Niagara Falls in Winter: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

Niagara Falls in winter is one of the best times to visit because you’ll be able to see a partially frozen Niagara Falls. It’s quite the sight to behold in the winter months, surrounded by snow and ice! There’s really nothing like it anywhere else in the world. While I love going to Niagara Falls in the fall, the winter is one of my favourite times of the year to visit.

Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada is home to one of the world’s greatest waterfalls. It is one of the most visited places in the world. People flock here to witness its majestic beauty by the millions. An estimated 22 million people visit Niagara Falls each year (including both the Canadian and American sides).

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As you can imagine, it can get very busy here, especially during the summer months. It’s incredible to visit Niagara Falls in the fall with less crowds. However, it’s such a unique experience to see Niagara blanketed with a layer of snow and ice. To escape the crowds and view Niagara Falls in a whole new light, why not consider visiting Niagara Falls in winter?

As Justin and I live about an hour’s drive from the Niagara region, we hardly consider visiting in the summertime. We’ve both been fortunate enough to visit the Falls on numerous occasions during the warm summer seasons with our families throughout the years.

While it’s spectacular in the summer, Niagara Falls is brilliant in all seasons. Thankfully, the off seasons are a little less hectic, especially during the winter. Is it cold? Yes, pack your parka. Is it worth braving the cold to visit? Of course! Niagara Falls is a spectacular dazzler in the winter.

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Niagara Falls Winter: Seeing Niagara Falls Frozen

Niagara Falls in Winter Time - Viewing Niagara Falls covered in snow and ice

One of the main reasons to visit Niagara Falls in winter? You want to see Niagara Falls frozen! Frozen waterfalls are absolutely stunning and offer entirely different scenery in comparison to what they look like during the other seasons. Sections of the waterfall become frozen over. The chilling mist rises up above the Falls and surrounds you at times.

Layers of ice and snow bury the rushing water down below. Only small sections of the Niagara River are visible; you can still observe just how fast the water is flowing. Dense clumps of snow and ice cover the protective fences and barriers, feeling as hard as the concrete beneath them.

Trees and plants are completely frozen and cling to the rocky cliff edges. Seeing Niagara Falls in winter is nothing like visiting in the spring, summer, or fall.

Does Niagara Falls Ever Completely Freeze Over?

Don’t visit Niagara Falls in winter expecting to see the waterfall completely frozen. It gets pretty icy, but it doesn’t completely freeze over. According to Niagara Parks’ official records, the last time it froze over was in 1848 during extremely chilly temperatures and an accumulation of ice glaciers.

It completely stopped the flow of water, so Niagara Falls did freeze over. It hasn’t happened since, and don’t expect it to happen again anytime soon!

When to Visit Niagara Falls in Winter

Frozen Niagara Falls - The American Falls / US Falls in the winter

When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls in winter? If you want to see Niagara Falls frozen or partially frozen, make your way there after it’s been freezing cold for a while. After many days of frigid and freezing weather, Niagara Falls will begin to grow more frozen and icy.

I’ve heard that when it gets really cold that you’ll see huge chunks of ice floating over the waterfall itself. That is beyond cool! See what I did there!

Niagara Falls in February

Visiting Niagara Falls in Winter: Frozen Niagara Falls

I’ve updated this article as we went to see Niagara Falls in February after experiencing a lot of freezing weather. As always, it was absolutely gorgeous. Niagara never disappoints. The American Falls were mostly frozen over, and the Horseshoe Falls was frozen down below.

Niagara Falls Winter - Canadian Falls in February January March

The Horseshoe Falls in the Winter, Niagara Falls, Canada

Niagara Falls Winter - Surrounding buildings covered in ice and icicles

Snow and ice covering trees and buildings at Niagara Falls in February

Clumps of snow and ice were everywhere and covering every surface: barriers, trees, plants, you name it. The water is powerful, as always, no matter the season. Visiting Niagara Falls in February is probably the best time of year to go if you want to see the falls under layers of snow and ice.

Niagara Falls in January

We’ve also visited Niagara Falls in January. One year in particular, we ventured down to see a winter Niagara Falls to witness the magic. We reached Niagara Falls in the afternoon, which is typically the busiest point of the day in the summer. Depending on how cold it gets, Niagara Falls can be pretty icy and magical in January, too.

