Fantastic Things to do in the Fall in Niagara Falls with Tips & How to Save
If you’re looking for an exciting place to visit in late September and early October, plan a trip to enjoy fall in Niagara Falls. There’s plenty of places to take in the changes colours of autumn, like hikes and from the Whirlpool Aero Car. Plus, you’ll find unique experiences, like soaring over the falls to wandering through butterflies.
While many visit in the summer, I think September and the first two weeks of October in Niagara Falls are the best time to visit! There are less crowds, the leaves are full of brilliant colours and you’ll find plenty of things to do in the fall in Niagara Falls.
In this guide I’m sharing all of my favourite places to visit, attractions, and tips for a fun fall escape. Plus, I’m comparing prices to see if the Niagara Parks Pass is worth. So, pack your cozy sweaters and get ready for a fun fall getaway.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, by booking through them I make a small commission at no cost to you.
Ride the Whirlpool Aero Car
One of the most unique things to do in fall in Niagara Falls is ride the Whirlpool Aero Car. And even though I’m afraid of heights, this is my one of favourite attractions.
This historic attraction has been soaring 200 feet above the Niagara River since 1916. It offers jaw-dropping views of the swirling whirlpool and gorge below.
Float high above the Niagara Gorge for some of the most spectacular fall views in the region. Honestly, I think it’s one of the best places to see fall colours in Ontario! Especially, if you visit Niagara Falls in October for peak colours!
The Whirlpool Aero Car ride takes roughly 15 minutes. You’ll travel 3,500 feet across the Niagara Gorge, from Canada to the United States and back again.
One thing to note, is that this is a seasonal attraction. It’s open May through November.
Insider tips: To skip the crowds, visit mid-week. And don’t miss the lookouts on both sides of the visitor centre — they’re stunning!
Admission: $25 per adult
Walk the White Water Walk
Another incredible place to soak in the colours of fall in Niagara Falls is at the White Water Walk.
The experience starts with an elevator ride down, over 200 feet, to the base of the Niagara Gorge. And GORGE is right! It’s stunning!
This place blew me away that it wasn’t busier. I visited on a Friday afternoon and there were only two other groups of two there!
After stepping out, my friend and I wandered along the boardwalk trail. We walked along the half a kilometre trail. The towering cliffs of the gorge rose up around us. Fall colours wrapped the boardwalk.
And the crazy class 6 whitewater rapids flowed alongside us! It was wild to approach the incredible turquoise waters from the various lookout platforms. Some made you feel like you could get swept away!
Admission: $21 per adult
Experience the Power Station
One of the most unique experiences in Niagara Falls is the Power Station! It’s one of my favourite attractions and it honestly still feels me with awe when I remember it.
There are a number of ways to experience the Power Station. You can visit during the day on your own or on a guided tour. One of the cool highlights happens after each tour. You get to witness an incredible Tesla coil demonstration, with crazy arcs of lightning reaching out across the ceiling.
For me, the Power Station at night gave me the biggest awe-inspiring experience. Through an awesome light and sound show, called Currents, the power station is transformed into a live storytelling devise. It tells the history of the power station in such a compelling way, I admit it brough tears to my eyes.
This unique immersive experience lets you interact with it. I walked across the floor, that was streaming with ‘water’ and it interacted to my steps. It was so cool!
The newest addition to the Power Station experience is The Tunnel! Ride the elevator 180 feet below the station. Here you’ll walk through the over 2000 foot long tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, you’ll find yourself at the edge of the Niagara River. To your right is the mighty Horseshoe Falls!
Insider tip: If you can, I recommend planning your visit to late afternoon, early evening. Go check out the view of the falls from the Tunnel by day. Then go enjoy the Power Station experience. And return to the Tunnel at night to see the view of the falls all lit up at night.
Admission: $33 per adult (day time or nighttime or $53 for a guided tour)
Behold Niagara Falls
If you’re looking for free things to do in fall in Niagara Falls during your fall visit, taking in the mighty falls is a must!
At nearly 200 feet tall and 2600 feet wide, seeing the Horseshoe Falls plunging into the gorge is wild. It never ceases to leave me in awe, every time I visit.
But it’s just one of three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. Wandering along the Trans Canada Trail, that runs along the edge of the gorge, and you can see them all.
Plus, don’t miss all the beautiful fall colours along the gorge. From the brilliant pops of colour along the edge of Horseshoe Falls to the foliage that lines the Niagara River Parkway.
Visit the Butterfly Conservatory
If you’re looking for one of the most magical places in Ontario, this is one of my favourites!
Walking into the lush, tropical paradise at the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls feels like stepping into another world. Thousands of vibrant butterflies flutter freely around you — landing on flowers, gliding past your shoulders, and sometimes even choosing you.
