Niagara Falls 
Canada is full of amazing natural sites, but a visit to Niagara Falls, with its views of the famous waters, can’t be beaten by any other experience in the country.
Niagara Falls Tourism
While many people associate the name of the falls with the city, there are three portions to this section of tumbling waters – Horseshoe Falls, located on the Canadian side of the border, and Bridal Falls and American Falls, located on the U.S. side of the river.
Flowing from the powerful Niagara River, these falls have the highest flow rate in the country and a vertical drop of more than 50 m (160 ft). The Canadian side is the best place to experience these beautiful waters, as there are many ways that visitors can enjoy different aspects and views, even during the winter months.
With all the volume of water flow, it is not possible for the Falls to completely freeze over during the winter. However, cold temperatures and less water moving down the river create an atmosphere that appears the Falls have frozen, making a visit during the coldest months of the year something truly special.
Here are 12 ways to enjoy views of frozen or snow-laden falls tumbling down to the deep gorge at the Canada-US border.
Promenade:
Credit: Clifton Hill
One of the best ways to view the Falls in all their glory is to walk the Promenade. This walkway will take you alongside the top of the Falls and the river above and below.
The paved pathway is perfect for all ages and walking abilities, stretching for kilometres each way, so you can walk as far as you like to take in all the unique angles of the Falls and the Niagara River.
This is a free activity that can be enjoyed at any time of day or even at night when the Falls are lit by colourful spotlights that give new beauty to this wonder.
You can start at the Table Rock Visitor’s Center, which has parking across the street or is accessible from the upper part of the city via the Falls Incline Railway.
Falls Incline Railway:
The Falls Incline Railway is a fun, short rail journey that lets visitors travel from the upper bank of the city to the lower bank without walking the pathways. You can buy single tickets, return tickets, or a package including railway entrances and passes.
While the front seats are a cool place to get a selfie, you can get good pictures and views from every part of the small railcar. This is a fantastic place to get a short video of the ride up or down.
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Journey to the Falls:
If you have the time to explore the area, plenty of paid activities can give you an up-close and personal experience with Niagara Falls. Journey to the Falls is a phenomenal self-guided tour of the 130-year-old subterranean tunnels.
Don a waterproof poncho and learn about the history of the Falls and the area while taking the opportunity to snap many pictures of the views from the observation platforms and viewing portholes located 125 feet under the main walkway.
Be prepared to get a little bit wet as you gaze up at the 2,800 cubic feet of water that thunders at 65 kilometres an hour over the Falls in front of you.
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Niagara Falls Power Station:
The newest interesting viewpoint and attraction is the Niagara Falls Power Station.
Here you can learn about this historic site and the power of the water. You can even descend 180 feet in a glass elevator to explore a 2,200-foot-long tunnel and the observation deck with fantastic views.
This is your opportunity to explore the first major power plant on the Canadian side of the Niagara River with its immersive exhibits, restored artifacts and interactive storytelling.
You can even experience the station through a light show, when you can feel the once-dormant power station come to life in a breathtaking, interactive experience.
Wildplay Zipline to the Falls:
If you are looking for a bit more adventure while enjoying the view of Niagara Falls, you may want to take advantage of the experience of Wildplay Zipline to the Falls!
This is another exciting way of seeing the waters rush over the edge and tumble down to the rocks below. Imagine yourself soaring high above the earth, right toward the Falls themselves!
On four parallel ziplines that face the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls, you can dangle from a precarious 67-metre (220-foot) high vantage point and enjoy a fully guided experience as you soar 670 metres (2,200 feet) at speeds of 70+ kph (40+ mph), along the edge of the vast Niagara River gorge to the Falls observation landing.
Zipline To The Falls
Skylon Tower
You can’t get any higher views than you can enjoy from the incredible Skylon Tower, which is home to an observation deck and a revolving restaurant. The sweeping panoramic vistas provide guests with the chance to see not only the Falls but the surrounding area. A whopping 775 feet above the Falls, this is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and sit back to soak in the atmosphere, especially in the evening when the colourful lights are sparkling over the rushing waters.
