
If you’re looking for things to do in Niagara Falls in the winter, my guide has you covered.
Winter is my favorite time to visit Niagara Falls. It’s way less crowded, which means shorter wait times at all the attractions. Parking is easier to find (and cheaper!). Plus you’ll find the best deals on hotels in Niagara Falls during the off-season.
On top of that, the partially frozen Falls are an absolutely stunning view that you won’t see any other time of year.
Yes, some attractions, like the boat tours and whirlpool aero car, are closed for the winter. But most attractions stay open year-round, and many are indoors.
We’re fortunate to live close enough to the Falls to visit a few times a year. This past winter, we made it there for two trips: one to celebrate my birthday in December and one during March break. Even though we’ve been there more times than I can count, we always find something new to do, along with a few favorites (like the Fun House Brie insists on going in on every trip).
In this guide, you’ll find my list of the best Niagara Falls winter activities, restaurants I recommend, and my personal recommendations for where to stay for a winter trip, plus insider tips to help you plan your visit.
Is Niagara Falls Worth Visiting in Winter?
Absolutely!
Visiting Niagara Falls in the winter can be a much better experience than going during peak tourist season. Like I said earlier, it’s my favorite time to go.
If you’ve ever been in the summer, you know how crowded it can get. In the winter it’s far less busy, which makes it so much easier to enjoy the attractions. Yeah, it’s cold. But a lot of the attractions are indoors. Even if you need to bundle up while strolling down Clifton Hill, you never have to walk far to find a place to warm up.
Winter is also the cheapest time of year to go to Niagara Falls.
From December to March, you’ll have no problem finding an affordable hotel within walking distance of the main areas. On our December trip, we got a hotel that was only half a block from the top of Clifton Hill for under $100 a night.
MOM TIP: Some attractions offer lower prices during the off-season too. We’ve gotten discounts on admission to Ripley’s Selfie Studios and the Niagara Falls Fun Zone pass during winter trips. It’s one of the reasons we keep coming back for a quick winter getaway.
Winter: The Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls

Winter in Niagara Falls runs from November through March.
November: This is my favorite time to visit. The summer crowds are gone, and the winter temperatures aren’t too bad yet.
December: If you’re looking for a festive trip, visiting Niagara Falls in early December (or even late November), is perfect. You can enjoy the Winter Festival of Lights, the Hot Chocolate Trail, and the Poinsettia Show before the winter rush hits.
January: Niagara Falls in January is usually very quiet, which makes it an ideal time to visit. It’s not as crowded, making it easier to enjoy attractions without long waits. You’ll be able to find a great deal on hotels in January too.
February: If your goal is to see those classic winter views, a February trip is ideal. You’ll have a better chance of seeing the icy waterfalls and dramatic frozen landscapes along the Niagara River.
March: Visiting the Falls in March is hit or miss. If it’s started to warm up, it will be busy during March break. But if it’s still freezing out, like it was on our last March break trip, there won’t be much crowds (except for the waterparks, they will be packed).
While these months are generally less busy than the summer, there are still peak times you’ll want to avoid if you want shorter lines, cheaper hotels, and unobstructed views.
- New Year’s Eve: this is the busiest day of the winter season.
- The week of Christmas through the first week of January: These two weeks are when Ontario schools are closed, so they tend to be a popular time for family getaways.
- Weekends during the Festival of Lights (mid-November to early January): the festival is a popular event for locals and those who live close by.
- Valentine’s Day (and the surrounding weekends): The Falls is a popular spot for couples looking for a romantic getaway, so naturally it’s busy around V-day.
MOM TIP: January and February are the coldest months in Niagara Falls. If you’re really not a fan of the below-freezing temperatures we get here in Southwestern Ontario, you’ll want to plan a December or March trip instead (just avoid the week of March break, which is March 15-19 in 2027).
How Long to Stay in Niagara Falls in the Winter
Living just a few hours from Niagara Falls, trips here are a regular thing for me. We’ve done everything from a quick day trip to a three-night stay. But, even after close to two dozen trips, we still haven’t done everything there is to do in Niagara Falls.
If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and you want to see as much as possible without feeling rushed, you’ll want to plan a four- or five-night visit.
But if you live close enough to visit more than once, a weekend is more than enough time for a winter trip. Just prioritize getting all your indoor must-dos, and come back when it’s warmer for the seasonal experiences and anything else that you missed.
How to Get Around Niagara Falls
With hotels being more affordable in the winter, it’s easy to stay in a prime location near the attractions you want to visit. The roads and sidewalks in Niagara Falls’ tourist areas are well maintained, so walking around Clifton Hill, Fallsview, or along the Niagara Parkway isn’t a problem in the winter.
If attractions are too far to walk, or if you prefer to stay at a hotel outside the main areas, the WEGO bus operates year-round. You can purchase a 24- or 48-hour pass for unlimited rides. The cost is $11/$14 for children and $14/$18 for adults. Now that my kids are older, we usually don’t bother with the WEGO pass, but when they were little and couldn’t walk as far it was a must.
MOM TIP: If you have young kids who still nap, the WEGO pass will be especially useful so you can go back to the hotel for a nap mid-day. Heading back to the hotel mid-day for a swim is also a great way to enjoy the hotel pool when it’s not so crowded.
Niagara Falls Winter Events