I had the most unforgettable moment during my last visit, when a stunning blue morpho gently landed on me. Those electric blue wings are even more breathtaking in person. And when one pauses long enough for you to take it all in? It’s pure magic.
It’s warm, peaceful, and will fill you with that childlike wonder we don’t experience often enough. And it makes for the perfect escape to warmth on a cool fall day.
Admission: $25 per adult
Ride Niagara Takes Flight
One of the coolest and latest attraction is Niagara Takes Flight. This is a wild ride that lets you soar above the falls.
This brand-new immersive flying experience that lets you soar over and through some of Niagara’s most stunning landscapes and attractions, all without leaving your seat.
If you’re looking for a unique experience, this is it. The full experience includes wandering through room that immerse you in the culture and history of the area. And it’s narrated by James Cameron!
Then you’ll take your seat for a wild ride. But don’t worry if you’re not a fan of these simulated rides, I’m not usually but I was blown away by this one that I was able to do it twice.
The motion seats, mist effects, and breathtaking aerial views make you feel like you’re gliding over waterfalls, historic sites, forests with fall colours, and so much more — it’s the perfect mix of thrill and wonder.
Admission: $33 per adult
Visit the Floral Showcase
A hidden gem in Niagara Falls that many miss is the Floral Showcase. It’s a short walk from Horseshoe Falls and is home to 3 greenhouses.
I loved visiting in the fall, as it’s a great spot for fall colours along the winding outdoor trail. This trail is where you’ll find fun massive creatures that are living sculptures. They are made from thousands of plants, a tradition called Mosaïculture that uses plants to create 3D art.
But don’t miss wandering through the blooms inside. You’ll find everything from orchids to succulents and various floral displays.
Fall is a great time to visit as well for the Floral Showcase as their annual fall show takes place from mid-September through mid-October.
Admission: $8.50 per adult
Do Journey Behind the Falls
One of the most popular attractions in Niagara Falls is Journey Behind the Falls. While there are so many other unique ways to see the falls now, it’s still fun if you’ve never been.
Journey Behind the Falls is located within the Table Rock Centre and open year-round. First, you take the elevator down 125 feet to the over 100-year-old tunnels.
I highly recommend a rain jacket because you’re guaranteed to get wet! However, they do give you rain ponchos.
Wander through the old tunnels and peek out from the various areas from behind the falls. My favourite area was the large covered observation deck that offers an incredible up-close view of the falls thundering down.
Admission: $33 per adult
Enjoy Dinner at Table Rock
One of the best restaurants in Niagara Falls is at Table Rock. Reserve a table by the window for a spectacular view of Horseshow Falls.
Along with views of the falls, Table Rock House Restaurant has an incredible menu that features items using locally sourced ingredients. During my visit, my friend and I did the prix fixe 3 course menu.
I ordered the crispy Brussel sprouts to start and they were the BEST I’ve had. For my main I went with the short rib, which is one of their most popular menu items. And for dessert, I couldn’t resist their maple pecan cheesecake. It was the perfect fall meal!
Insider tip: If you want a dreamy dinner experience, I recommend making your reservation for 30 minutes before sunset. That way you can watch the falls go from day to night, when it’s all lit up.
Is the Niagara Parks Pass worth it?
The answer is yes; the Niagara Parks Pass is worth buying. For all of the attractions I mention above, it would cost over $175 to visit them. However, if you purchase the Premium Niagara Park Pass, it’s only $129. That’s a saving of over $45 per person.
But you’re actually saving even more than that because the pass, which allows you to 3 days to use, includes free parking at the Rapidsview Parking Lot, 3 days of public transportation with WEGO, and unlimited access to the Falls Incline Railway.
And it doesn’t stop there! You also can visit the seasonal historic attractions of Old Fort Erie, Laura Secord House, MacKenzie Printery, and McFarland House. All of which are open until mid-October.
If you’re planning a 3-day trip to Niagara Falls, that’s a savings of over $100 per person, when you factor in parking and transportation on top of the attractions.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
There are countless options for places to stay in Niagara Falls. Below are a few of my suggestions, depending on what you’re looking for.
Old Stone Inn – I’m a sucker for charm, and that’s exactly what you’ll find at the Old Stone Inn. This boutique hotel has onsite parking and is a short drive from attractions. It’s has incredible dining and is a great hotel for a girl’s trip or romantic getaway.
Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa – If you’re looking a hotel with the best view of the Niagara Falls, the Marriott Fallsview Hotel is the ideal choice. Located right across from Horseshoe Falls, it’s close to many attractions, has a restaurant, indoor pool and a spa.
Great Wolf Lodge – If you’re looking for the best place to stay with kids, consider Great Wolf Lodge. This family friendly has an indoor water park and fun themed rooms and suites.
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