Category: Niagara Falls Hotels

Niagara was the site of many historic battles during War of 1812, and a visit to the region this spring or summer is the perfect opportunity to connect with history and visit important sites around the area. Here are some of the best places to check out for a well-rounded journey that will teach you all about Niagara’s involvement in the War of 1812:

Fort George

It was during the Battle of Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake that American forces managed to defeat British forces to capture Fort George and use it as a base in their invasion of Upper Canada. Fort George was eventually recaptured by British forces and today, operates as a Canadian National Historic Site. People can visit and tour the fort and experience it as it was in 1812 with the staff dressed in period costume and trained in firing drills. The Battle of Fort George is a major part of the region’s history and a visit to the site is a must-do activity for anyone looking to have a unique educational experience.

Laura Secord Homestead

Laura Secord is a celebrated Canadian heroine who, during the War of 1812, walked 32km to warn British forces of an impending attack from the Americans. It was Secord’s warning that helped British forces repel the attack and because of these brave efforts she is now regarded as an important Canadian historical figure. Visitors can learn more about Secord’s background and story by touring her homestead in Queenston, which has been turned into a museum.

Queenston Heights & Brock’s Monument

Queenston Heights was where the first major battle of the War of 1812 took place and is the site of Brock’s Monument, as well as a monument honouring Laura Secord. Brock’s Monument was constructed in honour of Major General Sir Isaac Brock who was a British officer put in charge of defending Upper Canada against the Americans during the War of 1812. Brock died during the Battle of Queenston Heights and the 56-metre high Brock’s Monument is where he was interred. Visitors can climb to the top of the limestone structure, which consists of a 235-step staircase, and experience incredible views of Niagara from portholes in the monument walls.

Lundy’s Lane

The Battle of Lundy’s Lane was an extremely bloody battle during the War of 1812 and is regarded as one of the deadliest battles that has ever occurred in Canada. Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls, Ontario is now a designated National Historic Site of Canada and people can still visit a part of the battlefield that has been preserved next to the Drummond Hill Cemetery. The Niagara Falls History Museum is also located on Lundy’s Lane and is a great place to visit to learn more about the region’s history and the historic battles that occurred during the War of 1812. 

Niagara Falls and the surrounding areas provide a wealth of opportunities for fun and adventure. Some people visit for the family friendly activities, some visit for the exceptional wine and food, and others visit to dance the night away and try their luck at the casinos.

It can be difficult to see and do all the amazing things Niagara has to offer so most people have to plan their itineraries to suit their needs and the time they have during their visit. Unfortunately, that means that some activities don’t make the list.

However, one activity that should always make the cut is a Niagara Falls boat ride. There really is no better way to experience the falls than aboard one of the boats that carries you right to the base of the falls and is a sight like no other.

When you’re planning your visit to Niagara Falls and considering the activities you want to experience these are four reasons why a Niagara Falls boat ride should always make the cut.

1. Picture This

One of the best things about Niagara is the abundance of viewpoints where you can see the falls in all their glory from a variety of angles. This is one of the reasons why photographers love to visit; no matter where they are there’s always a new perspective from which to shoot amazing pictures.

However, the shots that one can get from the boat as it cruises along the base of the falls are simply stunning. Photos taken from this perspective perfectly display the sheer power and beauty of the crashing water as it plunges into the river. Be sure to have adequate waterproofing equipment for your camera and try to get a spot on the top of the boat to avoid people’s heads in your shots.

And keep your fingers crossed that you get that once in a lifetime shot of the mesmerizing rainbows created by the mist and spray.

2. Your Kids Will Love It

Your kids are bound to love just about everything during their trip to Niagara Falls, except the always inevitable bedtime. But a Niagara Falls boat ride is something that is bound to elicit squeals and howls of joy and wonder and you as a parent always love to see that in your children.

