In March, the Falls themselves, both state parks, and most indoor attractions stay open—including Journey Behind the Falls, Cave of the Winds, and the Butterfly Conservatory. The major closures are the boat tours: Maid of the Mist and Hornblower don't return until April or later, so skip them if they're on your list.
What's Open in Niagara Falls in March
March is the transition month. Winter loosens its grip, the days get noticeably longer, and a few more attractions come back online. The crowds are still thin. Hotel prices are still reasonable. And Cave of the Winds — which somehow stays open all winter — is actually a wild choice in March if you're the adventurous type.
Spring break season kicks in late March, so expect a modest uptick in families toward the end of the month.
The Falls Themselves
Always open. Free. Niagara Falls State Park is accessible 24/7 at no charge. Prospect Point, Goat Island, the pedestrian bridge — all open.
Queen Victoria Park on the Canadian side is open 24/7.
Illumination
The Falls are lit every night of the year. March illumination times:
- March 1–11: 5:30pm – 1:00am
- March 12–31: 7:30pm – 2:00am (clocks spring forward March 8)
No fireworks yet — those return in May.
What's Open — USA Side
Niagara Falls State Park — ✅ Open 24/7
Prospect Point — ✅ Open 24/7
Goat Island — ✅ Open sunrise–midnight
Welcome Center — ✅ Open daily 8am–4pm
Cave of the Winds — ✅ Open 9am–4pm daily
Maid of the Mist — 🔴 Closed — returns spring
Power Plant Ruins Site — 🔴 Closed — reopens May 7
ArtPark (Lewiston) — Open for views; concerts begin June
Parking: $10/vehicle at NY State Park lots. Free Lot #3 on Goat Island Tue/Wed/Thu.
What's Open — Canada Side
Queen Victoria Park — ✅ Open 24/7
Journey Behind the Falls — ✅ Open daily 9am–5pm (Sat until 6pm)
Niagara Parks Power Station & Tunnel — ✅ Open 10am–6pm daily
Butterfly Conservatory — ✅ Open daily 9am–5pm
Niagara Falls Observatory — ✅ Open (weekdays 10am–11pm, weekends 2pm–11pm)
Zipline to the Falls — ✅ Open Thu–Sun 12pm–5pm
Hornblower / Niagara City Cruises — 🔴 Closed — returns April
Whirlpool Aero Car — 🔴 Closed until spring
Clifton Hill — ✅ Most indoor attractions open
WEGO Shuttle — ✅ Running green and blue lines
Wonder Pass valid through April — Adults $65, Youth $45.
Border Crossing
Rainbow Bridge open 24/7. March crossing times are generally short outside of spring break weekends. Budget extra time if you're crossing during the last two weeks of March.
Tolls: $6.00 USD / $8.50 CAD for vehicles. $1.25 CAD pedestrians (Canada → USA only).
Local Tips for March
March Break is real and it's crowded. If you're trying to avoid crowds, the first two weeks of March are your window. Once American and Canadian spring breaks overlap (roughly March 14–28 depending on the year), expect packed parking lots and lines at Journey Behind the Falls.
Cave of the Winds in March is underrated. You get way less soaked than in summer — the waterfall volume is lower — but the gorge access and the views are still excellent. Off-season tickets are $14 adult, $10 youth (vs. $23/$19 in season). Worth it.
The Zipline reopens in March on a limited schedule. If a Thursday-through-Sunday window works for you, it's a great time — short lines, cool temps, dramatic views of the gorge with late-winter flow.
Watch for St. Patrick's Day illumination. The Falls often go green on March 17. It's a popular night to watch from either side of the river.
Information updated for 2026. Hours and prices subject to change — always verify before visiting.
Niagara Falls by Month
January · February · March · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · November · December
Q: Is Cave of the Winds open in March?
Yes, it's open daily 9am–4pm and actually a great value in March. You'll get way less soaked than in summer because water volume is lower, plus off-season tickets are just $14 for adults and $10 for youth versus $23/$19 in peak season.
Q: Can you take a boat tour to Niagara Falls in March?
No — both Maid of the Mist and Hornblower/Niagara City Cruises are closed in March. Maid of the Mist returns in spring, and Hornblower reopens in April.
Q: What time do the falls get lit up in March?
The Falls are illuminated every night. From March 1–11, lights run 5:30pm–1:00am, and from March 12–31, they run 7:30pm–2:00am (after daylight saving time kicks in on March 8).
Q: How much is parking at Niagara Falls in March?
Parking is $10 per vehicle at NY State Park lots. Free Lot #3 on Goat Island is available Tuesday through Thursday.
Q: Is spring break crowded at Niagara Falls?
Yes — spring break season kicks in late March, so expect packed parking lots and longer lines at popular attractions like Journey Behind the Falls roughly March 14–28. The first two weeks of March are much quieter if you want to avoid crowds.