Winter Festival of Lights
We’ve been to the Niagara Falls Festival of Lights a few times now, and it never disappoints. It’s one of our main motivators to plan another winter trip to Niagara Falls. The festival is on from mid-November until the end of the first weekend of January, with lights coming on at 4:30 PM. The festival is free to walk through in Queen Victoria Park and along the Niagara Parkway. If you want to see even more displays, you can walk up to Fallsview Avenue or drive along Lundy’s Lane and through the Dufferin Islands.
There is more to do here than just walking through light displays. There are interactive elements for the kids, like lit-up teeter-totters and swings and the Misty Kids costumed characters. On our December trip, Brie loved when the characters noticed her on the swings and came over to give her a push.
Fireworks: Watching the fireworks is my favorite way to end a day in Niagara Falls. In the winter, the fireworks show is part of the Winter Festival of Lights and the annual Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve celebration (read my full post to see everything you can do on New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls).
Niagara Falls Winter Fireworks Schedule:
- Winter Festival of Lights: Shows take place at 8:00 PM on Friday and Saturday nights until Christmas. After that, they run nightly until the end of the first week of January.
- New Year’s Eve: Two shows: one at 8:00 PM (family-friendly), followed by a second show at midnight.
Best place to watch the fireworks in Niagara Falls, Ontario
One of the best spots to watch the fireworks show is right down at the viewing areas near the Falls. Other great viewing locations include Queen Victoria Park, along the Niagara Parkway, the Table Rock Centre, and the Niagara Parks Power Station observation deck. You can also get amazing views from the Skylon Tower or Tower Hotel observation decks, or while dining at one of the many Fallsview restaurants.
MOM TIP: One of the best parts of visiting Niagara Falls in the winter is the earlier showtime. As a parent, I love the 8:00 pm start time in December. But, if your kids won’t make it that late, there are lots of hotels with views you can catch it from (see my Where to Stay section below).
Hot Chocolate Trail
The Hot Chocolate Trail is perfect if you want a fun way to warm up while enjoying other Niagara winter activities. Last year, this city-wide “trail” included over 30 locations with 50 unique hot chocolates to try (some locations offered alcoholic versions too). This year the event will run from November until February. Like last year, you’ll be able to download the mobile passport and scan the QR code at each stop to enter contests for prizes.
Must-See Niagara Falls Winter Attractions

