Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s top tourist destinations and one of the most widely recognized globally. An estimated 22 million people holiday in the Niagara region to visit the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. When most people plan a vacation to Canada, Niagara Falls is typically on their itinerary. But have you ever wondered what Niagara Falls would be like in the winter ?
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Niagara Falls in the winter is one of the best times to visit. Where else can you see a waterfall of this magnitude partially frozen and surrounded by ice and snow? And, as a bonus, the crowds visiting this natural attraction are much lower in the wintertime. Take advantage of fewer people and plan your escape to Niagara Falls in the winter.
Niagara Falls in the Winter is Magical
Having lived in the Niagara region for almost ten years, I can tell you that Niagara Falls in the winter is truly a magical experience. From the serene drive on the Niagara Parkway that parallels the Niagara River to the translucent ice-covered branches of barren trees, Niagara Falls in the winter is a place like no other. Although summer is its peak season, Niagara Falls is a year-round destination with plenty of activities for all.
The Niagara Falls comprises three waterfalls, the Horseshoe Halls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. Around 10,000 years ago, glaciers began moving and changing the landscape of central North America, causing these falls.
As the glaciers retreated, the Niagara River emerged, and the falls were created. The falls are part of a ridge of land extending from the Niagara River north through the southwestern part of Ontario. At the northern end, this ridge is known as the Bruce Peninsula. Summer or winter, the volume, and power of the water falling over this ridge make Niagara Falls worth the visit. Niagara Falls is transformed into a stunning wonderland of ice and mist that will not disappoint in the winter!
Where is Niagara Falls?
In this central region of North America, the Niagara River is the dividing line between Canada and the United States. As such, Niagara Falls extends across the river and straddles the border. The Horseshoe Falls shares both sides of the border, while the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls are solely on the American side.
As both countries share Niagara Falls, they also share the city of the same name. For this article, I will refer to the Canadian side of the international border, Niagara Falls, Ontario, rather than Niagara Falls, New York.
Niagara Falls, Ontario, is located about 125km from Toronto on the south side of Lake Ontario. Due to its proximity to the Great Lakes, Niagara Falls can experience extreme weather conditions in the winter and can be unpredictable. And yes, it is cold in the winter. Proper winter clothing will be a requirement to enjoy all that Niagara Falls offers, and you will need a winter coat, hat, boots, and gloves at the bare minimum.
If you plan on spending any time outdoors near the visitor center, you might also want to consider a raincoat as mist from the falls is present year-round and will freeze on contact. Be aware that clumps of ice and snow will also form on any untreated surfaces, including sidewalks, railings, stairs, and plants, which can be dangerous when walking around.
Getting to Niagara Falls from Toronto
The easiest way to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto is to drive yourself. If you do not have a car, I recommend comparing rental rates here to get the best deals.
If you prefer not to drive, the GO train from downtown Toronto to Niagara Falls is an excellent option on the weekends. It is best to check their website for current schedules as their availability changes throughout the year.
Fun Fact – the GO train also permits bike transport during the summer months for cycling enthusiasts.
Booking a tour from Toronto is also an option, and many of these day trips include transportation, lunch, and some attractions.
Although bus transportation is available from Toronto, I would not recommend it. From experience, I found it to be unreliable.
If you are traveling from elsewhere in Canada or arriving internationally from the United States or overseas, flights into Toronto airport are convenient. Be sure to book your rental car from the airport and drive yourself to Niagara Falls. If arriving in winter, be mindful that ice and snow on roads can slow the travel time.
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The nearby airports in Niagara Falls, NY, or Buffalo, NY, are also options. Several bridges in Niagara Falls and nearby Fort Erie provide entrance from the United States. Before booking these alternatives, be sure to check your entry requirement s
A Note about Currency –
As Niagara Falls lies along the Canadian/American border, the currency within the city and its attractions is both CAD or USD. Both currencies are accepted as legal tender. However, be sure to check the posted exchange rate as local businesses may have different rates. Banks or currency exchange centers will give you a better rate if you plan.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
Choosing where to stay in Niagara Falls in the winter can be exciting. Without the crowds of tourists like you would find in the summer, accommodation in the winter is more widely available and could have better rates. For an unforgettable stay, I would recommend a hotel with a view of the falls. In the winter, Niagara Falls is lit by colorful lights that illuminate and reflect on the stark white backdrop of snow.
The Embassy Suites Fallsview hotel is next to the Fallsview Casino and offers panoramic views of both the Canadian and American falls. It is an all-suites hotel and is a 10-minute walk from other Niagara Falls attractions. The colors of the falls will be a highlighted view.
