Visiting Niagara Falls in Winter – 2023/24 Winter Attractions & Festivals
As mercury drops and old man winter arrives in his icicle chariot, Niagara Falls transforms itself into a magical wonderland with the mighty falls framed by glistening icicles reflecting the magical winter lights. A trip to the Falls in winter is a totally different experience from a summer trip.
Here is a list of things to do, attractions to see (including things to do with kids) and festivals to attend this winter season in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
For a one-day trip itinerary to Niagara Falls from Late Spring to Early Fall – see One Day in Niagara.
Visiting Niagara Falls for the first time? You may like – Planning a Trip to Niagara Falls
Contents:
- Winter Attractions
- Winter Festivals
- Upcoming Events
Outdoor Winter Activities in Niagara Falls Region
Getting around Niagara Falls in Winter: Though parking is available onsite or within 10 minutes of walking at most of Niagara Falls attractions, it is better to park at one location (best at the parking lot opposite Table Rock visitor centre ~ $30.97 + HST till Midnight) and take WEGO (public transit) to get around.
Discounts/deals: If it is your first time visiting Niagara Falls in winter or if you want to enjoy most of the below-mentioned attractions, consider purchasing the Wonder Pass (2023-24 price – $49 for Adults), which includes Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury, Butterfly Conservatory, and Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel. Two consecutive days of access to the Falls Incline Railway and WEGO bus transportation are also included.
If you are not planning to visit any “tourist attractions”, then seeing the Falls alone is totally FREE (no fee to see the Falls).
1. Niagara Falls
What:
Things to do: Walk along the pathway by the side of the falls and enjoy the mighty thundering falls battling Jack Frost’s freezing power. Do not miss the natural ice sculptures framing the falls. Enjoy the beauty of the illuminated falls & fireworks. See the video below to get an idea of the magnificent view Niagara Falls presents during winter.
When: Winter Hours
Winter season. Daylight hours for enjoying the falls and evening & night to enjoy the illumination of the falls.
Until December 31 | 4:30 PM – 2 AM
January 1 to 31 | 5 PM – 1 AM
February 1 to March 11 | 5:30 PM – 1 AM
December: 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-31 at 8:00pm
December 31: Midnight
January: 1-7 at 8:00pm
Part of the Winter Festival of Lights
Where:
Address: 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON – Address of Table Rock Visitors Centre, use this address for GPS: 43.07911667, -79.07905.
Parking: Table Rock Visitors Centre parking lot is the nearest lot. Cheaper parking is available within a 10 -15 minute walk.
Restaurants:
Places to Dine with a View of the Falls
How much:
Admission: Free
In the above video, the ice climber is climbing the American side of the falls, but you get this complete view of the Horseshoe falls from Canadian side.
The above scenery occurs ONLY when temperatures remain below freezing for a good number of days.
2. Niagara’s fury
What:
Things to do: Wear the poncho, move with the ‘tectonic plates’, and feel the ground shake as you learn about the geographical and natural history of Niagara Falls through the ‘cycloramic’ movie. More details.
When: Winter Hours
Opens at 10:00/11:00 AM; Closing varies from 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM depending on the day & month. Closed Dec 25.
Where:
Address: Table Rock Visitors Centre, 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON GPS: 43.07911667, -79.07905
Parking: Table Rock Visitors Centre parking lot is the nearest lot. Cheaper Parking is available within a 10 – 15 minute walk.
How much:
Admission:Adult(13+): $17.50 + tax ; Child (3 -12): $11.50 + tax, Child (5-): Free
Included in Wonder Pass
3. Journey Behind the Falls
What:
Things to do: Travel down the elevator and walk through the underground tunnel to reach the portal to the mighty roaring falls. The lower observation deck may be closed depending on the weather / icy conditions during winter. More details.
When:
Hours vary depending on dates. Opens at 9:00 AM. Closing varies from 04:00 PM – 06:00 PM depending on the day & month. Closed Dec 25.
Where:
Address: Table Rock Visitors Centre, 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON GPS: 43.07911667, -79.07905
Parking: Table Rock Visitors Centre parking lot is the nearest lot. More parking is available within a 10 – 15 minute walk.
How much:
Tickets: Mid-December to mid-April : Adult (13+): $24 +tax, Child(6 – 12): $6 + tax, Under 5 Free.
4. Niagara Parks Power Station, The Tunnel & Currents Show
What:
Learn about the history and unique architectural features of the 115-year-old engineering marvel that harnesses power from the Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Parks Power Station. Completed in 1905, Canadian Niagara Power was the first major power plant on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Details
You can also descend 180 feet in a glass-panelled elevator and explore the 2,200-foot-long tunnel, leading to an observation deck at the river’s edge.
In the evening, this magnificent historical building will be brought back to life in a way that has never been seen before. as you explore Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed.
Immerse yourself in the world of power generation during the nightly light and sound show, Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed, and be amazed by how the light and sound show depicts the ingenuity of the engineers who harnessed Horseshoe Falls to power the land.