Niagara Falls Winter Guided Tours
Do you want to see the best of Niagara Falls in the winter without having to plan it all yourself? These Niagara Falls guided tours are a great option.
Go With the Flow Tours: Niagara Winter Wonderland w/ 4 Attractions & Syrup Tasting: $169 tax and fees included.
Skylon Tower & Journey Behind the Falls Tour (guided walk): $88 tax and fees included.
Niagara Fun Tours: Winter Niagara Wine Tour: $95 tax and fees included.
You Choose Niagara Tours: Discovery Tour: From Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake: $140 tax and fees included.
Niagara’s Natural Attractions

Niagara’s natural attractions look very different in the winter. I’ve visited Niagara Falls more than a dozen times, but our last March trip was probably the most photogenic winter visit we’ve had.
The Falls: Obviously, the Falls are the main attraction and top reason most people come to Niagara Falls. In the winter, the constant mist from the waterfalls freezes onto trees, railings, and cliffs, creating stunning ice-covered landscapes. In the winter, the Falls are illuminated starting between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM, depending on the time of year, and stay lit up until 1:00 AM.
MOM TIP: If you want to get some great shots before it gets too crowded, visit early in the morning.
Niagara Whirlpool: The Niagara Whirlpool is one of the more overlooked Niagara Falls winter attractions. The Whirlpool Aero Car is closed for the winter, but the observation deck is still open and offers views of the gorge and swirling water surrounded by snow and ice.
Sightseeing and Observation Towers

Niagara Falls has a few options for getting some great views. Unfortunately, they all involve heights. If you’re like me and don’t do well with heights, I would recommend skipping the SkyWheel. I did it once and have opted out on every trip since. The Skylon Tower isn’t as bad once you get to the top, but I keep my eyes closed for the elevator rides.
Niagara SkyWheel: With fully enclosed and heated gondolas, it’s the perfect spot to warm up while taking in views of the Falls and Winter Festival of Lights. Cost: $8 child, $17 adult, tax and fees included (or get it with the Clifton Hill 6 Attraction Fun Pass).
Skylon Tower Observation Deck: Indoor and outdoor observation areas offering panoramic views of all three waterfalls. Cost: $12 child, $23 adult, tax and fees included.
Niagara Falls: Tower Hotel Observation Deck: With 360-degree views, this is a great option for seeing the Falls or watching the fireworks from out of the cold. Cost: $10 child, $20 adult, tax and fees included.
Niagara Helicopter: Niagara Falls Scenic Flightseeing Tour: A 9-minute helicopter ride over the Falls, Whirlpool Rapids, School of Horticulture, and Queen Victoria Park that operates year-round (weather permitting). Cost: $136 child, $210 adult, tax and fees included.
Unique Niagara Falls Experiences

If you’re looking for a more unique Falls sightseeing experience, there are still ways to get close to the Falls when the boats are closed for the winter. The new Niagara Takes Flight experience was actually our inspiration for our March Break trip. It’s a bit pricey for the length of the experience, but it was well worth it for us. While I’ve done Journey Behind the Falls before, the kids haven’t, so both of those attractions are still on our to-do list for our next trip.
MOM TIP: Niagara Takes Flight takes you through the Power Station virtually, which is great if it’s a bit too cold to see it in person (like it was on our winter visit).
Niagara Takes Flight: Niagara Takes Flight is an immersive 4D flying theatre experience (similar to Soarin’ at Epcot), with motion seats, wind and visual effects that simulate flying over Niagara Falls. The experience also includes a multimedia pre-show museum. Cost: $21.50 child, $33 adult + tax.
Journey Behind the Falls: This attraction takes you 125 feet down to a tunnel system and observation areas behind the Horseshoe Falls (you’ll be so close to the Falls that you’ll feel the vibrations). During the winter, the lower observation deck is closed due to ice, but they do lower the price to make up for it. Cost: $21.50 child, $33 adult + tax.
Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel Experience: Explore exhibits, a tunnel and observation deck right at the edge of the river. The nighttime version adds a light and sound show, plus you’ll get views of the illuminated Falls. Cost: $21.50 child, $33 adult + tax.
Zipline to the Falls: One of the more thrilling ways to see the Falls, you’ll zipline past the American Falls to the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Open daily until the end of December, then it has seasonal hours from Thursday to Sunday until April. Cost: $98, tax and fees included.
Indoor Nature Attractions

