23 Awesome Things to Do in Niagara Falls in Winter
Niagara Falls is one of those iconic Canadian landmarks that you just need to see in person in order to fully appreciate its grandeur.
We live just over an hour away from Niagara, so we visit several times per year. And having visited the Falls in winter, it really is like a whole new experience.
As the largest waterfall in North America by volume, seeing it partially covered in ice and snow is definitely one of the more spectacular things to do in Niagara Falls during the winter.
However, falls are not the only reason to visit Niagara. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions to be enjoyed in the winter.
💦 Looking for the perfect accommodations for your trip to Niagara Falls? See our curated list of the best Niagara hotels with a fallsview here.
Things to Do in Niagara Falls During the Winter
There are so many incredible things to do in Niagara Falls during the winter.
Whether you are visiting with kids or as a couple, the variety of experiences and attractions available make Niagara perfect for either a day trip or a weekend getaway.
💦 Check out the Top Rated Niagara Falls Winter Tours here.
1. Witness the Power of Niagara Falls
It’s definitely a photographer’s dream to see the Falls as a winter wonderland.
From the icicles sparkling in the sunlight to the fresh snow providing a pristine backdrop to the incredible falls, the winter landscape provides a memorable experience.
We like to walk along the Niagara River for the best views as well as feel the mist at the brink of the falls.
But you could also head further downstream to the whirlpools, or view the falls from the warmth and comfort of a falls-view hotel room.
In any case, watching the rushing water is definitely mesmerizing.
2. Enjoy the Nightly Illumination Show
Since 1925, Niagara Falls has become a masterpiece of light every evening of the year. And the snow and ice of winter just seem to elevate that experience.
Thousands of lights projected from several locations combine to create a light show like no other.
With a gorgeous range of vivid colours, brought about by energy-efficient LED lighting technology, the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls are brought to life in a spectacular show of changing colour.
In fact, custom colours are used to mark significant dates and to show support for a variety of charitable causes.
While I prefer to see the Falls lit up with the whole rainbow, single colours can also be quite spectacular.
Winter Illumination Hours:
- Nov 1 – Dec 31: 4:30 PM – 2 AM
- Jan 1 – Jan 31: 5 PM – 1 AM
- Feb 1 – March 11: 5:30 PM – 1 AM
- March 12 – March 31: 7:30 PM – 2 AM
Of course, if you want prime viewing of the light show, consider upgrading your hotel stay to a falls view room. We felt that the extra cost was definitely worth it when you can see the gorgeous lights while staying cozy and warm in your room.
You can find the full Nightly Illumination Schedule here.
3. Enjoy A Legendary Winter Niagara Falls Firework Show
The only thing that could make Niagara’s nightly illumination of the falls even more spectacular, is their legendary fireworks show!
The sight of exploding fireworks over the brink of Niagara Falls is sure to delight the family and make your visit that much more memorable.
The winter fireworks season usually runs from mid-November until the end of January, coinciding with the Niagara Falls Winter Festival Of Lights.
Each fireworks show runs for approximately 5 minutes.
📷 Looking for the perfect Niagara Falls captions for your Instagram-worthy photos? We have an epic list here!
4. Get Your Heart Racing at Niagara Zipline To The Falls
If you enjoy thrilling adventures, this attraction should definitely be on your bucket list!
And since our family has zip-lined all over the country, trying this attraction was a no-brainer.
But just a word of advice, make sure you are dressed warmly, this ride can get a little chilly during the winter!
Strap on your gear and head up to the launch deck where at 67 m (220 feet) above the ground, you will have some pretty great views of the falls.
The four parallel ziplines will then take you soaring down 670 meters (2,200 feet) of cable.
With speeds reaching up to 70+ kph (40+ mph), your heart will definitely be racing as you zipline along the mighty Niagara River Gorge.
Enjoy the incredible views before landing safely at the Falls observation landing.
🎟️ Book your tickets to the Niagara Zipline To The Falls here.
5. Have Some Fun at Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill is the heart of Niagara’s entertainment district. Filled with neon lights and larger-than-life signs, it is here that tacky tourism comes to life.
Clifton Hill is filled with fun houses, arcades, restaurants, haunted houses, souvenir shops, and so much more. If you are looking for indoor attractions to get you away from winter’s chill, this is the place to go!
Many of the attractions are suitable for all ages. And with a wide range of activities, from a Midway to the Movieland Wax Museum and everything in between, you are sure to find something that everyone in the family will enjoy.
Keep in mind that even during the less busy winter season, finding parking on Clifton Hill will be next to impossible.
