During the winter, Canada is truly a winter wonderland. Snow-capped mountains, freezing temps, frozen lakes, string-lit streets — it’s no wonder Ontario has become one of the top honeymoon destinations. This magical town during the winter becomes a place for exploration and pure beauty highlighted by the major fall that lives as the backdrop of many scenes — Niagara Falls.
The majestic falls are more than just a backdrop. During the winter, there are endless activities surrounding the falls that give you new and exciting ways to take in its beauty. Below, we’ve compiled our favorites things to do in Niagara Falls during the winter.
1. Niagara Ice Wine Festival
There’s never a bad time for a day of drinking. Spend a winter day enjoying the unique tastes of some of the best ice wines from all over the country. The Niagara Icewine Festival brings together winemakers and wine lovers from all over Ontario at Niagara on the Lake to indulge in some adult fun. This festival is a great opportunity to explore some of your favorite wines, with or without the family. The festival boasts loads of activities for both adults and kids, creating a fun day for everyone in the family.
Learn more about the festival here or explore more about the production and tastes of ice wine here.
2. Niagara Falls Fireworks Shows
What’s just as famous as the waterfall itself? The fireworks. During the holiday season, this is one of the most popular Niagara Falls attractions. There are over 20 fireworks displays that happen over the falls. These famous shows bring hundreds of people to enjoy the sights of the falls with an added, electrifying perk. Every Friday night at 9 p.m. — plus nightly from December 21-30 and January 1-5 — there are explosive shows right over the falls. Bundle up, bring a cup of hot cocoa and watch shows lasting up to four minutes take over the Ontario sky. The full schedule can be found on our Winter Festival of Lights blog post.
3. Journey Behind the Falls
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous this winter season, this is the perfect event for you. Believe it or not, the Journey Behind the Falls attraction runs all year round. It’s the perfect opportunity to take in a whole new perspective of the world’s most famous falls. Plus, it’s fun for the whole family. Bring a poncho — you’re likely to catch a wet breeze throughout this invigorating tour of the falls and the 130-year-old tunnels that lie just behind the white wall. Snag tickets for the holiday season here.
4. Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory
If something low key is a little more your style, the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory is the perfect wintertime activity for you. Escape the cold and enter a truly memorizing space full of monarchs. The summer-like atmosphere will help you shake off the frigid winter weather while still having the sense of being outdoors. The magical flying garden will truly delight any member of the family. We know you might be bundled up for the season, but make sure to dress in layers before you enter the conservative. Inside is very warm to create an ideal space for the butterflies to thrive. Learn more or book your tickets here.
5. Niagara Falls Waterpark
A waterpark in the winter? Yes, you read that right. Ontario is home to some of the most spectacular indoor waterparks in the country. Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is directly across from the Falls and boast family-friendly fun for hours. This park is always voted as one of the most fun things to do in Niagara Falls and Ontario, and boasts indoor connections to three hotels, making it an ideal year-round activity. The indoor park allows for families of all sizes to play around on the slides and attractions, and features a variety of amenities, so everyone has a great time.
6. Visit Clifton Hill
While the weather outside might be a bit frigid, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Clifton Hill Niagara Falls is where all of the fun in the city lies. It is packed with hilarious fun houses, mazes, restaurants, haunted houses and much more. Make memories exploring the endless attractions, take a tour of the infamous wax museum or even bowl a few games — Clifton Hill is truly is a playground for people of all ages.
7. Book a Hotel Room with a View of the Falls
Booking a hotel near the falls can make for one of the most amazing, relaxing wintertime hobbies. Whether you want to stay for a weekend or a week, there are hotels right along the water that are ready to welcome you with open arms. You can go for full romance with a staycation inside a room with a crystal-clear view of the falls, or you can create a full holiday experience with help from fine dining options, casinos, family attractions and magical holiday events. Find the best places to stay in Niagara Falls here.