Short answer: Yes, you can visit Niagara Falls with your dog and find a hotel that welcomes them on both sides of the border, but the choice is narrower than most travellers expect. Two of the properties people most often assume are pet-friendly are not: Great Wolf Lodge is pet-free (service animals only), and the Red Coach Inn on the New York side does not accept pets. The big Fallsview casino towers (Marriott, Sheraton, Hilton Fallsview) also generally do not take pets. Your realistic options are mid-range chains and a handful of independents, most charging a per-night or per-stay fee. Because pet policies and fees change often, treat every figure below as a starting point and confirm the current policy by phone with the specific hotel when you book.
How pet policies work here — read this first
Before the hotel lists, a few things shape every booking and can change what you actually pay:
- Currency follows the border. Ontario hotels quote fees in Canadian dollars (CAD); New York hotels quote in US dollars (USD). We mark each fee below.
- Per night versus per stay is a big deal. A “per stay” fee (some Niagara-on-the-Lake properties) is a one-time charge. A “per pet, per night” fee (common at chains) multiplies fast — two dogs over four nights can add well over a hundred dollars.
- Ontario tax (HST) can apply on top. Some Ontario pet fees are quoted “plus HST” (13%). Ask whether the fee you are told already includes it.
- Weight limits cluster around 40–80 lb. Large-breed owners have fewer options; some hotels cap at roughly 40 lb, others allow up to 75–80 lb.
- Pet rooms are limited and often can’t be booked online. Several properties told aggregators you must call to reserve a designated pet room. Booking a standard rate online and showing up with a dog is how people get turned away.
- Cats are frequently excluded. Many “pet-friendly” policies mean dogs only. If you travel with a cat, confirm it specifically.
At-a-glance: reported pet policies (confirm at booking)
The table below summarises what current pet-travel sources report. Except for Great Wolf Lodge, the Red Coach Inn and the Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel (which we confirmed at each hotel’s own website), these figures come from pet-travel aggregators rather than the brand sites, which blocked direct checking. Verify the current fee and rules with the hotel before you rely on them.
| Hotel (country) | Pets? | Reported fee | Reported limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Wolf Lodge — Niagara Falls, ON (CA) | No — pet-free | — | ADA service animals only (confirmed official) |
| Marriott / Sheraton / Hilton Fallsview — ON (CA) | Reported no | — | Casino-connected towers; confirm |
| Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel — Niagara Falls, ON (CA) | Dogs only | CA$49.99 + tax/night per dog | Max 2 dogs ≤30 lb; no cats (confirmed official) |
| Comfort Inn The Pointe — Niagara Falls, ON (CA) | Dogs only | ~CA$40/night per pet | Dogs ≤40 lb; max 2; no cats/exotics |
| Motel 6 Niagara Falls, ON (CA) | Dogs | ~CA$25/night | 2 dogs up to ~70 lb |
| Ramada Plaza by Wyndham — ON (CA) | Pets | ~$40 per pet/night (currency unclear — verify) | 2 pets, any size |
| Holiday Inn Express — Niagara-on-the-Lake (CA) | Pets | ~CA$35 + HST per stay | 2 pets up to ~75 lb |
| Staybridge Suites — Niagara-on-the-Lake (CA) | Pets | ~CA$35 + HST per stay | 2 pets up to ~75 lb |
| Hilton Garden Inn — Niagara-on-the-Lake (CA) | Pets | ~CA$70 (1–4 nights) / CA$100 longer | 2 pets up to ~75 lb; designated rooms |
| Oban Inn — Niagara-on-the-Lake (CA) | Pets | ~CA$35/night | 1 pet any size; call to book |
| Hyatt Place — Niagara Falls, NY (US) | Dogs | ~US$100 (1–6 nights), non-refundable | Dog ≤50 lb; 2 dogs if combined ≤75 lb |
| Holiday Inn Express — Niagara Falls, NY (US) | Pets | ~US$50 per pet/night | Any size |
| Hampton Inn — Niagara Falls, NY (US) | Pets | ~US$75 (1–4 nights) / US$125 longer | 2 pets up to ~75 lb |
| The Giacomo (Ascend) — Niagara Falls, NY (US) | Dogs | ~US$25 per pet/night | 2 dogs up to ~50 lb; designated rooms |
| SureStay Plus by Best Western East — NY (US) | Dogs (cats w/ approval) | ~US$20/day | Up to 2 dogs, ~80 lb |
| Red Coach Inn — Niagara Falls, NY (US) | No | — | Pets not allowed (confirmed official) |
Hotels that do NOT take pets (don’t get caught out)
Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls (Ontario) — pet-free
This is the single most-asked pet question in Niagara, and the answer is clear. Great Wolf Lodge’s official FAQ states it is “a pet free resort,” with only service animals as defined by the ADA allowed, and service animals not permitted in the pools or waterpark attractions. If you are travelling with a dog, Great Wolf offers kennel referrals — call the resort at 905-354-4888. Plan on boarding your dog elsewhere for this stay.
