This realistic Niagara Falls Winter Guide helps you plan your next cross-border trip to both U.S. and Canada.

Niagara Falls is the place to see in the Great Lakes region. The majority of tourists visit the most powerful waterfall in North America in the summer. But a winter visit to Niagara Falls is not out of question.

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Sights & Places of Interest

Winter is a low season in Niagara Falls. This is true on both the United States and Canadian sides of the Niagara River. There is no doubt that it presents some unique challenges for the visitors to Niagara Falls.

Daylight is much shorter in winter than during other seasons. It leaves you less time to explore the falls. Low temperatures feel even colder in the high humidity conditions.

Mist is responsible for a layer of ice on the viewpoints and trails. A risk of slip and fall injuries is a real deal in Niagara Falls in the winter. As a result, a few sights close until the weather improves in the spring.

But you should not write off a visit to Niagara Falls in the winter. This is the only season when you could enjoy the falls with smaller crowds. It is an incredible advantage of visiting Niagara Falls in the off season.

The sights that remain open often charge reduced fees in the winter. This way, you could see the falls and pay less for this opportunity.

Last but not least, you could enjoy a winter wonderland in Niagara Falls. While the falls do not freeze fully, there will be lots of snow and icicles. You could throw a few snowballs while enjoying the views.

This Niagara Falls Winter Guide describes the best things to do in the off season. It starts with Niagara Falls State Park in New York. The Guide then discusses the places in Canada to see Niagara Falls.

1. United States: Prospect Point

The Prospect Point remains the best place to see Niagara Falls from the United States. This is true throughout the year. You could be close enough to American Falls without getting wet from the mist.

But winter has its say on exploring the Prospect Point. Both the Niagara Falls Observation Tower and Maid of the Mist cruises are closed in the winter. So, there are fewer reasons to stop at this viewpoint.

A walk to Goat Island from the Prospect Point takes 0.6 miles (1 km). It is far less pleasant to cross Hells Half Acre in strong winter winds.

There are also no parking lots near the Prospect Point within the state park. You might have to pay more to walk on snow. As a result, it is better to skip this viewpoint in favor of the lookouts on Goat Island.

2. United States: Terrapin Point

The Terrapin Point on Goat Island is a great place to see part of Horseshoe Falls in the summer. But it is a completely different story in the winter.

In fact, you might not even be able to reach the Terrapin Point. Mist from the waterfall covers this area with a thick layer of ice. All pathways and stairs become a slipping hazard.

Railings and benches are also of little help. Park rangers usually close access to the viewpoint below the stairs in the winter. The viewpoint will be in the way of the waterfall views.

A nearby parking lot is the main advantage of the Terrapin Point. You could park your car for a day at a fraction of the summer cost.

3. United States: Luna Island

You might have high hopes for Luna Island. This tiny island is the place to catch a glimpse of Bridal Veil Falls in the summer. But, similar to the Prospect and Terrapin Points, it is not the same in the winter.

The park rangers do their best plowing snow from the main pathways. But you might see plenty of it after a heavy snowfall. In this case, a walk between the Terrapin Point and Luna Island could take a good while.

You could never be certain whether snow hides a layer of ice or not. Take your time as you are walking down the stairs from Nikola Tesla Monument. Use the railings if you decide to take this route.

The other option is to admire Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls from a distance. The bridge to Luna Island and its viewpoint will be in the way. But you would not risk a slip and fall injury.

4. United States: Cave of the Winds

It is easy to feel discouraged when the plans to see Niagara Falls from the U.S. side fall through. The Prospect Point, Terrapin Point, and Luna Island present far too many challenges in the winter.

Before you regret your decision to visit Niagara Falls State Park in the winter, head to Cave of the Winds. It is a way to see Bridal Veil Falls and get soaking wet in the summer. But a winter visit could be a delight.

For one, Cave of the Winds works year round. The hours are shorter during the winter. But this attraction is open even on December 24. It means that you could see the waterfalls almost every day of the year.

The visit starts with an elevator ride 175 ft (53 m) down to the Gorge. Once you exit the elevator, you should take the boardwalks to the falls. Get ready to enjoy a display of water, ice, snow, and mist.

This combination makes Cave of the Winds among the best ways to see Niagara Falls in the winter. It is best to wear a waterproof jacket, boots, and a free poncho. And enjoy a warm beverage after the visit.

5. United States & Canada: Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge is an arch bridge over the Niagara River. The river serves as an international border between the U.S. and Canada. As a result, the bridge is also the closest border crossing to Niagara Falls.

There is a good chance you would drive on the Rainbow Bridge to see Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. But this bridge is also a good place to see American Falls.

