TRANSPORTATION
Buffalo has a terrific bus system because buses along each of the routes make frequent stops.
The stops are located close enough together that transfers are a breeze.
Navigating the transit from Elmwood Village in Buffalo to Niagara Falls was simple.
I hopped on the 26 NFTA bus and transferred to the 40 which took me right to my destination. The day pass was only $5, a bargain allowing me to hop on and off any bus.
I saved a great deal of money choosing public transportation over the much more expensive options of Uber, taxi or car rental.
This is a great example of employing value travel strategies to maximize your experience while minimizing the cost.
I also stayed at an airBNB a few blocks away from Elmwood Village for just under $40 per night.
As soon as I stepped foot in Elmwood Village, I felt right at home.
Off-Season Travel to Niagara Falls
Andrea Czopp, the Vice President of Operations for Destination Niagara USA, the biggest MYTH about visiting Niagara Falls outside of the busy summer tourist season is that there is a lack of things to do in the off-season.
“While it is true that the Maid of the Mist closes for the season in late October and doesn’t return until Spring, the Cave of the Winds attraction remains open year-round with an abbreviated tour and discounted ticket price,” Czopp says.
“… There are also several other viewing areas at the Niagara Falls State Park that remain open even in the coldest months of the year that offer spectacular views,” Czopp adds.
Photo credit: Destination Niagara USA
ADVANTAGES OF VISITING IN COLDER MONTHS
In my conversation with Czopp, she confirmed that in the offseason there are numerous benefits to visit the park:
—The crowds are smaller allowing for more space to move around and view the falls
—For those who drive, parking rates cost less.
—Hotel rates are more affordable.
Locals should be on the lookout for winter “staycation” hotel packages at Niagara Falls.
Visit NiagaraFallsUSA.com for more information.
Photo credit: Destination Niagara USA
WINTER WEATHER BRINGS SPECTACULAR VIEWS
During the winter months, the park takes on a whole different appearance.
“Freezing temperatures transform the mist into magical sculptures of snow and ice that cover every inch of the park including the trees and grass and even the guardrails and classic viewfinders,” Czopp says.
Visitors should wear:
- layers,
- hand and toe warmers,
- thick socks and boots,
- a hat that covers the ears,
- gloves and a warm jacket.
By dressing for the weather, you can enjoy the wondrous beauty of Niagara Falls in any season. Of course, this is key to avoid common travel mishaps on your Niagara Falls getaway.
Photo credit: Destination Niagara USA
PICTURE PERFECT SHOTS
Of course, visiting Niagara Falls in the off-season allows you to take advantage of picture perfect shots. Once the temperature drops, fewer tourists are out and about everyday. Naturally, this makes it easier to capture shots worthy for social media. Be sure to capture some great images at the falls, Maid of the Mist, and Cave of the Winds. In addition, check out our Buffalo Niagara Falls travel guide to learn more about the top sites to see.
BRAVING THE WEATHER AND ENJOYING THE OFF-SEASON CONDITIONS
JEREMY FRIED’S AND KELLY STOVALL’S LATE OCTOBER VISIT
Jeremy Fried and Kelly Stovall planned their trip to Niagara Falls from Louisville, Kentucky in late October.
They felt the fog, cold weather, and snow flurries enhanced the atmosphere and visual experience of their stay in Niagara Falls.
“… the mist, the fog everywhere, the dark skies with all the color, the trees popping against the backdrop and everything,… for us, it’s an ideal time to come out and see all this stuff,” Fried and Stovall said.
They encourage others to do as they did, brave the weather and go in the off-season.
“Just experience the experience, go when you want to go, and I think off-season type tourism is especially great for the community you’re touring,” Stovall said.
Fried agreed and felt that less of a crowd had a positive impact on his personal experience.
“We get to make our way around more freely… have walked the trail all the way all day unimpeded get to take our time and just soak everything in. We were able to find everything. It’s been great, even in this chilly weather,” Fried said.
SASHA MACAREAG BRINGS THE CHILD’S PERSPECTIVE TO LIGHT
During my weekend visit, I spoke with an adorable little girl named Sasha Macareag.
Her experience elated her.
She was visiting with her brother and parents. They felt it was an excellent time of the year to be there.
“I love the weather,” Macareag said.
“Waterfall… good! I ride the boat [Maid of the Mist].”
She, like many other children, were all smiles that day.
They were fortunate to be there just before the Maid of the Mist goes into hibernation until Spring.
THE FIRST THREE THINGS TO DO AND SEE
NIAGARA ADVENTURE THEATRE
I loved it.
The movie, The Niagara: Legends of Adventure, offers a breathtaking aerial view of the falls and surrounding scenery from many angles.
It also covers the geological history of the three falls forming:
— American Falls
— Bridal Veil Falls.
— Horseshoe Falls/Canada Falls
There were stories about adventure seekers who have survived and those who perished in the overpowering water over the steep cliffs.
If you wish to get a glimpse of what you will witness at Niagara Falls beforehand, it is well worth the admission.
Discounted tickets are available online.
I suggest you see the movie before you head for the Maid of the Mist or other Niagara Falls attractions.
MAID OF THE MIST
Off-season travelers must plan to visit Niagara Falls before early November to catch a ride on the Maid of the Mist into the basin of the Horseshoe Falls.