If you need to escape the cold, Niagara Falls has several indoor nature attractions that are great for this. We especially love the Butterfly Conservatory in winter because it’s warm and humid. It’s not close to the other attractions, though, so I recommend making it your last stop before heading home.
Butterfly Conservatory: A tropical garden with hundreds of free-flying butterflies that stays warm and humid year-round. Cost: $18 child, $28 adult, including taxes and fees.
MOM TIP: Butterflies are attracted to bright colours if you want them to land on you.
Bird Kingdom: The world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary, with a multi-level rainforest, waterfall and lots of birds. Cost: $18 child, $28 adult, tax and fees included.
MOM TIP: Check the feeding schedule if you want to feed and interact with the lorikeets.
Floral Showhouse and Annual Poinsettia Show: An indoor garden with three display houses that hosts the Annual Poinsettia Show from mid-November to early January. Cost: $5.50 child, $8.50 adult + tax.
Niagara Falls Museums and Indoor Attractions

If you need a break from the cold while making your way down Clifton Hill, there are tons of fun indoor attractions to choose from. We’ve visited most of these over our many trips, except for the haunted houses. Ripley’s is one of my favourites for tweens and teens (Zen and her friend had a great time on her 12th birthday trip), while Crystal Caves is better for younger kids (my girls always loved it).
On our December trip, we checked out Ripley’s Selfie Studios for the first time (read my review here), and I highly recommend it if you want some cute family pictures. We also went through the Movieland Wax Museum to warm up, but Brie wasn’t overly interested, so we were in and out in 10 minutes. I’m not sure we’ll do that one again unless we get it as part of the Clifton Hill 6 Attraction Fun Pass next time.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium: Filled with over 400 odd exhibits, strange artifacts and interactive illusions, Ripley’s is a great winter attraction for tweens and teens. Cost: $22.99 child, $29.99 adult + tax.
Movieland Wax Museum: With wax figures and sets from famous movies and characters, plus an optional House of Horrors section. Cost: $6.99 child, $12.99 adult + tax.
Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks: Over 100 lifelike figures of celebrities, historical figures and cultural icons, plus a separate scary area. Cost: $22.99 child, $29.99 adult + tax.
The Upside-Down House: Exactly what it sounds like. An upside-down house with furniture attached to the ceiling and slanted floors that create a fun optical illusion. Cost: $9.99 child, $13.99 adult + tax.
Ripley’s Selfie Studios: There are over 20 themed photo sets with backdrops, furniture and props, making it especially popular for teens. Cost: $15.99 child, $19.99 adult + tax.
MOM TIP: Purchase tickets at the door as they may have a winter discount again.
Nightmares Fear Factory: A haunted house with intense darkness, live actors and its famous “chicken list” of people who have quit halfway through. Cost: $15.49 child, $17.70 adult + tax.
Dracula’s Haunted Castle: Uses animatronics and live actors to create a milder haunted house experience, so it’s a good middle ground for families.
House of Frankenstein: Combines animatronics and live actors for a spooky but not overly scary haunted house experience. Cost: $12.95 child, $14.95 adult + tax.
Crystal Caves: A mirror maze that’s especially fun for younger kids, with gloves provided to keep fingerprints off the mirrors. Cost: $12.95 child, $14.95 adult + tax.
Wild Magic Show: A Vegas-style performance, with the option to add a buffet dinner before the show. Cost: Starting at $18 child, $25 adult, tax and fees included.
Multi-Pass Attractions and Amusement Centres

