21 Discover Niagara Shuttle Stops

The Discover Niagara Shuttle offers free transportation to 21 destinations along a 14-mile stretch between Niagara Falls and Fort Niagara. It operates daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with limited weekend service in May and October.

The two-hour round-trip journey allows you to hop on and off at any stop without needing a ticket. Just make sure to keep an eye on the schedule. Shuttles stop every 30-45 minutes, depending on how full each run is. You can see exactly where each of the shuttles is using their app or website.

Youngstown, NY

1. Old Fort Niagara

At Fort Niagara, at the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario, visitors can hike, swim in the pool, explore the nature center, and, on a clear day, take in a spectacular view of Toronto’s skyline. Old Fort Niagara was vital to military success, controlling access to the Great Lakes and frontier resources. French, British, and American forces occupied Fort Niagara during its complex 300-year history. Before you go, read up on its history.

2. Youngstown Center

Youngstown is a serene village where the Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario. Take a leisurely stroll along Main Street and Water Street to explore locally owned shops and restaurants, and enjoy access to the Niagara River. Youngstown is also home to Niagara Jet Adventures.

Lewiston, NY

3. Stella Niagara Preserve

Stella Niagara Preserve, managed by WNY Land Conservancy, is the largest privately owned, undeveloped tract of land along the entire length of the Niagara River. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy beautiful and rare wildlife along the walking trails.

4. Lewiston Waterfront

Enjoy a leisurely walk along Lewiston’s waterfront or take a thrilling Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour. Additionally, there are a few great dining options situated along the river, including The Silo, which is pictured above. If you walk from the Discover Niagara Shuttle stop here to the next stop at Lewiston Center, note that a steep hill rises from the waterfront.

5. Artpark State Park

Artpark is a 150-acre state park located on the Niagara River Gorge. It showcases the best in performing and visual arts programs. The park hosts a variety of events, including world-class amphitheater rock and pop concerts, outdoor festivals, interactive public art installations, gallery exhibits, art and theatre workshops, summer camps, and more.

6. Lewiston Center

Lewiston boasts some of the region’s most exceptional food and music festivals, which have gained national recognition. Take a leisurely walk along Center St. and explore the many shopping and dining options. This stop is about 0.5 miles east of the Lewiston Waterfront stop and uphill from there. For more information on Lewiston’s history, visit the Historic Lewiston website.

7. Lewiston Academy Park

Academy Park hosts the annual Niagara County Peach Festival and summer farmers market, with ample parking and a variety of restaurants, making it an ideal start and end point for your trip.

8. Niagara Power Vista

The Power Vista offers free admission, free parking, and hands-on activities for all ages year-round. Visitors can also enjoy an observation deck overlooking the Niagara River.

9. Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University

The Castellani Art Museum is Niagara County’s largest visual arts resource. It is open only on weekends and offers free admission. The museum’s website states that its founder, Armand Castellani, who owned the regional supermarket Tops Friendly Markets, and his wife, Eleanor, began collecting contemporary artworks in the second half of the twentieth century. Starting from their private acquisitions, the collection has now grown to include over 5,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs dating from the 1850s to the present.

Niagara Falls, NY

10. Whirlpool State Park

Whirlpool State Park has two levels to explore: the rim level and the gorge level. The rim level is located on the street and offers stunning views of the whirlpool and rapids from a high vantage point. The gorge level, by contrast, is accessed by climbing down a staircase of over 300 stone steps. It leads along riverside trails that connect to the nearby Devil’s Hole State Park via the Niagara Gorge Trail. Check out this informative article on nyfalls.com.

11. Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center

For visitors without cars, the Amtrak Station is an ideal starting point. In Niagara Falls, the center showcases the stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists, and admission is required. The admission price includes Freedom Conversation tours.

12. Niagara Falls Public Library

In addition to the library, you can enjoy breakfast or lunch at the iconic cash-only The Why Coffee Shop.

13. Oakwood Cemetery

Oakwood Cemetery features stunning funerary art, including obelisks, sarcophagi, and exquisite statuary. The cemetery’s lush landscape features mature plantings and trees, many dating back to its earliest days.

