10 ways to save money while visiting Niagara Falls, from parking to attractions

Niagara Falls is a popular tourist destination and there are so many attractions and experiences to enjoy in the region. Whether you're visiting for a day or longer, costs can quickly add up, and it can be hard to stick to a budget.

If you're planning a trip to the area, these money-saving tips might come in handy. From parking hacks to free attractions and more, you can enjoy your getaway to the fullest without breaking the bank.

Here are 10 tips to help you save money in Niagara Falls.

Visit during non-peak season

Peak season in Niagara Falls runs from May to September. Of course, everyone wants to enjoy the landmark and surrounding attractions when the weather is warm and sunny, but if you don't mind visiting when it's a bit cooler, you could end up saving some cash.

Travelling to Niagara during off-peak times means that you could enjoy cheaper hotel stays as well as less-crowded attractions. There are lots of year-round activities such as the Niagara SkyWheel, the Butterfly Conservatory and the Journey Behind the Falls experience.

Buy a Niagara Parks Parking Pass

If you're a repeat visitor or are planning on staying in Niagara Falls for multiple days, you'll want to purchase a Niagara Parks Parking Pass.

Anyone who's visited Niagara Falls knows just how expensive parking can be, and this pass costs just $45 for the entire year. It allows you to park your vehicle at all lots and is available to purchase online on the website.

Other parking lots in Niagara Falls can charge up to $35 per day or $8 per hour, so the $45 yearly parking pass is a good way to save some dough.

Enjoy some free activities

You don't have to spend a ton of money on attractions in order to get the most out of your visit to Niagara Falls. The region offers a number of free activities that allow you to enjoy your visit without emptying your wallet.

Of course, the biggest free attraction is the Falls itself. You can wander along the top of this natural wonder and take in the incredible views. During the evenings, all three waterfalls light up with vibrant colours for the illumination displays, bringing a whole new sense of magic to the landmark.

The Niagara Botanical Gardens is another free destination to check out if you're visiting during the warmer seasons. The area is home to 99 acres of horticulture as well as a "world-famous" rose garden filled with over 2,400 roses.

If you're feeling patriotic, take a trip to Maple Leaf Place. The venue offers free parking and admission, as well as free factory tours and maple tastings.

Take public transit

Gas prices are no joke, so it might be cheaper to take public transit to Niagara Falls instead of driving. GO Transit offers service to Niagara Falls from Toronto and if you're visiting during the weekend, you can save even more money with a weekend pass, which allows you to travel for just $10 a day.

While in Niagara Falls, you can use the WEGO to get around. The year-round transportation system "connects all Niagara Parks locations to major attractions and hotels in the Niagara Falls tourist district," according to the website.

Currently, the 24-hour pass costs $13 per adult and the 48-hour pass costs $17 per adult.

Considering the price of gas and parking, public transit might be the way to go if you want to stick to a budget.

Visit during the week

Regardless of the season you choose to visit, it's best to schedule your travels during the week instead of on a weekend. You can often get lowers rates on hotels on weekdays, and may be able to enjoy the attractions with less crowds as well.

Pack your meals

The cost of dining out at restaurants can quickly add up, especially if you're buying three meals a day. It's a good idea to pack some sandwiches, snacks, or other dishes for your trip to help ease the cost.

You can also book hotels with complimentary breakfast included if you're staying overnight.

Purchase passes

If you're planning on visiting a lot of attractions, you can save some money by purchasing one of the available passes. These packages offer entrance to multiple activities and experiences for a cheaper price.

The Niagara Falls Adventure Pass Classic is perfect for those looking to experience a lot in a short amount of time and includes access to Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk and Niagara's Fury, as well as 2-day access to hop-on, hop-off bus transportation for $64.

The Clifton Hill Fun Pass is another package that "allows you to enjoy up to six attractions on Clifton Hill for one low price." These include the Niagara SkyWheel, Dinosaur Adventure Golf (outdoors) or Wizards' Golf (indoors), Zombie Attack 6D Theatre Ride, Movieland Wax Museum and Ghost Blasters Dark Ride. The pass costs $39.95 per adult and lets you save over $30, according to the website.

Other passes include the Niagara Falls Fun Zone Pass, Ripley's Combo Tickets and the Niagara Falls Pass.

You can check out all of the attraction packages on the Niagara Falls Tourism website.

Visit some affordable attractions

You don't have to spend a ton of money in order to have some fun. Niagara Falls has lots of things to do under $50 that will let you enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Voyage to the Falls with Niagara City Cruises lets you experience this natural wonder up close and costs $32.75 or $37.75 for the Fireworks Cruise.

You can also take a trip behind the thundering Falls with the Journey Behind the Falls experience for $24 per adult.

Other attractions include Bird Kingdom for $17.05 per adult and the Skylon Tower for $18.

A list of affordable attractions is available on the Niagara Falls Tourism website.

Book in advance

It pays to plan ahead! Hotels often have cheaper rates if you book far in advance, so if you're planning a Niagara vacation in the future, try and book it as soon as possible.

Look for happy hour deals

If you're flexible with your meal times, it may be worth checking out some of the local restaurants for happy hour deals. The Niagara Falls Milestones has a happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. with $8 boozy drinks and food starting at $10.

The Tide & Vine Oyster House also has a happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and all day Mondays.

From free attractions to experience packages, there are so many ways to save some money in Niagara Falls and make your getaway a bit easier on the wallet.