CANADIAN SIDE

Bicycle

The Niagara region is perfect for cycling. The excellent Zoom Leisure Bicycle Rentals has offices in Niagara Falls and on the Niagara Pkwy, and will deliver to anywhere in the Niagara region. Riding from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake is a not-so-leisurely 90 minutes from the Niagara Falls Pkwy office. Excellent bike tours are also available.

Car, Motorcycle & Parking

Driving and parking around the center is an expensive headache. Park at the car park near the IMAX at the corner of Fallsview Blvd and Robinson St for just $5 for the whole day and walk, or follow the parking district signs and stash the car for the day (around $6 per 30 minutes, or $15 per day). The huge Rapidsview parking lot (also the WEGO depot) is 3km south of the falls off River Rd. See the website for all the locations: www.niagarafallstourism.com/plan/parking.

Public Transportation

Cranking up and down the steep 50m slope between the falls and Fallsview Blvd is a quaint Incline Railway. It saves you a 10- to 20-minute walk around, and is best taken uphill. Formerly the seasonal Niagara Parks People Mover, WEGO is an economical and efficient year-round transit system, geared for tourists. There are three lines: red, green and blue; between them, they’ve got all the major sights and accommodations covered. For areas further afield, locals use Niagara Transit, though most have their own cars.

Walking

Put on your sneakers and get t’steppin’ – walking is the way to go! You’ll only need wheels to visit outlying sights along the Niagara Pkwy or if you’re staying on Lundy’s Lane. There is very little shade along the falls vantage points.

US SIDE

In summer, the Niagara Scenic Trolley runs a 3-mile loop around the American-side attractions. Parking costs $10 to $20 a day on either side of the falls. Most midrange hotels offer complimentary parking to guests, while upscale hotels on the Canadian side tend to charge $15 to $20 a day. To avoid traffic mayhem in summer, you can park along Niagara Falls Blvd and ride the NFTA bus 55 west to the river.