The Story Behind the Niagara Falls in Winter Travel Photo
- Nov 9
- 6 min read
Niagara, the Falls and Me (Part 1)
Visit Niagara Falls, New York in Winter
Disclaimer: The NYC Traveler, MC Enterprises and all divisions and persons associated with such bears no responsibilities to the reader for any consequence based on reading this article. This information is based on personal research and experience. It is the responsibility of the reader to take all precautions and to follow up with their own research to ensure a safe and pleasant trip. Do not ever go to the edge of the waterfall, attempt to go into the river or ignore any of the warnings posted near the falls in both countries.
Travel Advice: Winter in upstate New York can be extremely cold, with ever-changing weather. Roads can be closed, small storms can turn into blizzards, and walking can be extremely dangerous. Bear in mind your entire travel group, including kids, those on wheels (such as strollers, scooters or wheelchairs) and wear suitable clothing.
Niagara Falls State Park may have inaccessible trails or may be closed altogether sometimes. Always check the website.
It sounds like a crazy idea: let's visit Niagara Falls...in the winter. Winter? Really?? I mean, who does that? Well, apparently, I wasn't the only one. The amount of people who go by the falls in winter is interesting. And yes, the trip was worth it.
First, you have to get there. If you are coming from anywhere outside of New York State, flying into Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) or Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is probably best and renting a car from there. But remember the paragraph above: winter in this part of NYS and Canada is unpredictable, fluid, ever-changing and dangerous. It's cold, icy and snowy. Meaning? Your flight might be delayed or cancelled and if you do land in Buffalo, traveling by car might be dangerous. The solution: spend the extra money and get an airline ticket that can be changed, make your travel plans flexible. You only need one or two days in the area, but have enough money to change hotel plans just in case.
Once you land, make sure you can travel on land. Again, make your plans flexible. But the good news is that when bad weather hits, that region sets the standard in clearing the streets and cleaning up. It takes a really bad blizzard to shut those cities down completely, so take heart that if you have a delay, it won't be a long one.
It's a half hour ride from Buffalo to Niagara (with no traffic or other delays) and it takes about an hour and 20 minutes from the Toronto Airport. There's no right airport or wrong airport: choose what works best for you.
Once you get into the Niagara area, if you are staying overnight, try to check into your hotel. Otherwise, head to the Falls!
Video Tour: The Frozen Falls 1. A little geography lesson. The Falls are really 3 waterfalls: the American, the Bridal Veil (on the USA side) and the Horseshoe, on the Canada side (although my research indicated that some believe that part of the Horseshoe Falls are in the USA). The Niagara River falls into the Niagara Gorge. The water from the gorge links two of the Great Lakes: Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. From a nature and geographical point of view, this is truly a natural wonder. Plus, you get to see two of the Great Lakes in one vacation, not to mention two countries. It's even more of a wonder when you see the Niagara Falls in winter and how the water appears to be frozen while flowing.
UPDATE: Make sure you have Real ID, particularly if you plan to walk or drive between the two countries. Walking across the bridge may not be possible and if so, it can be very cold. Kids will love the view, but monitor them carefully.
2. Start on the USA side to visit Niagara Falls in January. The American Falls are within Niagara Falls State Park, a New York State Park. There is a fee to park (the Empire Passport is accepted), yes, probably even in winter. There is also more parking within a 1/2 to 1 block radius that might be cheaper. First, go to the Visitors Center for info. There may be trail closures and other information that you will need to know. After that follow the sound of the roar of the water and head toward the Falls. Bear to the left and take a look at the rapids of the Niagara River. The rush of the water will give you an idea of the force of the flow. When you get to the Falls, you will be viewing the American Falls from the top. You will be seem to be almost at the point where the water goes over. However, visiting Niagara Falls in winter may have limited access near the edge. Follow all posted cautions and take them seriously. The waterfalls and the river are extremely dangerous and life threatening. Do not be a daredevil or an adventurer.
3. There are less people at Niagara Falls in winter. But, most of the attractions related to the falls are closed. The Observation Tower might be free (the higher platform via the elevator was closed). You won't be able to cruise the river below the falls because there is an excellent chance the river will have many, large ice blocks floating in it. It may not freeze over completely, but obviously, you can't sail. In warmer weather: you can go under the Bridal Veil Falls via the Cave of the Winds Tour (on Goat Island). You will wear a poncho (but you will get wet) and special shoes. The other experience is the famous Maid of the Mist, a boat ride in the gorge (bottom) of the Falls that sails from either country. Once again, you get a poncho as part of the price but you may get wet! I recommend that you have a nice waterproof camera.
4. Niagara Falls State Park is worth exploring in all seasons. It's the oldest state park in the system. Check out The Great Lakes garden; hike or drive (via 1st Street) to Goat Island and then walk to the Bridal Veil Falls. Keep walking over to the Three Sisters Island. This part of the river is what goes over to form the Horseshoe Falls (the third Falls, on the Canadian side). The force of the water is amazing. Throughout, there will be restaurants, cafes and snacks, usually open during warmer weather.
5. Don't discount the USA side. The Canadian side gets a lot of attention (because of Clifton Hill, a Las Vegas like street with attractions) and because you can see the Niagara Falls in winter from another perspective, notably the view from across the border. In fact, many people skip the American side and go straight to Canada. The USA side has been built up and improved and now can compete with our Canadian friends, especially if you are traveling with kids. The USA side also has many attractions and hotels: a major convention center (up Old Falls Street), a casino, the usual gift shops and shopping, museums, wax exhibits, an aquarium, a hiking trail, another major park, Hyde Park and other attractions. Hyde Park is a great place to go, especially for outdoorsy people. Also consider this, if you're American: staying in a hotel on the USA side will save you the hassle of currency conversion, and you can always walk or drive over to see the falls from Canada.
So, whether you visit in the USA or Canada, in warm weather or cold, Niagara Falls are sure to impress everyone. Take a chance in the winter, see the icicles falling from the waterfalls, dress warmly and take lots of photos and videos.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
All photos and videos created and copyrighted by Marcia Crayton, unless otherwise noted.
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