When it comes to experiencing a true winter wonderland in southern Ontario, nothing beats the beauty of the thundering roar of Niagara Falls. As the weather turns colder, the Falls takes on a new look, as its cascading waters form shimmering ice crystals in the air and its mist and falling waters coat the rocks in the Niagara Gorge, creating natural ice sculptures.
Winter not only offers you a chance to experience this world-wonder’s natural beauty, but also to explore four of Niagara Parks’ year-round attractions that will entertain, amaze and make all your friends and family smile during a visit. With a , you can see it all while also saving money. Here is why Niagara Parks should be on your must-experience list this winter.
Journey Behind the Falls
Hear the thunderous roar of the majestic Canadian Horseshoe Falls as you descend 125 feet into 130-year-old tunnels at Journey Behind the Falls.
ContributedDiscover the heart of this natural wonder by descending 38 metres to explore the 130-year-old tunnels that take you on . This unique experience not only allows you to feel the vibrations of the rushing falls but also watch the cascading water crashing in front of you by viewing it through portals cut through the rock face behind the Horseshoe Falls.
Head down the tunnels to the observation area at the base of the Falls in the Niagara Gorge for unique views of the cataracts, before learning about the unique history of this attraction — it dates back to 1832 when the first staircase was constructed into the Niagara Gorge for visitors — through all-new exhibits. They chronicle the story of the Falls from its birth to the first Indigenous inhabitants and the rise of Niagara Falls as a global destination.
Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel
This offers visitors an opportunity to be part of the thrilling story of how the Falls was harnessed to create hydroelectric power. For more than 100 years, this station — the first major power plant on the Canadian side of the Niagara River — helped electrify parts of Ontario, a history you can learn about through the interactive experiences and storytelling exhibits it now houses.
Along with learning about its fascinating past, you can also travel down nearly 55 metres in a glass-paneled elevator below the power plant to follow 670 metres of tunnel to the base of the Niagara Gorge, where an observation deck provides unique views of the Falls. On select nights through the winter, visit after dark for an unforgettable evening. The experience shines an entirely different light on the Niagara Parks Power Station with an interactive sound and light show and an exclusive view of the illuminated Falls from the river’s edge.Â
Butterfly Conservatory
Explore a tropical oasis and watch as over 2,000 brightly coloured butterflies flutter around you at the Butterfly Conservatory.
ContributedTake a break from the winter weather by visiting the Niagara Parks . Built in 1996, the 3,352 square metre facility is the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America and is home to more than 2,000 vibrantly coloured butterflies fluttering freely throughout.
Wander along the 180 metres of meandering paths surrounded by tropical plants and feeding trays that attract the graceful creatures — giving you a close-up view of them. The facility also houses opportunities to learn more about the delicate beauty and fascinating lifecycles of butterflies, video theatres and interactive displays.
Floral Showhouse
Located a short walk from Horseshoe Falls, this features three main display houses, a stunning tropical foyer and seasonal shows you’ll want to visit again and again. The North and Centre houses are home to several unique floral exhibits of flowers and plants — as many as 20,000 plants are grown annually — throughout the year. While inside the South House you’ll discover stunning tropical plants — including palms, succulents and orchids. Be sure to catch the stunning , currently on display through to March 2, 2025.
Save with a Niagara Falls Wonder Pass
The best way to enjoy a family-friendly, accessible, all-seasons getaway this winter is with a . The pass gives you access to Journey Behind the Falls, the Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel — either day or night — the Butterfly Conservatory and Floral Showhouse.
Now on sale, the is valid until April 18, 2025, and costs $49 per adult and $32 per child. Along with one-time admission to the four attractions, it also includes two consecutive days of hop-on, hop-off access to both the WEGO bus system and the Niagara Falls Incline Railway.Â
Be sure to also purchase your . Valued at $50 and available exclusively to Ontario residents, each purchase activates up to two vehicles in the same household and is valid through to the end of the year, so you can come back and enjoy Niagara Parks attractions throughout the year.
And, to commemorate your Niagara Parks adventure, make sure to pick up a Niagara Parks passport, a complimentary keepsake with your , that you can get stamped at Niagara Parks attractions. To learn more about the Niagara Falls Wonder Pass and all the deals this winter, visit .
