Access 2 Card_ Niagara Falls

Access 2 Card: Niagara Falls Attractions

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If you are looking for a list of Access 2 Card Niagara Falls attractions, you’re in the right place.

Visiting the Falls is expensive. By the time you pay for a room, a few attractions, and dinner, your wallet is already feeling the hit. If you, or your child, live with a disability and need a support person to come along, those costs can double.

That’s where the Access 2 Card comes in. The person with the disability pays the regular admission fee, and their support person is admitted for free or at a reduced rate. In a destination like Niagara Falls, that difference adds up fast.

If you’re traveling with an autistic child, there are other details to consider beyond just admission—like pacing, planning, and preparing for sensory needs. I’ve shared what’s worked for our family in my Travelling with Autism Guide. You can also check out my post on visiting Niagara Falls with kids with autism for my top recommendations for hotels, restaurants, attractions, and great spots to take a sensory break, plus my tips for making the trip go smoothly.

This post breaks down how the Access 2 Card works, who the Access 2 Card participating venues are in Niagara Falls, plus which attractions offer free support person admission without requiring a card at all.

What is the Access 2 Card

The Access 2 Card is a program run by Easter Seals that allows people with permanent disabilities who require assistance from a support person to receive free or discounted admission for that support person at participating venues.

The program is open to people of all ages with a permanent disability who require a support person to attend attractions, events, or activities. The card is accepted at hundreds of venues across Canada.

There are hundreds of Access 2 Card Ontario attractions, including:

  • Theme parks, zoos, and aquariums
  • Museums and science centres
  • Movie theatres (you can use the Access 2 Card at Cineplex, Landmark Cinemas, and Imagine Cinemas)
  • Some live performances and events

Each venue sets its own policy. Some offer free admission for the support person, while others offer a reduced rate. The cardholder always pays for their own ticket. If the cardholder’s admission is already free due to age, the Access 2 Card cannot be used.

The support person does not need to be a professional PSW or DSW and does not require special credentials. A family member, including a parent, can act as the support person. The only requirement is that they are at least 18 years old.

How Do I Apply for an Access 2 Card?

Here is a step-by-step guide to applying:

  1. Download the application form from the Access 2 Card website.
  2. Fill out Sections B and D of the form.
  3. Have a registered healthcare professional (Doctor, BCBA, SLP, OT, Physiotherapist, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, etc.) complete and sign or stamp Section C. If you have a CNIB card, Section C is not required. Simply include a photocopy of your CNIB card.
  4. Pay online.
  5. Submit your application by email, fax (416-932-9844), or mail (40 Holly Street, Suite 401, Toronto, ON, M4S 3C3).

How Much Is the Access 2 Card?

The Access 2 Card currently costs:

  • $20 for a 3-year card
  • $30 for a 5-year card

Note: Prices are scheduled to increase on February 16, 2026, to $25 for a 3-year card and $35 for a 5-year card.

Does the Access 2 Card Expire?

Yes. The card is valid for either 3 or 5 years. After that, you must submit a renewal application, which has fewer requirements than the initial application.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Access 2 Card?

It can take up to four weeks to receive your card in the mail once your application has been received.

Is There an Age Limit for the Access 2 Card?

No. The program is open to people of all ages.

Can I Use the Access 2 Card for Niagara Falls Attractions?

Yes. There are several Access 2 Card Niagara Falls attractions. Below is a list of the attractions that currently honor the card.

Access 2 Card Niagara Falls Attractions 

Access 2 Card Niagara Falls Attractions

If you’ve been wondering where you can use the Access 2 card in Ontario, Niagara Falls is a great place to start.

Here are the Access 2 Card Niagara Falls venues:

Niagara Falls Attractions that Offer Free Admission for a Support Person

Free Support Person at Niagara Falls Attractions

While the list of attractions that accept the Access 2 Card is somewhat limited, many Niagara Falls attractions offer free support person admission without requiring the card.

