Visiting Niagara Falls Canada in Winter is a fantastic way to spend a day trip or a getaway. There are so many Fun Things to do in Niagara Falls Canada in Winter. Whether you are looking to enjoy a festival, or check out local attractions, you are sure to find something you will love.
Tourists love to visit Canadian Landmarks like Niagara Falls to see how massive and beautiful it truly is in person especially in the winter. Seeing a frozen waterfall covered in snow is something you can only find in Niagara Falls in the winter as the Canadian Falls are one of the largest waterfalls in North America. There are lots of things to do in Niagara Falls in the winter with kids and the whole family.
The winter season provides many unique things to do in Niagara Falls Ontario. No matter what you choose, you are sure to enjoy your getaway. In fact, winter may arguably be the best time to visit the Niagara region.
Niagara Falls in Winter -What to Expect
Niagara in the Winter is beautiful however it can be super cold so you need to be prepared and wear winter clothing (e.g. jackets, mittens, hat). Winter weather in Niagara sees temperatures of a low of -10 to a high of around 5C in the winter months. Enjoy the most beautiful time of the year!
Reasons to Visit Niagara Falls
Visiting Niagara Falls in the Winter has some cons as you miss out on seeing the beautiful flowers along the Niagara Parkway and many tourist attractions are closed in the winter. However, in the winter Niagara Falls is much quieter as it is the off season.
Less Guests and Crowds: During the winter months, Niagara Falls sees less tourists as the summer months are the peak tourist season for attractions. Niagara Falls is one of the busiest attractions in Ontario as every year, approximately 12 million tourists visit the area. In the winter months, attractions that are open have no lines, parking is breeze and the pathways are not crowded making it easier to move around.
Beware that many attractions are closed or limited hours so you want to check individual attraction hours ahead of time and plan accordingly. There are still lots of attractions in Niagara Falls for kids so families to enjoy including Great Wolf Lodge.
Save money with Cheaper Hotel Rates
Since hotels know it is the off season and less of a demand to visit you can find some great deals at affordable prices for hotel stays. Many hotel offer reduced hotel prices plus packages including restaurant and attraction deals.
Waterpark hotels in Niagara Falls such as Americana, Great Wolf Lodge and Fallsview tend to still be busy in the winter months as everyone enjoys indoor waterplay.
See Niagara Falls while its partially Frozen
As Niagara Falls is always moving it never freezes entirely but it does make a picturesque winter wonderland scene that creates beautiful pictures. Buildups of ice create an illusion that the fall is frozen, mist lands on the trees and creates frozen icicles that create a beautiful winter backdrop.
Niagara Falls is light up all year long, and with the light reflecting of the ice, the show is totally different than in the summer.
Niagara Falls Canada in Winter Activities
Click through the links to scroll to some Niagara Falls Winter Activities to enjoy as a couple, family or individual as there are so many fun things to do in Niagara Falls in the winter. It is the perfect destination for a daytrip, couples getaway, weekend getaway with friends.
- Clifton Hill
- Skylon Tower
- Niagara Parks
- Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
- Fireworks
- Bird Kingdom
- Butterfly Conservatory
- Niagara SkyWheel
- Waterparks
- Outdoor Skating
- Hershey’s Chocolate Factory
- Ziplines
- Niagara’s Fury
- Floral Showhouse
- Nature Photography
Niagara Falls Winter Activities
There are so many fun and unique winter activities that take place in Niagara Falls in the winter. Winter at Niagara falls is a great season, especially when you take into account all the great things to do.
Clifton Hill
Niagara Falls, ON – Clifton Hill is a great place to visit when in Niagara Falls Canada in Winter. If you are looking for Niagara Falls winter activities, a visit to Clifton Hill is certainly in order.
Located one block along the Niagara River to Horseshoe Falls, Clifton Hill is a notable street to visit no matter what the time of year.
Here you will find a wide variety of attractions like the Niagara Skywheel and more. There are several restaurants located along the street and numerous events that take place.