There are several indoor amusement centres and attraction passes to choose from. These places are perfect when you need to warm up or let the kids burn off some energy. We’ve tried most of these attractions over the years. I find it really helpful to get an attraction pass in the winter so you have a few indoor things to do between outdoor sightseeing stops.
Our favorite pass is the Niagara Falls Fun Zone. We got it on our last New Year’s trip, and my girls loved that we had unlimited laser tag. We’ve only gotten the Big Fun Pass once, but we do the Fun House on nearly every trip since it’s Brie’s favorite. We also do at least one attraction from the Clifton Hill 6 Attraction Fun Pass every trip. On the last two winter trips, we checked out the new Creepy Castle and Toy Store 4D, which are worth doing once.
Adventure City is our favorite arcade in Niagara. We tried the other attractions there on our December trip too. The bumper cars and mini golf were worth it, but I wasn’t a fan of the 4D theatre (though Brie enjoyed it, so it’s probably fun for younger kids).
Niagara Falls Fun Zone (Fallsview Location): Includes Maze of Mirrors, Laser Tag, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, an arcade, Haunted Hallways and the Torture Chamber. Cost: $30 + tax for the package, or $15 each for individual attractions.
Niagara Falls Fun Zone (Clifton Hill Location): Unlimited Laser Tag, Laser Maze, Cannon Blasters, Time Freak and Mystic Maze of Mirrors. Cost: $24.99+ tax for the pass, or $8 – $15 each for individual attractions.
Big Fun Value Pass: Choose 3, 5 or 7 attractions from options including the Big Top Maze of Mirrors, Maze of Lasers, Mystery Maze, SkipARRR’s Pirate Putt, Bronto’s Adventure Playland, The Haunted House and The Fun House. Cost: $27.49-$37.49 child, $29.99-$39.99 adult + tax.
Clifton Hill 6 Attraction Fun Pass: Includes six attractions, with winter options including the Niagara SkyWheel, Creepy Castle, Movieland Wax Museum, Ghost Blasters, Wizards’ Golf and Toy Store 4D, plus the Great Canadian Midway. (read my full review ). Cost: $23 child, $35 adult, tax and fees included.
MOM TIP: Creepy Castle isn’t suitable for young children who scare easily. We did the previous version when Zen was 9 and it was too intense for her.
Adventure City: An indoor amusement centre with an arcade, Iwerks 4D Theatre, bumper cars and glow-in-the-dark mini golf.
MOM TIP: If you want a less crowded arcade, Adventure City is the best choice.
Strike Game Zone (Bowling): An entertainment centre with bowling and an arcade, conveniently attached to Boston Pizza. Cost: $50/hour for up to 6 bowlers per lane, plus $4 per person for shoe rental.
Niagara Falls Indoor Waterparks

Indoor waterparks are always a popular winter attraction, and Niagara Falls has three to choose from.
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark: This is Niagara Falls’ largest waterpark. They offer day passes, or you can get admission as part of a package with the Sheraton Fallsview or Brock Niagara Falls–Fallsview, which are connected by indoor walkways, or the Skyline Hotel, which is connected by a climate-controlled skywalk.
We’ve been here twice, and we’re due for another visit. If you’re planning a longer trip with just one day at the waterpark, Fallsview is the one I recommend.
Great Wolf Lodge: Great Wolf Lodge is slightly smaller than Fallsview, but it has the most attractions. It’s also exclusive to hotel guests, with no day passes, and has other on-site attractions like a bowling alley, mini golf, an arcade, the MagiQuest wand game, plus resort activities like story time, dance parties, and yoga.
I can’t count how many times we’ve been to GWL. It’s by far our favourite waterpark, with lots of slides for older kids and teens. If you’re looking for a waterpark-only trip, this is the one I recommend. We usually don’t do anything else in the Falls when we stay at GWL.
Americana: Waves Indoor Waterpark: This smaller waterpark is perfect for a first waterpark visit. They offer day passes or overnight packages.
This is my recommendation if you want to mix your days with time at the waterpark and other attractions. When we stay here, we usually hit the waterpark for a bit in the morning, then head down to the Falls and Clifton Hill area, before going back to the waterpark for a bit after dinner.
Niagara Falls Nightlife

