Whether you’re planning to visit the Canadian side or the American side of Niagara Falls, winter brings its own set of challenges and opportunities.
You might be wondering:
- Do boat tours operate?
- What should you pack and wear?
- Which attractions are open?
- Is it even worth visiting during the winter?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.
We highly recommend that you check our tips for each of the
- 5 attractions that are open in winter (more later)
Winter Attraction Tickets/Both Sides
🎟️ Niagara Falls Tickets | Canada
🎟️ Niagara Falls Tickets | USA
Bookmark both links to save money and time; they open in a new tab!
This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions about experiencing Niagara Falls in winter. From weather outfits to keep you cozy in the cold to which attractions are open or closed, and even the best winter tours that are absolutely worth it—this article is your one-stop resource.
đź’ˇ Tip: We included helpful tips for each winter month (December, January, and February) at the end of this article.
So, bundle up and get ready to dive into everything you need to know for an unforgettable winter adventure at Niagara Falls. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on this frosty yet awe-inspiring experience.
Boat Tours in Winter?
Niagara Falls boat tours do not operate in winter. They usually open in early May and operate until November. The exact opening date in spring is weather-dependent and varies between April and May.
The earliest boat tour opening date in the past 20 years was April 1. The latest was May 10. It depends on the weather conditions in the previous weeks.
The closing dates for Niagara boat rides are usually fixed. Maid of the Mist (US side) has a definite closing date of November 8.
đź’ˇ Hornblower (Canadian side) operates until the end of November.
Hornblower can operate longer as their boats have protected indoor viewing areas, while the Maid of the Mist passenger is more exposed to the water.
That means there is no possibility for a boat tour in winter. However, other great attractions are open! More about the best winter attraction later!
Is It Worth Visiting in the Winter?

It is definitely worth visiting the falls in the winter months because you’ll be able to see partially frozen Niagara Falls, surrounded by snow and ice, which is really intriguing. The mist from the falls freezes on everything around the falls and is a breathtaking sight.
Another advantage is the fewer crowds.
While boat tours on both sides won’t operate in the winter, most other attractions are open in the colder months. If you can choose, however, visit the Canadian side in winter as more attractions are open there.
For example, the Journey Behind the Falls, SkyWheel, and the Skylon Tower Observation Deck.
On the U.S. side, you can only enter the Observation Tower and the Cave of the Winds. However, it is still wonderful in the winter!
Outfit Tips
The weather can be quite chilly, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 35.6°F to 30.4°F (2°C to -0.9°C) and minimum temperatures between 23.9°F and 17.2°F (-4.5°C to -8.2°C).
More monthly weather details later.
It’s crucial to pack the right clothes to stay warm and comfortable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to wear in Niagara Falls in winter.
Despite this, the area is beautiful this time of year, with moderate snowfall that usually doesn’t hinder walking around. Occasionally, you might encounter a snowstorm, but that’s all part of the winter experience here.
The Ultimate Packing List
Don’t worry; this list might seem extensive, but you don’t have to bring everything. However, it’s good to be prepared. Here’s what you should consider packing:
Clothing
- Winter Coats/Parkas: Heavy coats or parkas are essential for icy and windy conditions.
- Waterproof Jackets: Make sure your outermost layer is waterproof to protect against snow and wind.
- Long-Sleeved Outfits: Opt for long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
- Thermal Innerwear: Your innermost layer should be thermal to keep you warm.
Layering
- First Layer: Start with a top or shirt, but avoid cotton.
- Second Layer: Add a layer of fleece or a sweater.
- Third Layer: Finish with a jacket or overcoat.
Accessories
- Scarves/Mufflers: To protect your neck and face.
- Gloves: Leather gloves with fleece lining are great.
- Toques: To keep your head and ears warm.
- Sunglasses: Yes, you’ll need these even in winter.
Footwear
- Winter Boots: Choose boots with good traction.
- Socks: Woolen or thermal socks are best.
Skin-Care Essentials
- Don’t forget moisturizer and lip balm. These are important!
Dressing in Layers
Layering is key when dressing for winter in Niagara Falls. Start with a thermal inner layer, followed by your regular clothes. Add a sweater and finally, an overcoat or jacket.
This approach helps trap heat and allows you to remove or add layers as needed. Loose clothes are better as they insulate well and allow for better movement. The goal is to stay warm without being weighed down by bulky clothing.
đź’ˇ More outfit tips for each month later!
Choosing the Right Fabrics
When it comes to fabric, not all are created equal. Merino wool, silk, and fleece are excellent choices for cold weather. Cotton, on the other hand, is not advisable as it doesn’t retain heat well.
5 Best Winter Attractions
While boat tours don’t operate, you can still visit these stunning attractions on the US side and on the Canadian side in winter:
1. Cave of the Winds | USA

- Open: Year-round (closed on December 25 and January 1)
- Limitation: Hurricane Deck is closed from November to May (but still worth it!)
The other main attraction on the American side of Niagara Falls is the Cave of the Winds experience. It’s an incredible experience and definitely worth it as it takes you closer to the falls than you could ever imagine.