However, there weren’t any crowds of people to battle for a prime viewing spot. Visiting Niagara Falls in winter is way less crowded, cheaper if you’re going to spend the night, and it’s far easier to find a parking spot in any parking lot (and far cheaper!).

As we walked down to the path that runs along the edge of Niagara Falls, we saw only a few people here and there. It was always easy to view Niagara Falls in winter from any location as we never had to wait for someone to move out of the way.

Niagara Falls in December

If you are looking to travel to Niagara Falls in the winter, it’s always a tossup as to whether or not there will be snow and ice in December. There are years where we’ll receive a dumping of snow in November and it lasts straight through the winter season. On other occasions, we don’t get much snow until January.

Visiting Niagara Falls in December can be really fun for the holiday and Christmas festivals. I’ll go into more detail about the OPG Winter Festival of Lights and Niagara Falls Christmas Market under the “festivals” heading of this blog post.

What to Wear in the Winter

Wear layers and warm clothing to Niagara Falls during the winter, especially January and February, the coldest months

Dress for the season, and that means dress warmly. And even more warmly than you think. The mist from the Falls makes it even colder. Definitely pack a warm winter coat, scarf, hat, and mittens/gloves. Layers are your friend.

During your walk along the Falls, you can always take a break and hop inside one of the shopping areas. That’s what we did when we got a little too cold. There are opportunities to get Tim Hortons coffee should you desire a hot beverage. After you’re finished gazing at the stunning waterfall from several places along the path, you might want to get back indoors for a while.

What to Do in Niagara Falls in Winter

Other than seeing the Falls themselves, you might be wondering what else you can do. Thankfully, Niagara Falls is always exciting and alive. There are always plenty of things to do in Niagara Falls in winter.

While some of the main Niagara Falls attractions close down in winter (Niagara City Cruises, White Water Walk, Hornblower Cruises aka Maid of the Mist and the Whirlpool Aero Car are all closed), there are so many attractions that remain open in all seasons.

Journey Behind the Falls

Journey Behind the Falls, a Niagara Parks attraction, remains open all year long. You’ll have an alternate perspective of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls on this adventure. Take a self-guided walking tour through 130 year old tunnels to experience the power of Niagara.

There are multiple cave entrances where you can see Niagara Falls plummeting down right before your eyes. The best part of Journey Behind the Falls is the observation deck at the end of the tunnel system. Standing right beside Niagara Falls is an experience like no other.

While I’ve only visited this attraction in the summer and fall before, I am certain that standing beside Niagara Falls in the winter would be absolutely incredible.

Niagara Parks Power Station

The Niagara Parks Power Station is the newest attraction in the city, and you can enjoy different experiences by day and night. It’s open all year long, so you can even visit in the winter. Located on the Niagara Parkway, this Romanesque style architectural masterpiece is truly a sight to behold.

It was the first major power plant on the Canadian side of the Falls, and it opened in 1905. It’s also the longest operating power plant on the Niagara River, open from 1905 to 2006. Nowadays, you can visit this restored landmark attraction with immersive exhibits, unique artifacts, and lots of stories.

Learn about the inner workings of one of the most amazing power plants that harnessed the energy of the Horseshoe Falls and turned it into electricity. You can even experience an interactive control panel where you’ll learn how to harness electricity from water power for yourself. It’s one of the best indoor attractions to escape the cold weather.

The Tunnel at the Niagara Power Station

Want to see Niagara Falls in a way you’ve never experienced before, even if you travel to Niagara Falls regularly? The Tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station is a long awaited attraction that’s open at last.

Descend 180 feet below the Niagara Parks Power Station to experience the 2200 foot long tunnel and a new underground perspective of the Falls. And it’s open all year round!

Learn about the history of hydroelectricity in Niagara, plus enjoy never before seen views of Niagara Falls from the viewing platform at the end of the tunnel. Get your tickets to the Tower and Tailrace Tunnel Tour for two fun attractions in one.

Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory

A trip to the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory is a great way to warm up on a cold winter day. It’s a tropical climate inside, and you’ll be surrounded by beautiful, colorful butterflies fluttering all around.

Take a wander around this gorgeous indoor garden full of lush greenery everywhere you look. Take photos of various species of butterflies as they land on plants or maybe even on you if you’re lucky (it’s good luck to have a butterfly land on you!).

Fallsview Casino

Another fun indoor activity in Niagara Falls in winter is Fallsview Casino. Why not try your luck at the slots of the tables? While Justin and I aren’t frequent casino goers, we will go maybe once or twice a year for a couple of hours (until we lose our money!).

