Niagara Falls National Heritage Area launches 'Discover Niagara' app

Free mobile app brings Niagara Region together in one place for visitors & locals alike

Press release

The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area (NFNHA) is proud to announce the launch of the Discover Niagara app.

Built around the idea of “Discover Niagara in One App,” the free app is designed to help both visitors and residents experience everything the Niagara Region has to offer in one easy-to-use platform.

Available for both Apple and Android devices, the app combines attractions, dining, outdoor adventure, history, shopping, events, transportation, and exclusive local promotions into a single experience, all without ads or paywalls.

Inside the app, users can:

•Explore things to do across the region;

•Discover local restaurants, breweries, shops and attractions;

•Access self-guided tours and curated itineraries;

•Build personalized itineraries;

•Find festivals, events and seasonal happenings;

•Unlock coupons, promotions and interactive challenges;

•Access Discover Niagara Shuttle schedules and information; and

•Learn more about local history, public art, murals, monuments and landmarks through augmented reality experiences.

One example of the app’s interactive features includes regional challenges, where users can unlock rewards by exploring local businesses and attractions. For example, users who visit participating local breweries may unlock gift certificates and other incentives.

The app also officially replaces the previous Discover Niagara Shuttle app, bringing all shuttle information directly into the new platform alongside the region’s broader tourism and cultural offerings.

Built using the Visit Widget platform, the app features extensive mapping, itinerary-building, and destination discovery tools designed to make exploring the Niagara Region easier and more interactive. The project was led by Lewiston Digital LLC, a creative agency based in Lewiston.

“Ten years ago, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area launched the Discover Niagara Shuttle to help solve a transportation challenge for visitors and residents alike,” said Sara Capen, executive director of the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. “Now, 10 years later, we’re building on that same mission by creating a digital tool that helps people better discover, navigate and connect with the entire Niagara Region. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here your whole life, this app helps you experience Niagara in new ways.”

A major goal of the project is supporting local businesses and organizations by helping connect them with visitors in a way that is accessible and affordable. For many small businesses, marketing directly to tourists can be cost-prohibitive, and the Discover Niagara app was designed to help showcase the region’s incredible local businesses, attractions and experiences without barriers to participation.

As part of that effort, the NFNHA partnered with the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce to help interface with local businesses and organizations throughout the region. Over time, the Chamber will continue helping develop promotions, offers, and business participation opportunities within the app.

Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce President Amanda Haseley said, “This initiative is a tremendous opportunity for tourism in Niagara County, and our local businesses. Lewiston, Youngstown, Niagara Falls and Lockport each offer something unique to visitors and, by working together to promote the entire region, we create a stronger and more connected experience for everyone.

“The partnership between the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area and the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce is to help connect local businesses and organizations with visitors through the app. This partnership creates several additional opportunities and benefits for our Chamber members.”

The app also deepens the storytelling experience that is central to the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area’s mission. Through built-in augmented reality and location-aware features, users can receive historical information and interpretive content while exploring the region. Whether standing near a mural, statue, historic site or landmark, users can instantly learn more about the people, places and stories around them.

“The Discover Niagara app is about more than tourism,” Capen added. “It’s about helping people connect with our communities, our small businesses, our history, and the incredible experiences that make Niagara special.”

The Discover Niagara app is available now. It is completely free to download and use.

For more information, visit DiscoverNiagara.app

More about the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area: A federally designated National Heritage Area, the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area preserves, interprets and promotes the natural, cultural and historic resources of the Niagara Region while supporting economic development and community revitalization through heritage tourism and placemaking initiatives.