If you’re visiting Niagara Falls without the kids (or they’re old enough to hang out at the hotel on their own for a bit), there are lots of options for a fun night out. The two casinos are the most popular options, but you can also find comedy, live music, pubs and nightclubs around the city.
Casino Niagara: The original and smaller of Niagara Falls’ two casinos, located near Clifton Hill. It’s part of the Falls Avenue Resort, along with the Sheraton Fallsview, Brock Niagara Falls–Fallsview, twelve restaurants and other attractions. I always make a stop here when I’m on a kid-free trip in the Clifton Hill area.
Fallsview Casino Resort: This is the newer and larger casino, with the OLG Stage, Avalon Theatre, a luxury hotel, and lots of shops and restaurants all under one roof. It’s conveniently connected to Wyndham Grand Fallsview Hotel by an indoor walkway and to the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites via a covered skyway. If you’re planning an adult-only trip and want to spend time at the casino, this is the one I’d recommend.
Yuk Yuk’s Niagara Falls: This stand-up comedy club has rotating comedians throughout the year and it’s conveniently located inside the Wyndham Grand Fallsview Hotel, making it easy to combine with an evening at the casino.
Niagara Falls Nightclubs, Bars, and Pubs
- Bar Barista: A coffee shop by day that turns into a cocktail bar at night, on the corner of Fallsview Avenue and Murray Street.
- Niagara Distillery: A two-floor pub near the bottom of Clifton Hill, with food and drinks.
- Niagara Brewing Company: A popular pub near the bottom of Clifton Hill, known for locally brewed craft beer and live music on weekends.
- Club Se7en: A two-floor nightclub on Ferry Street, about a 10-minute walk from the top of Clifton Hill.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls in the Winter

My Top 3 Clifton Hill Area Hotel Recommendations
- The Falls Hotel & Inn ($): Affordable and only a three-minute walk from the top of Clifton Hill (read my full review to see why we love it!)
- Sterling Inn & Spa ($$-$$$): Perfect for couples, with an on-site spa and only a five-minute walk from Clifton Hill.
- Sheraton Fallsview Hotel ($$-$$$): With indoor connections to Casino Niagara and Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, this is the best choice if you really want to minimize time spent outdoors.
My Top 3 Fallsview Area Hotel Recommendations
- Holiday Inn Niagara Falls – By The Falls ($$): A three-minute walk to the casino, read my full review to see how our last stay was.
- Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites ($$-$$$): Connected to the Fallsview Casino Resort, this is the best Fallsview option that keeps you indoors.
- Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel & Spa ($$-$$$): My top pick for a couple’s trip with a Fallsview room.
Where to Eat in Niagara Falls

Finding restaurants in Niagara Falls is easy. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a sit-down option between attractions, there are tons of great places to eat near the Falls, Clifton Hill and in the Fallsview area. Here are my top picks for each price range:
Budget-Friendly ($)
- Flying Saucer Restaurant: This UFO-shaped diner is known for all-day breakfast in a fun, retro setting.
- Clifton Hill Family Restaurant: A casual family restaurant serving classic comfort food all day, with vegan and gluten-free options.
- Hershey’s Chocolate World: We love stopping here for chocolate-dipped strawberries and milkshakes when we make it to the bottom of Clifton Hill.
Mid-Range ($$)
- Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse: An all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse with tableside-carved meats and a buffet of sides, plus live entertainment on weekends.
- Frontier BBQ and Smokehouse: One of my personal favourites, especially because they were so accommodating with gluten-free dining.
- Rainforest Cafe: The food isn’t anything to get excited about, but the animatronic animals and “thunderstorms” make it a fun family dining experience (read my review of the Auburn Hills location to see what makes this a great dining experience).
Fine Dining ($$$)
- Table Rock House Restaurant: A farm-to-table restaurant right beside the Horseshoe Falls, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Falls.
- Skylon Tower Revolving Restaurant: The dining room slowly rotates as you eat, giving you 360-degree views of the Falls.
- Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse: A Brazilian steakhouse with unlimited tableside-carved meats and all-you-can-eat, made-to-order sides. Visit on a Friday or Saturday night after 9:00 PM for live entertainment.
Crossing the Border: What’s on the American Side

