Niagara Falls Ontario is a fabulous destination at any time of year. However, visiting Niagara Falls in the winter is a unique experience and well worth braving the cold! Check out these incredible things to do in Niagara Falls in winter, with all the tips you need to make the most of your visit.
This is a guest post by Kelly of Just One Passport with edits and additions by Claire
Visiting Niagara Falls Canada
The waterfalls of Niagara Falls lie on the border of Canada and the United States of America, and somewhat confusingly Niagara Falls is also the name of the towns which lie on each side of the waterfalls and the border. To be clear, this article focuses on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada. The activities and things to do in Niagara Falls listed here all refer to the Canadian side.
If you are in Canada and want to visit the American side of Niagara Falls, you will need to have the correct paperwork in order to cross the border into the United States, whether that is a passport or a visa if necessary. It is a true border between the two countries, so you can’t just wander across without going through the immigration checks.
The Rainbow Bridge is a popular place to cross the border, as you can walk, cycle or drive across at any time of the day or night for a small fee, as long as you go through immigration.
There is a great view of Niagara Falls from Rainbow Bridge, and is often where you can see a rainbow shining in the spray from the falls. When I visited Niagara Falls from the American side way back in 2002 we walked across the bridge from the US side to visit Canada, although it was only for about half an hour!
If you have more time to spend on the American side there are plenty of things to do in Niagara Falls New York to keep you busy, including Niagara Falls Observation Tower, and Niagara Falls State Park which has attractions like the Cave of the Winds boat tour, and Terrapin Point where you can get close-up views of the top of the falls.
However, for this article, we’re focusing on Niagara Falls Canada, so let’s dive into our Niagara Falls guide!
Why Winter is the Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls
It is a well-known fact that Niagara Falls is a popular place to visit in Canada. Lovers, families, friends and solo travellers flock to this iconic Canadian tourist destination from across the world in order to catch a glimpse of the magnificent waterfalls also known as Niagara Falls.
Imagine yourself surrounded by a field of soft white cotton, with the snow falling gently onto the tip of your nose, a cold breeze blowing, and a cool mist spattering against your face. With the vision of the ice sparkling against the largest waterfalls in North America, you can’t help but feel like you’re in a fairytale, not the Ontario tourist town of Niagara Falls.
While summer is the most popular time to visit Niagara Falls, a visit to this wonderland during the winter months should be added to everyone’s bucket list. Winter is the best time to visit Niagara Falls Ontario if you want to avoid the mass amount of tourists, and the prices of many of the top attractions drop slightly which makes this popular destination more affordable for families.
Winter Weather in Niagara Falls
To sum up the winter weather in Niagara Falls in one word, it’s COLD! From December through to March, the temperature in Niagara Falls drops significantly with the average daily temperature being below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The coldest month of the year in Niagara Falls is January with the temperature dropping to an average low of 20 degrees Fahrenheit and reaching a high of 31 degrees Fahrenheit. Factor in the wind chill and the mist from the waterfalls, and you have frigid weather.
What to Wear When Visiting Niagara Falls in the Winter
Niagara Falls is the ultimate destination to visit during the winter, but given the cold weather, it is essential to dress appropriately in order to enjoy your time exploring everything that Niagara Falls has to offer.
Part of the fun of visiting Niagara Falls during the winter is experiencing the outdoor activities and taking in Niagara’s natural wonders. When considering how to dress for your Niagara Falls adventure, think layers, layers and more layers!
You will definitely need the standard winter jacket, snow pants, boots, hat and mitts, but I would also add a base layer and mid layer to your packing list. I recommend that jeans be avoided if you plan on spending the day out in the cold, as they have a tendency to retain the cold and moisture.
You will get wet when you are close to the falls so a good quality waterproof jacket is highly recommended.
The Best Things To Do In Niagara Falls In The Winter
There are activities and adventures galore in Niagara Falls, even when visiting throughout the winter months. Whether you are an indoor or outdoor person, Niagara Falls has something for everyone.
Some of the top things to do in Niagara Falls at any time of year include:
- Niagara Falls Helicopter Tour
- Sparkling and Icewine Tasting
- Small Group Wine Tour of Niagara-on-the-Lake
You can browse more tours and attractions in Niagara Falls here. Most of the tours and activities in Niagara Falls are available throughout the year, you’ll just need to dress accordingly – and remember that it gets dark earlier during the winter – and plan your trip bearing in mind the weather might not cooperate!
Outdoor Winter Activities in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a year-round playground and when visiting in the wintertime you will still have the same choice of activities as you would if visiting throughout the Summer months. The bonus is that there will be way fewer tourists, as long as you are prepared for the cold weather and snow in Niagara Falls.
View the Falls
Viewing the Falls themselves is why people come to Niagara Falls, and they are never more beautiful than in the wintertime. Bring your camera as you will want to capture the glistening ice and icicles that form in the cold winter weather and hang precariously from the rocks surrounding the Falls.
The great news is that viewing Niagara Falls is free, as the Falls are in a public location on Niagara Parks land and can be accessed for free 24/7 all year around. Walk along the promenade and stop off at the viewpoints to enjoy different perspectives of the Falls – Queen Victoria Park is a popular spot.
Nightly Illumination
The Nightly Illumination shines a spotlight over the Falls year-round, transforming the Falls into a multi-coloured masterpiece. This light show can be seen from most locations in the Niagara Falls tourist district, as well as from rooms in many of the hotels. It is a scene that you won’t want to miss, and the view is particularly impressive from Victoria Park or the Skylon Tower.