Kids don’t care about their hair getting wet, they don’t care that there’s water in their shoes, all they care about is the incredible sight of millions of gallons of water falling down right in front of their eyes. You can prepare them with a little bit of knowledge about the geology of the falls but at the end of the trip when they’re soaking wet and grinning from ear to ear all that matters is that they just had one of the best experiences of their young lives.

3. A Special Place for a Special Experience

One of the most iconic and memorable moments in the television world was the perfect episode of “The Office” when Pam and Jim got married on a Niagara Falls boat tour. If you and your partner are willing to almost literally take the plunge at the base of the falls, Niagara Cruises can make that happen, although it might take more planning than it did for Pam and Jim.

Another great idea is to arrange a marriage proposal while on the boat. Imagine yourself down on one knee as you propose to the love of your life, all the while surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the falls. This would definitely be a truly special experience and one that the both of you will never forget, but consider hiring a local photographer to document it for you anyway.

4. Add Your Name to a Long and Famous List

Perhaps not everyone gets excited when they realize that they’ve had an experience or been in a place where celebrities have also been, but for some people it’s an “I was there too” moment. Countless famous people from royalty to movie stars have taken a Niagara Falls boat ride and you can add your name to that iconic list.

Princess Diana took her young sons, William and Harry, on a Niagara boat cruise. Marilyn Monroe and Robert Redford have been there too. Famous horror writer Stephen King has added the cruise to his long list of experiences, and the actual Stanley Cup was brought on board the Maid of the Mist by Dan Paille in 2011 after the Boston Bruins claimed the win. Other distinguished guests include Stephen Hawking, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Sir Richard Branson, and Denzel Washington, just to name a few.

Niagara Falls is full of fun things to do for everyone but one activity that should always make the list is a Niagara Falls boat ride. Be sure to add this to your itinerary so you don’t miss out on the best way to experience the magnificent and mighty Niagara Falls.

July 1st is Canada Day and this year the country’s celebrating a major milestone with the 150th anniversary of Confederation. In 1867, following the Charlottetown and Quebec conferences, the British colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick were united into one federal state forming the Dominion of Canada. And now, 150 years later, we are gearing up to celebrate the sesquicentennial of our great nation with exciting activities, festivities, and fanfare all across the country.

The city of Niagara Falls will be celebrating this special day with a number of exciting events and festivities organized and put on by the city’s newly formed Canada 150th Committee. The city has allocated $150,000 for this celebration and many plans are in the works to make it an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors. These plans include decorating the city with 150 light pole banners, an art exhibition featuring Canadian art, and great music from local musicians. Many more exciting events and activities will be announced in the coming months and visitors can expect Niagara Falls to be a beautiful and exciting place to celebrate the day.

Canadians all across the country will be celebrating this special day in unique and thrilling ways, and if you have the chance to experience the 150th anniversary of confederation in an iconic Canadian city like Ottawa, Toronto, or Niagara Falls, you won’t be disappointed.

One of the most interesting facts about Niagara Falls is that it spans two countries, the United States and Canada. It’s a very spectacular feeling to be able to look across one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls and see the shores of an entirely different country.

Of course, if you plan to visit the side of Niagara Falls that your country doesn’t claim you will have to pay a visit to immigration but despite what some may think this is generally a quick and easy process. U.S. visitors need only a passport or an enhanced driver’s license and U.S. children under 16 need only a certified birth certificate.

Canadian adults traveling to the US need only a passport or NEXUS card and children younger than 15 need only a birth certificate or Canadian citizenship card. Officials on both sides of the border do their best to make the process as simple as possible for all parties.

However, as many times as you look across the river at that other country it’s never the same as visiting in person. So if you’re planning a visit to Niagara Falls these are just a few of the reasons that you’ll want to visit both sides and double your fun.

Niagara Falls, New York

Niagara Falls, New York is an easy driving destination for U.S. citizens who live on the eastern seaboard and a relatively quick flight for those living in the western or southern portions of the country. Niagara Falls, NY, attractions are plentiful and include activities that appeal to adults and children alike. No matter the season you’ll find plenty of things to do on the New York side of the falls.

Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino

If you’re the type who likes to try your luck at the gaming tables then Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino is the place for you. Featuring all of your favorite games of chance from poker to slot machines this modern casino is one of the most popular in the area. They also feature world-class entertainment including an appearance by Kiefer Sutherland on February 18 and The Temptations on May 12. Check their website for more information.

NYPA Niagara Power Project

If you have a budding scientist in your family or just like to see how things work a tour of the NYPA Niagara Power Project is one of the best Niagara Falls attractions. The plant features more than 50 interactive displays highlighting the wonders of hydroelectricity. It also features an observation deck 350 feet above the Niagara Gorge.

Whirlpool Jetboat Tours

Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you. Specially designed jetboats take you down the Niagara River to Devil’s Hole where you’ll experience what few people ever do, class V rapids, which is usually only the realm of highly experienced whitewater rafters. This boat, however, is nothing like that. Experience the thrill of the roaring water safely but remember, you will get wet.

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

The Canadian side of the falls also has its own unique experiences and given its proximity to Toronto it’s a favorite vacation spot for Canadians. For the foreign visitor it’s a great way to not only see a different perspective of the falls but to get a little taste of Canadian culture as well. And yes, poutine is a culture.

Fallsview Casino

Like its U.S. counterpart, Fallsview Casino is one of the most popular Niagara Falls Canada attractions. Again, they offer all the gaming options you love but their entertainment lineup is always a star studded experience. Art Garfunkel plays on February 25 and Kool & the Gang play on April 21 and 22. Be sure to visit their website for ticket information.

Exquisite Dining

The Niagara region is one of Canada’s most important agricultural regions and local chefs have pioneered the farm to table movement here. Be sure to book a table at Windows by Jamie Kennedy or at the Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra. Both restaurants highlight the exceptional produce, meats, and wines of the region.

Niagara Wine Tasting

Some of the most unique wines in the world are produced in Niagara, including the famous ice wine. Tours of the local wineries are a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or a whole day. Many wineries offer simple hors d’oeuvres to pair with your tastings and others offer five course meals expertly prepared to highlight the wines they’re paired with. This is one of the Niagara Falls attractions you won’t want to miss.

A visit to Niagara really isn’t complete without experiencing both sides of the falls. So when you plan your next visit be sure to include activities on each side of the border and have twice the fun.

Family vacations are something that everyone looks forward to every year. The kids get excited about the new things they’ll see and do and parents get excited because their kids are excited and happy. From an outsider’s perspective a family vacation is a thing of perfectly harmonious beauty.

However, that outsider doesn’t see the aspect of family vacations that are less than stellar. The tears and shrieks from the back seat of the car as someone’s hair gets pulled, the bickering because someone wants pizza and the other wants a burger, and the poor parents who are often too busy wrangling their kids to enjoy a few moments of peace on their vacation.

Luckily Niagara Fall is one of the most unique and family friendly destinations in the world. With wine tastings for the adults and scores of fun and games for the kids you and your family won’t run out of fun things to do during your vacation in Niagara Falls.

Kids First

Most parents agree that the purpose of a family vacation is more about their children than themselves. Travel is a great way for kids to learn about different parts of the world and new cultures but at the end of the day a vacation is all about fun and parents want to be sure that their kids get a nice, healthy dose of that.

Virtually every aspect of Niagara Falls is accessible to children and many activities and attractions are especially geared toward children so the only conceivable problem is making sure that each child gets to do something that appeals to them. A great way to accomplish this is to let each child choose an activity each day so no one feels left out.

Some of the favorite Niagara Falls attractions for kids are as follows.

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark

What child doesn’t love a waterpark? The Fallsview Indoor Waterpark offers all of the wet and wild fun your kids crave and it’s nice for parents to know that the kids will literally stay in the water all day if allowed, and that makes for an easy bedtime later. There is a cafe onsite featuring dishes like burgers and pizza and an added caveat for the grownups is there’s an adults only hot tub onsite as well.

