Why You Should Visit Niagara Falls This Winter
Wondering If You Should Visit Niagara Falls, Canada This Winter? Keep Reading To Find Out!
So should you visit Niagara Falls this winter then?
Winter transforms Niagara Falls into a magical destination that feels like something out of a storybook.
While most people think of visiting the falls in the warmer months, a winter trip reveals a quieter, more enchanting side to this famous landmark.
From the dazzling Winter Festival of Lights to cozy winter activities and fewer crowds, visiting Niagara Falls in winter offers an experience unlike any other.
If you’re ready to embrace the cold and discover a new way to enjoy Niagara, Canada here’s why a winter visit should be at the top of your travel list.
I have had the opportunity to visit Niagara Falls on numerous occasions in the past including in the winter.
And will share with you all of my knowledge and experience.
Why You Should Visit Niagara Falls This Winter
Let’s take a look at why you should visit Niagara Falls this winter.
Breathtaking Winter Scenery
Around December, Niagara Falls transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland.
As temperatures drop, the mist from the falls freezes on trees, rocks, and railings.
Icicles form along the edges of the falls, creating a beautiful display of nature’s power and beauty.
The falls have portions freezing into massive ice formations, while water continues to flow beneath the ice, creating a striking contrast.
Snow blankets the entire landscape, enhancing the sense of quiet serenity.
Different viewing platforms provide an up-close look at the stunning frozen cascades.
If you visit in January or February there is a high chance that portions of the fall will be frozen.
🎥 Here are two videos of the falls:
Niagara Falls – American Falls
Niagara Falls – Canadian Horseshoe Falls
Holiday Events & Festive Spirit
Winter in Niagara Falls is alive with holiday events and festive cheer, making it a top destination for those craving seasonal celebrations.
The Winter Festival of Lights, one of Canada’s largest illumination festivals, transforms the area into a sparkling spectacle from November 16 to January 5.
It features millions of dazzling lights along an eight-kilometre route and it is Free.
This event’s intricate light displays of Canadian wildlife and holiday-themed installations provide a festive experience for all ages.
Additionally, Niagara Falls Christmas Market is brimming with holiday charm.
Offering unique shopping opportunities, festive foods, and warm beverages to enjoy while exploring artisan stalls.
Santa sightings, live music, and outdoor fire pits create a cozy atmosphere.
As the holiday season progresses, outdoor skating rinks, seasonal wine tours, and holiday-themed events continue to pop up.
Overall, Niagara Falls embraces the holiday season with festive decorations, markets, and seasonal events.
Illuminations & Fireworks
Every night, the falls are lit up with rotating colours, and on certain nights, you can even enjoy fireworks above the falls.
This winter season the fireworks start on Saturday, November 16th and continue every Friday and Saturday evening at 8 pm.
Nightly shows will take place over the holidays from December 27th until the finale on Sunday, January 5th, 2025.
We spent New Year’s in Niagara Falls one year and the fireworks then were amazing. Also, you will see the fireworks in Niagara Falls, New York.
Before you go to Niagara Falls, check their most current schedule for the fireworks.
🦄More useful Niagara Falls blog posts:
Is Tap Water Safe To Drink At The Hotels In Niagara Falls, Canada?
Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting? Things To Do & Reasons To Visit
7 Things To Do In Niagara Falls If It’s Your First Visit (From An Expert)
7 Best Niagara Falls Day Tours From Toronto
Smaller Crowds, More Serenity
Winter brings fewer tourists, giving visitors the chance to experience the falls in a quieter, more serene setting.
Without the large crowds, you can enjoy peaceful walks along the viewing paths and take in the beauty at your own pace.
It’s an ideal time for those looking to experience the fall’s natural beauty without the hustle and bustle of the peak season.
Many popular attractions around Niagara Falls, such as the Skylon Tower, Journey Behind the Falls, and the Clifton Hill Entertainment District, see shorter wait times during winter.
This allows you to enjoy these experiences without the lines that are common in summer, giving you more time to take in the sights.
Seasonal Attractions & Winter Activities
Niagara Falls and the surrounding region offer an array of winter activities that only add to the experience.
Most indoor attractions like the Butterfly Conservatory, Journey Behind The Falls, Skylon Tower and the Niagara Parks Power Station are still open (with reduced hours).
Plus, skating rinks and outdoor fire pits bring a cozy, festive atmosphere to the area.
However, other popular outdoor activities like the Hornblower, Niagara Falls Zipline, and Whirlpool Aero Car are closed for the season.
In addition, the Niagara SkyWheel provides panoramic views of the falls and the frosty landscape.
Giving a unique perspective of the frozen mist rising from the cascades below.
On Clifton Hill, the “Street of Fun,” visitors can enjoy the indoor attractions, including wax museums, arcades, and mini amusement parks.
Some of them are Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, Mystic Maze of Mirrors (this was a fun one), Guinness World of Records, Adventure City, etc.
There is a pass called ”Clifton Hill 6 Attraction Pass’‘ that includes six of the attractions on Clifton Hill for a combo price.
However, keep in mind that many visitors find Clifton Hill to be touristy and kinda cheesy.