14. Niagara Arts and Cultural Center

Housed in the former Niagara Falls High School, there are multiple galleries and a mix of visual and performing arts programs to enjoy.

15. Aquarium of Niagara

The aquarium may not be very large, but it provides a fun daily schedule and a pleasant respite from the heat and crowds. It focuses on rescuing sea lions and penguins. There is an admission fee, as well as a parking fee. However, you can avoid the parking fee by parking near another Discover Niagara Shuttle stop.

16. Niagara Gorge Trails and Schoellkopf Elevator

The old Discovery Center serves as the starting point for numerous hiking trails that span miles. Guided hiking tours in Niagara Gorge are available from mid-May to October. However, please check ahead of time because the trails are periodically closed for maintenance. Take the elevator down to the river’s edge at the bottom of the Schoellkopf Power Plant Ruins Site.

17. 3rd Street Entertainment District

If you’re searching for restaurants, shopping, and public art, this is the place. Art Alley showcases 19 murals by local artists, perfect for selfies or fun family photos. You can find the alley between Zaika Indian Cuisine & Bar and Delhi Darbar Indian Cuisine.

18. 3rd & Old Falls St

The stop is .3 miles away from the 3rd St Entertainment District stop. It’s a three-block, family-friendly space for games, performances, seasonal concerts, outdoor movies, festivals, and special events. Check out this informative Facebook page.

19. Goat Island Pedestrian Bridge

From this stop, the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and Observation Tower attractions are a short walk away. Walk around Goat Island or catch the trolley.

20. Niagara Falls State Park

The Niagara Falls State Park stop is the entrance to the United States’ oldest state park. You’ll be glad to know that the new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Welcome Center is now open! This center offers dining and shopping spaces, as well as tourism information.

21. Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center

Many visitors come to see the actual waterfalls, so they often save this stop for last. The Visitor Center is the central location for everything related to the falls. From here, you can board other trolleys that run through Niagara Falls, NY, and Goat Island. This Discover Niagara Shuttle stop is right next to American Falls at Prospect Point, the Niagara Adventure Theater, the Niagara Falls Observation Tower, and Maid of the Mist. It’s also next to the pedestrian bridge connecting Goat Island, Three Sisters Islands, Luna Island, Cave of the Winds, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.

They are incredibly helpful with brochures, itinerary planning, hotel and restaurant recommendations, public restrooms, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.

If you plan to do a few major activities, like Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist, get the Discovery Pass to save a few pennies.

Pick a Place to Start

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee to enter or park. The Niagara Falls Aquarium charges for both parking and admission. Depending on your activities, here are a few possibilities to start your journey where parking is free:

For a leisurely experience, start at Castellani Art Museum at Niagara University, head south to Niagara Falls Visitor Center, and catch the Scenic Trolley (small fee) around Goat Island, stopping for a picnic near Three Sisters Islands. Take the shuttle north, stopping in Lewiston for dinner.

For a more adventurous day, start at Lewiston Waterfront and hike the Niagara Gorge Trail along the river to Horseshoe Falls. Take the Discover Niagara Shuttle north, grab a shower, and swim (for a small fee) at Fort Niagara State Park. Enjoy dinner in Youngstown before looping back to Lewiston.

With kids in tow, start at the Power Vista for a high-energy experience. Take the shuttle south to the Aquarium of Niagara. Head south to Old Falls St, then north, and let them nap it out before hopping off at Lewiston Waterfront for dinner at The Silo. Loop back to your car, and I bet you’ll get a great view of the river at sunset from the Power Vista observation deck!

If you are including the fireworks in your itinerary, you’ll definitely want to park closer to the Visitor Center. Start your day there by wandering around Goat Island and Luna Island. Hop on the shuttle for a 2-hour loop, with dinner in Niagara Falls before the show.

View the map separately here.

Which is your favorite Discover Niagara Shuttle stop?

I’d love to hear from you—please reach out and share your thoughts and experiences.