In my opinion, the American side of Niagara Falls is far better if you’re looking for a more natural experience. It’s much less about entertainment and more about hiking, views, and being close to the Falls. While there are a few attractions similar to what you’ll find in Canada, the real draw on the U.S. side is the scenery.
- Niagara Falls State Park: The main attraction on the American side, this park spans over 400 acres and is open year-round, with walking paths and viewpoints of the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
- Niagara Falls Observation Tower: This tower extends out over the Niagara Gorge and offers unobstructed views of all three waterfalls and the river.
- Cave of the Winds: In the winter, the Hurricane Deck is closed, but you can still take the elevator down 175 feet to the tunnels and lower walkways. You’ll also have access to the World Changed Here Pavilion.
- Aquarium of Niagara: A great indoor option on cold days, this aquarium is home to more than 120 species, including Humboldt penguins, sea lions, seals, turtles, stingrays, and fish. It’s worth crossing the border for if you’re in Niagara Falls with kids.
- Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Centre: Located inside the historic 1863 U.S. Customs House, next to the Amtrak station, this museum focuses on the history of freedom seekers and abolitionists in the region.
- Niagara Falls Daredevil Museum: This museum covers the history of daredevils who attempted to go over the Falls. Inside, you’ll find photos, memorabilia, and artifacts like barrels and even a jet ski.
- Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino: with more than 80 table games and over 2,700 slot machines, along with restaurants and a hotel with over 600 rooms, this is one of the main nightlife options on this side of the border.
- Niagara Wax Museum of History: While the wax figures are dated and not that great, most people still enjoy it for the local history.
I’ve only been over to the American side during the summer, but I’m sure it would be amazing to see in the winter too. As long as it’s not too cold of a day, since there isn’t as much to do indoors over there. On the plus side, with with far fewer tourist traps on the American side, it’s a great way to save money on a Niagara Falls trip.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Niagara Falls in the Winter

Visiting Niagara Falls in the winter is a completely different experience from going in the summer, when crowds, heat, and long lines can take away from the magic of the Falls.
If you live close by, it’s a must. Even if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you won’t be disappointed—crowds are low, hotel deals are better, and the Falls are partially frozen, with everything nearby covered in a sheet of ice. Add in shorter wait times at all the indoor attractions where you can warm up between walks, and it’s easy to see why winter is the best time to visit.
My kids loved our last couple of winter trips to Niagara Falls. On our December trip, we stayed warm doing a few attractions on Clifton Hill as we made our way down to the Winter Festival of Lights, and, of course, to see the lit-up Falls. Our March trip was much colder, but we checked off a couple of attractions we’d been wanting to do, without any big lines, and Zen got to test out her new camera..
If you want to see more from our most recent Niagara Falls winter trips, check out my reviews of the Holiday Inn by the Falls, the Falls Hotel & Inn, Clifton Hill Fun Pass, and Ripley’s Selfie Studios.
I’m sure we’ll be back again soon, so follow me on Facebook to see what hotels and attractions we check out on our next trip, plus other guides, reviews, and Canada family travel ideas. And if you prefer visual inspiration, head over to my TikTok to see our trips in action and start planning your own getaway.
Family Travel Planning Resources
Niagara Falls
- Is the Clifton Hill Fun Pass Worth It?
- Ripley’s Selfie Studios Review
- The Falls Hotel and Inn Review
- Holiday Inn Niagara Falls- By the Falls Review
- New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls: The Ultimate Guide
- Visiting Niagara Falls with Kids: Autism Edition
- Access 2 Card: Niagara Falls Attractions
Ontario Destinations
- Niagara Falls, Ontario Travel Guides and Reviews
- Ottawa, Ontario Travel Guides and Reviews
- London, Ontario Travel Guides and Reviews