Your best bet is to head to the large public parking lot just beyond the SkyWheel, at the top of Clifton Hill. This is where we usually park. We don’t even bother looking for parking spots anywhere near Clifton Hill, as it is just too stressful.
6. See Jaw-Dropping Views From the Niagara SkyWheel
One of the most unique ways to see the falls is from the Niagara SkyWheel. Climbing 53 meters (175 feet) into the air, it’s the largest observation wheel in Canada.
During the day, you’ll get amazing views of the falls, Clifton Hill, the Niagara River, and Niagara Parks.
At night, the falls light up in different colors, making the ride even more special—all from the comfort of a climate-controlled gondola.
We found it to be a great way to warm up and take a break from sightseeing. There is even a recording that talks all about the landmarks in the area.
All you need to do is relax and enjoy the views for the 10-minute duration of the ride.
The Niagara SkyWheel is located at the top of Clifton Hill and is open 365 days a year. Hours are 10:00 AM to midnight or 1:00 AM, depending on the season.
🎡 You can book your tickets to the Niagara SkyWheel here.
7. Learn Some Interesting Facts at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Oditorium
Located on Clifton Hill, the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum was established in 1964. It is home to over 400 incredibly odd exhibits, spread out over 15 fun-filled galleries.
The Odditorium is filled with interactive displays, rare artifacts, curious collections, illusions and puzzles, a virtual tightrope, a Kids’ crawl, and peculiar artwork collections from all over the world.
This attraction is definitely a must-see when spending time on Clifton Hill!
8. Have Dinner at the Niagara Falls Skylon Tower
The Skylon Tower is an iconic attraction in Niagara Falls. Offering gorgeous views 775 feet above the falls, it is a unique setting for both a family-friendly meal or a romantic dinner.
The Skylon Tower actually has two restaurants to choose from. The Revolving Dining room rotates a full 360 degrees every hour, providing fantastic views of both the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Buffalo, New York and Toronto skylines, as well as the Great Gorge.
The Revolving Dining room is perfect for special occasions, however, there is no dress code and they do offer a kids’ menu.
Reservations are definitely recommended for this restaurant, especially during holidays.
The second restaurant is the Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room. This restaurant offers more in the way of family-affordable casual dining.
This is a buffet-only restaurant that offers incredible food choices for Sunday Brunch, Lunch and Dinner.
Although both restaurants are on the pricier side, access to the indoor/outdoor observation deck is free when you are dining at the Tower.
And there is also plenty of parking available, for a reasonable enough price.
If you are at the Skylon Tower just to visit, you can also just purchase tickets to go to the observation deck.
To reach the top of the Skylon Tower, you’ll take the glass-enclosed “Yellow Bug Elevators” on the outside of the building.
The 52-second ride offers fantastic views of the falls. And once you reach the Observatory, you can see up to 125 km (80 miles) on a clear day.
Parking is also easy to find at the Skylon Tower, with plenty of spots available.
While you’re there, take some time to explore the concourse. There’s shopping, a family fun center, and even the 3D/4D “Legends of Niagara Falls” movie.
🎟️ You can book your tickets to the Skylon Tower Observation Deck here.
9. Enjoy the Niagara Parks Power Station & Currents Show
Built to harness the energy of Horseshoe Falls, the Niagara Parks Power Station is an impressive piece of engineering that has stood for over a century.
Completed in 1905, it became the first major power plant on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
Today, this historic site features a light and sound display that brings the story of power generation to life.
The exhibit, “Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed,” explains how engineers found a way to turn the force of the falls into electricity for the region.
Open year-round, it’s a great way to explore the history of Niagara Falls from a different perspective.
🎟️ Purchase tour tickets that include the Niagara Parks Power Station here.
10. Take a Journey Behind the Falls
Although many popular Niagara Falls attractions close for the winter, Journey Behind the Falls is open all year round.
I found this attraction to be awesome, as it provides a unique perspective of Niagara Falls. It literally takes you up close and behind the scenes of this thundering curtain of water.
First, the attraction takes you 125 feet down to the 130-year-old tunnels, where you will get up close to the roaring falls. Here, you can take a peek at the Horseshoe Falls from underneath.
Next, you will have the opportunity to head outdoors onto the viewing platform. This is a really up-close view of the falls!
It’s a good thing the admission price includes a poncho, as you will more than likely get a little wet! Just be extra careful with any electronics or cameras that are not waterproof.
Journey Behind the Falls is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Niagara Falls during the Winter.
Not only is there the possibility of seeing the falls framed in snow and ice, but this hugely popular attraction is not nearly as busy!
🎟️ You can book your tickets for Journey Behind the Falls here.
