I’ve been to Niagara Falls in every season. And while I think summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit the falls, there are reasons to come in the winter as well.
So here is your guide with everything you need to know to plan a visit to Niagara Falls in winter!
What’s in this Article:
- When to Visit
- Off-Season Perks
- What’s Open in Winter
- US vs. Canada
- Indoor Things to Do
- Nearby Things to Do
- Where to Stay
When to Visit Niagara Falls in the Winter
“Winter” in Niagara Falls covers about November-March. This is the time of year when the weather is colder, snow is possible, and there’s absolutely no chance of riding the Maid of the Mist.
The best time of year to come for winter vibes is in December, for the Festival of Lights. There are so many magical holiday things to do near Niagara Falls, including actual Hallmark Christmas movie filming locations!
During the Festival of Lights, there will be fireworks, light displays, fun events, lots of crowds, and more things will be open. Just make sure to dress warm!
January-March (and even into April) is going to be bleaker. We’re talking gray skies, cold weather, and no more Christmas vibes. But, there’s also way less crowds, and cheaper travel all around, so don’t be afraid to visit then. Just be prepared that you’re not experiencing western NY at her best.
Weather in Niagara Falls in Winter
The weather is cold! The amount of snow depends on the year, but Buffalo, NY is known for its snow! There is a good chance of at least some snow whenever you visit in the winter.
Typically, the skies are gray and cloudy (like during the 2024 solar eclipse!).
Be sure to wear warm boots, hats, gloves and lots of layers. These are my favorite winter boots and hat that I always wear.
Do the falls freeze over?
There are actually three separate waterfalls at Niagara Falls: The Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls.
In a typical winter, the falls are so big, they do not freeze over. However, sometimes when it gets exceptionally cold (remember that year Frozen came out??), the Bridal Veil and American Falls will freeze. The photos of the frozen falls in this article are the American Falls in 2014 (one of the worst winters ever!!).
Usually, the Horseshoe Falls do not freeze.
Perks of Visiting Niagara Falls in Off-Season
Other than Hallmark Christmas vibes, the question remains, why visit Niagara Falls in winter?
Here are some perks to expect for coming during the off-season:
- Waaaaaaaaaaay less crowds
- Free access to the Maid of the Mist Observation Tower
- (This is the best viewpoint on the US side. You can only access it with a ticket for the Maid of the Mist during the summer season)
- Closer/cheaper parking
- Parking at the US state park is now collected year-round, but you won’t have any trouble finding a spot!
- With the exception of the Festival of Lights, you can easily find free/cheap parking on the Canadian side.
- Cheaper hotel accommodations and other attractions
- You can sometimes see magical snow covered falls!
Of course, there are also downsides to visiting during the off-season, like not everything being open. So let’s go over what’s open at Niagara Falls in winter.
What’s Open in Winter in Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls Attractions:
- Cave of the Winds
- Cave of the Winds is open all year long on the US side of the falls.
- This attraction takes you down a series of stairs that go in front of the Bridalveil Falls.
- You can purchase tickets in person.
- Make sure to wear appropriate footwear.
- Journey Behind the Falls
- Journey Behind the Falls is open year-round on the Canadian side.
- This attraction takes you next to the Horseshoe Falls.
- There are two observation decks; the closer one may be closed due to icy conditions.
- You can purchase tickets online or in person.
- Be sure to wear appropriate footwear.
The Maid of the Mist boat ride (and the Hornblower on the Canadian side) is not open between November-April.
Niagara Falls Viewpoints
- Maid of the Mist Observation Tower
- The best views on the US side come from the Maid of the Mist Observation Tower.
- This tower can only be accessed with a Maid of the Mist ticket while the boat is running.
- In the winter, it is free to access the Observation Tower.
- Prospect Point
- This spot on the US side is right next to the American Falls.
- The viewpoint is open year-round.
- Table Rock
- On the Canadian side of the falls, you will find the best views at the Table Rock Welcome Centre.
- The Welcome Center itself is usually closed in the winter, although it is open through the holiday season.
- After the holidays, you can park here for free and enjoy the view.
Terrapin Point can close during the winter. This is the view of the Horseshoe Falls from the US side. If it is icy, the observation deck will be blocked off.
US vs. Canadian Side in Winter
The last time I visited Niagara Falls in January, I made the mistake of walking around the US side first, and getting cold and grumpy, before walking across the bridge to Canada. At this point, my husband was worn out, and decided to wait for me in the warm car.
