Another Summer has come and gone and the cold weather will soon be ascending upon Canada. Any Canadian will tell you that Canada becomes a Winter paradise during the months of November through to the end of March, and often into April. This is the perfect time of year to explore Niagara Falls, the Winter wonderland of Ontario.
Visiting Niagara Falls, Canada During the Winter
Are you able to tolerate the freezing cold that winter brings? Do you revel in the magic of a winter paradise? If the answer to one or both questions is “yes”, then hop in your car and head to the Canadian border city of Niagara Falls. Whether you go for a quick getaway for the day, or spend the weekend, Niagara Falls has just as much, if not more, to offer in the Winter months than it does in the Summer months.
Benefits of Visiting Niagara Falls in the Winter
There are many benefits to visiting Niagara Falls in the winter. The primary benefit is that there aren’t near as many people. There is no standing in line waiting to get into a restaurant. People aren’t bumping into you at every turn. Did I mention there are no crowds? Parking is easy to find and bonus…..it’s cheaper than in the summer, at a mere $13.00 per day. It truly is a winter paradise!
Restaurants
If you are a true Canadian, you will hit the Tim Horton’s as soon as you park your car. It is conveniently located right at the entrance to Clifton Hill, which is where all the museums and tourist attractions are located.
There is no shortage of restaurants in Niagara Falls. From McDonald’s to Boston Pizza to the Keg, there is something for everyone, no matter what the time of day or night. If you are visiting with children, I recommend the Rain Forest Café, which is located at the bottom of Clifton Hill. Every 20 to 30, animated animals in the ‘jungle-like” atmosphere come alive. If you like thunder storms, then this is also the place to be. It is a little bit on the pricier side, but your children, both big and small, will be entertained throughout their meal.
Attractions
Farris Wheel
I was super surprised to see that many of the attractions that are open in the summer are also open in the winter. The Farris wheel was still going ‘round and ‘round, despite the fact that it was -20 degrees Celsius (brrrrr). This is a must do if you want to get an aerial view of the Falls during the Winter, and it’s even more spectacular once night falls.
Mini Golf
Unfortunately, the amazing outdoor mini golf closes for the season, but for the golf enthusiast, the laser golf is open and is well used. During the Summer months, you will have a choice between the outdoor mini golf based on a dinosaur theme and the indoor laser golf.
Museums
There are an unlimited number of museums, haunted houses, arcades, and children’s playgrounds to pop into if you find you are needing a break from the frigid outdoors. The majority of these museums can all be found on Clifton Hill, or very close by, and start at the low price of $9.95.
For those who wish to venture off of Clifton Hill, I recommend grabbing a coffee or hot chocolate from Starbuck’s, located around the corner at the bottom of Clifton Hill. Trust me when I say that you will need either a coffee or hot chocolate as you stroll along-side the Falls.
The Canadian and American Falls
Both the Canadian and the American Falls are spectacular no matter what time of the year, but they are magical in the shimmering light (ice) of the winter. There is just something about the frozen trees and water that makes you feel like you are immersed in a fairy tale.
After a leisurely 10 minute walk along the Falls, you will come to a gift shop and another Tim Horton’s. The perfect place to make a quick pit-stop to warm up and refuel. Washrooms are also available at this location, if you need to make a pit stop.
Journey Under the Falls
From here, you will have the option of taking a Journey Under the Falls or rocketing to the top of the Skylon Tower for a panoramic view of Niagara Falls. I chose to Journey Under the Falls, as this was my primary purpose of visiting in the winter. I had never journeyed behind the Falls in the Winter before, and it did not disappoint. Was it cold? Absolutely! But believe me when I tell you that it was well worth it!
Make sure you have layered up and are dressed warm. You will get cold….and wet!
Check out what you’ll need to visit Canada during the Winter
I was pleasantly surprised to find that the rates were reduced in the winter (one of the benefits of visiting during the off-season). The cost of this adventure throughout the winter months from Mid-December to Mid April is $11.50 for adults and $7.50 for children, plus applicable taxes. That is quite a savings!
Skylon Tower
If you opt to skyrocket up the Skylon Tower, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area, for up to 80 km. on a clear day. All for the price of $14.00, plus applicable taxes. You can also choose to stay longer and visit the revolving dining room while you are there. Reservations are recommended and can be made here.
