While one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada during the summer, Niagara Falls in winter is one of the best times to experience the breathtaking wonders of the region. For starters, the falls and surrounding city feature far fewer crowds between November and February than during the warmer months.
However, beyond promising fewer crowds and better hotel deals, Niagara is also at its most beautiful in the winter, with colourful lights and frozen terrains beautifully accentuating the already breathtaking natural splendour of the region.
From local Christmas festivals to off-season attractions and landmarks, these are just some of the most exciting things to do when visiting Niagara Falls, Canada, in winter.
A Quick Look At 13 Things To Do When Visiting Niagara Falls (Canada) In Winter
- Marvel At The Frozen Landscapes Around The Falls
- Admire The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
- Embark On The Journey Behind The Falls Tour
- Get An Aerial View At Niagara Zipline To The Falls
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve With A Firework Show At Queen Victoria Park
- Escape The Freezing Weather At The Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark
- Go For A Winter Hike
- Interact With Nature At The Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory
- Explore Exotic Avians At Bird Kingdom
- Wander Around Clifton Hill
- Learn The History Of The Falls At Niagara Parks Power Station
- Take To The Skies Along A Niagara Helicopter Tour
- Enjoy A Niagara Wine Tasting Guided Tour
13 Things To Do In Niagara Falls (Canada) In Winter
1. Marvel At The Frozen Landscapes Around The Falls
If you’re making the journey to the Niagara region, you’re going to want to check out the area’s primary attraction, which is, of course, the Niagara Falls waterfalls.
While one of Ontario’s most popular tourist attractions throughout the year, the falls reach the height of their beauty during the winter months, at which time the seasonal cold weather freezes much of the river around the plummet, resulting in some truly breathtaking natural ice formations.
Niagara Falls consists of three distinct waterfalls – the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls – all of which can be admired along a short walk along the Niagara River Parkway.
However, the best views of the natural landmark are along the Skylon Tower Observation Deck or the Outdoor Observation Tower on the American side of the falls, which can be reached via the Rainbow International Bridge.
2. Admire The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
Each year, the waterfront and city of Niagara Falls are illuminated by the Niagara Winter Festival of Lights between November and January. With over 75 light displays and 3 million lights, this magical winter wonderland is the largest annual winter festival of lights in Canada and is a sight to behold when visiting the region.
With colourful lights installed across the city, the nightly illumination features its most breathtaking displays along the Niagara Parkway between Clifton Hill and Dufferin Islands, but can also be admired along Victoria Avenue, the Fallsview District, Lundy’s Lane, and the Clifton Hill District.
Alternatively, visitors can also admire the entirety of the festival’s beautiful light monuments on a hike along the Hot Chocolate Trail. A self-guided tour, this hiking route weaves through the festival’s top highlights while stopping at popular stops for warming up with hot chocolate and other concoctions.
3. Embark On The Journey Behind The Falls Tour
One of the few Niagara Falls attractions opened year-round, the Journey Behind The Falls provides visitors with a unique exploration of the famous water feature, allowing guests to trek through a 130-year-old tunnel that edges its way behind the Horseshoe Falls.
The journey begins with a 125-foot descent to the frozen edges of the waterfall, from which you gain a unique view of the landmark and the frozen landscapes of the Niagara River. The journey ends at the outdoor views platform with further enchanting views.
Considering the Maid of the Mist does not operate during the winter months, the Journey Behind The Falls is the best way to get up close and personal with Canada’s most iconic landmark.
4. Get An Aerial View At Niagara Zipline To The Falls
Another popular attraction that remains open during the winter months, the Niagara Zipline to the Falls, allows visitors an aerial view of the frozen water feature while zipping along a 670-metre cable across the Niagara Gorge while hitting speeds of 70+ km/h.
The attraction starts from an elevated launch deck 67 metres above the ground, so you can be guaranteed some of the best views of the falls throughout your adrenaline-pumping journey.
Be sure to dress warm, though. This magical ride can become a chilly experience during the colder months.
5. Celebrate New Year’s Eve With A Firework Show At Queen Victoria Park
Capping off the evenings of Niagara’s Winter Light Festival is a breathtaking fireworks show held most evenings throughout November, December, and January. However, while you can catch these shows on several occasions throughout the festival, the best display is reserved for those visiting New Year’s Eve.