Red Coach Inn (Niagara Falls, New York) — no pets
The historic Red Coach Inn, walking distance from the American falls, confirms on its official reservation policy that it does not allow pets, and offers to recommend a kennel for guests travelling with animals. A lovely inn — just not one for this trip if your dog is coming.
The Fallsview casino towers (Ontario) — reported no pets
The tall Fallsview hotels with the best views of Horseshoe Falls — the Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, and the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites — are all reported to be non-pet-friendly, a common pattern for large casino-connected towers. This is aggregator- and review-sourced rather than confirmed at each brand’s site, so if one of these is your first choice, phone them directly before assuming either way. In general, don’t count on the marquee Fallsview towers for a dog-friendly stay.
Pet-friendly options on the Canadian side (Ontario)
On the Ontario side, your pet-friendly choices range from a confirmed boutique property to mid-range chains:
One standout is the Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel, a heritage-style boutique property in the Fallsview district and one of the very few Niagara hotels whose dog policy we could confirm on its own website. It welcomes up to two dogs of 30 lb or under in designated rooms at CA$49.99 plus tax per night, per dog (non-refundable) — dogs only, no cats or other animals. You register your dog at check-in, keep it leashed in public areas, and it cannot be left alone in the room overnight; a minimum CA$250 cleaning fee covers any damage. It is a more upscale, quieter alternative to the chain motels below.
- Comfort Inn The Pointe (Choice): reported to accept dogs only — around CA$40 per night per pet, dogs roughly 40 lb or under, maximum two per room, and no cats or exotic pets. A relatively small-dog policy.
- Motel 6 Niagara Falls (near the falls): reported to allow up to two dogs of about 70 lb in designated rooms, around CA$25 per night — one of the more budget-friendly and larger-dog-tolerant options reported.
- Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Niagara Falls: reported to allow two pets of any size at roughly $40 per pet per night. The currency (CAD vs USD) was not clearly stated in our sources, so confirm both the amount and currency when booking.
These chain policies are aggregator-reported. Because pet-room inventory is limited, call the specific hotel, confirm the dog is allowed at its current weight, and reserve a designated pet room rather than booking a standard rate online.
Niagara-on-the-Lake — quieter, and several genuinely dog-friendly stays
About a 20–30 minute drive north, Niagara-on-the-Lake pairs wine country with a calmer, walkable town — and has some of the region’s clearer pet-friendly options. Reported policies include:
- Holiday Inn Express Niagara-on-the-Lake (IHG): two pets up to about 75 lb, roughly CA$35 plus HST per stay — a one-time fee that’s excellent value for a multi-night trip.
- Staybridge Suites Niagara-on-the-Lake (IHG): similar terms — two pets up to about 75 lb, around CA$35 plus HST per stay. Suites with kitchenettes suit longer stays with a dog.
- Hilton Garden Inn Niagara-on-the-Lake: reported two pets up to about 75 lb, roughly CA$70 for one to four nights and CA$100 for longer, in designated rooms.
- The Oban Inn: an independent property reported to allow one pet of any size at about CA$35 per night; pet rooms can’t be booked online, so call ahead.
- Small B&Bs: a couple of independents (for example the Carriage House on Kent, reported to take dogs of any size at no fee, and Inn on the Twenty, reported at around $35 per pet per night) are worth a direct call. Independents change policies quietly, so confirm before you count on them.
Planning wine touring around your stay? See our Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries guide — note that dogs are welcome on many winery grounds but rarely inside tasting rooms, so ask each estate.