Fudge Factory
No trip to Niagara Falls is complete without stopping into the Fudge Factory! If you have a sweet tooth, then this is the place you have to be! It is conveniently located on Clifton Hill and placed exactly where you have to walk by in order to get to the parking area.
Butterfly Conservatory
Just a short drive out of Niagara Falls towards Niagara-on-the-Lake, you will find the Butterfly Conservatory. One of the most tranquil settings I have experienced, hosting more than 2,000 butterflies. This is the perfect place to spend an hour or two during your Winter visit to Niagara Falls.
So there you have it. If you are luckywith enough to get an early start to your day, you will be able to experience all of the above. However, if this is your first time visiting Niagara Falls, or if you truly want to experience all that it has to offer at a more leisurely pace, then I recommend spending the night and taking two days to explore.
Accomodations
Marriott Fallsview
The Marriott Fallsview is by far my favorite hotel in Niagara Falls. It is away from Clifton Hill and the hustle and bustle of the tourist activities, but it is still close enough to be able to walk down to the Falls. In fact, you have the option of getting a room that looks directly onto the Falls, which I highly recommend. This hotel is also a short walking distance to the new casino, if you are a gambler.
Travelling with Children
If you are travelling with your children, Niagara Falls offers three hotels with water parks, which will continue to keep your children entertained until they can no longer keep their eyes open:
I have outlined just a few of the highlights and activities that Niagara Falls has to offer during the Winter. Visit Niagara Falls Tourism to plan your full trip and to obtain packages for attractions and/or accommodations to this winter paradise.
If you are visiting with no children, take a short scenic 15 minute drive along the lake to Niagara-on-the-Lake and do a little wine tasting.
If you do nothing else when visiting Niagara during the Winter, make sure to take a journey behind the falls. It really is a magical Winter Wonderland worth seeing.
SAFE TRAVELS 🙂
Kelly xoxo
PIN TO VISIT LATER!
JUST ONE PASSPORT 
lovetravelwilleat
I would have never thought of visiting in the winter but I love how the ice forms around the falls. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLike
Just One Passport
When I went, I was hoping everything was frozen and it didn’t disappoint. It was magical.
LikeLike
RVLighthouse
Thank you so much for including travel tips and advice for children! We have wanted to go to the magnificent Niagara Falls for so long but dreaded the crowds. Now we feel we could actually go with the whole family! The landscape is even more intriguing, the falls look as if they can crash any time. You say it was very cold, and we are having a very cold winter right now – would you share temperatures from when you were there? Oh, and I’d sooo love to see the butterflies and dream of spring!
LikeLike
Just One Passport
Tonnes to do for kids all year round. When I was there a couple weeks ago it was -10 not bad if you were dressed in layers
LikeLiked by 1 person
Freya
Wow these icicles look magical! Especially on the journey under the falls. I never considered visiting Niagara in the winter, but now I am. Thanks for the idea!
LikeLike
Just One Passport
It was my 1st time under the falls in the winter and it was even more magnificent than in the summer
LikeLike
Terri
Gorgeous! My husband and I visited the falls on our honeymoon, but that was in May. It looks magical in the wintertime! We need to plan another visit! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLike
Just One Passport
This was my 1st time going under the falls in winter and it was even more beautiful. I was hoping things would be frozen and they were
LikeLike
Carol Kubicki
What an amazing trip. You certainly do make Niagra Falls look like a fairy tale setting, I’ve never been but I have had an impression that it is a hectic place to visit. A winter trip sounds like a good option for those of us who hate crowds!
LikeLike
Just One Passport
It definitely is! I’m like you, I hate crowds and avoid it during the summer months if at all possible.
LikeLike
arv!
The fall looks amazing when frozen. I suppose the tourist traffic must be minimal in winters.
LikeLike
Just One Passport
It was still busy but nothing like in the summer
LikeLiked by 1 person
arv!
Ok
LikeLike
jordinjordinsjourneyscom
I went during the summer ages ago, I would love to return for the winter and snap some of these gorgeous photographs. Less crowds are always a plus!
LikeLike
Just One Passport
I much preferred it in the winter. It was so beautiful all covered in ice
LikeLike
Kristi
I’ve been to Niagra Falls but never in the winter. How beautiful!