Journey Behind the Falls
The Journey Behind the Falls in my opinion is a “must do” activity in Niagara Falls, especially when visiting Niagara Falls during the winter. You will descend 125 feet below and have the opportunity to view the Falls from behind. The frozen rocks and Falls make this activity even more spectacular during the winter months.
Niagara Skywheel
When visiting Niagara Falls in the winter, make time to view Canada’s must-see attraction from the Niagara Skywheel. This viewing opportunity will provide a unique view of the Falls from 175 feet above (and kids and couples will especially love it).
Pre-purchase your admission ticket online.
Clifton Hill
You can’t be a proper tourist in Niagara Falls without wandering around Clifton Hill. Clifton Hill is where you will find many indoor museums, mini-golf, restaurants, coffee shops, candy stores, arcades, laser golf, and of course, souvenir shops. Clifton Hill is where the action is, even in the winter.
Indoor Winter Activities in Niagara Falls
When it is time to escape the cold winter weather in Niagara Falls and head indoors, you will have plenty of options to choose from here.
Butterfly Conservatory
The Butterfly Conservatory is one of the largest enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America, boasting over 2,000 species of butterflies. While wandering the cobblestone stone paths lined with trickling waterfalls, you may get lucky and have a butterfly land on you.
Bird Kingdom
Talk a walk through the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary and discover hundreds of tropical birds. You will want to have your camera handy to snap a shot of your bird encounters.
Waterparks
If you are visiting Niagara Falls with kids, they will love a day at one of Niagara Falls’s indoor waterparks. Bring bathing suits and spend the day water sliding and splashing around in the heated water. Why stop at a day, book a night to get the most out of your Niagara Falls visit?
Niagara Parks Power Station
Niagara’s newest attraction involves descending 180 feet below ground to walk through a 2,200 foot long tunnel to the observation deck along the river’s edge. Learn the history while you explore the first major power plant on the Canadian side of the river.
Skylon Tower
To end a perfect day in Niagara Falls, travel 764 feet up and dine at one of the two dining rooms located in the Skylon Tower for some of the best views of Niagara Falls in Canada. This entertainment hub is also home to an indoor/outdoor viewing deck, 12 specialty shops, an amusement area, and food court.
Things to do During Christmas in Niagara Falls
From late November through December to the beginning of January, Niagara Falls celebrates Christmas cheer and all the fun of the Holiday season. In my opinion, this is the best time to visit Niagara Falls as you can’t help but feel like you are in a fairytale.
Winter Festival of Lights
Throughout the Christmas Season, life-like displays of lights, characters, and scenes from your favourite festive movies are spread along the river. Consider visiting on a weekend and enjoy free live music as you wander through the massive light display. This free event is Canada’s largest outdoor light festival.
Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade
Get into the Holiday spirit by attending Niagara Falls annual Santa Claus parade which takes place in November each year. It starts at Victoria Avenue and ends at the City Hall with a tree lighting ceremony to mark the start of the Christmas decorations.
Niagara Falls Christmas Market
Get a jump start with your Christmas shopping at the Niagara Falls Christmas Market, which is open Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays from November 12th to December 18th. With up to 50 Vendors to choose from you will surely find a gift for everyone on your list.
New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls, Canada
There is no better way to ring in the New Year than to listen to the sound of live bands playing alongside the backdrop of the illuminated Falls. Grab a hot chocolate from one of the many coffee shops and bring the family to this fun, free event. End the year off with a bang as Canada’s largest fireworks display lights up the sky over the Falls.
Visit Niagara Falls in January for the Icewine Festival
To combat the winter blues, why not visit the Niagara Region in January and help to celebrate one of Canada’s many prized treasures…. Icewine! The Niagara Icewine Festival runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday for three weeks every January. Book your hotel room early as they fill up fast for this event.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls in the Winter
Since Niagara Falls is a popular tourist destination, accommodations can be quite expensive, although they are more reasonably priced during the winter months.
Any of the Niagara Falls hotels with a view of the Falls will be more expensive, but when booking a falls-view or river-view room at any of these hotels, you will be able to view the nightly illumination from the comfort of your hotel room so it might be worth the extra cost if you can afford it!
My personal favourites are:
If you prefer to save money and not have a Falls view from your room there are some great deals to be had in Niagara Falls. Take a look at the adults only A Night to Remember B&B, a historic guest house with antique furnishings or the cozy A Moment in Time Bed and Breakfast.
For even more options, you can browse great value hotels on Booking. There are also various options for Airbnbs in Niagara Falls too, take a look at some of the rental homes available here.
FIND A CHEAP HOTEL IN NIAGARA FALLS
This is Why You Want to Visit Niagara Falls, Ontario in the Winter
I hope that this post has gotten you as excited as I get to visit Niagara Falls during the winter. It truly is a Winter Wonderland and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can’t be missed. Add it to your winter bucket list right now!
About the Author
Kelly is an empty-nester and solo traveller, from the baby boomer generation, and the face behind Just One Passport. She’s addicted to travel, seeing new places, experiencing new adventures, and meeting new people. Kelly’s mission in life is to inspire and encourage other seniors not to let a “number” stop them from living their best life. You can follow Kelly’s adventures by visiting her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
