Niagara Parks Passes Explained: How to Choose the Right One for Your Family

Planning a vacation to Niagara Falls and trying to figure out what exactly to do?

Luckily, with the Niagara Parks pass options, the main attractions are mostly figured out for you!

The only thing now is to decide which pass will work best for your family.

In this guide, I’ll break down what’s included in each pass, the pros and cons of each option, and how to choose the best one based on your family’s needs and wants.

Whether you’re looking to save time, money, or your sanity, this post will help you confidently decide what’s right for your family!

👋Hi! I’m Katie, and I help busy moms plan doable vacations with practical tips and family-tested travel ideas.

This blog post contains affiliate links to trusted partners.

Important note: All of the attractions in this blog post are located on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

➡️ Planning a vacation to Niagara Falls and trying to figure out what exactly to do? Start by checking out my 25 Incredible Things to Do in Niagara Falls with Kids for ideas your whole family will love!

Niagara Parks Passes— A Must-Do

There are three main Niagara Parks passes to choose from: the Adventure Pass Classic, the Niagara Falls Pass, and the Adventure Pass Plus.

We personally purchased what was equivalent to Niagara Falls Pass on our family trip (the name of the pass has changed since our vacation), and I’ll share how it worked for us later in the post.

On our trip to Niagara Falls, I spent a ton of time researching the best value for our family of six.

Here’s everything I wish I had known before purchasing our Niagara Parks passes. ⤵

What’s Included in Each Niagara Parks Pass

1. Adventure Pass Classic (Basic Option)

• Journey Behind the Falls
• White Water Walk
• 2-Day WEGO Bus Pass
• Choice of ONE:
  • Whirlpool AeroCar
  • Butterfly Conservatory
  • Floral Showhouse

2. Niagara Falls Pass (Mid-Level Option)

• Journey Behind the Falls
• Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel
• White Water Walk
• Whirlpool AeroCar
• 48-Hour Incline Railway Access
• 48-Hour WEGO Bus Pass
• Choice of ONE:
  • Butterfly Conservatory
  • Floral Showhouse

3. Adventure Pass Plus (Top Tier)

• Everything in the Niagara Falls Pass, plus:
  • Niagara Parks Power Station at Night: Currents Light Show
  • 3-Day WEGO + Incline Railway Pass
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake Shuttle Access

Important note: Niagara City Cruises (the boat ride to the base of the Horseshoe Falls) is NOT included in any pass. It must be purchased separately as does the Zipline to the Falls which we did on our trip.

➡️ Want help planning your full trip from start to finish? Don’t miss my Ultimate Niagara Falls Family Vacation Guide: Plan Your Perfect Trip. It includes where to stay, where to eat, how to structure your days, and so much more.

Pros & Cons of Each Niagara Parks Pass

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to consider when deciding between the three pass options:

Adventure Pass Classic

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Includes the most popular attractions (Journey Behind the Falls + White Water Walk)
• Includes the option for one of my favorite attractions— Whirlpool AeroCar
• Great if you’re only visiting for a short time or want to keep your itinerary light

Cons:

• Only includes one optional attraction (Butterfly Conservatory, Floral Showhouse, or Whirlpool AeroCar)– although I don’t think this is a deal breaker
• No Incline Railway access (if you aren’t staying at the Fallsview hotels this may not be as important for you to have.)
• Fewer transportation perks (shorter WEGO bus pass)

Best For:
Families on a tighter budget or those with limited time at the Falls.

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Niagara Falls Pass

Pros:

• Includes more attractions + choice of optional one
• Access to both the WEGO bus and Incline Railway for 48 hours
• Perfect balance of value and experience

Cons:

• Still only allows for one optional attraction
• No nighttime Currents Light Show or shuttle to Niagara-on-the-Lake

Best For:
Families staying for 2 days who want to experience most of what Niagara Parks offers without overloading.

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Adventure Pass Plus

Pros:

• All the perks of the mid-tier pass plus the Currents Light Show, Niagara-on-the-Lake shuttle, and a 3-day WEGO + Incline Railway pass
• Great for maximizing your stay and seeing it all

Cons:

• Higher price point
• May be too much for younger kids or shorter trips

Best For:
Families staying for 3+ days, or those with older kids and teens who can handle full sightseeing days.