Most of the annual light festival fireworks shows last for about 5 minutes. However, for New Year’s, the coordinators pull all of the stops for a genuinely awe-inspiring illumination of the night sky that beautifies the natural water feature for a memorable way to reign in the new year.
6. Escape The Freezing Weather At The Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark
Just because it’s freezing outside doesn’t mean you and your family can’t enjoy the summer thrills of frolicking at a local water park, especially considering the Great Wolf Lodge is located just a 5-minute drive from Clifton Hill.
One of the biggest indoor water parks in Canada, the Great Wolf Lodge brings summer thrills to the cold winter months with plenty of water slides, aquatic playgrounds, and swimming pools. Don’t want to get wet? The resort also features other forms of entertainment in its arcade, mini golf course, and restaurants.
Offering a luxury escape for the whole family, the Great Wolf Lodge is a fantastic way to explore the colourful vibrancy and summer attractions of Niagara Falls when it’s too cold to actually experience them outdoors.
7. Go For A Winter Hike
One of the best ways to explore the frozen terrains of the Niagara River is a long winter hike of the region. And, with the Bruce Trail working its way through along the river, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore.
Perhaps the best trail for winter visitors is the hike through the Balls Falls Conservation Area. Following the Village Trail, this hike guides guests through a 19th-century village with a church, blacksmith, the Ball home, and other buildings before giving out to the beautiful Lower Falls.
Alternatively, other hiking trails in the region include the Long Beach Conservation Area, the Niagara River Recreation Trail, and the DeCew Falls Loop.
8. Interact With Nature At The Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory
While much of the wildlife throughout Niagara Falls conservation areas are hibernating throughout the winter months, visitors can still explore at least some summer beauty at the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory.
Home to a controlled environment of colourful flower beds, budding trees and water features, the conservatory boasts over 60 species of butterflies from across the globe. Guests are welcome to explore these exotic creatures while escaping the cold weather along a warm and relaxing stroll of the complex.
9. Explore Exotic Avians At Bird Kingdom
When finished at the butterfly conservatory, visitors should head over to the Bird Kingdom to explore even more colourful examples of exotic creatures from across the planet.
Home to over 500 birds across nearly 80 different species from every corner of the world, the Niagara Falls Bird Kingdom is the largest indoor free-flying aviary on earth and is a great way to bring a little colour to your holiday to Niagara Falls, Canada, in winter.
10. Wander Around Clifton Hill
Walking the charming Clifton Hill area is an essential part of a Niagara trip, especially when visiting Niagara Falls, Canada, in winter. Along with hosting some of the best displays of the Winter Light Festival, Clifton Hill is also home to some of the best indoor attractions in the city.
Here, visitors can escape the winter chills on a ride along the Niagara SkyWheel, walk through haunted houses such as Nightmares Fear Factory, tour the exhibits of the Movie Land Wax Museum of the Stars, or have their mind blown as the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum.
With so many attractions and restaurants to explore, Clifton Hill offers plenty of warm respites exploring its indoor facilities.
11. Learn The History Of The Falls At Niagara Parks Power Station
Another great thing to do when visiting Niagara Falls, Canada, in the winter is to explore the centuries-old history of Ontario power generation at the Niagara Parks Power Station.
Completed in 1905, the station was the first major power plant in Canada’s Niagara Falls and has since been converted into an education museum that engages interactive light and sound displays to guide guests through the evolution of the country’s power generation industry and the process of hydroelectricity.
It is a great way to combine a little historical education with a winter trip to the beautiful natural attractions of Niagara Falls.
12. Take To The Skies Along A Niagara Helicopter Tour
A Niagara Helicopter Tour with Niagara Helicopters is a unique way to experience Niagara Falls and see everything the breathtaking region has to offer within a single trip.
Starting from the helipad just a short walk from the river near Whirlpool Golf Course, the helicopter ride takes to the skies for a unique vantage point from which to observe a downriver whirlpool, the Niagara Rapids, all three of the waterfalls, and the Clifton Hill area before returning back to the landing site.
13. Enjoy A Niagara Wine Tasting Guided Tour
Niagara is renowned for its wine country, and one of the best things to do when visiting Niagara Falls, Canada, in the winter is to enjoy the various flavours of the region’s
local vintages, along with a wine-tasting tour of the city.
Winery Tours of Niagara offers various tour packages to several wineries and can include anywhere between 9 and 16 different tastings. Operating throughout the year, these wine-tasting tours are perfect for couples, holidays or wine enthusiasts looking for a relaxing winter getaway.