Skylon Tower
5200 Robinson St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 2A2 – The gorgeous Skylon Tower is one of the most unique things to do in Niagara Falls. If you are visiting Niagara Falls Canada in Winter, you won’t want to miss this experience.
Take a ride to the top and view the gorgeous falls from the indoor/outdoor observation deck. You can also make reservations at their Revolving Dining Room Restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal. Whether you choose to dine or just enjoy beautiful views at this observation tower, you are sure to enjoy your experience.
Niagara Parks
Visiting Niagara Parks is a great activity to participate in during Winter at Niagara Falls. From several fun nature activities, golf, heritage, and more. You are sure to find something amazing to participate in.
The Power Station is an exciting part of Niagara Parks. Here you can uncover amazing stories, explore a 2,200-foot-long tunnel, and learn more about the first major power plant located on the Niagara River’s Canadian side.
Whether you choose to visit the power station, try a whirlpool Aero Car, go on a white water walk, visit the botanical gardens, journey behind the falls, and more, spending winter at Niagara Falls is a great experience.
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights
6815 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3Y9 – The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is presented by Niagara Falls Tourism. This is one of the not to be missed Niagara Falls activities in winter.
Every winter, the Festival of lights provides gorgeous displays, millions of twinkling lights, and interactive experiences. This is truly an event for all ages and has a lot of entertainment and family-friendly displays.
There are more than 50 different displays, several trees wrapped up in gorgeous lights, and more. Check out the two-story tall Zimmerman Fountain, Canadian Wildlife displays, a Gingerbread House, Castle, the 60ft light tunnel, and more.
Returning for its 40th year, the Niagara Winter Festival of lights has been extended and is running from Nov 12-Feb 20th offering guests 101 nights to visit the spectacular light show. This is Canada’s largest light show with millions of lights and displays all at NO COST!
“Sparkling Winter Lights has been produced for Niagara Falls Tourism by the Niagara Falls Illumination Board. The display features the subtle and sometimes harsh movements inspired by winter in the north. From gentle snowfalls to the aurora borealis gliding over snowy tundra, to blizzards and the frosted falls; winter’s spectacle is exciting and magical.” (Niagara Festival of Lights)
This event takes place from mid-November until Family day and offers several wonderful things to do in Niagara Falls in the Winter. If you are visiting Niagara Falls in December, you aren’t going to want to miss this.
Fireworks
The winter festival of lights also provides some beautiful fireworks displays over the duration of the festival. This may be one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls in January. Fireworks take place on the weekends, the holidays, and during the New Year.
There are several places where you can get a great view of the fireworks from. Check out the Skylon Tower, and the Niagara Falls SkyWheel, or book a hotel room with a spectacular view of the falls.
No matter where you choose to check out the displays, you are sure to be impressed.
Bird Kingdom
5651 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7M7 – Bird Kingdom is one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls in the Winter. If you are visiting Niagara Falls in the winter with your family and are looking for things to do, this is a great place to visit.
This place is three floors of excitement and fun. Here you can get up close and personal with bats, reptiles, birds, turtles, and more. Check out the wide variety of rock walls, waterfalls, and foliage as birds soar above.
A visit to the Bird Kingdom is one of the best Niagara Falls Winter activities.
Butterfly Conservatory
2565 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0 – The Butterfly Conservatory is a great place to visit during the winter in Niagara Falls.
This is a great place to escape the cold winter weather and catch a glimpse of summer life. This may be one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls in Winter. Here you can experience thousands of brightly coloured butterflies flying above you as you stroll around.
Learn more about butterflies and their life cycles and more at this gorgeous butterfly conservatory.
Niagara SkyWheel
4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4 – Niagara SkyWheel offers some of the best views of the falls. If you want to experience one of the top things to do in Niagara falls, this may be it. These climate-controlled gondolas are great when spending winter at Niagara Falls. Not only are they warm and inviting, but they are an exciting experience altogether.
The Niagara SkyWheel is one of Canada’s largest observation wheels. It provides amazing views of the American Falls and Horseshoe falls as well as Niagara Parks, the Niagara River and several other landmarks. If you want a great view of the famous falls, this is a great way to get it.
