The NYC Traveler in Canada: Niagara Falls in Winter
- Nov 9
- 5 min read
Niagara, the Falls and Me (in winter): Part 2
For people who become snowbirds, traveling to Canada to see a partially frozen waterfall seems like a crazy idea! After all, a snowbird in travel lingo is one who leaves the colder weather for warmer climates for a long period of time, like the entire winter season or even 6 months. Those same people often like mild weather, not extremely hot weather, so they will travel back to the same place they left for the summer months, enjoying the tolerable temperatures during the summer months.
But, some adventurous and ambitious trekkers will often go to Canada and its sibling in the United States during their winter months to see one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. For one thing, Niagara Falls, on either side of the border, does enjoy the four seasons. Beautiful flowers in spring, lush vegetation in summer, brilliant colors in autumn and yes, fantastic freezing cold waters in winter. To be honest, the falls never completely freeze mid tumble, but that's the beauty. To see a waterfall with just some of it frozen and a trickle of water still flowing seems to defy everything you have been taught in science class.
1. Be ready for the cold. As one might expect, winter in Niagara Falls in winter (either side) is (very) cold and there seems to be precipitation every day. But the view was breathtaking and worth the trip. There were cars with both American and Canadian license plates stopping to get out and take pictures like they were tourists. They might have been. Just as I traveled within my home state to see the falls as a tourist, to be fair, the Canadian autos I saw may have traveled from other provinces, having heard about how beautiful the falls can be in winter. And everyone was dressed warmly, ready to brave the biting wind. Protect not only your hands and feet, but your face. See our article about our winter blogging gear for The NYC Traveler Tips For Your Winter Trips.
2. Be ready to cross the border, from either side. If you are a United States resident, you might start from New York, taking the Rainbow Bridge. There will be a cash toll and you will show official RealID. Everyone will need a passport (or passport card), RealID or enhanced driver's license. You may have to use the ArriveCan app. Have that completed before you reach the border and download what you may need to show the agent.
If you are a resident of Canada and you are going to the USA, make sure you know what is required.
Once across the border, just follow the signs towards the Falls. If you walked, that's pretty easy, you'll see and hear the waterfalls. However, if you drove, there will be plenty of parking garages. Don't even try your luck on the streets. Besides, you'll be constantly looking at your watch trying to make sure that you have enough time left on the parking meter/app. It's better to suck it up, park in a garage and take you time and enjoy the area.
Toward the end of the Horseshoe Falls, there is a parking lot and you can stroll along the sidewalk of the Falls. At the opposite end, near Clifton Hill, there are parking lots and garages near the casinos and other attractions. Savvy Travel Tip for Your Trip: Be careful about parking on the street!!!
3. Be prepared for limited attractions. In winter, the boat tours of the waterfalls are closed. In fact, there are signs everywhere near the Falls themselves that even the sidewalks are not maintained during winter and you are on your own. The water spray carried by the wind and consistent rain and snow make walking treacherous, so dress accordingy!! Some of the attractions along Clifton Hill may be open. Enjoy the frozen falls and then warm up at one of the dining options in the area.
Near Queen Victoria Park is the Skylon Tower, an observation tower to see Niagara Falls in winter from on high. Along with the ferris wheel on Clifton Hill, and a few other buildings, this makes up the skyline of Niagara Falls, Ontario.
4. Why people think this is the nice side: Clifton Hill is full of inexpensive family places to eat, lodgings that escalate in price during warmer weather and every wax museum known to man. There are arcades, souvenir shops, the Guinness Book of World Records and all sorts of interesting variations on theme parks such as MGM Studios Plaza and an upside down house museum (seriously). After seeing the Falls and the Whirlpool, you may need something else to do. All of these attractions take money and if you plan to stay a week (which I would not recommend), you need activities and a good amount of cash. The so-called "nice" area is very small and it is clear that all tourist attractions there exist simply because of the Falls. The main attraction though, will be the Niagara Falls in winter, which is an attraction in itself.
For those who brave the winter elements to see Niagara Falls in winter, but you still want to enjoy a pool, you can enjoy the indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge, a drive straight up Victoria Avenue (Clifton intersects with Victoria). Other than that, look for hotels with indoor pools. Don't forget the fireworks schedule and even if it is winter, go see the Falls lit up at night.
5. What do you do in nicer weather? In tourist season, the Maid of the Mist boat takes you through the gorge and right up to Horseshoe is worth the money. You can take it from the USA or Canada side. Other Falls attractions can be found on the Niagara Parks website, such as Journey Behind the Falls (open in winter), Niagara's Fury (closed for part of January) and, something new to compete with the Maid of the Mist, Hornblower Niagara Cruises, where you sail aboard a catamaran.
Another interesting nature-based attraction is the Whirlpool Aero Car, also part of the Niagara Parks attractions. Located along River Road/Niagara Parkway, not too far off Victoria Avenue, it's about a 10 minute drive from the Falls. The Aero Car will take you over the Whirlpool during tourist season. If you are driving, check in advance about parking permit tickets that are available there or part of a package sold by Niagara Parks.
So there you have it, what to do in Niagara Falls in winter! Enjoy.
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