Niagara Falls is a majestic waterfall on the Niagara River which flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. It is located on the US-Canadian border between the western-most region of the state of New York, USA and Ontario Province of Canada.
The waterfall can be seen from two cities adjacent to the Niagara River and located on either side of the border. These cities are also named Niagara Falls.
The formation of Niagara Falls started some 12,000 years ago as ice melted at the end of the Ice Age. The waterfall was originally located at the Niagara Escarpment in what is now known as Lewiston.
Over the years, the river’s erosion tore lose the underlying rock layers, creating the Niagara Gorge. As a result, the waterfall on the Niagara River moved upstream to its current location.
Snowfall in Niagara Falls
As the region is close to the Arctic Circle, temperatures in the Niagara region can drop to as low as -10 degrees centigrade in winter. Temperatures have fallen to as low as -20 degrees centigrade sometimes.
Daily high temperatures from December to February can range from 2 degrees to -0.9 degrees centigrade (36 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit). Night temperatures range from -4.5 to -8 degrees centigrade (24 degrees to 17.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
Snowfall can be expected from December to March in Niagara Falls. Everything is covered in a thick blanket of snow in winter. Parts of the Niagara River are frozen and the flow of water over the Falls is quite less.
Niagara Falls State Park in USA remains open for viewing, though attractions like Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist remain closed. Some of the viewing areas are closed due to icy conditions.
On the Canadian side too, viewing areas remain open but the Hornblower Niagara Cruise is closed for the winter.
Does Niagara Falls Freeze in Winter?
Niagara Falls has rarely frozen over completely. Though it appears to be frozen, there is always some water flowing underneath the ice.
Even during extremely cold spells, the Niagara Falls never completely freezes. To the eyes of visitors, it might look like it is completely frozen due to the formation of icicles and ice at the mouth of the Falls.
In winter, more water is diverted to the hydroelectric power plants. As a result, there is less water flowing over the Falls, making it easier for ice to build up, giving the appearance of a frozen Falls.
When ice builds up, it camouflages the water passing underneath.
Did Niagara Falls Really Freeze in 2019?
Niagara Falls appeared to be totally frozen as recently as January 2019. Winter storms sweeping across the northeastern region of North America caused temperature to drop to about -17 degrees centigrade in Niagara Falls. This caused Niagara Falls to partially freeze.
The Falls appeared to be totally frozen and it was reported as such by most news channels. But as most Niagara residents know, the Falls never freezes totally and probably never will.
Niagara Falls Frozen in 1848
The Falls was frozen only once in the past in the year 1848. The freezing back then was made possible by the accumulation of ice in Lake Erie. The ice jammed the flow of water to the Niagara River which feeds the Falls. so, the Falls went dry for a few days because the ice jam in Lake Erie prevented the flow of water into Niagara River.
Partial Freezing of the Falls
Neither Niagara Falls nor Niagara River ever freeze solid. Water continues to flow below the thick layers of ice, although it may be reduced to a trickle. When the Upper Niagara River freezes with a thick ice cover, an “ice bridge” is formed.
In the past, people used to stroll on the frozen Falls and walk over the ice bridge at the base of the Falls. No one has been allowed to walk over the ice bridge since 1912 when the ice bridge broke and three tourists drowned.
Images of Niagara Falls Frozen Throughout History
Several photographs, which appear to be authentic, show a frozen Niagara Falls on various dates throughout history.
The earliest image of a frozen Niagara Falls is a photograph dated 1902 that shows an ice-bound American Falls and frozen spray.
There is a hand-tinted photograph that is displayed on the Niagara Falls Public Library website. This picture postcard postmarked August 25, 1911 shows accumulation of ice at the Cave of the Winds on the American side.
Other times Niagara Falls appeared to be totally frozen was in 1936 and as recently as January 2019.
A Winter Trip to Niagara Falls
Due to its proximity to the Arctic region, Niagara Falls turns into a winter wonderland from December to February. Everything is covered in snow and you can see icicles form on the railings and the rocks under the waterfall.
Visitors can enjoy the Winter Festival of Lights when spectacular light displays are put along Niagara Parkway and Niagara Falls. You will see millions of lights forming great patterns as well as animated light displays in Dufferin Islands, Queen Victoria Park, Oakes Garden Theatre, Floral Showhouse and surrounding tourist districts. It is usually scheduled from mid November to mid January.
Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake also host a number of wine and icewine festivals in winter, which attract many visitors.
Though some attractions remain closed, you will find many open. Check out the many Niagara Falls tours available and make your stay memorable.
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Toronto To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
Oakville To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)