When:
Daily, 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Closed Dec 25
Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed: 6:30 PM depending on dates
Where:
Address: Niagara Parks Power Station,7005 Niagara Parkway
How much:
Regular admission: Adult: $28; Child:$18.25
Admission + guided tour: Adult: $38 / Child: 25
Currents Show: Child: $19.50; Adults: $30
5. Butterfly Conservatory
What:
Escape the cold and welcome the lush greenery replete with fluttering butterflies from all over the world. With over 60 species of butterflies, the conservatory is a great visit for the young and the old. More details
When:
Winter Hours: Daily: 10:00 AM – 05:00 PM, closed on Dec 25
Where:
Address: At Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, 2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON GPS: 43.136833, -79.055525
Parking: Available onsite.
How much:
Admission:Adult(13+): $17.50 + tax ; Child (3 -12): $11.50 + tax, Child (5-): Free
6. Bird Kingdom
What:
A family fun attraction with colourful birds and reptiles. Take a break from the outdoor chill and explore the kingdom of birds. More details
When:
Winter Hours: Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM Last ticket sale is at 4:30 PM
Where:
Address: 5651 River Road, Niagara Falls, ON GPS: 43.092188,-79.068468
Parking: available on site.
How much:
Admission: Adult(16+): $19.95. Children (4-15) – $15.95; Child (3-): Free; Tax extra. Reduced price Online.
7. Floral Showhouse
What:
Explore nature’s living artistry through myriad of plants, colourful flowers and flower shows that changes throughout the winter season. More details
When:
Winter Hours: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM/10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Closed Dec 25.
Christmas Display: November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Spring Display: Mid-January to Easter
Where:
Address: 7145 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON GPS: 43.072883, -79.076481 Parking: available on site.
How much:
Admission: Adult(13+): $8 + tax; Child (3 -12): $5 + tax, Child (5-): Free
8. Ripley’s Believe it or Not Oditorium
A family fun attraction whatever the weather. See a collection of Ripley’s unbelievable things spanning thirteen galleries. Established in 1964, this is the second oldest Ripley’s museum in the world. More details.
When: Winter Hours
Monday – Thursday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday – Saturday | 11:00 AM- 11:00PM
Saturday | 10:00 AM- 11:00PM
Sunday | 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Open on Christmas, Hours vary during Christmas Break.
Where:
Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON. Parking available near by.
How much:
Admission: Adult (13+): $29.99; Child (6-12): $22.99
9. Zipline To The Falls
What:
Zipline to the snow-laden falls enjoying one-of-a-kind panoramic views as you soar 67 meters high above the Niagara River Gorge and glide 670 meters past the American Falls to the Falls Landing and Observation Deck at the base of the Horseshoe Falls. Details
When:
Weekends and Select weekdays
Where:
Address: Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
How much:
$69.99 & up
10. Niagara SkyWheel
What:
Things to do: Revel in the spectacular view of Niagara Falls as you travel in the temperature-controlled gondola.Ride duration: 10 to 12 minutes.
Enjoy the panoramic view of the falls during the day & illuminated falls backdropped by stunning fireworks at night.
When:
Open Year Round. Hours Vary.
Where:
Address: 4950 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON
Parking is available at the end of Robinson Street.
How much:
Admission: Adult (12+): $15.00 and Child (3 to 12): $7.00
11. Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
What:
Make your way to Niagara Falls’ Fallsview Indoor Waterpark in the thick of winter and enjoy water fun in balmy 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Fallsview Indoor Waterpark features a mammoth play area, a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket, 6-story high waterslides, full-sized wave pool, outdoor activity pool, sundeck, plunge bowl, two adult-only jacuzzis, and a children’s play area. Details
When:
Open Year Round. Hours Vary.
Where:
Address: 5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls
How much:
Admission: $38.99 & up
Winter Festivals & Events in Niagara
1. Winter Festival of Lights
What:
A historic festival dating back to early 1900’s, the Ontario Power Generation Niagara Winter Festival of lights is a must see event of the region. The spectacular illuminations transform the Niagara Falls area into a true winter wonderland. More details.
When:
November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Where:
Queen Victoria Park, Dufferin Island, Light displays along Niagara Parkway, Skylon Tower, near Fallsview Casino Resort, along along Fallsview Boulevard and Stanley Avenue, and Murray Hill aka Snowflake Hill.
How much:
Free. But donations are appreciated at Dufferin Islands.
2. New Year’s Eve at Niagara Falls
What:
Where:
Various Locations
How much:
Varies
3. Niagara Icewine Festival
What:
Things to do – Celebrate the signature product of the Niagara region – The Icewine. The festival showcases wines from the famed wineries of the Niagara region. Enjoy a sparkly, sensational weekend at the Falls treating all your five senses and enjoy amazing entertainment, cuisine and spectacular sights that only Niagara Falls can offer.
When:
January 12-14, 19-21, & 26-28, 2024
Where:
Niagara Falls, ON
How much:
$45 & up
Upcoming 10 Events in Niagara Falls Region
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More To Do
In Niagara Falls there is so much to do. People are so friendly and open. Weather it be Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter it is an all round attraction. I have visited there more than 4 times. Dress well and take all the time you can. The Night as well as the Day is a place you will not Forget
CAn you please confirm how can I get from Detroit to Niagara Falls?
I would li8ke to stay for the weekend. Jan 13 to Jan 15.
Thank you!
We did not understand your question – https://goo.gl/maps/iWqtPiSYw722