\
← Back to the falls
Q&A

What is there to do at Niagara Falls in the winter?

Yes, there's plenty to do in winter, and honestly, it's my favorite time to visit because the crowds are gone and the ice formations are insane. The main attraction is still the falls themselves—get bundled up and walk along the Niagara Parkway or go to the Table Rock viewing area; the mist freezes on everything and it looks like Narnia. Journey Behind the Falls is open year-round and costs about $24 CAD per adult, but note that the outdoor observation deck can be icy and slippery, so wear boots with good grip.

If you want a proper winter experience, the Niagara Parks Winter Festival runs from mid-November to early January, with free light displays along Dufferin Islands and a massive fireworks show every Friday at 8pm. For indoor stuff, the Fallsview Casino is always open (if that's your thing), and the Niagara SkyWheel at Clifton Hill runs in winter for about $15 CAD a ride—great for a quick overhead view without freezing. Avoid the Hornblower boat tour; it's closed until spring. Also, don't bother with the "Winter Festival of Lights" if you've seen one Christmas light display before—it's fine but nothing special unless you really want that t-shirt.