Clifton Hill

Another of the aspects of Niagara Falls that kids will love is Clifton Hill. Spread out over a few blocks Clifton Hill is full of rides, games, and more that will have your kids playing and laughing the whole time. Niagara Falls arcades have been a staple in the family friendly side of Niagara for decades so be sure to add this to your list.

Niagara Falls Boat Ride

You simply can’t visit Niagara and not take a boat ride to the base of the falls. Not only is this one of the most amazing perspectives of the falls you can get but your kids will love it. The power of the rushing water is mesmerizing and your kids will love the fact that they get soaking wet from the mist and spray. Just be sure to waterproof your camera so you can capture their smiles.

Grownup Time

Even though it can be difficult to find time to spend as a couple, it’s important that parents make every effort to capture even a small amount of alone time. Check with your hotel concierge about trusted babysitting and nanny services in the area and spend a day or an evening doing grownup things. You deserve it.

Visit a Winery

Some winery tours will allow minors but if you’re going to visit one of the Niagara region’s wineries it’s best to do so when you don’t have to keep an eye on a little one. Plus, wine tasting can be a very romantic thing to do with your partner, especially if you choose a tour or specific winery that offers up scrumptious food paired with the wines. Your kids might not be too excited about brie stuffed figs.

Fine Dining

Niagara Falls boasts some of the best restaurants in the region so if you can squeeze in a date night be sure to do so. Windows by Jamie Kennedy is one of the best in the region as far as farm to table cuisine goes and The Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra serves up impressive Italian food and wine all with a grand view of the falls.

Casino Niagara

Another great option if you can get the time is a visit to the casino. You can spend the evening trying your luck on the gaming floor, take in a show, or dance at one of the many onsite clubs. It’s a great excuse to dress up and enjoy the fact that you’re on vacation and who knows? You just might win big.

Family vacations are supposed to be fun for everyone but every parent knows that’s not always as easily said than done. Use some of these tips when planning your Niagara Falls vacation and ensure everyone has a fantastic time.

No matter how old your children are, their birthday is always exciting for them and fun for you as a parent. You get to delight in watching them grow older and feel special on a day dedicated just for them. Planning the details of a birthday party is fun for parents as well. A bouncy castle, petting zoo, or a trip to a theme park can all be great ideas for a kid’s birthday party.

But what if you decided to do something extra special for your child’s birthday by taking them along with some friends and family to Niagara Falls?

As one of the most family friendly vacation destinations in the world Niagara Falls is full of activities that will make your child’s birthday one they’ll never forget. Of course, the idea will probably appeal more to older children but even a celebration for a young child in Niagara Falls can be a lot of fun.

Regardless of your child’s age these are just a few of the many ways you can make your child’s birthday in Niagara Falls a wonderful experience for everyone involved.

1. Make a Splash

What child wouldn’t love to celebrate their special day at a waterpark? One of Niagara’s top attractions is the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark which is open all year, even in the dead of winter. Filled with slides, wave machines, and other watery fun your child covering a total of three acres, their friends, and even the chaperoning adults are guaranteed a great time.

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark’s birthday packages are a great way to celebrate and be sure that all details are taken care of. The staff will arrange for a table for your party, snacks and drinks, and much more. They even offer a downloadable custom invitation that your child can send to their friends. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate and really make a splash.

2. Restaurants That Hit the Spot

Niagara Falls is well known for its world class dining and is a change maker in the farm-to-table movement. Most of this will probably fall on the deaf ears of your child who loves pizza and french fries, but rest assured that Niagara is also home to restaurants that kids will love.

The Flying Saucer Restaurant is exactly as the name implies; the building is constructed to look like an out of this world flying saucer and the food could fall under that same title as well. The menu features diner style appetizers and entrees that kids will love as well as milkshakes and yummy desserts. There’s plenty of grown up fare on offer as well such as steaks, salads, and seafood. Be sure to contact them in advance so they can help you create the birthday dinner your child will love.