For those looking to relax, several spas and hotels in the area provide cozy winter packages. Offering rejuvenating treatments to warm up after a day in the cold.
🎥 Take a look at this video that I took of Niagara Falls – Clifton Hill
👉 Grab your tickets here:
Journey Behind the Falls Entry Ticket
Butterfly Conservatory Admission
Skylon Tower Observation Deck Ticket
Niagara SkyWheel Ticket
Power Station & The Tunnel Experience Ticket
Affordable Accommodations & Deals
Visiting Niagara Falls in the winter provides a range of affordable accommodations and deals that make it an enticing destination for budget-conscious travelers.
Additionally, many hotels feature attractive packages that include perks like complimentary breakfast, free parking, and discounted attraction tickets.
Off-peak periods, particularly in January and February, also offer greater availability.
Allowing guests to take advantage of fewer crowds and more personalized service.
Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa (Splurge Option)
If this is your once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience Niagara Falls and you want to splurge, the Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa is a good option.
This hotel overlooks the Horseshoe Falls providing stunning views.
- It is located right beside the Horseshoe Falls – excellent location
- Perfect for a romantic getaway/celebration
- There is a boutique spa and wellness facility
- Also, the hotel has swimming pool and a gym
👉 Check availability for your dates: Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa
Travelodge by Wyndham Niagara Falls Fallsview (Budget Option)
We have stayed at the Travelodge twice and had no complaints.
It is an unassuming and reasonably priced lodge that is not too far from the main attractions.
Also, there is a second Travelodge located on Clifton Hill. It is even more centrally located but it is a bit more pricey.
Keep in mind that you can’t actually see the falls from the hotel (it is on the Niagara River, after the falls), but it is close.
- 10 min walk to Clifton Hill, 15 min walk to the falls, and 1 min to the Rainbow Bridge (you can cross by walking or car to the United States)
- The hotel has an indoor pool, hot tub, and sauna
- There is free WiFi in all of the rooms
- Quieter location but is still close to the attractions
👉 Check availability for your dates: Travelodge by Wyndham Niagara Falls Fallsview
🦄 For more hotel ideas, check out this blog post:
10 Niagara Falls Hotels That Overlook The Falls (Canadian Side)
FAQs: Why You Should Visit Niagara Falls This Winter
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, when it comes to why you should visit Niagara Falls this winter.
How cold does it get in Niagara Falls in the winter?
Winter temperatures in Niagara Falls can get quite chilly. With average daytime temperatures ranging from -1°C to -9°C (about 30°F to 18°F).
In January, which is typically the coldest month, temperatures often drop even lower. Sometimes dipping below -10°C (14°F), especially at night.
It usually feels colder than the shown temperature due to the wind chill which can bring the temperatures to feel like -30.
Dressing in layers and wearing warm outerwear, gloves, hats, and scarves is essential.
Snowfall is common and it can create icy conditions around outdoor areas, so proper footwear is a good idea.
Do they turn off Niagara Falls in the winter?
No, Niagara Falls does not get “turned off” in the winter, but the flow can sometimes appear reduced due to ice formations.
The falls continue to flow year-round, even in the coldest months.
However, ice can partially obstruct the river, creating breathtaking natural ice bridges and frozen sections near the edges of the falls.
This ice build-up adds a stunning, unique layer to the scenery, as portions of the cascading water freeze or appear to be covered in ice.
Interestingly, Niagara Falls can be partially redirected for maintenance reasons.
Since the 1950s, the flow has been managed to control erosion and preserve the falls, diverting some water to nearby hydroelectric plants.
But even in winter, there’s always enough water flowing to maintain the falls’ iconic beauty and power.
Can you walk on the frozen Niagara Falls?
No, you cannot walk on the frozen sections of Niagara Falls.
While the area around the falls often freezes, the falls themselves continue to flow underneath or through the ice.
Which makes any frozen portions unstable and dangerous to walk on.
The “ice bridge” that forms at the base of the falls might look solid, but it’s still highly unpredictable and unsafe.
Historically, people once ventured onto these ice bridges until a tragic accident in 1912 when the ice broke, leading to fatalities.
Since then, it’s been illegal and strictly prohibited to walk on any ice formations on or near Niagara Falls.
However, the falls’ frozen landscape is incredible to observe from safe viewing areas.
Giving you a close and spectacular winter wonder without the risk.
🦄 If you are looking to check out Toronto as well, here are some helpful blog posts:
Fun Activities To Do In Toronto For Adults (From A Local)
12 Best Toronto Hotels By CN Tower
Complete Guide To Visiting Casa Loma, Toronto (From A Local)
Does It Snow In Toronto (From A Local)
15 Best Places To Visit In Canada In December
Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Niagara Falls This Winter
In conclusion, winter at Niagara Falls offers a magical experience you won’t find any other time of year.
From snow-covered landscapes and stunning frozen cascades to seasonal events and fewer crowds, it’s a unique opportunity to see the falls in a whole new way.
Embrace the quiet beauty, enjoy special winter activities, and capture breathtaking photos that show a different side of this natural wonder.
If you’re considering a trip, winter is the perfect season to discover a peaceful and enchanting Niagara Falls, if you like the cold.