11. Warm Up with Some Hot Cocoa from Hershey’s Chocolate World
Hersey’s Chocolate World is a must-stop destination for any chocolate-lover, no matter what time of the year you are visiting Niagara Falls!
From their gourmet fudge, chocolate-covered strawberries, delicious sweets that are made fresh in-store, or their signature milkshakes, you are sure to find something you love.
But when you are looking for things to do in Niagara Falls during the winter, you will want to head to Hersey’s for their rich and delicious hot cocoa!
Thick and creamy, the decadent hot chocolate will warm you down to your toes!
Visiting the Hershey Store, no matter what time of year we are in Niagara is a family tradition that the kids love.
12. Make a Splash at the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
Need a little break from the cold Canadian winter?
Then head over to Fallsview Indoor Waterpark in Niagara Falls Canada, where the temperature is maintained at a balmy 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round.
Located just one block from the falls, Niagara Fallsview Waterpark is connected directly to the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview Hotel, and Casino Niagara.
This means that if you are staying in one of these great hotels, you won’t even need to walk out in the cold air, to get to the waterpark.
In fact, you can probably even book a stay-and-play package deal to save some money.
The Niagara Fallsview Waterpark features an enormous play area complete with a full-sized wave pool, 6-story high waterslides, a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket and two adult-only jacuzzis.
If you are not visiting during the cold weather season, summer at the waterpark also features an outdoor activity pool, plunge bowl, sundeck, and children’s play area.
🌊 You can book your own Fallsview Indoor Waterpark stay here.
13. Have a Howling Good Time at Great Wolf Lodge
If your family is into waterparks, then Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls is the place to go.
Located about a 5-minute drive from Clifton Hill, Great Wolf Lodge is not just a waterpark, but a full-fledged family theme park and resort!
The resort features both indoor and outdoor attractions, plus a variety of themed accommodations and restaurants that will suit any family type.
In the winter, you can enjoy the arcade, children’s spa, themed events like pyjama parties, and of course, the waterpark.
We have spent many a weekend at Great Wolf Lodge with the kids. It was a great place to visit when the weather was too cold to be wandering around outdoors.
🐺 You can book your own Great Wolf Lodge Niagara stay here.
14. Visit the Floral Showhouse
The Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse is located just south of the brink of the falls.
Built in 1949, the Floral Showhouse is a gorgeous oasis and the perfect place to get out of the cold Niagara winter weather.
The Floral Showhouse houses collections of orchids, succulents, and other tropical plant species that are on display all year.
Paired with the seven seasonal shows that are put on during the year, you will always find something new in bloom.
During the winter, and in conjunction with the Niagara Winter Festival of Lights, you will find the Floral Showhouse to be beautifully lit, with a two-storey waterfall and a ton of gorgeous exotic plants.
Be sure to check out the outdoor area, where a working model train runs along a 122-meter (400-foot) track, passing by tiny houses, schools, and a fire station in the miniature village.
The train, originally built in the 1960s, was once part of Cullen Gardens & Miniature Village, a well-known tourist attraction in Whitby, Ontario.
15. Explore the Bird Kingdom
The Niagara Falls Bird Kingdom is the world’s largest indoor free-flying aviary.
The Bird Kingdom is home to a diverse collection of more than 500 exotic birds from around the world, and representing nearly 80 species.
This attraction is also fully wheelchair accessible and offers a variety of experiences for the whole family.
Enjoy the beautiful waterfalls, lush foliage, and incredible rare Javanese House from the 1800s.
The Animal Encounters experience allows you to get up close and personal with exotic birds, animals and reptiles from around the world.
There are snakes, tortoises, bearded dragons, parrots and other amazing creatures from the rainforest that you can interact with.
16. Stroll Through the Butterfly Conservatory
Beat the winter chill by taking a stroll through the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory.
This enormous greenhouse allows you the opportunity to see the most incredible butterflies, in a pretty spectacular habitat.
The Conservatory is fully accessible, with walking paths winding through flowering trees, brightly coloured flower beds, and small cascading waterfalls.
With over 60 species of butterflies from all over the world, you won’t know where to look first!
And just a word of advice – when visiting the Butterfly Conservatory in winter, be sure to dress in layers.
It gets pretty toasty in there, so your winter coats will become heavy and unnecessary pretty quickly.
🦋 Purchase your Niagara Butterfly Conservatory Tickets here.
17. Go for a Winter Hike in Niagara Falls
Stopping at Balls Falls for a hike (or stroll) through the conservation area is a definite must.
Just pick up a map from the Visitor’s Center, and you can then venture out on the Village Trail to see the Lower Falls.
The small 19th-century hamlet features the original Ball home, a church, and a blacksmith shop, among other buildings.
