Barrie 
Niagara’s famous Journey Behind the Falls attraction is heading for a significant upgrade, with Niagara Parks announcing a multi-phase redevelopment designed to improve the visitor experience and keep the site accessible year-round.
Journey Behind the Falls in Winter
The project is part of the Destination Niagara Strategy, a provincial plan aimed at strengthening the region as a year-round tourism destination. Officials say the upgrades will focus on accessibility, sustainability and the long-term future of one of Niagara’s most recognizable experiences.
Restoring a historic tunnel
The first phase, expected to be completed by spring 2027, centres on restoring a historic tunnel that is currently visible but not accessible to visitors. The tunnel will be stabilized and reopened, adding more space to the attraction and increasing its capacity.
At the end of the restored passage, visitors will reach a new secondary viewing platform located north of the existing Rainbow Platform. The platform will be designed for all seasons, with a covered structure and heated concrete, allowing guests to visit safely during colder months.
Rebuilding the Rainbow Platform
The second phase, scheduled for completion in spring 2028, will focus on rebuilding the Rainbow Platform, one of the key viewing areas at Journey Behind the Falls. Niagara Parks says the current platform is approaching the end of its life cycle and will be replaced to meet modern safety standards.
Work on the new tunnel and platform in Phase I will allow the attraction to remain open while the Rainbow Platform is reconstructed.
Credit: Niagara Parks
The attraction offers a rare perspective of Horseshoe Falls. Visitors descend 125 feet into 130-year-old tunnels carved through bedrock, where viewing portals open directly behind the falling water.
From the observation areas, guests can watch as up to 168,000 cubic metres of water surge over the brink of the falls every second, travelling at about 65 kilometres per hour.
Admission to the attraction is $28 for adults, $18.50 for children aged three to 12, and free for children under two.
The redevelopment aims to preserve that dramatic experience while preparing the attraction for the future.