3. Fun and Games

If your child is the type who would love to celebrate their birthday by playing games with their friends then Adventure City in Niagara Falls is the perfect spot. A throwback to the arcades of years gone by, Adventure City offers more than 100 classic arcade games in a 17,000 square foot space. They can play to their heart’s content, collect tickets, and win prizes.

Adventure City also features rides like bumper cars and a safari themed mini golf course. You could choose to spend the entire day here — something your child would likely wholeheartedly agree with — or make it a part of other activities but regardless, Adventure City should definitely be on the list for birthday events.

4. Get Outside

Of course when you visit Niagara Falls you have to do your best to actually see the falls and there are a number of kid friendly ways to accomplish this. Take a boat ride to the base of the falls for a jaw dropping perspective. Take the Behind the Falls tour for yet another fascinating perspective. Go horseback riding, visit the Butterfly Sanctuary, or visit one of the area’s many parks.

While the waterparks and arcades are always fun it’s always important to get outside and appreciate the beauty of the falls and the surrounding areas. Niagara is a special place and exploring away from the main tourist zone is a wonderful way to realize that.

5. What About Hotels?

Of course you’re going to need a place to rest and recharge during your birthday trip to Niagara Falls so which hotel will be the best choice? Many families choose to stay at the Falls Avenue Resort complex which, conveniently enough, is also home to the aforementioned waterpark. All connected under one roof are three hotels, twelve restaurants, and numerous shops and is just steps from the fun and excitement of Clifton Hill.

Most of the hotels offer various discounts and packages throughout the year so feel free to contact them to enquire about special rates and offers. Also be sure to mention your stay is part of a birthday celebration; you never know what surprises the friendly staff might come up with.

A trip to Niagara is always special but adding a birthday party to the mix just makes it even more so. Consider some of these tips and start planning a birthday your child will never forget.

Generations of families have been vacationing at Niagara Falls for years but in today’s travel market it can be difficult to get your kids excited about a vacation anywhere that doesn’t involve their favorite cartoon character. It’s not really their fault; family travel and the way it’s promoted has changed a great deal over the years and direct marketing to kids definitely has its effects on parents’ decisions.

However, while your kids might not yet realize it, Niagara has always been a family-oriented vacation destination. And while some may think it’s just a waterfall, there are so many more aspects of the Niagara region that most kids just don’t know about.

However, if they did know what was in store for them, their interest is bound to grow. So when you’re planning your trip, involve your kids, give them some information on some Niagara Falls facts, and see how excited they become, and be prepared to answer a lot of questions.

Where Is Niagara Falls?

One of the things your children will probably wonder about is where is Niagara Falls anyway? This is a great opportunity to give them a little lesson on geography as Niagara Falls is actually in two countries, Canada and the United States, and the border is between New York and Ontario. You can explain to them about the Rainbow Bridge and how the border between the two countries lies right in the center.

You can also explain that they’ll need to use their passports and for many children this might be the first time they’ve done so. Crossing an international border is always exciting, no matter what your age, so this will have them doubly excited.

What’s So Special About a Waterfall?

Waterfalls exist all over the world and there are many that are taller than Niagara, so how do you explain to your kids what makes Niagara special? You can start by explaining that Niagara Falls is actually made up of three separate waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the American Falls. Bridal Veil Falls is the smallest and Horseshoe Falls is the largest. While none of these falls are the tallest in the world, the capacity of the combined water flow of the three is the largest volume in the world.

For the budding scientists in your family you can also explain how the power of the water is used by hydroelectric power plants to create electricity for the surrounding area. During the summer, when most tourists visit, the power plant diverts less water so visitors are treated to a large volume of water cascading over the falls, which is a spectacular sight.

Where Does the Water Come From?

