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GETTING AROUND AND PARKING IN
NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO
Rental Car, Incline Railway, Taxi, The Falls Shuttle,
Peoplemover, Transportation to N-O-T-L, Adventure Pass, Parking
You do not need a car to see the Falls themselves, but If you are interested in visiting the entire Niagara Region during your vacation, you will likely need an automobile, or at least it would make your traveling easier.
Rental Car:
The average price to rent a car in this area is about $50.00 per day, but can range from $20.00 to $60.00 depending on the type of vehicle you want. One place you can rent a car from in the City is Enterprise Car Rental .
Tip: Make sure you wear your seatbelt in Ontario. You'll face a huge fine if you're caught without one.
Incline Railway:
The cost to ride the Incline Railway is $2.50 per trip. This is just a short ride to take you up or down the steep hill toward the Falls. If you buy a People Mover pass, you will have unlimited access to the Incline Railway.
TAXI:
There is no shortage of taxis in Niagara Falls. You will usually find a taxi readily available in front of major hotels. You can attempt to hail a taxi on the street, or you can call one on the phone.
Niagara Falls Taxi: 905-357-4000
5-0 Transportation: 905-685-5463
The Falls Shuttle is owned and operated by the Niagara Transit Commission. They run "two lines" The Red Line Shuttle picks up and drops off tourists vacationing in the Lundy's Lane and River Road area as well as pick ups at the Via Rail Station, Bus Terminal, the Falls and various points of interest along the gorge.
The Blue Line serves the Fallsview area, Clifton Hill and Marineland. There is a special Fireworks Shuttle from May 24th until Mid September. The current cost to ride the shuttle ALL DAY is $6.00.
BEST CHOICE - PEOPLEMOVER
As a tourist of Niagara Falls, probably the best way to get around the area is via the Peoplemover system . Why fight in traffic and risk getting lost when you can sit back and have someone else do the driving for you?
For one fee, you are provided an all-day pass which will allow you to travel from one attraction to another without getting lost. The Peoplemover travels in a 30 km loop from Queenston Heights to just above the Falls. It stops approximately every 10 minutes along the route, at various locations such as Dufferin Islands, Botanical Gardens, the Greenhouse, etc.
The airconditioned Peoplemover can give you great relief on one of those hot summer days!
TRANSPORTATION TO NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
If you see the initials N-O-T-L, it stands for Niagara-on-the-Lake which is a town where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario. It is a very popular tourist destination and has been voted "Canada's Prettiest City." If you are coming to Niagara Falls, I would strongly recommend you visit Niagara-on-the-Lake as well. It really is beautiful.
You can use the 5-0 Taxi Shuttlebus for service between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. If you have a large family with you, this cost can quickly add up as it is $10.00 one way for an adult and $5.00 for a child. For more details, go to www.5-0taxi.com
Niagara Falls Great Gorge Adventure Pass packages offer the best deals in Niagara Falls.
WHERE OH WHERE TO PARK IN NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO
Let's face it, parking can be a nightmare in Niagara Falls if you don't know where you're going.
You're lucky if your hotel offers free parking, as many do not. Some attractions offer free parking , but there is no free parking at the attractions and restaurants directly neighbouring the Falls themselves.
You will find free parking at the following locations:
Botanical Gardens parking
Niagara Glen parking
Spanish Aero Car parking
Queenston Heights parking
(Hint: If you plan on visiting Botanical Gardens, you could go there first, then purchase a People Mover Pass to take you to other Niagara Destinations)
Sometimes the parking can be as high as $25.00 a day, so beware and allow for this expense if you choose to park close to the Falls. Metered street parking is usually cheaper than the parking lots if you are lucky enough to find one. Beware though...if the bumper of your vehicle is hanging over the edge of the lines drawn on the road, you will get a whopping ticket!
Parking Lots on Canadian side
Most parking lots charge from $15.00 to $20.00 in the peak tourist season.
Below is a list of some parking lots which are much closer to the actual Falls. You might want to mark on your map before you reach your destination in Niagara Falls.
Hoco Clifton Hill parking
Greenhouse parking
Falls Parking
Table Rock parking
Rapids View parking
Skylon Tower parking
City of Niagara Falls street parking & lot parking
Niagara Parks Commission Parking
Paid parking is available at the Falls Parking Lot, the Greenhouse, and the Rapids View Parking Lot. All three lots are located just south of the Falls on the Niagara Parkway.
Summer Recreational Vehicle Parking
If you have an RV, you will find parking at Rapids View Parking Lot, just south of the Falls on the Niagara Parkway. (Then take the People Mover to the Falls and other destinations)
(For the least amount of hassle, I would suggest the Rapids View Parking Lot and People Mover Pass)
Rapids View Parking Lot & the People Mover
Park here (right beside Marineland, about a mile south of The Falls) and ride a FREE Shuttle Bus to the Falls. You can choose two options before boarding the bus:
Purchase a People Mover Ticket and ride all day long. Purchase a Niagara Falls and Great Gorge Adventure Pass.
Falls Parking
Park all day for one price. This lot is just opposite the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, just across the street from the Table Rock Complex, but since it is very close to the Falls, this lot fills up fast!
Greenhouse Parking
This lot is located just south of this Falls by the Niagara Parks Greenhouse, this lot offers parking by the hour.
See parking lot hours.