Niagara Falls had been on our family travel list for years. Still, with more than eight hours of driving from Indianapolis and a long list of attractions competing for our attention, I knew the trip could become expensive quickly.
Our solution was a two-night, three-day visit built around the Niagara Falls Pass Plus. It included the attractions we most wanted to experience, along with public bus transportation. We didn’t need the biggest pass available, and choosing the middle option gave us plenty to do while leaving a little extra money for experiences that weren’t included.
Finding a Fallsview Hotel for Less
We stayed at Hyatt Regency Niagara Falls Fallsview, but I booked it through a discount travel site instead of reserving directly. The location was one of our best splurges because we could see the illuminated falls and nighttime fireworks from our hotel. This was an important “upgrade” for us because of a story and experience I wanted to share with the kids about when my husband and I visited for our honeymoon a long time ago. The view from our room was an experience in itself.
We drove from Indianapolis to Niagara Falls in one day. On the way home, we divided the drive and stayed overnight at an economy hotel. That gave us more time to enjoy our final day without facing another eight-plus-hour drive afterward.
Using the Niagara Falls Pass Plus
The Niagara Falls Pass Plus was exactly what our family needed. It bundled six of the major attractions we wanted to visit and included two days of WEGO bus transportation. The bus access was especially helpful because Niagara Parks attractions are spread along the Niagara River. Instead of repeatedly finding and paying for parking, we could leave the driving to someone else.
Our pass also included unlimited rides on the Falls Incline Railway. The short ride connected the Fallsview hotel area with Table Rock Centre and the edge of Horseshoe Falls. It was transportation, but it also felt really special because of the view and because we don’t have an incline near our home.
Going Beneath and Behind Niagara Falls
We spent time inside Table Rock Centre for a quick dinner before visiting Journey Behind the Falls. Elevators took us deep into the bedrock, where tunnels led to portals behind Horseshoe Falls and an observation area near the base.
While you’re here, you don’t just see the falls; you hear and feel their power. The sound of the water crashing just beyond the tunnel openings gave our family an entirely different perspective than we had from the overlooks above.
Exploring the Power Station and Tunnel at Night
Our Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel visit was scheduled for the evening partly because I thought it would be unique and partly because we were trying to see as much as we could during our quick visit, and none of the other attractions had nighttime hours (for good reason). The historic power station introduces families to the engineering behind Niagara’s hydroelectric history, but the experience does not end inside the building.
We descended approximately 180 feet in a glass-paneled elevator and walked through the long tunnel that once carried water away from the power station. At the end, we stepped onto an observation platform near the river. Seeing the illuminated falls from this perspective made the nighttime visit feel really special. Afterward, we watched the fireworks and falls illumination from Niagara Parkway and Queen Victoria Park. Both were free, and we later enjoyed the view again from our hotel.
Seeing the Rapids from Above and Beside the River
The Whirlpool Aero Car carried us high above the Niagara Whirlpool. The antique cable car crosses over the gorge, providing a completely different view of the river and the swirling water below.
At White Water Walk, we went from looking down at the river to standing beside it. After descending into the gorge, we followed a boardwalk along some of the Niagara River’s most powerful rapids. It was one of those places where we naturally slowed down because there was so much to watch and hear and feel.
Butterflies and a Flight Over Niagara
The Butterfly Conservatory gave us a peaceful change of pace. Thousands of butterflies moved through a warm, tropical environment filled with greenery and flowers. It was a nice contrast after experiencing the roaring falls and rushing rapids.
We also experienced Niagara Takes Flight, an immersive flying theater that takes guests over the Niagara River corridor. It helped connect many of the places we had visited while showing us parts of the region that cannot be seen from the main tourist area.
Additional Niagara Falls Activities We Love
Because we selected the Plus Pass instead of the Premium Pass, we had room in our budget for two experiences we particularly wanted. We purchased separate tickets for the Voyage to the Falls boat tour with Niagara City Cruises. Wearing ponchos and traveling into the mist near Horseshoe Falls was worth the additional cost for our family.
We also ate an early dinner at Skylon Tower, the revolving restaurant. Dining during this less-popular time helped us enjoy the revolving restaurant and its incredible views at a better value than a prime dinner reservation. Instead of ordering expensive individual menu items that quickly add up, we paid a flat rate and selected from a limited set menu. The view was amazing, unmatched, and the food was delicious.
We walked through Clifton Hill, too. It costs nothing to take in the bright signs, themed buildings, and carnival-like atmosphere. Families can then decide whether any of the individually priced attractions are worth adding to their budget.
Comparing the Niagara Falls Passes
Niagara Parks currently offers three levels. Prices and included attractions can change, so check the official website before purchasing.
* The Classic Pass includes three major attractions and works well for a shorter visit.
* The Plus Pass includes six attractions, two days of WEGO transportation, Incline Railway access, parking benefits, and discounts. This was the right fit for our two-night trip.
* The Premium Pass includes additional attractions, three days of WEGO transportation, and Niagara Parks heritage sites. Choose this option if you have more time or want to explore more of the area’s history and culture.
Niagara Falls can be an expensive destination, but our trip proved that we did not have to purchase every attraction separately or choose the largest package. The Plus Pass gave our family a full itinerary, convenient transportation, and enough flexibility to spend extra on the experiences that mattered most to us.