While the slot machines are always tempting, Justin and I really like the electronic roulette machines that are situated around an actual roulette wheel.

In the lobby of the casino, there’s this funky looking fountain that lights up all different colors. Many people were taking their photos in front of it, and we followed suit.

Margaritaville Niagara Falls

After you’re done spending your hard-earned dollars at the casino, why not pretend that you’re at a tropical destination? We walked across the street to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Niagara Falls for some drinks. I know that you might not want to think about drinking a frosty margarita on a cold day, but we were actually a bit thirsty after being indoors at the casino.

We went with our friend, Shannon, and we both got the same drink, the “Tropical Hurricane”. Wow, this drink was much stronger than I expected! It was still very fruity and tasty. Funny enough, this was my first time ever frequenting a Margaritaville, despite visiting numerous Caribbean islands.

While the bar wasn’t really busy, we still had a great time chatting among the four of us. Oh, and don’t worry, you’ll get to hear the Margaritaville song….several times. Searching for my lost shaker of salt…

Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower is open for business if you’d like to get an aerial view of Niagara Falls. It’s a revolving restaurant with non-stop gorgeous views out the window.

It isn’t cheap dining up there, but it’s all about the experience. You get admission to the observation deck included with your meal, as well as the fun glass elevator ride.

Clifton Hill

A trip to Niagara Falls isn’t complete without walking up and down Clifton Hill. There are so many amusements and attractions along Clifton Hill, like wax museums, arcades, and indoor mini golf. While some of the attractions are a little cheesy or tacky, it’s oddly charming.

The Niagara SkyWheel is open all year long and you won’t have to wait in any huge lineups. I recommend riding the Niagara SkyWheel at night when the Falls are all lit up.

For craft beer fans, check out Niagara Brewing Company on Clifton Hill. They have award winning beers, as well as local specialties, such as the ice wine beer. Open to the public since 2015, they’re serving up quality brews right in the heart of Niagara Falls, so be sure to stop by for a tasting or a pint.

Go Hiking in the Niagara Falls Area

Why not escape the city and go for a winter hike in Niagara Falls? Just bring some winter hiking boots, bundle up, and hit the trails. You can go winter hiking at Niagara Glen, which is a super scenic spot near Niagara Falls. The Niagara Gorge is gorgeous in all seasons, and it’s truly a winter wonderland this time of year.

I also recommend exploring the Bruce Trail, which runs for 900km between Niagara and Tobermory, Ontario. You can start at Queenston Heights Park at the Southern Terminus Cairn. It’s the stone monument that signifies the very start of the Bruce Trail, and it’s right there in Niagara Falls.

Snowshoeing in Niagara Falls

If you’re looking for what to do in Niagara Falls in winter, you should try snowshoeing in the city. There are many self-guided snowshoe trails for all skill levels in Niagara Falls. Check out the snowshoe trails at the Whirlpool Golf Course all winter long.

Snowshoe rentals are available on site, or you can bring your own snowshoes and hit the trails with a low cost trail pass. A winter visit wouldn’t be complete without some outdoor activities!

Winter Festivals in Niagara Falls

Thinking about visiting Niagara Falls in winter? Why not time your trip for one of its winter festivals? There are lots of ways to celebrate winter in Niagara Falls, whether you’re viewing millions of twinkling lights or sipping a glass of Niagara’s famous ice wine.

Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls

The Niagara Winter Festival of Lights is an annual tradition with over 3 million lights on the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands and Niagara Falls. There are one of a kind light displays that are interactive works of art.

There are also Christmas lights for the season, light displays in Canadian themes, and even the Falls themselves are illuminated. You can catch the Winter Festival of Lights at Queen Victoria Park. The Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse is bright and all lit up for the season, too.

This year, the OPG Winter Festival of Lights runs from November 12th, 2022 to February 20th, 2023. It runs for 101 nights in total, from the middle of November until the Family Day weekend. You can now see these beautiful lights right through until mid-February. There are so many things to do in Niagara Falls in winter, so make sure that you check out the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights.

Niagara Falls Christmas Market

The Niagara Falls Christmas Market is located in downtown Niagara Falls, Ontario. It’s the largest Christmas market in the Niagara region. You’ll find 50 vendors specializing in handmade goods. They operate out of the traditional Christmas cabins we all love to see at Christmas markets in Canada.

