Canada is full of amazing natural sites, but a visit to the city of Niagara Falls, with its views over the famous waters, can’t be beaten by any other experience in the country.
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 11 ways to enjoy views of frozen or snow laden falls tumbling down to the deep gorge at the Canada-US border.
Promenade:
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 and stretches for kilometres each way, which means you can walk as far as you would like to get 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 from the Table Rock Visitor’s Center, which has available parking across the street or is accessible from the upper part of the city by 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 with entrances and passes for the railway.
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 rail car. This is a fantastic place to get a short video of the ride up or down.
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.
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! (FYI: For 2024, the attraction closed for repair on January 8th. Reopening Date: TBA)
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 the vast Niagara River gorge to the Falls observation landing.
Skylon Tower
You can’t get any higher views 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 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 provides riders with views of the Horseshoe and 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 off-season. Try out Niagara Helicopters or National Helicopters Inc., just a few tour operators in the region.
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 5.00 or CAD 6 and is collected when departing the USA. Pedestrians may cross for $1.00, which is collected when leaving Canada. Don’t forget that you will need your passport for this activity (you must go through Canadian border entry while returning).
Restaurants:
If you prefer to have some great meals while soaking up the vistas, you can check out some of the many restaurants with views of the Falls (which are way too many to put on this list). 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 beaten, and the menu offers diners international fare from 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 hotels 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.