It works best when you are crossing from Canada to the United States. As you are waiting in line at the border crossing, take a look to your right. American Falls and Horseshoe Falls will be on full display.

6. Canada: Table Rock Welcome Center

Once you clear the border, you could take Niagara River Parkway all the way to the Table Rock Welcome Center. The center has a spacious and affordable parking lot on the side of the Parkway.

It is a great starting point for a visit to Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada. The Welcome Center is near the crest of Horseshoe Falls. You could get a great view of this waterfall from a viewpoint at the Center.

Horseshoe Falls is the widest and most powerful waterfall in Niagara Falls. It spans 2,700 ft (820 m) in a semicircle. The shape of this waterfall helped with its naming.

The Niagara River will be the only thing in the background of your pictures. There are no towers, hotels, or casinos that get in the way at other U.S. and Canadian viewpoints.

7. Canada: Journey Behind the Falls

The cliff-top viewpoint provides amazing views of Horseshoe Falls. But you could get even closer to this waterfall in Canada. There is a version of Cave of the Winds experience in the Great White North.

It is called a Journey Behind the Falls. A visit to this attraction starts at the Table Rock Welcome Center. An elevator brings you 125 ft (38 m) down to the bottom of Niagara River Gorge.

You would then walk through the 130-year-old stone tunnels. The tunnels are 8 ft (2.4 m) wide and 7 ft (2.1 m) tall. It might be not the best experience for those who fear enclosed spaces.

A tunnel walk brings you to a viewpoint. Put on a free yellow rain poncho. It is yours to keep after the visit. Water and mist will be everywhere. But the poncho and waterproof boots will help somewhat.

8. Canada: Niagara Parks Power Station

If the Journey Behind the Falls tunnels are a little too small for comfort, visit the Niagara Parks Power Station. This power plant dates back to 1905. But it opened to the public only in 2021.

The whole experience is somewhat similar to the Journey Behind the Falls. Except you could first explore the exhibits on the main generator floor.

See the enormous turbines and a control panel. Or join a guided tour if you would like to learn more about this power plant and hydropower.

You should then take an elevator down 180 ft (55 m). A 0.4-mi (0.7-km) walk through a tunnel brings you to a viewing platform. You will be further away from Horseshoe Falls. Still, get ready to feel the mist.

9. Canada: Fallsview Trail

You might start to think that nearly all falls viewpoint in Canada charge a fee. While there is some truth to this statement, there is a free way to see Niagara Falls in Canada.

The Fallsview Trail is an out-and-back cliff-top path. It continues for 7.8 miles (12.5 km) to Queenston Heights Park.

The best views of Niagara Falls from this trail are within a 0.9 mile (1.4 km) section. It goes between the Table Rock Welcome Center and Niagara City Cruises ticket office.

The Fallsview Trail gives you great views of both American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. You could catch a glimpse of American Falls from the Prospect Point. But Bridal Veil Falls are at their best from this trail.

A few buildings will serve as a background for your pictures. There is no way to escape Parkway Condominiums. Two hotels will be also in the way.

They are Holiday Inn Niagara Falls-Scenic Downtown, an IHG Hotel and The Giacomo, Ascend Hotel Collection. You could decide if you would like to make either your place to stay in the area.

10. Canada: Skylon Tower

If you are looking to get a bird’s eye view of American Falls, you should head to the Skylon Tower. This 1965 concrete structure is 520 ft (160 m) high.

There is an observation deck at 469 ft (143 m). This is a fraction of the height of the CN Tower in Toronto and the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois. But it is just enough for scenic views of the falls.

The Skylon Tower charges admission fees to the observation deck. If you buy your ticket online, you could save $1 CAD (~$0.75 USD) on an adult or a child ticket.

The tower does not reduce its hours in the winter. This is good news if you arrive late but would like to get a look at Niagara Falls.

Continue with this Niagara Falls Winter Guide. You will learn more about ways to get to the sights, entrance requirements, and places to stay.

Getting to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls are in the Great Lake region in North America. The falls are in two countries: New York in the U.S. and Ontario in Canada.

You need a passport or an enhanced driver license to enter Canada as a U.S. citizen. Citizens of other countries need a passport and often a visa. It is another obstacle for seeing the falls from both places.

It is far easier to reach Niagara Falls from Canada. The waterfall viewpoints are 80 miles (129 km) from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) airport. It is the busiest airport in Canada with connections all over the globe.

You could also choose to fly to John C. Munro Hamilton (YHM) or Billy Bishop Toronto City (YTZ) airports. Both are smaller airports with some international connections.

Niagara Falls Airport (IAG) is the closest airport to Niagara Falls in the United States. Only low cost airlines fly there. But you are 15 minutes from the falls if your city is lucky to have a direct flight.

Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) is a better choice for most travelers from within the United States. This airport is 40 minutes from the falls. But it has a good number of flights across the country.

You are looking at a much longer drive to or from any hub. Detroit, Michigan (DET) and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIT) are the closest ones. They are a 4-hour drive away.

A car is must-have to reach and explore Niagara Falls. It gives you the freedom to see more places at your own pace. If you rent a car, check that you could drive your rental to Canada.

Where to Stay near Niagara Falls

There are a lot of places to stay next to Niagara Falls in both New York and Ontario. You could find a place to stay a short walk from the waterfalls.

It is hard to beat Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino and Hampton Inn Niagara Falls on the U.S. side. Both hotels are less than 20 minutes from the Prospect Point.

You could find places to stay within a similar distance from the Fallsview Trail in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Look into Serene Niagara Inn, Sterling Inn & Spa, or Cannery Lofts Niagara.

If you do not mind driving to a place to stay, you could find a hotel further from the park. Check out Comfort Inn & Suites Niagara Falls Blvd USA and Holiday Inn Express – Grand Island, an IHG Hotel.

You would have to drive all the way to Amherst, New York for even more places to stay. Do not overlook Hampton Inn Buffalo – Amherst and Hampton Inn Buffalo-Williamsville.

If you prefer different hotel chains, consider Staybridge Suites Buffalo-Amherst, an IHG Hotel and Hyatt Place Buffalo / Amherst, NY. Both hotels are great places to stay with solid reviews.

The same rule works in Canada, too. There are a few more hotels if you are fine driving to St. Catharines for up to 30 minutes. Best Western Plus Cairn Croft Hotel is the closest of them.

Holiday Inn Express Niagara-On-The-Lake, an IHG Hotel and Hampton Inn St. Catharines Niagara take 30 minutes to reach. But this wait is worth since both are amazing places to stay.

Entrance Requirements & Passes

You could see Niagara Falls from either the U.S. or Canada every day of the year. Daylight is the only thing to consider when enjoying the falls from the viewpoints and trails.

You will have a bit less than 9 hours to explore the falls in December. The sun rises around 7:40 a.m. and sets at 4:40 p.m. each day. January and February day length grows steadily to 11 hours in early March.

If you drive to Niagara Falls, you need to budget for parking fees. Winter parking rate in Niagara Falls State Park is $10 in December or $5 in January and February.

Niagara Falls Parking Lot A near the Table Rock Welcome Center charges hourly rates. A flat daily fee is $28 CAD (~$21 USD).

Opening Hours & Entrance Fees

A few attractions on both sides of the falls close for the season in late fall. Take a note of these closures to set right expectations for a winter visit.

• Niagara Falls Observation Tower (U.S.): closed
• Maid of the Mist (U.S.) and Niagara City Cruises (Canada): closed

Other sights have shorter opening hours. It is a good idea to check each attraction you plan on visiting beforehand. Here are the typical opening hours and prices in the winter.

• Cave of the Winds (U.S.): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $14 USD per adult
• Journey Behind the Falls (Canada): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $24 CAD (~$18 USD) per adult
• Niagara Parks Power Station (Canada): 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $28 CAD (~$21 USD) per adult
• Skylon Tower (Canada): 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. for $15 CAD (~$11 USD) per adult

A guided tour to the Niagara Parks Power Station is another $10 CAD (~$7.5 USD) per adult. It is a good way to learn more about the station.

There is a cheaper way to visit both Journey Behind the Falls and Niagara Parks Power Station. Get a Wonder Pass for $49 CAD (~$36 USD).

This pass covers both sights and three other parks. You also get a 2-day unlimited access to Wego Buses and Falls Incline Railway.

Takeaways: Niagara Falls in Winter

Niagara Falls is a must-visit destination in the Great Lakes region. Every traveler to New York or Ontario should take a trip to Niagara Falls.

The most powerful waterfall is North America is a sight to see. American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls will leave you speechless.

Crowds and high prices on car rentals, places to stay, parking, and attractions are downsides of Niagara Falls. Yet, all of these factors apply to a visit during the warmer months between spring and fall.

Winter presents its own challenges for visiting Niagara Falls. Low temperatures, snow, ice, and short day light make a visit less enjoyable than in the summer.

A few attractions like Maid of the Mist and Observation Tower do not work in the winter. Still, a winter visit to Niagara Falls helps you beat the crowd and save money.

If you plan ahead you could have a great trip to Niagara Falls in the midst of the winter. Try to visit the falls from the Canadian side for the best experience.

Take a look at this Niagara Falls Winter Video Guide. And visit the YouTube channel for the latest videos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safe realist travels!