Things to Do and See at Canadian Niagara Power Station

Canadian Niagara Power Generating Station

Katy Wassenaar (Niagara Parks)

Explore the historic Power Station on the shores of Niagara River.

Completed in 1905, Canadian Niagara Power was the first major power plant on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. The architect for the Canadian Niagara Power was Algernon S. Bell, and features a Queenston limestone exterior, low profile design and dark green clay tiles on the roof to help it blend in with its picturesque surroundings.

Katy Wassenaar (Niagara Parks)In addition to the stunning design features, Canadian Niagara Power was one of the first power stations to undertake a major tunnel project with significant accuracy. Its generators were the largest of their kind when the plant was first commissioned in 1905.

Housing 11 vertical penstocks, water from the Niagara River would enter through the forebay and drop 180 ft (54.8 metres) before being expelled into a 2,000 ft (609.6 metres) tunnel that emptied into the lower Niagara River, right at the base of the Horseshoe Falls.

Canadian Niagara Power Generating Station Generators

Katy Wassenaar (Niagara Parks)

Canadian Niagara Power remained in operation, servicing the areas of Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York, until 2006,

Niagara Parks has transformed the decommissioned facility into an extraordinary new multi-faceted visitor experience, that will preserve and showcase this culturally significant landmark.

Katy Wassenaar (Niagara Parks)

The innovative project is part of Niagara Parks’ 10-year strategic plan, which will position Niagara Parks as one of the most spectacular parks in the world. CNP will become a new experience and open in two phases. Phase one will open to the public on July 1 will include interactive exhibits and a state-of-the-art immersive sound and light experience.

What to See & Do at the Canadian Niagara Power Station

Learn about the history and unique architectural features of the 115-year-old engineering marvel that harnesses power from the Horseshoe Falls.
Go on guided tours that will give you a detailed view of the plant and the people who created and worked in the station of the past century.
Credit: Niagara Parks
Enjoy the building coming to life through an immersive sight and sound show.
In future (part of phase 2): You can go down the elevator to the thrust deck level which is a level below the main floor. You will be able to walk .7 kilometres through a tunnel and see an amazing view of the Niagara River and Niagara Falls.