Niagara Falls is a thrill to see in the day time but really lights up in the evening….literally. Since the formation of the Niagara Falls Illumination Board (NFIB) in 1925 the Falls has been lit up in the evening hours.In 2016 the NFIB spent $3 million on a major lighting upgrade which has filled in gaps the old spotlights could not reach and double the lighting levels.
1,400 new LED lighting units called ‘Luminaires’ combine to form bright, vivid colours using the Niagara Falls as a canvas. These 1,400 LED Luminaire units are installed on the upper level of a building known as The Illumination Tower, next to Queen Victoria Place, on the roof of the Table Rock Centre, at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls; and deep in the Niagara Gorge across from the American Falls.
These lights work in unison to create brilliant light displays on Niagara Falls.
The Illumination tower was built in 1906 and was at one time part of the Ontario Power Generating Station.
Every evening the lights are turned on and bring a different kind of magic to Niagara Falls. The lights change depending on holidays or charitable events.
For example if you visit Niagara Falls on March 17, 2018, the Falls will be lit in Green lights for St. Patrick’s Day. Visit on February 14, 2018 and the Falls will be pink and red to commemorate Valentine’s Day.
If the lights were not enough, on certain evenings tourists are also treated to a dazzling fireworks display (please consult the schedule above and call ahead for fireworks details).
This is Canada’s longest running fireworks series (it has run for over 20 years). Fireworks are display throughout the Summer and Fall seasons and on rare occasions in the winter months as well. All firework shows begin at 10:00PM.
Many people like to view and tour around Niagara Falls in the evening hours, either to avoid the large crowds or to see Niagara Falls in an evening setting.
In the evening, the powerful lights are turned on and Niagara Falls is transformed with bright LED colours.
ToNiagara suggests taking an Evening tour of the Niagara region. An evening tour is the easiest way to see everything Niagara has to offer and learn from local expert guides.
A sample itinerary of an evening tour is included below:
Evening Tour Pickup (between 1:00 and 2:00PM)
Free pick up from your hotel lobby in, Niagara Falls, Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton and Etobicoke Hotels, including Hotels near the Toronto Pearson International Airport. 1.5 Hours (90 minutes) drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls. If you are in Niagara Falls, you are only a 15 minute or less drive to Niagara Falls.
Whirlpool Rapids (4:00PM)
Experience the natural phenomenon of the Niagara River. The waters within the Niagara Gorge take an abrupt 90 degree turn causing a large whirlpool to form.
Niagara Falls – Hornblower Boat Cruise (4:30PM)
Now comes the most spectacular attraction! The majestic Canadian Niagara Falls! Hop on the Hornblower Boat Cruise and receive VIP treatment (no waiting in line). If the Hornblower cruise is not available then you will experience either Journey Behind the Falls or enjoy the panoramic view of the Niagara Falls from the Skylon Tower.
Winery Tour (6:00PM)
Complimentary wine and grape juice tasting is available. Be treated as a wine connoisseur at a world-class winery. Buy local made wines of your choice. World famous Canadian Ice Wines are available here.
Discover Niagara-on-the-Lake (6:30PM)
Spend 45 Minutes strolling around the historical town of Niagara-on-the-lake. This town has not changed much since its inception in the 19th century. Many of the buildings and interesting architecture is still standing.
Visit Queenston Heights (8:00PM)
Stop at Queenston Heights, which is an extensive hillside area on the Niagara escarpment. The park marks the site of the Battle of Queenston Heights in the War of 1812. Also view the spectacular Floral Clock. This unique attraction is a very popular stop on the Niagara Parkway and is photographed almost as often as the Falls!
Full Canadian Buffet Dinner at Sheraton Fallsview Restaurant (Optional Add On) (8:30PM)
Enjoy a full Canadian Buffet Dinner. A fresh, healthy and delicious buffet dinner at the Sheraton Fallsview Restaurant, on the penthouse level of the Sheraton Hotel. You will enjoy a tasty meal with a lot to choose from while enjoying the spectacular view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and American Falls. This is an awesome photo opportunity!
Fireworks (seasonal) (10:00PM)
Enjoy the Fireworks (contact ToNiagara to verify).
Evening Tour Dropoff
The tour ends back where it started, your camera will be full of memories that will last forever! The end to a perfect evening.
General Illumination Schedule:
| Dates | *Times |
| January 1 – January 31 | 5:00PM – 12:00AM |
| February 1 – February 28 | 6:30PM – 11:00PM |
| March 1 – March 11 | 7:00PM – 12:00AM |
| March 12 – March 31 | 8:30PM – 12:00AM |
| April 1 – April 30 | 8:30PM – 1:00AM |
| May 1 – May 14 | 8:15PM – 2:00AM |
| May 15 – May 31 | 8:30PM – 2:00AM |
| June 1 -July 22 | 8:45PM – 2:00AM |
| July 23 -July 31 | 8:30PM – 2:00AM |
| August 1 – August 15 | 8:15PM – 2:00AM |
| August 16 – August 31 | 7:45PM – 2:00AM |
| September 1 – September 19 | 7:15PM – 2:00AM |
| September 20 – September 30 | 6:45PM – 2:00AM |
| October 1 – October 15 | 6:30PM – 1:00AM |
| October 15 – November 4 | 6:00PM – 1:00AM |
| November 5 – December 30 | 4:30PM – 12:00AM |
| December 31 | 4:30PM – 2:00AM |
* General operating hours only, please call 1-877-642-7275 to confirm. For fireworks schedule please call 1-877-642-7275
Special Illumination Schedule:
| Dates | *Times |
| Valentine’s Day – February 14 | 6:30PM – 2:00AM – Pink and red every hour for 15, minutes |
| St. Patrick’s Day – March 17 | 8:30PM – 2:00AM – Green every hour for 15 minutes |
| Earth Hour – March 25 | From 8:30PM – 9:00PM – Falls will remain dark |
| Earth Day – April 22 | 8:30PM – 1:00AM – Green every hour for 15 minutes |
| Victoria Day – May 22 | 8:30PM – 1:00AM – Purple every hour for 15 minutes |
| Memorial Day – May 22 | 8:30PM – 2:00AM – Red, White and Blue every hour for 15 minutes |
| World Environment Day – June 5 | 8:45PM – 2:00AM – Green every hour for 15 minutes |
| Canada Day – July 1 | 8:45PM – 2:00AM – Red and White every hour for 15 minutes |
| Independence Day – July 4 | 8:45PM – 2:00AM – Red, White and Blue every hour for 15 minutes |
| Remembrance Day – November 11 | 8:45PM – 2:00AM – Red every hour for 15 minutes |
* General operating hours only, please call 1-877-642-7275 to confirm. For fireworks schedule please call 1-877-642-7275
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Note: This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by ToNiagara.