Stay warm and cozy in the fully enclosed gondolas. They are heated in the winter, to ensure that you are comfortable while you take in the amazing views.
Waterparks
There are several great waterparks to choose from in Niagara Falls. If you are looking for things to do in Niagara Falls in the winter, this is a great choice.
Check out one of the great waterparks, and enjoy a day playing in the water.
Great Wolf Lodge
3950 Victoria Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7M8 – Great Wolf Lodge is a great place to visit with the entire family. This is one of the best indoor waterparks Canada has to offer. We have visited Great Wolf Lodge ourselves a few times, so check out Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls: Tips and Tricks to learn more.
Waves Indoor Waterpark
8444 Lundy’s Ln, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1H4 – Waves Indoor Waterpark is one of the best Niagara Falls winter activities to enjoy. There are so many different areas to enjoy. With over 25,000 square feet of fun, you aren’t going to want to miss a trip here.
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
5685 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6W7 – Fallsview Indoor Waterpark provides 3 acres of waterpark fun for the entire family. If you are looking for Niagara Falls winter activities, this is a great option. There are several waterslides, a large wave pool, hot springs and more. Your kids are sure to love this place.
Outdoor Skating
There are several outdoor skating rinks in Niagara Falls. Going skating is a great winter activity in Niagara Falls to participate in with the entire family. Offering many natural outdoor ice rinks, at several different locations throughout the city, Niagara Falls is a great place to lace up your skates and hit the ice.
Check out Niagara Falls’ Outdoor Rinks for schedules and more information.
The following outdoor rinks will be operating this coming winter when the weather permits:
- John N Allan Park 6980 Kalar Road
- Maple Street Park 5100 Maple Street
- Mount Carmel Park 7806 Mt Carmel Blvd
- Preakness Park 7857 Preakness Street
- Fernwood Park 9260 Hendershot Blvd
Hershey’s Chocolate Store
Enjoy a warm cup of cocoa or a sweet treat from the world famous Hershey Store that features chocolate dipped strawberries, fudge brownies, or a Hershey chocolate milkshake.
Stop and take a picture with the Hershey Kisses character statue outside the front door. This is definitely the sweetest store in the City and a must stop location when visiting Niagara Falls in the winter.
Ziplines
5920 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8 – Wildplay Niagara Falls has a great zipline to the falls. Soar over the falls this winter and enjoy the spectacular views of the American side of the falls as well as the Canadian falls from as high as 220 feet.
This experience is a fully guided one, making sure that you are safe. You can bring your children 7 and older along with you, and take in the gorgeous scenery together.
Niagara’s Fury
6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 0L0 – Niagara’s Fury is a great way to spend winter at Niagara Falls. Experience an exciting simulation of the last ice age with this 4D motion theatre.
Here you can discover the ancient story of Niagara Falls, with an exciting experience. Snow and mist will fall, the temperature will drop, the floor will tremble and more. The visuals that accompany this experience make it breathtaking and memorable.
Floral Showhouse
7145 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X8 – The Floral Showhouse is located across from the Ontario Power Generating Plant. This beautiful oasis is one of the most beautiful highlights of the Niagara Falls Light Show. The building itself will be covered in gorgeous lights, and the inside is just as breathtaking.
Head inside to escape the cold weather and see all the beauty this showhouse has to offer. Check out the two-story waterfall. It will be encompassed by a gorgeous selection of exotic plants. There is also a train that runs outside that the kids will love.
Whether you are looking for outdoor activities, a unique experience, Niagara Falls attractions, or more during the winter months. Niagara Falls is the perfect place to enjoy a great winter experience in North America.
Nature Photography
Niagara Falls in the winter is the perfect backdrop to explore photography as the winter ice, snow and waterfalls create beautiful pictures. Winter scenes along the Niagara River will take your breathe away and transport you to the real life world of “Frozen”.
If you are looking for the best way to enjoy a beautiful natural wonder, a visit to Niagara Falls in the winter is ideal.