A benefit to going in the off-season is the ample room to move around on the boat.
It is easier to witness the beauty of the waterfalls and the nature that surrounds from different positions.
My favorite souvenir from this attraction was the blue poncho included in the price of admission.
Wearing it kept me protected from getting drenched.
The boat ride was spectacular!
And I kept the poncho, a lasting reminder of my incredible day.
An adult ticket costs $19.25, and a children’s ticket, $11.20.
Children five years and younger ride free with an adult accompanying them.
Maid of the Mist is closed from early November through the end of April. However, the park is open year round. If you are always a fan the great outdoors when you travel, be sure to check out our West Virginia outdoor travel guide for adventure seekers.
CAVE OF THE WINDS
Open year round, this attraction includes:
— a movie about the gorge trip,
— the power plants of Niagara Falls,
— how Nikola Tesla connected the power of the Falls,
— and why the world changed once Niagara Falls came into existence.
Even in the off-season, you can take an elevator down to the Niagara Gorge to see the Bridal Veil and American Falls up close.
It is a multi-sensory experience:
— you see the falls,
— hear them,
— smell them,
— feel them (will get wet)
— and taste the mist (if you stick out your tongue)!
You can take an abbreviated tour which lets you experience the falls from observation platforms and you can visit the World Changed Here Pavilion.
A Hurricane Deck positions you 20 feet from the Bridal Veil Falls and enables you to feel the raw power of the falls.
The deck is closed, though, during the offseason because of the danger of ice and slipping hazards.
The Cave of the Winds attraction is worth the money if you are not in a rush to leave the gorge.
Stay down there until an employee kicks you out.
Enjoy the breeze, take pictures, and soak it all in!
An adult ticket costs $12, youth, $9.
But when the deck reopens in Spring 2019, the price jumps a few more dollars.
LOCAL EATS AND TIME AT THE PARK AFTER THE DINNER
I advocate choosing local restaurants over large chain establishments.
Your experience will be more authentic, the food superior, and you will support the local business community.
Below are two I visited and recommend.
Powercity Eatery – Delish!
Located just a five-minute walk from the state park, Powercity offers many vegetarian and vegan health food options paired with excellent coffee.
My pastrami sandwich = unbelievable.
It came with egg and Canadian Bacon inside their homemade sourdough bread.
I ordered an almond milk cappuccino with a homemade lemon cinnamon ginger flavor.
Jahlil and the rest of the staff were so friendly. They ensured there would be no dairy or cross contamination to accommodate my food allergy.
The breads are all dairy-free!
Red Coach Inn – Scrumptious!
Red Coach Inn is also a fantastic choice. About three blocks away from the state park, you can get a decent view of the Niagara rapids.
But the real reason to go there is for the food. It is delicious!
I ate dinner there. Prices are affordable.
Want to eat out more? Skip drinks, an appetizer, or both.
You can return after dinner for free, and this stop enables you to take a break from the crowds inside the park.
The wine bar is a nice gathering spot, and the fireplace provides the comfort you may need after lots of walking in the Niagara Falls State Park.
I ordered the vegetarian stuffed Portobello mushroom with:
— tomato,
— spinach,
— artichokes,
— non-dairy risotto
— and oils. Ugh… so good.
The waitress Ashley and waiter Joe were accommodating towards me and my dietary needs.
If you will ever eat bread in a restaurant, indulge in those calories here.
ILLUMINATIONS
The Niagara Falls Light Show was not as amazing as advertised.
But if you stay at the park into the dark hours of the evening, the lighting could mesmerize you.
The glow of the mist and falls in the variety of colors are brilliant.
My preference is viewing the falls during the day with its natural yet striking aqua and white colors.
Staying late and seeing them illuminated in the dark is a good decision.
NIAGARA FALLS IN THE OFF-SEASON IS AWESOME
My Itinerary
- I left Buffalo, took the 40 bus to Niagara Falls for $5 roundtrip.
- Had brunch at the Powercity Eatery.
- Stayed in the park until dinner.
- Once inside the park, I visited the Niagara Adventure Theatre for the 40 minute movie
- Took the Maid of the Mist Boat Ride,
- Spent time at the Pavillion and Gorge Trip in the Cave of The Winds,
- Took in the breathtaking views of the Falls from Prospect Point, Terrapin Point and the Observation Tower,
- Visited the statue of Nikola Tesla, the inventor of the remote control and fluorescent lighting.
I left to enjoy a delicious meal at the Red Coach Inn and got back to the park in time for Illuminations.
I exited the park around 8:30 PM and caught a late bus back to Buffalo.
My day was so incredible that I returned for half a day before leaving to head back home.
The peace and serenity of the waterfalls was uplifting and awe inspiring.
It was worth $5.00 for the bus fare to soak in the scenery one last time.
THE VERDICT
If there is rain, fog or snow, it still cannot spoil the natural wonder that is Niagara Falls. It is unreal!
“If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go.” – Anthony Bourdain
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1 comment
I have always wanted to get to Niagara Falls but knew it gets crowded and expensive in the warmer weather. I love the information for off season travel there. I can see how it is enjoyable when it is much quieter there and a fraction of the cost.