Pet-friendly options on the U.S. side (Niagara Falls, New York)
The New York side has several reported pet-friendly chains, typically charging in US dollars:
- Hyatt Place Niagara Falls: reported to allow dogs up to about 50 lb (two dogs if their combined weight is 75 lb or under), with a non-refundable pet fee around US$100 for stays of one to six nights.
- Holiday Inn Express Niagara Falls (IHG): reported to allow pets of any size at roughly US$50 per pet, per night — generous on size, but the per-night structure adds up.
- Hampton Inn Niagara Falls (Hilton): reported two pets up to about 75 lb, around US$75 for one to four nights and US$125 for longer.
- The Giacomo, an Ascend Collection Hotel: a characterful boutique property reported to allow two dogs up to about 50 lb at roughly US$25 per pet, per night, in designated rooms.
- SureStay Plus by Best Western Niagara Falls East: reported up to two dogs with an 80 lb size limit (cats possible with prior approval) at about US$20 per day — one of the more affordable, larger-dog-friendly options.
One property to treat as uncertain: the Sheraton at the Falls / Sheraton Niagara Falls (NY). Our sources conflict — one describes dogs up to 40 lb in designated rooms with a signed waiver (and a US$200 cleaning-fee penalty), the other says no dogs at all. Don’t book on the assumption either way; call the hotel and get its current pet policy in writing.
Crossing the border with a dog? You’ll need proof of rabies vaccination, and requirements can change — see our passport and border-crossing guide and check today’s border wait times before you set off.
Can you leave a pet alone in the room?
This matters in Niagara because dogs are barred from nearly every paid attraction (below), so you may want to leave your dog while you ride a boat or tour behind the falls. Very few hotels publish a per-property “unattended pet” rule. Only the Sheraton at the Falls (NY) explicitly states pets must not be left unattended, per one source. As a general brand-standard norm, major chains (Marriott, Hilton, IHG) typically do not allow pets to be left alone in the room unless crated, and require you to be reachable by phone — but that is an industry generalisation, not a guarantee for any specific hotel. Ask the property directly, and if you can’t leave your dog, plan to use a dog daycare (see below) on attraction days.
Where to walk your dog near the falls
Canadian side — Niagara Parks (on leash)
Niagara Parks’ official policy is welcoming: pets are permitted in any public, outdoor space, kept on a leash and under the owner’s control at all times — but not in swimming areas, buildings or attractions. In practice that makes the Niagara Parkway, the recreational trail along the Niagara River, the falls-view green spaces, Queen Victoria Park, and Dufferin Islands all leashed-dog-friendly. (You may see a third-party claim that Dufferin Islands bans dogs; Niagara Parks’ own policy allows pets in any public outdoor space and there is no official Dufferin-specific ban.) Service animals are exempt from the outdoor-only rule.
U.S. side — Niagara Falls State Park (on leash)
Niagara Falls State Park allows leashed dogs along green spaces and footpaths, including some areas with falls views, and even provides pet water fountains at the Cave of the Winds Plaza, the Welcome Center Plaza and the Old Falls Street entrance. Dogs are not allowed inside attractions or buildings, or on the improved walkways and boardwalks. Leashes must be six feet or shorter, dogs must be current on rabies vaccination, and owners must clean up. For off-leash running, DeVeaux Woods Dog Park is about two miles north.
Off-leash dog parks (Niagara Falls, Ontario)
The City of Niagara Falls runs two off-leash parks, both open dawn to dusk year-round: the Niagara Falls Dog Park (North End) at Firemen’s Park, 2275 Dorchester Road, and the Niagara Falls Bark Park (South End) at the Niagara Falls Humane Society, 6025 Chippawa Parkway. Rules include a valid dog licence and current vaccinations, dogs under verbal control and in sight, a maximum of three dogs per handler, no dogs under four months, no in-heat or sick or aggressive dogs, size-separated areas, and no glass, food, toys, smoking or alcohol.
Dogs are not allowed inside the attractions — plan for it
This is the practical catch of a Niagara dog trip: except for certified service animals, dogs are not permitted inside the paid attractions on either side — the Maid of the Mist (US boat), Niagara City Cruises / Hornblower (Canadian boat), Journey Behind the Falls, and Cave of the Winds, plus indoor attractions. (Service dogs are reported to now be permitted on the Maid of the Mist and Journey Behind the Falls; confirm current status with the operators.) See our ranked top-10 attractions guide with 2026 prices to plan which experiences need a dog-free window.
