Visiting Niagara Falls in Winter – 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 than 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 one day trip itinerary to Niagara Falls during 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

Outdoor Winter Activities in Niagara Falls Region
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Contents:
- Winter Attractions
- Winter Festivals
- Upcoming Events
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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 park at one location (best at the parking lot opposite Table Rock visitor centre ~ $20.00 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 (2019/20 price – $25 for Adult) which includes Floral Showhouse, Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury, Butterfly Conservatory and WEGO two day bus pass. If you are not planning to visit any “tourist attractions” like the above, then seeing the Falls alone is totally FREE (no fee to see the Falls).
1. Niagara Falls

Photo Credit: Niagara Falls Tourism
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 given below to have an idea of the magnificent view Niagara Falls presents during winter.

From Top of the Incline Railway/To Do Canada
When: Winter Hours
Winter season. Day light hours for enjoying the falls and evening & night to enjoy the falls illumination.
Illumination Hours Winter:
November 5 – December 30 | 4:30 PM – 1 AM
December 31 | 4:30 PM – 2 AM
January 1 – January 31 | 5 PM – 1 AM
February 1 – February 29 | 6:30 PM – 1 AM
March 1 – March 11 | 7 PM – 1 AM
March 12 – March 31 | 8:30 PM – 1 AM
Part of Winter Festival of Lights
Saturday, November 16th – WFOL Opening Ceremonies fireworks at approximately 8:00 PM & 10:00PM
Fridays: November 22, 29 December 6, 13, 20, 27, January 3 & 10 | 9PM
Nightly: Dec. 21 to Dec 30 & Jan. 1 to 5 | 9PM
New Year’s Eve: Tuesday, December 31st at 9:15PM & Midnight | 9PM
Saturday, January 11, 2020 | 9PM
Where:

Credit: To Do Canada
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 with in 10 -15 minutes walk.
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’, feel the ground shake as you learn about the geographical and natural history of Niagara Falls through the ‘cycloramic’ movie. More details.
Opens at 10:30 PM; Closing varies from 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM depending on 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 with in 10 – 15 minutes walk.
How much:
Admission:Adult(13+): $16.00 + tax ; Child (6 -12): $10.25 + tax, Child (5-): Free
3. Journey Behind the Falls

Journey Behind the Falls in Winter – From Top Observation Deck/To Do Canada
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.

Portal – Journey Behind the Falls/To Do Canada
When:
Hours Vary depending on dates. Opens at 09:00 AM. Closing varies from 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM depending on day & month. Closed Dec 25. Till 03:00 PM on Dec 24th.
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 10 – 15 minutes walk.

Journey Behind the Falls Building from Niagara Falls Promenade near Table Rock Visitors Centre /Jillian Thenna
How much:
Tickets: Mid-December to mid-April : Adult (13+): $21.95 +tax, Child(6 – 12): $14 + tax, Under 5 Free.
4. Great Canadian Winter Lodge by Niagara Parks
What:
Experience a winter adventure with the Great Canadian Winter Lodge by Niagara Parks. Recharge your body and mind this season with the Great Canadian Winter Lodge by Niagara Parks. For the first time ever, Niagara Parks will open its renowned Whirlpool Golf Course during the winter months for a new seasonal activation that puts a contemporary twist on classic Canadian winter activities. Snowshoe or hike your way through the scenic Niagara River Parkway, indulge in specially crafted comfort foods or simply take in the beauty of some of Canada’s most desired natural sights with exclusive MoonGlow or Sparkling Sundays events. Details
When:
Weekends from December 28, 2019 until March 29, 2020, weather permitting.
Where:
Address: Whirlpool Golf Course, 3351 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
How much:
Admission: $10 & up
5. Butterfly Conservatory

Butterfly Conservatory/Credit: To Do Canada
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

Butterfly Conservatory Winter/Credit: /To Do Canada
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+): $16.00 + tax ; Child (6 -12): $10.35 + 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+): $18.95. Children (4-15) – $14.95; 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: 09:30 AM – 05:00 PM Daily. Closed Dec 25.
Annual Chrysanthemum Showcase: November, 2019
Christmas Display: November 23 – January 9, 2020
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+): $7 + tax; Child (6 -12): $4 + 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 – 11:00 PM
Friday – Sunday | 09:00 AM- 12:00AM
Where:
Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON. Parking available near by.
How much:
Admission: Adult (13-64):$18.99; Child (6-12): $12.99; Senior ( 65 +): $11.99
9. 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. Details
When:
10:00 AM – Late
Where:
Address: 4950 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON
Parking available at end of Robinson Street.
10. 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. ~ 11:00 AM (+/- 1 hour) to ~08:00 PM (+/- 2 hours)
Where:
Address: 5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls
How much:
Admission: $31.99 to $59.99

Niagara Falls in Winter
Winter Festivals & Events in Niagara
1. Winter Festival of Lights

Winter Festival of Lights/todoCanada
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 transforms the Niagara Falls area into a true winter wonderland. More details.
When:
November 16, 2019 to January 12, 2020 | 06:00 PM – Midnight
Santa Claus Parade: Saturday November 16, 2019 | 11:00 AM
Opening Ceremony: Saturday, November 16, 2019
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.
Sound & Light Show @ The Oakes Hotel Overlooking The Falls – 6546 Fallsview Blvd. Niagara Falls
How much:
Free. But donations are appreciated at Dufferin Islands $5.00 – $10.00 per car or $1.00 per person.
2. New Years Eve at Niagara Falls
What:
Headliners: Bryan Adams, Walk Off the Earth
December 31 2019 | 08:00 PM – Midnight
Fireworks: Midnight
Where:
Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls, ON
How much:
Free
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 10 to 26, 2020
Where:
Niagara Falls, ON
How much:
Free & Ticketed
4. Snow Globe Soirée: Domed Dining Village
What:
Shake up the first months of 2020 with a one-of-a-kind wine and dining experience in Niagara Falls with Snow Globe Soirée: Domed Dining Village. Enjoy world-class wines and a delicious three-course meal prepared by one of Niagara’s most celebrated chefs while taking in an unforgettable view of the falls from inside your very own heated Snow Globe.
When:
January 16th and February 16th., 2020
Where:
Rainbow Bridge Lot
4348 Hiram St.
How much:
$999 per dome (for 6 guests)
Upcoming 10 Events in Niagara Falls Region
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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!
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