First, you go into a small exhibit area and watch a 10-minute movie about the history of this place. Then, you take an elevator down and walk out on the boardwalk. Now you are THERE. You will notice several levels of stairs that go in and out of the falls.
You will only get soaked on one part because a section of the walkway is built so that you actually have to walk through part of the falls. It’s really intriguing as you get up close and personal with the falls. Everything is self-guided and you can stay as long as you want.
Good to know: Ponchos and a pair of strap-on sandals are provided. When we went, they gave visitors a plastic bag to keep their belongings and shoes dry. However, other visitors report that they didn’t get the bag. Bring one to be on the safe side.
From our first visit: What a sight! It is impressive to see the power of the falls as well as the views from the bottom looking up. There are quite a few steps to get on the Hurricane Deck. However, even for the people in their mid-60s, that wasn’t an issue.
We recommend booking a Maid of the Mist Tour, which includes Cave of the Winds after the boat tour: Niagara Falls American Tour. That way, you can experience both stunning tours and don’t have to pay twice. Another advantage: The poncho from Maid of the Mist is better than the one you’ll be provided at Cave of the Winds. So, save the poncho from the boat tour for later.
Winter Visit: It’s fantastic in the winter, as you will experience a magical view of the waterfalls with mist, ice, and snow. Even better: Visit on a weekday, and you will have the place almost to yourself:
Don’t go if you don’t like getting wet at all. In that case, Cave of the Winds might not be for you. As the boardwalks take you directly behind the falls, you will get very wet, especially if you walk to the upper deck. However, you are still wearing a poncho and won’t get soaked through!
2. Observation Tower | USA
- Open: Year-round (closed from December 24-26)
The deck of the Observation Tower extends out over the Niagara Gorge. This is the only location on the US side to view both the American and Horseshoe Falls at the same time, so it’s definitely worth it. The small fee of 1.25 USD is also waived if you have a boat tour ticket.
You also start your Maid of the Mist Boat tour here, as you ride down the elevator to board the boat.
3. Journey Behind the Falls | Canadian Side
- Open: Year-round
- Limitation: When it’s too icy, the lower deck will be closed
The Journey Behind the Falls is very similar to the Cave of the Winds tour, but not as big and on the Canadian side. The tour takes visitors behind the falls of the horseshoe, starting with an elevator ride, and through a series of tunnels. The experience itself is definitely amazing overall.
While both tours are very similar, the Journey Behind the Falls tour allows you to get up close and personal, with so much of you getting wet. Ponchos are provided, and there are two observation decks beside the foot of horseshoe falls, while the tunnels have portals to the backside of the falls.
Is Journey Behind the Falls really worth it? We recommend doing both Journey of the Falls and Cave of the Winds tour if possible, if not, do the one on whichever side of the falls you are staying on. The two experiences sound similar but are very unique in their own way.
Opinion/Personal Experience:
We loved the experience behind the Falls. The proximity to the falls and the vantage point are both unique when taking the ‘Journey Behind the Falls’. The portals are not gigantic, but it was still a fantastic adventure.
On the decks, the proximity to Horseshoe Falls was similar to what we experienced on the Hornblower Boat tour. However, this attraction was slightly less exciting, I would say. The advantage is that you don’t get as wet as on the boat.
Personally, we liked Cave of the Winds a little more but would recommend JBtF every time!
4. Niagara SkyWheel | Canadian Side
- Open: Year-round
The Niagara SkyWheel is worth it as it lets you get a once-in-lifetime view of the Niagara Falls at 175 feet high. You can enjoy the beauty of the falls from a bird’s eye view in a climate-controlled glass gondola without getting cold or wet.
Personal Opinion/Experience:
The visit to the SkyWheel was incredible. Much better than we expected. The view was excellent and the ride lasted quite a while. Well worth the time and money. We will definitely do it again in the future. Try it, you’ll love it.
The Niagara SkyWheel is located on the Canadian side of the falls and the journey lasts around 12 minutes. It takes riders around the wheel three times, giving them the chance to enjoy the views from different angles. This is a great attraction for kids and an optional way of seeing the falls from something other than a boat.
We loved this experience and can recommend it to everyone, especially if a jaw-dropping view is what you are looking for, through an attraction a little drier than the boat tours.
5. Skylon Tower Observation Deck | Canadian Side

- Open: Year-round
The Skylon Tower Observation Deck is a perfect alternative for 360° views of Niagara Falls if a helicopter ride is out of your budget. It is located on the Canadian side of the falls, actually 750 above the Canadian side. The tower allows spectators to enjoy a panoramic view of the Niagara River, and the 3 waterfalls of the great Niagara Falls.
You will be taken up the tower in a glass-enclosed elevator, up the 750-foot tower to the top observation deck. You are allowed to stay as long as you would like, allowing you an ample amount of time for views from different angles, and taking dozens of pictures as the photo ops are endless. Make your reservation here:
While the views are undeniably incredible, is the Skylon Tower Observation Deck really worth it? Yes and No. If you are opting out of other ways to enjoy the falls from above, then don’t miss this popular attraction.