Another question your kids might have, and a valid one at that, is where does the water come from? To answer that question you’ll need to start with the past and have a talk about glaciers since it was the movement of glaciers 10,000 years ago that created the conditions for the falls to form. As to the water, it comes from nearby Lake Erie, which is part of the Great Lakes, one of the largest source of fresh water in the world.

In fact, if you live in Canada or the United States the chances are almost 100 percent that you’ve had a glass of water that, at one time, cascaded over Niagara Falls.

Do People Really Go Over the Falls?

This question is one that has fascinated people, young and old, for years and the answer is yes, people have gone over the falls. Some survived and some did not but it’s always been the fascination of daredevils from around the world.

The first person to go over Niagara Falls and live to tell the tale was a woman named Annie Edison and she did so on October 21, 1901. Since then many other people have attempted it but few were successful. One interesting case was a Greek man named George Stathakis who went over the falls in a barrel with his pet turtle named Sonny.

Another interesting aspect of Niagara Falls is that fish go over the falls all the time. In fact, if you take the Cave of the Winds tour you can often see them as they go down. Most of the fish survive due to the foamy water at the base of the falls which acts as a cushion.

Fun facts aside, there is a lot more to Niagara than just the falls. As a truly family friendly destination there are fun activities like the indoor waterpark, the games and rides at Clifton Hill, the fireworks displays, the food, and so much more. And once your kids know more about this fun and fascinating destination the excitement is certain to ensue.

Visiting Niagara Falls is always a feast for the senses. There is so much to do, see, eat, and drink that it can be difficult to plan for your stay. Of course, much of this depends on the time you have for your vacation. If you have two weeks to spare then you have the luxury of being much more flexible. However, most people tend to take an average of five days’ vacation so planning becomes crucial.

Niagara Falls in five days is an ideal way to see and do some of the best things the city and the surrounding area have to offer. And while you could scour the internet and make all the plans yourself why not let us help you?

Our experts have come up with a great way to experience Niagara’s highlights without feeling rushed. And this itinerary could easily be adapted for couples, families with children, or groups. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions about how we can make your Niagara Falls vacation the best it can be.

Day 1: Exploring Niagara

The first day of any vacation is always the most exciting day but make sure that you’re well rested and ready to start the day. Have breakfast at the famous Blue Line Diner. This truly local breakfast spot is a town favorite, and while it might be a little hard to find, it’s worth it for their amazing pancakes.

After breakfast grab a map and get yourselves oriented. Queen Victoria Park is a good place to get started and walk off those pancakes. From here you can get your first good look at the falls and Goat Island. You can also stroll the streets around Clifton Hill and the Fallsview Resort to see everything that they have on offer. You may want to take notes here; there are numerous dining, drinking, and playing spots in this area.

Have lunch in the area and then book your boat ride to the base of the falls. The afternoon sun gives you the best chance of seeing beautiful rainbows in the mist.

After what could prove to be a long day, maybe have dinner at one of the restaurants on Clifton Hill and relax at your hotel for the night.

Day 2: Ice Wine Festival

Some of the highlights of the Niagara region are its wineries. This area is one of the best climates in the world for many varieties of grapes, but Niagara’s claim to fame in the wine world is icewine. The grapes are left on the vine until after the first frost and the resulting wine is a sweet libation that many wine lovers really enjoy.

So today you’ll visit Niagara’s Icewine Festival which takes place from January 27th to 29th, 2017. You’ll be able to try wines from over 20 local vintners and local chefs will be on hand with savory treats to pair with the wines. There are several tasting sessions to choose from, so if day two of your visit doesn’t quite fit, you can choose another day. This event is reserved for adults over the age of 19.

Day 3: Spa Day

If you spent the previous day at the Icewine Festival, you may feel like taking it easy. Order room service for breakfast and then consider a spa treatment to rejuvenate. The Christienne Fallsview Spa in the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel offers a number of spa services guaranteed to make to you look and feel your best.

