWolf]

We are going 1 night on the American side and 2 nights on the Canadian side.

We're planning to do Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist and whatever else strikes our fancy.

We are also visiting Cooperstown for the Baseball Hall of Fame on our way home to Rhode Island.

Does anyone have any thoughts about us stopping at Letchworth State Park also? It's not that far from Niagara Falls.

Just so you know, while Letchworth is a beautiful park, it is about a 2 hour drive away from Niagara.