There are also over 30 Christmas light displays, including interactive exhibits. The Niagara Santa Claus Parade kicks off the event in mid-November. Then, you can visit the market every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the middle of November to December.

Niagara Holiday Handmade Market

Looking for holiday gifts for that special someone? Check out the annual Niagara Holiday Handmade Market to browse beautiful handmade gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.

There are over 200 vendors, food trucks, wine, coffee, live music, and an art alley. The event runs every year at the end of November, and it’s not to be missed.

Niagara Falls for Christmas or New Year’s Eve

Niagara Falls is such a magical place to visit over the Christmas holiday or New Year’s Eve. The annual Santa Claus Parade is a lively event through the city streets in the middle of November. Then, there’s always an amazing New Year’s Eve concert event in Niagara Falls at Queen Victoria Park.

There are also fireworks and parties in the streets, and most of the attractions on Clifton Hill are open for business. If you’re going to visit Niagara Falls in December, I recommend checking out the New Year’s Eve celebrations if you love music and a great party. However, it will be very busy and crowded on NYE!

Niagara Icewine Festival

Throughout January, you’ll have the chance to attend the Niagara Icewine Festival to sample delicious sweet wine from the local wineries in Niagara on the Lake. Visit the Ice Wine Village (downtown Niagara on the Lake) to sample ice wine, view ice sculptures, go shopping, enjoy music, and taste culinary creations.

With an Insider’s Pass, you can try five ice wine samples and keep your souvenir glass. There are also several gala and dinner events surrounding the Niagara Icewine Festival throughout January and February. It’s the perfect place for a wine tasting in the winter.

Seeing More Frozen Waterfalls

Niagara Falls also happens to be near the city of Hamilton, the waterfall capital of the world. If you’re still looking for more waterfalls to view in the winter, check out these five epic Hamilton waterfalls (though none are quite as massive as Niagara). This includes the brilliant Tiffany Falls.

Where To Stay in Niagara Falls

It is much cheaper during the winter to stay overnight at any hotels by the Falls. I highly recommend choosing a hotel with a view, especially considering that the waterfall is lit up at night.

Embassy Suites Fallsview: Enjoy a brilliant view of Niagara Falls and treat yourself to a luxurious experience. Read reviews from fellow travelers who have visited.
Marriott on the Falls: We stayed here for Justin’s birthday once and I can vouch that it was awesome. Read more hotel reviews by fellow travelers who have stayed.
Hilton Fallsview Hotel: Soak up the beauty of the Falls right from the comfort of your own hotel room. Here are many more reviews from visitors who have stayed.

More Places to Stay in Niagara Falls

Here are all hotels and accommodations in Niagara Falls to browse in one place. Enter your travel dates for more precise information. Check out the locations and prices of every property and click through for more information.

Getting to Niagara Falls From Toronto

If you have access to a car, driving there on your own is the easiest way to reach Niagara Falls from Toronto. Need to rent a car? I recommend comparing car rental prices here to find the best rate. You can also check out the best things to do in Toronto in winter before heading down to the Falls.

If not, you can book a tour to Niagara Falls from Toronto that includes transportation, lunch, and some attraction tickets. It’s also possible to take the GO Train from Toronto to Niagara Falls on the weekends, even during the winter time now. However, you’ll have to be mindful of the train times as they only run during certain hours on the weekends.

Traveling from out of town, internationally, or overseas? There are lots of cheap flights to Niagara Falls, New York, and then you can quickly drive across the border to Canada. Take the Rainbow Bridge across to Canada.

Feel free to check out Niagara Falls on the US side and the Canadian side. When you’re over on the American side, you can visit Cave of the Winds, Goat Island, Niagara Falls State Park, and the Niagara Falls Observation Tower in Niagara Falls USA.

Alternatively, it might be easier to find flights to Toronto and then make your way down to Niagara Falls with the ways I suggested above. No matter where you’re coming from, don’t forget to get travel insurance before your trip. It might be a simple fall on the ice that can ruin your holiday, especially without the proper travel insurance.

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If you’re looking for what to do in Niagara Falls in winter, hopefully this Niagara Falls travel guide has given you lots of ideas! We highly suggest that you make the trip to see the Falls in the wintertime because it’s so beautiful, there are fewer crowds, it’s cheaper, and there are still lots of things to do in Niagara Falls.