Choosing the right pass is important—but so is where you stay.
See why this Niagara Falls hotel was perfect for our family of six and made using the WEGO and visiting attractions so much easier.

Choosing Your Optional Attraction: What’s Worth It?

Some of the passes include a choice of one optional attraction (usually between the Butterfly Conservatory, Floral Showhouse, or Whirlpool AeroCar). If you’re torn, here’s how I’d think through it:

• Have young kids who love nature and animals? → Choose the Butterfly Conservatory
• Want stunning views and a little bit of excitement? → Go with the Whirlpool AeroCar (this was our favorite!)
• Need a quiet, stroller-friendly indoor option or traveling with grandparents? → Pick the Floral Showhouse

Note: The Whirlpool AeroCar is an optional attraction in the Adventure Pass Classic but is included in the mid- and top-tier options.

Niagara Falls Attraction Highlights & My Honest Thoughts

Journey Behind the Falls

This one is definitely unique—there’s nothing quite like being that close to the power of the falls.

You take an elevator down to tunnels that run behind the water and get to step out on two different observation decks at the base of the Falls— one slightly higher up than the other.

Additionally, you can walk through a couple of different tunnels and look through the portals

That said… it actually wasn’t my favorite.

I prefer the wide, scenic views from above more than being right up next to it. The lines were slow-moving, which was tough with four kids, and overall, it just didn’t feel as impressive as I had expected.

I’m still glad we did it. It’s included in all the pass options, so you don’t need to pay anything extra.

Just know going in that it’s more about the experience of being near the falls than seeing them in a big-picture way.

White Water Walk

This attraction is further down Niagara Parkway from Table Rock Centre and the Fallsview area. You will need to take the WEGO bus to get to it.

The White Water Walk is a boardwalk that runs along the Niagara River. It is very scenic and cool to seeing the power of the rushing water down the river.

You will take an elevator down to get to the boardwalk.

I enjoyed this attraction because it felt more peaceful and less crowded. It was so nice to simply meander along the boardwalk and go down on some of the observation platforms to take some cool pics!

The kids really enjoyed it too! They were impressed by the noise and speed of the rapids!

If you have the time in your itinerary, this is an enjoyable one!

Whirlpool AeroCar

This was another favorite attraction of mine and one that honestly, I didn’t quite know what to expect! You will need to take the WEGO bus to get to this attraction.

There is also a small parking lot if you prefer to drive.

The Whirlpool AeroCar is a timed attraction that you will want to enter when your queue time is up!

We did have to wait probably 20 minutes still to ride because it only fits 35 people at a time.

The ride across the Gorge on the Whirlpool AeroCar is about 10 minutes.

This is definitely a must-do! Our whole family loved it! It was so gorgeous and the whirlpool that you will go across is amazing!

The ride itself is very steady and calm. Make sure you cell phone or camera is charged up as you will want to take lots of photos and videos!

Also at the Whirlpool AeroCar attraction there is a gift shop to check out!

Niagara Parks PowerStation + Tunnel

The Niagara Parks PowerStation + Tunnel is another fun attraction that is just a short walk from Table Rock Centre.

The PowerStation has a self-guided audio tour which is perfect with kids as you can go at your own pace, see what you want to see, and move on when the kids are getting antsy!

If your kids aren’t interested in the exhibits, I think they will really love the tunnel!

While the exhibits are intriguing— the Tunnel definitely steals the show!

You will descend 180 feet in a glass elevator to the Tunnel. The Tunnel is 2200 ft which is slightly less than a half of mile.

If your kids are like mine, they will LOVE walking or running through the Tunnel.

Expert Tip: I suggest wearing good walking shoes both for the walk and because the Tunnel can be slightly wet in some spots.

At the end of the Tunnel, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of both the Horseshoe and American Falls.

This was my favorite view of the Falls!

What We Didn’t Do (But Researched for You!)

While we packed in quite a bit during our Niagara Falls trip, there were a couple of attractions we didn’t personally make it to—specifically the Floral Showhouse and the Butterfly Conservatory.

These are included as choice options in some of the Niagara Parks Passes, so I still wanted to provide insight to help you decide if they’re a good fit for your family.

Instead of those two, we opted for a few other adventures—like the Zipline to the Falls, a ride on the Niagara City Cruises, a stop at the Floral Clock, and some family fun time on Clifton Hill.

