Niagara Falls Illumination and Fireworks

Experience the Wonders of Niagara Falls: A Seasonal Weather Guide

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 colors 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 colors.

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)

niagara Evening Tour Pickup

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)

niagara Whirlpool Rapids
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)

Hornblower Boat Cruise
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)

niagara on lake
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)

Queenston Heights
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)

Buffet Lunch at the Sheraton Fallsview Restaurant
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)

niagara Fireworks
Enjoy the Fireworks (contact ToNiagara to verify).

Evening Tour Dropoff

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 2024:

Dates *Times
January 1 – January 31 5:00PM – 1:00AM
February 1 – March 11 5:30PM – 1:00AM
March 12 – March 31 7:30PM – 2:00AM
April 1 – May 14 8:00PM – 2:00AM
May 15 – July 31 8:30PM – 2:00AM
August 1 – August 15 8:00PM – 2:00AM
August 16 – August 31 7:30PM – 2:00AM
September 1 – September 19 7:00PM – 2:00AM
September 20 – September 30 6:30PM – 2:00AM
October 1 – October 15 6:15PM – 2:00AM
October 15 – October 31 6:00PM – 2:00AM
September 1 – September 19 7:15PM – 2:00AM
September 20 – September 30 6:45PM – 2:00AM
October 1 – October 15 6:15PM – 2:00AM
October 15 – October 31 6:00PM – 2:00AM
November 1 – December 31 4:30PM – 2:00AM
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 2024:

Dates *Times
Chinese New Year – February 10 10:00PM – 10:15 – Red
United Glow(211 Day) – February 11 10:00PM – 10:15 – Red
International Epilepsy Day – February 12 10:00PM – 10:15 – Purple
Wear Red Canada – February 13 10:00PM – 10:15 – Red
Valentine’s Day – February 14 Top of every hour for 15 minutes – Pink, Red
Annual Global Cholangiocarcinoma Awareness Day – February 15 10:00PM – 10:15 – Green
Statehood Day – February 15 10:15 – 10:30 – Red, Blue, White
National Day of Lithuania – February 16 10:00 – 10:15 – Yellow, Green, Red
16th Anniversary of Independence of Republic of Kosovo – February 17 10:00 – 10:15 – Blue, Yellow
World Thinking Day – February 22 10:15 – 10:30 – Blue
Support of Ukraine and Ukrainian Canadian Community – February 24 10:00 – 10:15 – Blue, Yellow
Kuwait’s 63rd National Day and 33rd Liberation Day – February 25 10:00 – 10:15 – Green, White, Red
Eating Disorders Awareness Week – February 26 10:00 – 10:15 – Blue, Green
Independence Day of Dominican Republic – February 27 10:00 – 10:15 – Blue, White, Red
Rare Disease Day – February 29 10:00 – 10:15 – Blue, Green, Pink, Purple
GRI Awareness – February 29 10:15 – 10:30 – Purple, Orange, Blue
Amyloidosis Awareness Month – March 15 10:00 – 10:15 – Red
National Indigenous Water Operator Day – March 21 10:00 – 10:15 – Teal, Blue
Earth Hour – March 23 8:30 – 9:30 – No Illumination
Earth Day – April 22 Top of every hour for 15 minutes -Green
Victoria Day – May 20 Top of every hour for 15 mins – Purple
Independence Day of Georgia – May 26 10:00 – 10:15 – Red, White
Memorial Day – May 27 Top of every hour for 15 mins – Red, White, Blue
National Day of the Republic of Croatia – May 29 10:00 – 10:15 – Red, White, Blue
World Environment Day – June 5 Top of every hour for 15 mins – Green
National Gun Violence Awareness Day – June 7 10:00 – 10:15 – Orange
Juneteenth – June 19 Top of every hour for 15 mins – Red, Green, Black
Pride – June 30 Top of every hour for 15 mins – Rainbow
Canada Day – July 1 Top of every hour for 15 mins – Red, White
Independence Day – July 4 Top of every hour for 15 mins – Red, White, Blue
National Day of Truth and Reconciliation – September 30 Top of every hour for 15 mins – Orange
National Indigenous Veterans Day – November 8 Top of every hour for 15 mins – Orange
Remembrance Day – November 11 Top of every hour for 15 mins – Red
Veterans Day – November 11 Bottom of every hour for 15 mins – Red, White
* General operating hours only, please call 1-877-642-7275 to confirm. For fireworks schedule please call 1-877-642-7275

Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)

Take a ToNiagara Day Tour From Mississauga To Niagara Falls And See One Of The Wonders Of The World! We Run Day Tours Ev
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada 9.5 Hours
From CAD
$149

Mississauga To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)

The Falls Provide An Amazing Light Show At Night!Niagara Falls comes alive in the evening. The Falls are illuminated in
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada 9.5 Hours
From CAD
$169

Toronto To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)

Niagara Falls: Visit One Of The Most Beautiful Places In The World. We Run Day Tours Everyday. Niagara Falls is home
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada 9.5 Hours
From CAD
$149

Toronto To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)

See Niagara Falls in the Daytime and see the Falls light up in the Evening! Niagara Falls comes alive in the even
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada 9.5 Hours
From CAD
$169

Oakville To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)

Niagara Falls: Visit The Most Famous Waterfalls In The World. We Run Day Tours Everyday.Not only is Niagara Falls one of
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada 9.5 Hours
From CAD
$169

Oakville To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)

Treat Yourself To An Amazing Light Show In Niagara FallsIn the summer evenings the Niagara Falls are lit up in spectacul
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada 9.5 Hours
From CAD
$188

Note: This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by ToNiagara.