The buildings were not open for viewing when we visited, but they were awesome from a photography standpoint.
Behind the village is the Lower Falls. From there, you will need to head back to the Conservation Area in order to get back on the trail system.
There are several family-friendly trails to choose from. The Cataract Trail begins at the hamlet and takes you through a wooded area to the Upper Falls.
The trail is an easy walk, and will also connect you with the Bruce Trail and the Twenty Valley Trail for a longer hiking option.
The path is made up of packed dirt, so it can get a little muddy and slippery during the winter season.
Stop at the Woolen Mill Ruins for some quick photos, then make your way to the Upper Falls.
The falls are gorgeous to look at and covered in ice, which would make for some pretty spectacular photos.
The Forest Frolic Trail is the shortest hike at only 850 meters. From the Visitor’s Center, you can make your way to the trailhead.
On this particular hike, we found the trail markers to be missing, and the trail actually disappeared halfway through.
With so many different trails to explore, you can easily spend the day at the Balls Falls Conservation area.
The Visitor’s Center has all the trail information you need, has modern washrooms, and has a place to sit indoors to have a snack.
18. Glide Across the Ice at Gretzky’s Winery
Not too far from downtown Niagara in Niagara-on-the-Lake, you will find Wayne Gretzky’s Winery.
It’s not the first place you’d expect to find an outdoor skating rink, but with Gretzky’s name on it, it makes perfect sense!
Take the kids for a few laps during the day, or check out special events like Saturday DJ nights. No matter when you go, it’s a fun and unique experience.
Want more than just skating? You can rent rink-side tables or cozy up in a cabana with a fire pit. Order some food and try one of the winery’s signature drinks while you warm up.
We had a great time skating with the kids and grabbing a bite at the Whiskey Bar Patio. It’s a bit pricey, but the experience makes it worth it.
19. Get a Bird’s Eye View with a Helicopter Tour of Niagara Falls
Seeing the Falls from above gives you a perspective like no other!
And doing a guided tour by helicopter is probably one of the most unique things to do in Niagara Falls during the winter.
The flights offer awe-inspiring views of the Niagara Region, all while comfortably seated in one of the quietest helicopters in its class.
Listen to audio commentary about your flight path, and learn the history of the remarkable Horseshoe Falls.
On a clear day, you will be able to see the outline of Toronto to the North and the shores of Lake Erie to the South.
Get your cameras ready, the views are absolutely breathtaking! With so many different ways to see the Falls, I think this was my favourite!
Helicopter tours run all year long but are weather-dependent, so you may need to be flexible. Rides typically last between 15 and 20 minutes.
🚁 You can book your Helicopter Tour of Niagara Falls here.
20. Get Cozy in a Wine Dome
You can’t visit the Niagara Region (even in winter!) without heading over to one of their world-class wineries for a tasting!
And why not kick your wine tasting up a notch with a truly unique experience – Wine Domes!
Fielding Estates Winery offers Wine Domes that are both heated and transparent, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors in comfort.
We usually add in a wine flight and one of their delicious charcuterie boards. Trust me when I say, this is the perfect winter winery experience!
And this amazing experience is not just available for adults! Families with kids are also welcome to book the domes.
Our kids were given a choice of juices to try, while the adults in the group could sample the wine.
Best for fall and winter tastings, the domes can be booked for up to 6 people, for 1.5-hour time slots. The cost is $20 for the dome rental.
💦 Check out the Top Rated Niagara Falls Winter Tours here.
Winter Festivals In Niagara Falls
21. Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is actually a pretty awesome place to ring in the new year. But as you may expect, it does get busy!
Between the free concert that is held yearly in Queen Victoria Park, and the awesome family-friendly firework shows (one at 9:00 pm and one at midnight), what more could you ask for?
Just be sure to bundle up! As all the free festivities are outside, it can get chilly pretty quickly, especially for the kids.
And if spending the evening out in the cold isn’t something you relish, many of the hotels and restaurants in Niagara also hold exclusive New Year’s Eve parties and festivities.
When we celebrated New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls, we did a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. This way, we were able to keep warm and still enjoy the festivities.
22. Sample Some Local Offerings at the Niagara Icewine Festival
Of course, Niagara isn’t only popular for being home to the Horseshoe Falls. The Niagara Region produces some of the best ice wines in the world. And ice wine is definitely a favourite of mine!
Head to Niagara-on-the-Lake to indulge in some local offerings at the Niagara Icewine Festival.
This family-friendly festival is not just a celebration of the local ice wine, it also showcases some incredible local cuisine.