Bonus: Niagara Helicopter Flight | Canadian Side

- Operating: Year-round
Helicopter tours over any city are usually breathtaking excursions and leave you with some long-lasting memories, especially helicopter tours over Niagara Falls.
Seeing the falls themselves is one thing, but seeing them from up above is a completely different experience. If your budget allows, The Niagara Helicopter Flight is definitely an attraction to splurge on.
While a helicopter tour will give you some of the best views possible, keep in mind there are a few downsides. The weather is a big one; you can’t control it, and cloudy skies and rainy days can really damper the experience. The tours themselves are also quite pricey, but we did them three times and never regretted a penny.
Tour Highlights:
- Experience the stunning and scenic bird’s-eye views of Niagara Falls
- Fly aboard one of the world’s quietest helicopters in its class
- Listen to informative audio commentary about your flight path
- Admire the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls from a jaw-dropping view
- Enjoy the flexibility to fly when the weather is best
Is a bird’s eye view of the falls from the Niagara Helicopter Flight really worth it? If you can afford it, yes. However, there are other options to get an overlooking view of the falls with other attractions.
Monthly Guide | Weather – Outfits – Closures
Open:
- Walk: Cave of the Winds (US Side)
- Walk: Journey Behind the Falls (Canadian Side)
Closed:
- Boat Tour: Maid of the Mist (US Side)
- Boat Tour: Hornblower (Canadian Side)
Winter in Niagara Falls is incredibly cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -10°F. However, the falls can be stunning in the winter, and you’ll have incredible photo opportunities after the snow has settled.
Snowfall in the area can come as early as mid-October. January is a good time to see the falls frozen.
Clothing:
- Pack plenty of warm clothing for a winter visit to Niagara Falls.
- During the day and night, wear a thick jacket and plenty of layers.
- Put on thermal innerwear underneath your regular clothes, and then add a thick sweater and jacket on top.
- Avoid cotton material, and instead opt for silk, merino wool, or other cold-weather materials.
- Add in warm accessories, such as hats and gloves, and pack water-resistant hiking boots to avoid slipping.
Rates: Winter is a slow season on both sides of the falls, and boat trips aren’t available during that period. This does result in some great hotel deals, with average prices for a 3-star hotel staying around $70-80 a night.
Crowds: Winter is a slow season at Niagara Falls and the least busy time. However, Christmas and New Year see a slight increase in crowds, especially with local visitors to the Canadian Festival of Lights throughout December.
Attractions: On the US side, the Cave of the Winds walk operates throughout the winter and is open from 10 am to 3 pm each day. While you will only be able to see the waterfalls from the lower deck, the vista will be unlike anything you have seen in the warmer months. The upper decks are closed in winter. (Important: Before 2020 the Cave of the Winds closed completely between November and May. This changed! It’s open now with the new lower platform)
The popular Maid of the Mist boat tour won’t run at all between December and February.
On the Canadian side, the Journey Behind the Falls is open all year round, but you won’t be able to experience the Hornblower Niagara Cruises.
However, there’s plenty to keep you entertained indoors, including viewing the frozen falls from the Skylon Tower (Canadian side) or enjoying the museums and smaller attractions.
December
Expect low temperatures in December, with a high of 37°F (2.8°C) and low of 22°F (-5.6°C). Visitors need to wrap up warm in December, and snowfall is to be expected during the month.
Crowds and Rates: Crowd levels are low all month, apart from an increase during Christmas and New Year. Hotel prices are generally very low for the first three weeks of the month but naturally will increase before Christmas and New Year.
Attractions: On both sides, the boat tours will no longer be running due to the freezing temperatures. However, all indoor attractions remain open.
You can also enjoy the Journey Behind the Falls on the Canadian side and Cave of the Winds on the US side. On the Canadian side, you can experience the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights throughout the month, which attracts crowds of locals, especially at weekends.
January
In January, temperatures at Niagara Falls drop to a high of 32°F (0°C) and low of 16°F (-8.9°C). The second half of January is often the coldest time of the year. The snow and ice transform the waterfalls into a winter wonderland, and you might witness the frozen falls.
Attractions: Opening times of attractions remain similar to December, with boat tours not operating throughout the month. The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights continues until the middle of the month on the Canadian side. You’ll still be able to enjoy the Journey Behind the Falls on the Canadian side, which is the main falls-related attraction open all year round. Beware that the Lower Observation Deck may be closed in cold and icy conditions.
Crowds: After New Year, crowds drop to a very low level on both sides for the month.
February
February temperatures remain about the same as January, with a high of 34°F (1.1°C) and low of 17°F (-8.3°C). There will be snow, and you can enjoy viewing the frozen falls this month.
Attractions: Openings are the same as the previous months, with boat tours still not operating throughout February. Both the Journey Behind the Falls and the Caves of the Wind are year-round attractions. They’ll be your best opportunity to get up close and personal with the falls this month.
Attraction hours will be shorter in February due to the low crowd levels, with Caves of the Wind operating from 10 am to 3 pm each day. The only slight increase to crowd levels will be on the US side around the middle of the month for Presidents’ Day.
Crowds and Rates: Crowds are low throughout the month. With limited special events in February, hotel prices remain very low for visitors.