That said, I know how important it is to understand all your options when planning a family trip, so I took time to research the Floral Showhouse and Butterfly Conservatory and hear from other families who visited.

Here’s what I found:

Floral Showhouse

If you’re looking for a peaceful, low-key experience, the Floral Showhouse might be a perfect fit—especially for a slower-paced morning or afternoon.

Just a 12 minute walk from Table Rock Centre, this attraction features stunning floral displays that change with the seasons, plus a tropical plant collection and serene water features.

There’s also a miniature railroad setup during select seasons, which younger kids might find fun.

While not high-energy or interactive, this attraction could be a great fit if you have grandparents in your group, need a quieter indoor option, or simply want a break from the more adrenaline-filled sites. It’s also a great option on a rainy day.

Butterfly Conservatory

This is one of the most beloved Niagara Parks attractions for families—and for good reason!

The Butterfly Conservatory is home to over 2,000 tropical butterflies that freely fly around inside a climate-controlled rainforest setting. It’s warm, lush, and magical.

Kids love watching butterflies land on their shoulders or fingertips.

Heads-up: It can get warm and humid inside, so dress accordingly. Strollers are allowed but may be tricky to navigate during peak times.

Between the two (Butterfly Conservatory vs. Floral Showhouse), this one is often more of a hit with younger kids and families looking for an interactive nature experience.

Note: You will need to ride the WEGO bus to get to the Butterfly Conservatory as it is not walkable from Table Rock Centre or the Fallsview Hotels.

How to Choose the Right Niagara Parks Pass for Your Family

Let’s break it down based on your family’s needs:

👉 Choose the Adventure Pass Classic if:

• You’re short on time or just doing a day trip.
• You want a few key experiences but plan to spend most of your time exploring the Falls themselves.
• You’re sticking to a lower budget and want the best value.

👉 Choose the Niagara Falls Pass if:

• You want to visit the main attractions without overloading your itinerary.
• Your family is spending 2+ days in Niagara Falls and wants to make the most of it.
• You’re visiting during busy seasons and want to save time with WEGO and Incline Railway access.

👉 Choose the Adventure Pass Plus if:

• You want to experience the Currents Light Show or plan to explore Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• You’re staying for 3 days or more and want to see it all.
• You have older kids or teens who are excited about the full experience (and longer days).

My Recommendation: The Best Niagara Parks Pass for Families

Based on our personal experience, I recommend the Niagara Falls Pass as the best all-around option for families with kids.

With this pass, you’ll get access to several of the top attractions—Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk, the Power Station + Tunnel, and the Whirlpool AeroCar—plus convenient transportation via the WEGO bus and Incline Railway for 48 hours.

It includes just enough without being overwhelming, and it gives you the flexibility to add on a few extras depending on how long you’re staying.

For example, we also made time for Niagara City Cruises, explored Clifton Hill, and even tried the Zipline to the Falls—all of which made our trip even more memorable.

If you want to experience the best of Niagara Falls without overstuffing your itinerary, the Niagara Falls Pass is the perfect middle ground.

It offers great value, hits all the highlights, and gives your family a solid mix of adventure, scenery, and ease.

Final Thoughts & Tips

• WEGO Bus Tip: The bus makes getting around so much easier with kids—especially between distant attractions like White Water Walk and the Whirlpool AeroCar. The multi-day pass is a huge perk. My kids really enjoyed riding the bus too!

➡️ Not sure how to get around with kids or strollers in tow? My post on How to Get Around Niagara Falls with Kids breaks down everything you need to know about WEGO, the Incline Railway, and stroller-friendly paths.

• Plan Ahead: Some attractions have timed entry or queues, so it’s worth starting your day early to beat the crowds.

• Best View of the Falls? The Tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station gets my vote. It’s peaceful, stunning, and gives you a perspective unlike any other but all the views are pretty darn amazing!

If you’re a busy mom planning your family’s Niagara Falls trip, these passes really simplify the decision-making and make it so much easier to get the most out of your time without getting overwhelmed.

Pro tip: I always recommend printing out or screenshotting your pass confirmation and itinerary just in case internet is spotty when you arrive.

Remember: Niagara City Cruises and the Zipline are separate purchases but worth the splurge if you’re looking to add a little extra adventure to your visit!

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May you LOVE your adventure! KW