Consider a couple’s massage, a facial, body treatments, manicures, and more. The space is relaxing and the view of the falls can’t be beat.

Day 4: Snowshoeing Hike

Today is the day you should lace up your snowshoes and explore some of the hiking trails in the area. Niagara Parks has dedicated several of its hiking trails as snowshoe trails in the winter months and many of these trails take you right along the Niagara River and the falls themselves. If you’re new to snowshoeing you can easily hire a guide to make the trip more fun.

After a day of snowshoeing it’s time to change into something a bit more presentable and head out for a wonderful dinner. Windows by Jamie Kennedy is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Ontario or if you’re interested in Italian fare the Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra can’t be beat.

Day 5: Fallsview Waterpark

Your last day in Niagara should be all about fun so why not visit the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark? Open all year round this indoor waterpark is fun for people of all ages. There is also an adult’s only hot tub as well as slides and other equipment that makes for a splashing good time.

You can round out your day by playing the games, taking a spin on the rides, and eating dinner at Clifton Hill. This combination arcade/amusement park is a lot of fun, whether you’re traveling with your children or not.

Start Planning Your Next Trip to Niagara Falls!

While we’ll certainly be sad to see you go, we really hope this fiv- day itinerary inspires you to book your vacation in Niagara Falls. As always, if you have any questions or need to make reservations don’t hesitate to reach out.

The holiday season is in full swing and there’s no better way to spend time with loved ones than by visiting Niagara Falls together during the city’s annual Winter Festival of Lights. Each winter, Niagara Falls is transformed into a wonderland of sparkling lights along an 8km festival route that includes beautiful parklands by the Falls, Dufferin Islands, and the city’s surrounding tourist district.

This amazing winter festival draws over one million visitors to Niagara Falls each season and has become a cherished holiday tradition for countless people. Locals and visitors can expect to see incredible light displays like an illuminated Noah’s Ark, large Canadian-American flag, Canadian wildlife animals, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Dufferin Islands also features fifty wrapped trees and Queen Victoria Park is home to the spectacular Zimmerman fountain.

You can also plan your trip to ensure you experience the city’s weekly fireworks show and the newly-upgraded lights for the nightly illumination of Niagara Falls. The festival runs from November 19th to January 31st and is free of charge, although donations are always welcome and collected at the exit to Dufferin Islands.

Attending the Winter Festival of Lights is the perfect way to create lasting holiday memories with loved ones, so start planning your getaway today and make the most of wonderful winter in Niagara Falls.

Since 1925, Niagara Falls has been illuminated at night with brilliant spotlights that transform the rushing waterfalls into a beautiful display of colour and light. And now the Niagara Falls Illumination Board has improved upon this amazing 91-year tradition with the addition of brand new energy-efficient LED lights that are twice as powerful as the old lights and use about 60% less energy to run.

The Niagara Falls Illumination Board houses the 100 panels of new LED lights in the Illumination Tower next to Queen Victoria Place and from a spot in the Niagara Gorge. The new lights are much brighter and less hindered by the thick mist created by the waterfalls, which ultimately enhances the illumination experience.

Niagara Parks and the Niagara Falls Illumination Board will also continue to light up Niagara Falls in special colours in order to support and raise awareness for a wide range of non-profit and charitable organizations. The schedule for these special illuminations along with the regular illumination schedule can be found on the Niagara Parks.

Visitors and locals alike can take in the illumination of Niagara Falls every evening as the lights will be on from 5pm to midnight from now until January 31st, with the exception of New Year’s Eve when they will be lit until 1am.

Experience Niagara Falls in all of its bright and colourful beauty by taking an evening walk down by the Falls or relishing the view through floor-to-ceiling windows in a spectacular Fallsview hotel room. The thundering waters of Niagara Falls are remarkable to see, and taking in their beauty at night is a truly unique and breathtaking experience that is not to be missed. (Photo Credit: Niagara Parks Commission)