The workaround is dog daycare while you tour. Aggregators name Boondocks Pet Resort (Niagara Falls, ON) and Fisher’s Friends Dog Daycare (Amherst, NY), among others — confirm they’re still operating and check hours and booking before you rely on them. Alternatively, split up: one person walks the dog along the Parkway while the other does the boat, then swap.
Practical tips for a smooth pet trip
- Call to reserve the pet room. Many designated pet rooms can’t be booked online. Phone, confirm the policy and fee, and get the pet reservation noted.
- Ask “per night or per stay?” and “plus tax?” The difference can be tens of dollars across a multi-night trip.
- Confirm the weight limit against your actual dog. Large breeds are excluded at some properties (roughly 40 lb caps at a couple of hotels).
- Bring vaccination records. Dog parks require them, U.S. State Park rules require current rabies vaccination, and you’ll want proof at the border.
- Pack for heat and crowds. Summer pavement gets hot and the falls district is busy — bring water, and use the quieter Parkway and Dufferin Islands for walks rather than the packed Clifton Hill/Table Rock corridor.
- Plan parking near your walks. Our Niagara Falls parking guide covers where to leave the car for the Parkway and green spaces.
A note on accuracy — confirm before you book
Verified as of 24 July 2026. Only three policies here were confirmed directly at the hotel’s own website: Great Wolf Lodge (pet-free), the Red Coach Inn (no pets), and the Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel (dogs welcome, up to two 30 lb or under at CA$49.99 plus tax per night). Every other fee, weight limit and rule is drawn from pet-travel aggregators because the hotel brand sites blocked direct checking — so treat those figures as indicative, not guaranteed. Pet policies, fees and unattended-pet rules change frequently and vary by room type and season. Always confirm the current policy by phone with the specific hotel when you book, and get the pet fee and any conditions in writing on your reservation.
Frequently asked questions
Is Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls pet-friendly?
No. Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls is a pet-free resort. Per its official FAQ, only service animals as defined by the ADA are allowed, and service animals are not permitted in the pools or waterpark attractions. The resort can refer you to a kennel if you call 905-354-4888.
Which Niagara Falls hotels allow dogs?
Reported dog-friendly options include Comfort Inn The Pointe, Motel 6 and Ramada Plaza on the Ontario side; Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Hilton Garden Inn and the Oban Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake; and Hyatt Place, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, The Giacomo and SureStay Plus by Best Western on the New York side. Most of these are aggregator-reported, so confirm the current policy with the hotel before booking.
Do pet-friendly hotels near Niagara Falls charge a fee?
Almost always. Reported fees range from about US$20 per day (SureStay Plus, NY) to roughly US$100 for a stay (Hyatt Place, NY). Ontario hotels quote in CAD, New York hotels in USD. Some are per pet per night, others per stay, and some Ontario fees add HST. Confirm the amount, currency and structure at booking.
Can I walk my dog near Niagara Falls?
Yes, on a leash. Niagara Parks permits pets in any public outdoor space including the Niagara Parkway, Queen Victoria Park and Dufferin Islands, but not in buildings, attractions or swimming areas. On the U.S. side, Niagara Falls State Park allows leashed dogs on green spaces and footpaths (including some falls-view areas) but not inside attractions or on boardwalks.
Are dogs allowed on the Maid of the Mist or behind the falls?
No, except certified service animals. Dogs are barred from the paid attractions on both sides — Maid of the Mist, Niagara City Cruises/Hornblower, Journey Behind the Falls and Cave of the Winds. Service dogs are reported to now be permitted on the Maid of the Mist and Journey Behind the Falls; confirm with the operators. For attraction days, consider a local dog daycare.
Can I leave my dog alone in the hotel room?
Usually not unless crated. Few Niagara hotels publish a per-property rule; the Sheraton at the Falls (NY) explicitly prohibits unattended pets. Major chains generally do not allow pets to be left alone uncrated and require you to be reachable by phone. Ask your specific hotel, and plan for dog daycare on days you visit dog-free attractions.