Shaw on a Budget - Shaw Festival Theatre

Work the global economy

If you’re travelling from the US, you’re in luck! Your US $ goes much further in Canada, thanks to a really embarrassingly favourable exchange rate. For example, US $1 gets you $1.30 in Canada. Or, a $99 Shaw theatre ticket would cost you about US $76 (subject to change and based on daily exchange rate).

Take the train, bus, or Shaw Express

Living in or near Toronto? No need to rent a car: hop on our luxury motor coach (free WiFi included, of course) for just $25 round-trip per person. Learn more.

You can also take the VIA Rail or the Niagara GO Bus.

There’s a wide variety of options when staying and dining in Niagara Region — hotels, motels, B&Bs, vacation rentals by owners, camping, etc. Check out Niagara-on-the-Lake Tourism for more information — but might we suggest:

Holiday Inn Express & Staybridge Suites, two modern new hotels near the Outlet Collection at Niagara (go bargain-hunting!) featuring free hot breakfast buffet, free parking, complimentary WiFi and no destination or resort fees.

Nearby, the Residence and Conference Centre, a unique and affordable alternative about 15-minute drive from The Shaw.

Camping? Why not. Niagara area campgrounds let visitors get closer to the great outdoors, one of Niagara’s best assets. There are many options here. A quick Google search will link you to a selection of campgrounds in the region such as Shangri-La, Bissell’s Hideaway, Jordan Valley Campground, and more.

Stay nearby. Niagara Falls and St Catharines are two Niagara cities that boast affordable accommodations within a 20 minute drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Check out niagarafallstourism.com or tourismstcatharines.ca for your best options.

Eat on the cheap. Food and wine? Wine and food? The two go hand-in-hand in the Niagara Peninsula, one of the great wine regions of the world and a big player in the farm-to-table cuisine. It’s worth splurging on a meal if you can, but there are also affordable cafés and pubs (plus a grocery store in town). Or, pick up a Shaw picnic and eat it by the Niagara river and gazebo.

Free Activities

• At The Shaw: Pre-show chats, coffee concerts, continue the conversations and more. Explore What’s On.
• Fireworks: Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls. Fridays, Sundays and holidays from May to late August.
• Niagara Falls Illumination: Every evening at dusk, the impressive Falls are lit in the colours of the rainbow.
• Botanical Gardens: The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens feature a variety of beautiful gardens, including a world-famous rose garden with over 2400 roses.
• Cycle or drive the Niagara Parkway: Sir Winston Churchill described it as “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world.” From Niagara-on-the-Lake, this scenic drive winds through Queenston – enjoy the view of the Niagara River at Brock’s Monument – to Niagara Falls and Fort Erie.
• Nature Trails: Discover trails that wind through woodland and conservation areas, deep in the Niagara Glen or along the Niagara River.
• Heritage Trail: Experience Canada in the making! Over 100 plaques and monuments located throughout Niagara Parks honour persons, places and events important to its past.

Affordable Activities

• At The Shaw: Backstage tours, Deeper dialogues,  and more. Explore What’s On.
• Historical Museum: The Niagara Historical Society Museum, established in 1895, paints a vivid picture of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a town rich with history.
• Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake: 27 wineries nestled in a landscape of vineyards and orchards. See why these wineries have grabbed the world’s attention. Free to get in, affordable tours and tastings. But you must pay for that bottle of wine you want to drink later!
• Riverbrink Art Museum: Riverbrink – Home of the Weir Collection. In Queenston on the scenic Niagara Parkway, with a spectacular view of the Niagara River. Feature new exhibitions.
• Ghost Tours: Explore ‘haunted’ Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake, site of the War of 1812. Schedule and cost at niagaraghosts.com or 905-468-6621.
• Niagara Heritage Trail: Visit the Laura Secord Homestead, home of Canada’s most famous heroine and the Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum, restored home of rebel publisher William Lyon Mackenzie. In Queenston. More at niagaraparks.com.

With kids? In addition to the activities listed above, here are activities that every member of the family will enjoy. Some are free but most have a cost. Please visit the various websites below for pricing and more information.

Happy Rolph’s in St Catharines, along the shores of Lake Ontario, and only about 10 minutes from Niagara-on-the-Lake, provides an opportunity to experience a variety of animals, birds and plants, in a natural setting. Visitors can also enjoy quiet seating – picnic lunch occasion! – and viewing opportunities along Lake Ontario or adjacent to two ponds on site. The site also features the 9/11 Memorial walking Trail. Free.

Or go to the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls.

In Niagara-on-the-Lake, let history come back to life with a visit to Fort George, a military post that goes back to the war of 1812. Self-guided tours of the Fort with interactive reenactments within the buildings. Musket and canon demos daily.

