Everyone always wants something for free. It’s human nature. We are lucky that there are plenty of attractions in Niagara Falls that cost little or nothing at all to take part in. Niagara Falls is a city rich in nature and historical significance. This blog will focus on attractions in Niagara Falls that are completely free to go to and have been suggested to me by some of you; the locals. Thank you to those of you that shared the various places in Niagara Falls that you enjoy. With my previous blog focusing on “Cheap S*#t in Niagara Falls to Eat“, you all gave me so many more suggestions on cheap eateries and I hope you keep all your suggestions coming! Here are a few completely FREE attractions in Niagara Falls:
This one is a great suggestion from Jeramy:
“I like to take a trip down the Whirlpool stairs for a picnic”
The Niagara Whirlpool is a natural phenomenon located approximately 5 miles downstream from the brink of the Niagara Falls. The locals are all familiar with it, but there are plenty of tourists that have yet to discover this other natural wonder that Niagara has to offer. The Whirlpool is caused by the Niagara River making a right turn, creating the opportunity for water to rotate. This results in the 120 foot deep, 1000 feet across whirlpool. This Niagara Falls attraction is a unique place to hike because of the hidden path along the Niagara River Road that provides a safe descent down the Niagara Gorge to the whirlpool via a staircase to ensure the safe passage down to the Niagara Gorge. The Niagara Glen is a unique spot of beauty, perfect for a picnic lunch and a getaway for the day. Wear proper footwear as you can expect 4 kilometres of hiking trails. Bring a camera, the family…or even yourself and enjoy this gorgeous spot in Niagara Falls! The Niagara Glen Nature Centre can help you get started with this venture and will provide you with a sanctioned trail map. They are located at 3050 Niagara Parkway and their phone number is 905-354-6678.
Here ar a few suggestions from Darlene:
Free Fireworks and Concerts!
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Canada’s longest running Fireworks display put on by the Niagara Parks Commission down at Queen Victoria Park at the bottom of Clifton Hill and the Niagara Parkway. Friday’s and Sunday’s and Holidays from May 17th to September 1st, 2013 Coca-Cola puts on free concerts at 8:00 pm followed by a free fireworks display at 10:00 pm. Come early on these nights and enjoy the many Clifton Hill attractions such as the Niagara Skywheel featured in the Clifton Hill Fun Pass and grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants like Kelsey’s Clifton Hill or Boston Pizza…both only minutes away from Queen Victoria Park! Be sure to grab your Tim Hortons coffee on your way down Clifton Hill to watch the show!
Check out the Niagara Botanical Gardens!
The Niagara Botanical Gardens was established in 1936 and is 99 acres of lush, beautifully manicured gardens. With plenty of attractions in Niagara Falls to choose from, this one is just a 10 minute drive north from the Horseshoe Falls and is another completely free attraction to take the whole family. Enjoy the perennials, rhododendrons, azaleas, formal parterre garden, shade, herb and vegetable plantings, as well an incredible rose garden featuring over 2,400 roses!
After checking out the Botanical Gardens, 14004 Niagara Parkway is also home to one of the most photographed attractions in Niagara Falls — almost as photographed as the Niagara Falls itself — the Floral Clock! Intricate designs of 16,000 carpet bedding plants make up this crafty design and is 40 feet wide. It is one of the largest clocks in the world. The hour hand is 14.5 feet and the minute hand is 17.5 feet long. The second hand is 21 feet long with a combined weight of 1250 pounds in perfect working order!
Dufferin Islands!
I’ve said it before, but among all the attractions in Niagara Falls, this is truly one of my favorite destinations to go to in the Summer months. Dufferin Islands is located approximately a half a mile south from the Horseshoe Falls and is 10 acres of several islands all connected by bridges. It’s quiet, secluded and is a miniature, hidden paradise in Niagara Falls. I take my family here for a BBQ picnic and I also go alone for a peaceful walk to feed the geese, take photos and sunbathe. It is completely free to park and enjoy!
With Father’s Day occuring this Sunday, these are some great options to take Dad if finances are tight, or even if you are looking for something unique to do and share some quality time with him and the family. For some other great ideas to take Dad in Niagara Falls click here for my previous Father’s Day blog.
This is great start contributed by a few of our locals that have combined knowledge of free things to do in Niagara Falls. Everyone wants free s*#t and if you know of a great place in Niagara Falls that is free or cheap, let me know and I will pick some of the best to talk about. Add your comment below or tweet it to @cliftonhillfun. This can be refering to anything in Niagara Falls! Who knows what may be next on the list to talk about!
I look forward to hearing your suggestions!
Christine
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