Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls in Winter/todoCanada
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
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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 (2018/19 price – $25 + taxes for Adult) which includes Floral Show house, Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury, Butterfly Conservatory and WE GO 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/todocanada
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 – Midnight
December 31 | 4:30 PM – 2 AM
January 1 – January 31 | 5 PM – Midnight
February 1 – February 28 | 6:30 PM – Midnight
March 1 – March 11 | 7 PM – Midnight
March 12 – March 31 | 8:30 PM – Midnight
Part of Winter Festival of Lights
Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 – WFOL Opening Ceremonies fireworks | 8:00 & 9:00PM
Fridays, November 9, 16, 23, 30 December 7, 14, 21, 28, 2018 | 9PM
Cascades of Fire: November 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 2018 | 9PM
Nightly: December 22 to 30, 2018 | 9PM
New Years Eve: Monday, December 31st, 2018 | 9PM & Midnight
Fridays, January 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2019 | 9PM
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 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 (very strong winter).
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.
When: Winter Hours
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+): $15.00 + tax ; Child (6 -12): $9.75 + tax, Child (5-): Free
Included in Wonder Pass
3. Journey Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls in Winter – From Top Observation Deck/todoCanada
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/todoCanada
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 (prices are 2017-18 winter season): Adult (13+): $13.15 +tax, Child(6 – 12): $8.55 + tax, Under 5 Free.
Included in Wonder Pass
4. Butterfly Conservatory
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. Dec 24, 2018 | 10:00 AM – 03:00 PM March break : 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM.
Butterfly Conservatory Winter/todoCanada
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+): $15.00 + tax ; Child (6 -12): $9.75 + tax, Child (5-): Free
Included in Wonder Pass
5. 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+): $17.95. Children (4-15) – $13.95; Child (3-): Free; Tax extra. $2.95Less Online.
6. 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, 2018
Christmas Display: November 24 – January 12, 2019
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+): $5 + tax; Child (6 -12): $3.75 + tax, Child (5-): Free
Included in Wonder Pass.
7. Ripley’s Believe it or Not Oditorium
What:
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
Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works & Ripley’s Moving Theater are open. See link above.
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): $11.99; Senior ( 65 +): $11.99
8. 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:
10:00 AM – Late
Where:
Address: 4950 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON
Parking available at end of Robinson Street.
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 3, 2018 to January 31st, 2019 | 06:00 PM – Midnight
Santa Claus Parade: Saturday November 17, 2018 | 11:00 AM
Cascades of Fire: November 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 2018 | 9PM
Opening Ceremony: Saturday, November 3, 2018 | 11:00 PM – 8:00 PM
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: BURTON CUMMINGS, WALK OFF THE EARTH, THE SHEEPDOGS, AVENUE INN.
Sunday, December 31 2018 | 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 11 to 27, 2019
Where:
Niagara Falls, ON
How much:
Free & Ticketed
Queen's Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake
April 6, 2019 To December 22, 2019
Varies
Inspired by the spirit of Bernard Shaw, the Shaw Festival creates unforgettable theatrical encounters in any way we want. The Shaw Festival is a place where people ... »
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show, Lundy's Lane, Niagara Falls
April 22, 2019 To October 26, 2019
$37.95 to $77.95
Canada’s Longest Running Dinner Musical! Now in our 26th season, our two hour show features all-Canadian music; from maritime folk songs to modern pop. Come meet ... »
Fort George National Historic Site, 55 Queens Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake
May 4, 2019 To September 28, 2019
905-468-6621
10-20
Thrill to stories of ghostly encounters, and the history of Fort George and surrounding area in a 1.5 hour candlelit guided walking tour of haunted Fort George. This ... »
Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
May 17, 2019 To October 14, 2019
1.877.642.7275
Free
Spring to Fall: Enjoy spectacular display of Canada’s longest running fireworks series hosted by Niagara Parks against the backdrop of the magnificent falls. Winter Enjoy spectacular ... »
Old Fort Erie, 350 Lakeshore Road, Fort Erie
June 7, 2019 To August 16, 2019
$7.50
Travel to the edge of the Niagara River in Fort Erie to discover the hallowed history of this War of 1812 National Historic Site. You’ll explore the ... »
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Saint Paul Street, St. Catharines
June 19, 2019 To August 17, 2019
$35 & up
The Foster Festival is the very first theatre festival in Canada celebrating the work of a living Canadian playwright. 2019 Season: The Writer: Full of compassion and Foster’... »
Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview, Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls
June 27, 2019 To September 7, 2019
905 341-6692
General Admission
Come join us for an extraordinary Close Up Magic experience at the Radisson Hotel in Niagara Falls. We feature Mind Blowing Magic, Comedy and Interactive Mind Manipulation ... »
Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
June 28, 2019 To September 1, 2019
$24.95 per adult and $16.25 per child.
Beginning June 28 and continuing throughout the summer months, Night Lights: Journey Behind the Falls After Dark will allow visitors to enjoy Niagara Parks’ beloved 130-year-old Canadian Signature ... »
Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls, ON
June 28, 2019 To August 31, 2019
Free
Enjoy free concerts featuring local bands in Queen Victoria Park, followed by fireworks at 10 PM. »
Queen Victoria Place, Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
June 29, 2019 To September 2, 2019
Free
The sun may go down at night, but it doesn’t mean the fun stops at Niagara Parks! All summer long, evenings come alive with our spectacular ... »
- 1-Day Niagara Falls Evening Tour - Canadian Side
- Price: $104.95
- Winter Special: Niagara Falls Tour from Toronto
- Price: $62.77
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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!
We did not understand your question – https://goo.gl/maps/iWqtPiSYw722