Whether you attend the glamorous Niagara Icewine Gala or take the kids to Niagara-on-the-Lake for other festivities, the Icewine Festival is perhaps one of the tastiest things to do in Niagara Falls during the Winter!
23. See the Incredible Displays at the Winter Festival of Lights
One of the biggest things to do in Niagara Falls during the winter is being able to head over to see the Winter Festival of Lights.
The Winter Festival of Lights has been going on since 1982 and is organized by Niagara Falls Tourism, with sponsorship provided by Ontario Power Generation.
In fact, the Winter Festival of Lights is one of Niagara’s signature events and attracts over 1.8 million visitors and 450 coaches annually.
Best of all? This family-friendly and accessible event is totally FREE!
So what exactly is the Winter Festival of Lights? Imagine Niagara Falls transformed into a winter wonderland, with three million lights worked into a variety of displays!
The lights decorate 8 km of the Niagara Parkway.
They also illuminate Queen Victoria Park, the Dufferin Islands, and various tourist areas throughout Niagara Falls. Clifton Hill, the Victoria Centre, Fallsview Boulevard, and Lundy’s Lane all play host to some amazing animated light installations and projections.
During our visit, we chose to walk the entire Festival, seeing as the vehicular traffic along the Niagara Parkway was horrendous!
Three hours later, we were totally wiped and ready to head home. Bot boy was it fun!
Be prepared for the Festival of Lights to be extremely busy on weekends. If you prefer seeing the lights from your car, the best bet is to visit on a weeknight.
💡 Purchase tickets for a guided Niagara Festival of Lights Tour with Dinner here.
Reasons To Visit Niagara Falls in Winter
Although Niagara Falls is an amazing place to visit in the summer when all the flowers along the Niagara Parkway are in bloom, and the weather is perfect for walking the trails. Visiting Niagara in winter does come with some benefits.
Avoid the Crowds
Niagara Falls is one of the largest tourist attractions in Ontario. With more than 13 million visitors flocking to the area yearly, the falls get pretty busy during the peak summer season.
During the winter, you will find the area significantly less busy. And although many of the attractions may be closed or operating on a limited schedule, there are still plenty of things to keep you busy during your visit.
You will find shorter wait times, less trouble finding parking, and fewer people crowding the trails and walkways. This can be especially welcome if you are pushing a stroller, or visiting with someone who is less mobile.
Get Better Hotel Deals
For the most part, hotels will definitely be less expensive during the winter, and may even have special offers and promotions happening. You may even be able to grab an awesome deal on one of the best Niagara hotels with a fallsview.
Unfortunately, this often does not apply to hotels with indoor waterparks, as those can get pretty busy during the colder months.
🏨 Get the best rates for Niagara Falls accommodations here.
See Niagara Falls in a Unique Way
Seeing the mighty Niagara Falls in the winter is a much different experience than seeing it at any other time of the year. And although the Falls never freeze over completely, views of the partially frozen natural wonder are breathtaking.
Fun Fact: The last time the Horseshoe Falls froze over completely was in the 1930s. This remarkable occurrence was triggered by ice jams upriver reducing the water flow over the falls. Today, ice booms placed upriver prevent flooding and the freezing over of the Falls.
Niagara Falls in Winter FAQs
Niagara Falls is the perfect place to visit in the winter, as there is still so much to see and do. Not only does the snow make Niagara so much more magical, but there will be fewer crowds, and you will have better chances of finding some great rates.
Most attractions in Niagara Falls are open year-round. However, some, like the Maid of the Mist cruises, are seasonal and only open until October or November. Also, some viewing areas may be closed during the winter months due to icy conditions.
We would recommend staying at least 2-3 nights to enjoy the amazing view of the Falls, explore all the attractions, and get out to enjoy nature, parks and hiking trails.
No. BUT the water flowing over the American Falls and Canadian Horseshoe Falls is actually greatly reduced at night for power generation purposes.
The views of the falls are definitely better from the Canadian side. Not only can you walk along the river and stand directly across from the American Falls, but you also have the option of standing just at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls.
Yes. Niagara Falls can get very cold in the winter. Average temperatures typically range between -2 C (28 F) and -10 C (14 F).
Dressing in layers is our best advice. Winter coats, waterproof jackets, long-sleeved outfits, warm pants and waterproof boots are recommended. Of course, a scarf, wool hat and gloves are also recommended to stay cozy while you are out sightseeing.
💦 See our curated list of the best Niagara hotels with a fallsview here.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, we have convinced you that visiting Niagara Falls does not have to be limited to the warmer months.
In fact, with so many incredible things to do in Niagara Falls during the winter, we can guarantee that you will have trouble choosing what to see first!
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