If you are planning a trip to Niagara Falls in winter, bring along some heavy woolens and coats as the temperature is freezing at this time of the year in Niagara Falls.
Winter turns Niagara Falls into a desolate landscape with trees and bushes covered in snow. The streets wear a deserted look with few tourists and not many attractions open.
Niagara Falls stays open for viewing all year round – even in the harshest of winters. You might miss the voluminous flow of water seen in summer, but the Falls partially frozen with ice and snow at the river’s edge is an equally spectacular sight.
Things to do in Niagara Falls in Winter
Some of the popular summertime attractions like Hornblower Niagara Cruise and Spanish Aero Car may not be open in winter, but there are still many outdoor attractions open in winter.
Even in freezing temperatures, one can stand on Niagara Parkway and gaze at the partially frozen Falls. Standing at Table Rock and watching the half frozen Falls is a sensation you will never forget.
Winter Attractions in Niagara Falls:
- Niagara SkyWheel
- Clifton Hill attractions
- Floral Showhouse
- Bird Kingdom
- Winter Festival of Lights
- Niagara Falls Illumination and Fireworks
- Niagara IMAX Theatre
- Butterfly Conservatory
- Journey behind the Falls
Journey behind the Falls
Journey behind the Falls is a very old tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, Canada. It is an attraction at Table Rock Welcome Centre on Niagara Parkway, and the only Falls-centred attraction that is open even in winter.
The attraction was formerly known as the Scenic Tunnels (up until the 1990s).
It consists of a series of tunnels that takes you to the bottom of the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. There are upper and lower observation decks at the end of the tunnels near the Niagara River shoreline.
This is a ticketed attraction that is managed by Niagara Parks Commission, the body that maintains most of the parks, viewing areas and attractions along Niagara Parkway.
Visitors descend to the tunnels by elevators located in the Table Rock Complex. The elevators go down 125 feet into the bedrock of Niagara Gorge. From the elevators, visitors walk through tunnels that are at least 130 years old.
Two tunnels/portals cut right to the edge of Horseshoe Falls allow visitors to view the Falls’ cascading water. Erosion has made it unsafe for visitors to go right to the edge of cave behind the Falls. You can now view the Falls from further back in newer tunnels.
Visitors are provided complimentary rain ponchos which provide some protection from the waterfall’s spray.
A Brief History of Journey behind the Falls
In the early days of sightseeing in Niagara Falls, which was perhaps 400 years ago, the only way people could get close to the Falls was by climbing down into the gorge over huge boulders or down crude makeshift ladders made from fallen trees.
The first enclosed stairs were built in 1818.
In 1832, a spiral staircase was constructed for visiting what was then called the “sheet of falling water” attraction. The admission fee was $1. For an additional dollar, visitors were given a certificate on completing the trip behind the Falls.
Niagara Parks Commission was created in 1885 to maintain the area around the Falls. In 1887, the staircase was removed and a water hydraulic powered elevator was installed. The lift could hold 8-10 visitors and their guides.
Tunnels to view Horseshoe Falls were first constructed in 1889. Guides carrying lanterns escorted visitors to see the massive waterfall.
In 1902, the Ontario Power Company took over the hydraulic lift when they began construction on Ontario Power House. The decommissioned plant can be seen at the river’s edge below the Falls.
The Ontario Power Company agreed to sink a shaft into the rock behind the Falls and construct an elevator and a new “scenic tunnel.”
A new Table Rock House was built in 1925. An elevator to the “Scenic Tunnels” attraction was built in the new building. Dressing rooms were also built where visitors could wear raincoats and boots before going down the elevator.
As the brink of the Falls receded over the years, tunnel extensions were made. In 1944, a new tunnel was cut into the rock about 18 metres behind the old tunnel. These concrete-lined, electricity-lit tunnels are still in use today.
An observation platform was added at the end of the tunnels in 1951.
In 1990, visitors to the attraction started getting biodegradable rain ponchos to protect them from the mist from the Falls. The ponchos could be kept by the visitors as souvenirs.
The name Scenic Tunnels was changed to Journey behind the Falls in 1994.
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)