Of course, you don’t have to dine to have the chance to get up high in the tower; the Ride-to-the-Top and Indoor/Outdoor Observation Decks provide a chance to glide smoothly to the top aboard the exterior glass-enclosed “Yellow Bug Elevators” in just 52 seconds. Here you will enjoy spectacular views of the Falls, the Great Gorge, the Niagara Wine District, and the city skylines of Buffalo, New York, and Toronto. You can purchase tickets and make restaurant reservations right from the website.
Niagara Falls Tower Observatory:
First opened in 1962 as Niagara Falls’ original observation tower, the Tower Hotel offered visitors a sweeping view from 520 feet above the Niagara Gorge, overlooking both the Horseshoe and U.S. Falls.
That experience has now been revived with the return of the Niagara Falls Tower Observatory.
Visitors can explore the observatory at their own pace, enjoy panoramic views, and access interactive exhibits through QR codes that share historical insights. Tickets include daytime single-entry access or evening admission during the nightly Falls illumination, both valid for same-day use.
The observatory is wheelchair accessible and open daily, with extended evening hours to enjoy illuminated falls or fireworks.
Dining options at the Tower Hotel include Sky Fallsview Steakhouse on the 26th floor and an IHOP serving breakfast favourites.
Niagara Skywheel:
Another high-flying opportunity lurks in the amazing Niagara Skywheel, located in Clifton Hill. This 175-foot-tall Ferris wheel is a fun and safe way to get a unique view of the Falls from a bit farther away. The largest observation wheel in Canada, the Skywheel, offers views of the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, the Niagara River, and other landmarks. The fully enclosed gondolas are equipped with heating and air conditioning for year-round comfort and enjoyment, so this activity is great even in the winter months. The high vantage points will also allow you to get the best photos of the area, guaranteed.
Helicopter Tours:
Of course, you can’t get any higher than hopping into a helicopter for an aerial tour of the Falls and the area. Helicopter Tours are available daily from a variety of operators, and on a clear day, you will be able to see the outline of Toronto to the North and the shores of Lake Erie to the South, as well as the spectacular Falls below. The scenery can’t get any better than from up in the sky. Flights are subject to weather conditions, and reservations are recommended, even during the off-season. Try out Niagara Helicopters or National Helicopters Inc., just a few tour operators in the region.
Niagara Helicopters
Rainbow Bridge
If you are travelling from Canada to the US (or vice versa), you will be travelling over the Rainbow Bridge, which will also offer you great views of the Falls. Located between Niagara Falls, Canada, and Niagara Falls, USA, there is a charge to cross, even if you are walking. This toll bridge costs USD 6 or CAD 8.50 and is collected when departing the USA. Pedestrians may cross for USD $1.00/CAD $1.25, which is collected when leaving Canada. Don’t forget that you will need your passport for this activity (you must go through Canadian border control on your return).
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Restaurants:
If you prefer to have some great meals while soaking in the vistas, you can check out some of the many restaurants with views of the Falls (which are way too many to list here). However, the Table Rock Restaurant is the closest to the Falls, so you know you are guaranteed a fantastic food experience close to the flowing rapids.
Located right in the Table Rock Visitor’s Center, this is a convenient place to fill your belly when you need a break from all the activities in the area. The floor-to-ceiling windows create an atmosphere that can’t be beat, and the menu offers diners international fare made with locally sourced ingredients. Reservations are recommended.
Falls View Hotels:
Of course, there is nothing better than sitting in your hotel room, relaxing with the scenic panoramas provided by the hotel’s high on the upper bank.
The Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, the Marriott on the Falls, the Hilton Niagara Falls, the Tower Hotel and the Embassy Suites by Hilton are among the best hotels with rooms with views that you won’t ever want to leave.
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