Backstage Tours at The Shaw
Take a peek behind the scenes and explore the inner workings of a large-scale theatre company. Discover what it takes to bring the plays to vibrant life.

Niagara Historical Museum
Dedicated to understanding the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Ghost Tours
Experience Fort George after dark. In addition to being one of the prettiest towns in Canada, Niagara-on-the-Lake is commonly referred to as the most haunted. May to October.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Pool and Tennis Courts
Daily public swim times available. Court times available through the town.

Simcoe Park
Located in the center of historic Niagara-on-the-Lake with a wading pool with fountain and great playground. Free.

Zoom Leisure Bike Rentals
Bike rentals for the whole family including children’s bikes, baby trailers and trail-alongs that attach to an adult bike like a tandem.

Whirlpool Jetboat Tours
Splish splash! Head down the Niagara river for a fun – and wet – ride. Height restrictions for the Wet Jet tour are 44” (avg 6 year old) and for the Doom Tour 40” (avg 4 year old). Under 16 must be accompanied by a parent.

Paddle Niagara
Get a unique view from the Niagara River down onto Lake Ontario as your guide teaches you the basics of paddle boarding. (10 yrs+)

Niagara Heritage Trail
Visit the Laura Secord Museum and the Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum among others.

Families – One day

• Pack a lunch to eat enroute.
• Stop at Happy Rolph’s in St Catharines to look at the farm animals, birds and picnic.
• If you’re lucky, you might get to see a boat going through the canal on your way to Niagara-on-the-Lake!
• Take Lakeshore Road all the way to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• Attend a performance of The Horse and His Boy at the Festival Theatre.
• Take the Niagara Parkway to Niagara Falls and stop to see the Floral Clock.
• Head home or grab a bite at one of Niagara Falls’ many family-friendly restaurants.

Families – Two days

• Head to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• Take a backstage tour at The Shaw.
• Enjoy a matinee performance of The Horse and His Boy at the Festival Theatre.
• Head to your overnight accommodations at the Residence and Conference Centre and grab a bite across the street at the Outlet Collection at Niagara.
• Return to Niagara-on-the-Lake in the morning for a tour of Fort George.
• Then head to Niagara Falls via the beautiful Niagara Parkway and stop at the Butterfly Conservatory.
• Make sure to visit the Avondale Dairy Bar before you leave. (You will earn big points with the kids!)

Couples – One day

• Head to Niagara-on-the-Lake and stop in Virgil on the way. Grab a beer at the Silversmith Brewing Company and then cross the street for a pizza at the Pie Plate. Remember to grab some yummy baked goods for later on!
• Make your way to The Shaw for a matinee performance.
• After the show, drive over to Peller Estates Winery or Trius Winery to make good use of your wine tasting vouchers – a $32 value.
• If heading back home in direction of Toronto, you can stop at the Outlet Collection at Niagara for shopping and a bite.

Couples – Two days

• Head to Niagara-on-the-Lake. If coming from the states, make sure to take the Niagara Parkway – a beautifully scenic drive sure to be the highlight of your visit … after The Shaw of course!
• Park near the Royal George Theatre and take in the lunchtime performance, an entertaining one-act play.
• Spend the afternoon walking along Queen Street for some window shopping.
• Visit the Niagara Historical Museum.
• Enjoy dinner at a local pub – say, the Olde Angel Inn, the Irish Harp, the Garrison House or the Sandtrap among others.
• Return to The Shaw for an evening performance. If your show is at the Festival Theatre, make sure you get there earlier for the free pre-show talk.
• Head to your overnight accommodations at the Residence and Conference Centre.
• For breakfast, a little something at the Outlet Collection at Niagara perhaps and maybe enjoy a bit of shopping while you’re there!
• Return to Niagara-on-the-Lake and take a backstage tour at The Shaw.
• Pick up your pre-ordered Shaw picnic lunch and eat on-site at the Festival Theatre or meander somewhere else to enjoy.
• Rent a bike to explore the area – maybe head to MacFarland House for tea.
• Visit Peller Estates Winery or Trius Winery to make good use of your wine tasting vouchers – a $32 value.
• Then head to Niagara Falls via the beautiful Niagara Parkway and stop at the Butterfly Conservatory before heading home.

Our Ways to Save include lower prices for visitors under 30, season’s passes, senior pricing, and special promotions. See if you can scoop up a discount! Also, make sure you sign up for The Shaw’s eNewsletter for the occasional special offer.

Not picky on what date you see a show? Check out Today’s Deal throughout the season for amazing prices on specific performances.

More ticket information.