But the Canadian side was so much more alive in the winter than the US side!
US Side of Niagara Falls in Winter
The US side of Niagara Falls is a state park. Think (for the most part) nature trails and viewpoints (some of which are closed in the winter). I thought we could park by the main entrance and then walk around. But in winter, you should drive around instead of walking. You can park in parking lot 1 (by the Maid of the Mist Observation Tower), and then drive over to parking lot 2 (by the Cave of the Winds).
Trust me, you’ll be much happier (and warmer) if you drive between viewpoints. Especially because some of the viewpoints might be closed!
Canadian Side of Niagara Falls in Winter
If the US side of Niagara Falls feels desolate and empty during the winter, the Canadian side feels warm and welcoming! I crossed the Rainbow Bridge and was immediately greeted by the smell of freshly baked waffle cones, and open doors to heated stores bearing warm Canadian sweaters.
There were people everywhere, plenty of places to warm up inside, and 1 (or 2) Tim Hortons selling hot chocolate. While in the summer, the Canadian side of Niagara Falls can feel garish and touristy, in the winter it is a welcome haven of humanity!
If you are visiting Niagara Falls in winter, I would highly recommend to visit the Canadian side, and just walk across the Rainbow Bridge to see the Maid of the Mist Observation Tower on the US side.
Indoor Things to Do Near Niagara Falls
The best things to do at Niagara Falls are mostly outdoors, but there is still plenty to do during the winter. Here are just a few suggestions of indoor things you can do on both sides of the falls.
US Side Things to Do
- Aquarium of Niagara
- Niagara Power Vista
- Underground Railroad Heritage Center
- Niagara Aerospace Museum
- Old Fort Niagara
Canadian Side Things to Do
Nearby Things to Do
If you’re coming to Niagara Falls in winter, you probably will want some other things to do in the area. But have no fear! There are plenty of fun indoor attractions to visit in Toronto, Buffalo, and other nearby towns.
Toronto
I feel like Toronto is best experienced in summer, but there is still more than enough to fill your time there in the winter. Especially since the best things to do in Toronto are to eat food and attend a show or sporting event.
Here are some ideas of things you can do in Toronto:
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Art Gallery of Ontario
- Bata Shoe Museum
- Eat ALL the food
- Hockey or basketball game
- Hockey Hall of Fame
- Casa Loma castle
- Explore the PATH
Buffalo
Buffaly, NY is the closest city to Niagara Falls on the US side. Buffalo is known for its epic snowstorms, but assuming you don’t get snowed in at the airport (it happens…), here are a few ideas of things you can do in Buffalo in the winter:
- AKG Art Museum
- Buffalo History Museum
- Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site
- Tour the Martin House
- Ice skating or ice biking at Canalside
- Eat wings and beef on weck
Where to Stay
If you’re visiting Niagara Falls in winter, you can either stay in Buffalo, NY, the city of Niagara Falls itself (NY or ON), or in Toronto, ON.
Accommodations should be cheaper in the winter than during the summer. However, Toronto is always an expensive place to stay. Probably the cheapest location will be in Buffalo.
Another good place to stay is Niagara on the Lake, ON. It is an adorable town about 30 minutes from the falls, with lots of B&B’s and boutique hotels.
Here are a few suggestions of where to stay:
- Buffalo:
- Niagara Falls, NY
- Niagara Falls, ON
- Toronto:
- Niagara on the Lake:
Any other questions?
If you have any other questions about visiting Niagara Falls in winter, please feel free to email me or comment below.
Planning a trip?
If you’re planning to visit Niagara Falls in the winter, save one of the pins below for future trip planning:
You might also like:
- The Complete Guide to Niagara Falls (US & Canada)
- 25+ Things to Do in Niagara Falls
- Niagara Falls Hiking Trails
- The Best 1-Week Road Trip from Niagara Falls
- 40+ Things to Do in Buffalo, NY
- The Best Things to Do in Toronto
Julia is a travel blogger with a Bachelor’s Degree in photography from Indiana Wesleyan University. She worked as a professional photo-retoucher for seven and a half years, before leaving the company to work in the travel industry. She now works at a historic 1800’s hotel. When she’s not working, she’s reading fantasy novels or classic literature, and planning trips to magical destinations.
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