The Marriott on the Falls also affords fantastic views of the falls on both sides of the river. For a beautiful dining experience, Milestones restaurant on-site also offers excellent views of the falls.
Hilton Fallsview is another favorite for views of Niagara Falls. It is connected to the Fallsview Casino’s Entertainment center and offers a variety of restaurants and amenities.
A little further away, the historic Old Stone Inn boutique hotel offers unique experiences with several package options for that memorable getaway.
For the children, the waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge – Niagara Falls will keep them entertained for hours after a winter visit to Niagara Falls.
If you plan on a New Years Eve stay in Niagara falls, be sure to plan ahead as the hotels will be busy. Niagara Falls hosts one of Canada’s largest New Years Eve celebrations.
Fun fact – When you swim outside in the indoor/outdoor hot tub at Great Wolf – Niagara Falls, your hair and beards will freeze in the winter.
Read on to discover some of the best things to do in Niagara Falls in the winter.
Niagara Falls Winter Scenery
When winter comes to the Niagara region, Niagara Falls is transformed into a winter wonderland with mounds of snow and ice coatings on everything. When the sun shines, glistening icicles reflect the light to create a breathtakingly serene environment. The entire area surrounding the falls comes to life in the winter as the mist encrusts everything it touches.
During a snowstorm, the many trees lining the Niagara Parkway along the river fill their branches with white clumps of snow and start to droop. This creates an illusion like melting marshmallows on trees, which is quite a sight.
If you are lucky, you may even experience a complete freeze of Niagara Falls if the winter weather has been frigid for an extended period. If you are into walking, several pathways along the riverfront provide some excellent views of the frozen falls. In the evenings, the lights on the falls illuminate the frozen wonder with multiple colors, which is spectacular in the winter.
Winter Festivals
The Niagara Winter Festival of Lights is a walking or driving tour located on the Dufferin Islands immediately south of the falls during the holiday season. This annual winter festival provides over three million light bulbs transformed into themed static displays and interactive works of art. These lighted shapes draw thousands from within the region and beyond. Ice sculptures can also become part of this festival, depending on the weather.
If you visit Niagara Falls over Christmas or New Year’s Eve, you will find numerous attractions on Clifton Hill; all decked out in their holiday decorations. New Year’s Eve celebrations in Niagara Falls usually involve an open-air concert in Queen Victoria Park and are well attended by thousands of people! There are also fireworks, music, and parties in the streets.
The Niagara Ice Wine Festival takes place in January in nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake. It showcases the Niagara region’s local wineries, ice sculptures, and local foods. In winter, the climate in the Niagara Falls area is such that the grapes can be left on the vines to produce ice wine. The Niagara region is one of the few regions that make this sweet ice wine.
Clifton Hill
Aside from visiting the falls in the winter, Niagara Falls (the city) also has plenty of restaurants, museums, and kitschy tourist attractions in the Clifton Hill area. Wax museums, arcades, haunted houses, and laser tag are all available for the kid in all of us. There are even a couple of casinos if you are into that sort of thing.
Where to Eat in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls has no shortage of places to eat. Whether it is for families, groups or amorous couples, you will find plenty to satisfy your quest for food. One of the most popular places to eat in Niagara Falls is the Skylon Tower’s top. This revolving restaurant offers excellent views of the falls. A meal here will be pricy, but the incredible view will be worth it. Entrance to the observation deck is included with your meal. (Note: the site is temporarily closed)
A similar restaurant with exceptional views would be the Watermark Fallsview Dining.
Having lived in Niagara, I enjoyed the lively atmosphere of the Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse. This unique and exciting culinary concept originated in Brazilian culture. Once you are seated and select the type of meat preferences, the servers move from table to table with various grilled, mouth-watering cuts of meat and poultry. Salads, cheeses, and bakery products round out the meal, and you will never be hungry when you leave.
For Italian try Massimo Italian Fallsview Restaurant.
For seafood, try Tide and Vine.
For the meat lover, Prime Steakhouse.
And for families, try Turtle Jacks or Johnny Rocco’s.
Conclusion
In conclusion, visiting Niagara Falls in the winter is an absolute must for anyone who loves natural beauty and adventure. The winter season offers a unique and magical experience that is not to be missed. So, pack your bags and head to Niagara Falls this winter!
Have you thought of Niagara Falls in the winter?
If you do decide to visit Canada, be sure to include Ottawa. There are many exciting activities in both winter and summer. Also worth visiting in Ontario is Prince Edward County where local farms, wineries and nature will provide some fun an relaxation. For a unique cottage stay, check out the cottage with the sod roof in Eastern Ontario.
Or how about some ideas for a Quick Hometown Holiday in your city.
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