Niagara Falls is quite close to the Arctic region and as a result has very cold winters. Located on the US-Canadian border, it is visible from both countries.
Niagara Falls is made up of 3 waterfalls, 2 of which are on the US side. Bridal Veil and American Falls are on the US side while Horseshoe Falls is on the Canadian side.
As winter sets in, trees shed their foliage and some establishments close up for the winter. The whole region is covered in a thick blanket of snow.
Winter lasts from November to February in Niagara Falls.
The image of a partially frozen Niagara Falls and ice floating in the Niagara River is the completely opposite of a vibrant Niagara Falls in summer.
Some attractions are closed for the winter, but there are many that stay open for business. While it is nowhere near as crowded as it is in summer, there are still a few tourists who come to see the snowed-in town and waterfalls.
If you can stand frigid temperatures, winter is a great time to visit Niagara Falls. It is like a frozen wonderland. Mist from the Falls and snow freeze over the trees and bushes near the Falls, forming amazing ice sculptures.
See the partially frozen Niagara Falls at night when it is illuminated in multiple colours.
The biggest winter attraction in Niagara Falls Canada is the Winter Festival of Lights. From early November to mid January, hundreds of light displays are set along Niagara Parkway and many landmarks are adorned with coloured lights.
Get Out Of The Cold By Visiting These Indoor Attractions
You can get out of the cold outside and enjoy the many indoor activities available in Niagara Falls.
- Visit Journey behind the Falls, an attraction at the Table Rock Complex on Niagara Parkway in Niagara Falls, Canada. You will take an elevator that goes down into the bedrock behind Horseshoe Falls and then walk through tunnels that have portals through which you can see Horseshoe Falls from behind. Finally, emerge on a viewing platform to see the Falls from near its base.
- Stroll through Floral Showhouse and see beautiful plants and blooms in this greenhouse. Catch the annual chrysanthemum and poinsettia shows.
- Enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Niagara Falls and the waterfall by riding in the climate-controlled passenger cars of the 175-foot tall Niagara SkyWheel, Niagara Falls’ Ferris wheel. Take breathtaking photos of the Falls and the city view.
- Walk through a tropical forest setting with more than 2000 butterflies flying freely in the Butterfly Conservatory.
- Learn how the Falls was formed and about the history of the region by watching the Niagara movie at the Niagara IMAX Theatre. See the Niagara Daredevil Exhibit too.
- Enjoy the indoor waterparks of Niagara Falls, Canada. Enjoy tropical temperatures in these waterparks.
- Take a dive into Niagara history at the Niagara Falls History Museum.
- Visit Skylon Tower. Take a ride to the observation deck at the top of this 158-metre (518 feet) tall structure. The view is amazing! You can see Niagara Falls and many other landmarks. Skylon Tower has two restaurants just below the observation deck. At the base of the Skylon Tower, there is a shopping centre, family fun arcade, and a 3D/4D movie theatre.
- Niagara Falls has two casinos – Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino. Step into these casinos that are open 24 hours a day. There are many card games, slot machines, restaurants, lounges, and live entertainment to keep you occupied.
- Clifton Hill has many quirky museums, great family diners and restaurants, and fun activities.
- There are many shopping outlets in Niagara Falls, Canada. Canada Trading Company, Canada One Factory Outlet on Lundy’s Lane, Clifton Hill shops and the Fallsview Casino Galleria are a few examples.
Niagara Falls Tours in Winter
Bus tours are also available in Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is close to big cities like Toronto in Canada and Buffalo in USA. Tours are available from Toronto, many cities in the Greater Toronto Area, and from the US side of Niagara Falls.
If you have more time, you can visit neighbouring Niagara-on-the-Lake, famous for its wineries, quaint shops, 19th century architecture and Fort George. You can book a winery tour and enjoy wine tastings at the wineries you visit.
Why A Winter Visit to Niagara Falls Is Worth It
There are many reasons for visiting Niagara Falls in winter.
- If you are someone who does not like crowded places, then you will love Niagara Falls in winter. No overcrowded viewing areas or attractions with people jostling for space.
- You can eat and shop at a leisurely pace in winter (fewer tourists).
- The price of everything from accommodations to food is costlier in summer. Visit Niagara Falls in winter and save some money.
- Get better deals on hotel stays and attractions.
- With the money saved from your winter visit, you can plan to go to some other destination in the summer.
- A visit in winter gives you a chance to see the Winter Festival of Lights, an event that takes place only in winter.
- Niagara Falls is a great place to ring in the New Year. There are many events organized for visitors. You can see a spectacular fireworks display over Niagara Falls on New Year’s Eve.
Do not let the cold temperatures dissuade you from planning a winter Niagara Falls trip this year.
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)