LikeLike
Just One Passport
You have to go. It’s much more beautiful covered in ice
LikeLike
Jayashree Senguptaayashree
Indeed winter looks heaven there. Always came across the watery beauty but never knew about the “Journey Behind the falls” which is sure a must visit to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just One Passport
You must do it if you get the chance. It’s fantastic!
LikeLike
Alan @ MorePassportStamps.com
I miss Niagara, I think I’ll have to go back soon! PS I’m not Canadian, but LOVE Tim Hortons!!
LikeLike
Just One Passport
That’s awesome! If you love Tim Hortons, you are a Canadian by default lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
BlackSheep
You forgot to mention the Tourist Tax (money grab) in that gets charged by default everywhere you go in Niagara Falls.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Niagara Region: A Wine Lover’s Dream
Rudy @ Backpack & Snorkel
And if you are lucky, then you can see the frozen falls.
Sadly, the Maid of the Mist does not run in winter as it would be too dangerous, but I am amazed by the icicles at the under/behind the falls tour.
LikeLike
Backpack & Snorkel
And if you are lucky, then you can see the frozen falls.
Sadly, the Maid of the Mist does not run in winter as it would be too dangerous, but I am amazed by the icicles at the under/behind the falls tour.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just One Passport
I love the Falls in the winter! It is so magical
LikeLike
Lisa
t’s been years since I visited the falls (US or Canada side!). Reading your post brought back some great memories, and has encouraged me to visit during winter the next time I return. I completely forgot about all the attractions too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just One Passport
I live fairly close so I go a few times a year
LikeLike
gofargrowclose
I would have never have thought to go to Niagara Falls in the winter but it looks beautiful. I love all the fun activities that you can do too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just One Passport
It’s gorgeous in the winter….but cold lol
LikeLike
Michelle
I haven’t been to Niagara, but I want to. You have done a great job of convincing me to visit in the winter except for one thing…I hate the cold. LOL! For that reason alone I think I will have to wait for summer. Great post though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just One Passport
It really is cold in the winter
LikeLike
By Land and Sea
I’ve visited Niagara in both the summer and fall, but not the winter. I had no idea all these attractions and restaurants were still in business at that time of year. It seems like Niagara would be almost magical and a totally different landscape all frosty and covered in snow!
LikeLike
vidadeliya
Wow! Niagara Falls looks stunning
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just One Passport
It is particularly stunning in the Winter!
LikeLike
kavitafavelle
I’ve visited in Autumn but would love to also visit in winter. Not only are the crowds gone, how amazing to see all the ice formations! And be able to enjoy all the attractions without queuing!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just One Passport
It really is a lot better but dress warm lol
LikeLike
Neha
I would have never thought of visiting Niagara Falls in winter, but I see your point about a lack of crowds! The frozen landscapes and icicles do look really beautiful, but I may not survive the cold lol. Good idea for those who don’t mind a little cold weather though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just One Passport
You just have to make sure to bundle up lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Razena
I haven’t been on a Ferris wheel since I was a child and seeing the white Niagra falls wonderland below sounds awesome. It looks like an amazing photo opportunity too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just One Passport
It’s a great photo opportunity. Dress warm if doing in the winter though lol
LikeLike
Pingback: Explore Cheltenham Badlands: A Geological Gem – JUST ONE PASSPORT
Pingback: Explore Ontarios Activities and Adventures – JUST ONE PASSPORT
Kelly
I can’t believe I have never been to Niagara Falls before! I think its something everyone needs to say they’ve seen. Had no clue it was so beautiful in the winter too! Looks like a winter wonderland and I love that 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just One Passport
I much prefer it in the winter. Its magical. Everyone should see it in the winter.
LikeLike
Pingback: Explore Road Trips Ontario – Owen Sound, Ontario – JUST ONE PASSPORT
Pingback: 13 Ways to Get Into the Christmas Spirit – JUST ONE PASSPORT
Pingback: A Complete Guide to Visiting Canada in the Winter – JUST ONE PASSPORT
Pingback: Cruise the Coast, the Perfect Ontario Road Trip – JUST ONE PASSPORT
Pingback: Pillar and Post, A Vintage Inn – JUST ONE PASSPORT
Pingback: Magical Ontario Towns To Visit This Winter – JUST ONE PASSPORT
Pingback: 24 Hours in Historic Niagara-on-the-Lake – JUST ONE PASSPORT
Pingback: High Tea in Historical Niagara on the Lake – JUST ONE PASSPORT