The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC), which operates many major attractions, has a formal policy stating “Admission fees and fares for accessibility support persons (when accompanying a person with a disability) who specifically identify themselves as support persons, shall be waived at all Niagara Parks attractions and transportation systems. No identification will be required in order to waive the admission fee and fare.”

Attractions covered under this policy, or other individual policies, include:

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls

Best Niagara Falls Hotels

Clifton Hill Area Hotels

These hotels put you right in the middle of the fun.

  • The Falls Hotel & Inn ($): (read my review to see why we love it!) Right at the top of Clifton Hill, with the tower rooms that offer views of the fireworks show and an indoor pool with a hot tub and sauna.
  • Travelodge by Wyndham at the Falls ($$): Located right in the middle of Clifton Hill, with a seasonal outdoor pool.
  • Sheraton Fallsview Hotel ($$$): At the bottom of Clifton Hill, with amazing views of the Falls, an indoor pool, on-site buffet, and an indoor connection to the casino and waterpark.

Fallsview Area Hotels

This area is offers some of the best panoramic views of the Falls.

My Experience Using the Access 2 Card

Using the Access 2 Card Niagara Falls

Brie received her autism diagnosis just before she turned four. While we’ve traveled a lot since then, I didn’t actually get her an Access 2 Card until a year ago. In fact, the completed application sat in a drawer for four years before I finally mailed it in. Now that we use it, I realize I could have saved so much money over the last 14 years.

Even when I was married, we often brought Grandma along on trips. Having an extra adult made travel easier and more enjoyable. The Access 2 Card would have allowed her to come along as Brie’s support person at no additional cost.  At least I had it for our East Coast Canada road trip, which Grandma came along on too.

Using the Access 2 Card in Niagara Falls

Our first time using the Access 2 Card in Niagara Falls was during my birthday trip a few weeks ago. Since we were only staying one night, we didn’t have time to check out a lot. But we did manage to try out four Access 2 Card Niagara Falls attractions.

First was Ripley’s Selfie Studios, which cost $25 for the three of us. We spent about an hour there, and Brie loved it. It was well worth the cost.  After that, we walked down Clifton Hill to see the Winter Festival of Lights and the Falls.

Next, we tried the Toy Store 4D ride. With the Access 2 Card, it cost $15 for the three of us. We had done this attraction years ago when it was a roller coaster. Brie enjoyed the update, though I personally preferred the original version.

The next morning, we returned to Clifton Hill to finish the attractions we had planned. First was the Movieland Wax Museum, which cost $29 with the Access 2 Card. While it was interesting, it only took about 15 minutes to walk through, so I wouldn’t consider it good value.

Next was The Fun House, which cost $31 for the three of us. We stayed for about 30 minutes, though younger kids could easily spend more time there.

Our final attraction was the Iwerks 4D Moving Theatre, which is not on the Access 2 Card Niagara Falls attractions list. I found a Groupon deal for Adventure City instead. For $62, we received theatre admission, bumper cars, mini golf, and arcade credits. While I wasn’t impressed with the theatre, Brie loved it, and we all enjoyed the bumper cars and arcade.

Final Thoughts on Using the Access 2 Card in Niagara Falls

We had a great overnight trip to Niagara Falls. Between discounted accommodations, Groupon deals, and sticking mostly to the Access 2 Card Niagara Falls attractions, I stayed under my $500 budget. Anyone who has spent a night in Niagara Falls knows that isn’t bad at all.

For families looking for places that accept the Access 2 Card in Ontario, Niagara Falls has many options. With planning, the Access 2 Card program can significantly reduce costs and make travel more manageable.

For more tips on travelling with an autistic child, and to see all our reviews on autism friendly events, activities, and attractions, make sure to follow us on Facebookand TikTok.

What’s your favorite Access 2 Card Ontario attraction? Let us know in our new Autism on Vacation Facebook group.

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