WHERE TO CAPTURE THE BEST PHOTOS OF NIAGARA FALLS IN THE WINTER

In collaboration with @Niagarafallstourismcanada. Our travel dates: November 5-9, 2022

Key Details:

Location: Niagara Falls is located on the Niagara River, which connects two of the five Great Lakes: Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

Niagara Falls is located in both the U.S. and Canada. The falls mark the border between the two countries with one of its waterfalls being on American soil and the other on Canadian.

When to go: Niagara Falls is beautiful year-round, as you’ll see in this blog, but I would recommend visiting in the summer or fall, as the leaves change.

Weather: In Niagara Falls, the summers are warm; the winters are freezing, snowy, and windy; and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the year, the temperature typically varies from 18°F to 80°F and is rarely below 4°F or above 88°F.

Closest airport: Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)

Getting around: Renting a car is the most practical. Parking in Niagara Falls can be somewhat challenging. On foot is the best way to get around.

There are a few things that I think everyone living in North America should see once in their lives; the Grand Canyon, New York City, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls, located between the United States and Canada, consists of three waterfalls: the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the largest, the Horseshoe Falls.

Honestly, I was hesitant about visiting Niagara Falls in the winter. I was afraid that the cold weather would put a slight damper on my experience. However, I discovered that visiting Niagara in the winter was an excellent choice! Everything from food to entertainment, all of the unique Niagara experiences, and of course, the Falls were within walking distance from the hotels, making it super easy to get around. More so, I found that only a few of the experiences, like the boat tours, were closed for the season, and because of the smaller crowds, I was able to book everything that I wanted to do on the spot, making it a great place to escape for a spontaneous weekend trip! If you are considering visiting Niagara Falls in any season, here are some of my favorite places to capture photos of Niagara Falls for you to look back on.

SEE THE FALLS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

There are plenty of places to see the falls without going too far. Walking paths circle the Falls on the Canadian and American sides so you can get as close and personal to the Falls as you’re comfortable with. The absolute most intimate you can get to the Falls for free, and my favorite view of Horseshoe falls is from the Canadian side, only a couple of yards away from the entrance of the Table Rock Centre. Watch as the soft water becomes one of the world’s most powerful forces. Get so close that you almost feel like you can reach out and touch the water.

My second favorite photography spot is on the same walking path, just slightly south of the Table Rock Centre. From there, you can watch the falls curve around the Observatory Center, making the building look like a scene out of the movie Frozen. Drop the aperture on your camera down to under a second, and get ready for the falls to transform into a stream of soft light.

SEE THE FALLS FROM THE SKYWHEEL

You’re always young enough to enjoy a good Ferris Wheel! Clifton Hill is the perfect place to go for games, food, and some stunning views. I suggest riding the SkyWheel at sunset or night, so you can catch the Illumination light up the Falls. Tickets for the SkyWheel are $14 for adults and $7 for children. If games are more your thing, Clifton Hill offers entertainment such as the Niagara Falls Speedway, Wizards Golf Mini Putt, Dinosaur Adventures Golf, and more.

SEE THE FALLS FROM THE TOWER

Grab dinner and a view from the top of the Skylon Tower. The tower offers a Revolving Dining Room, Summit Suite Buffet, and Observation Deck. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a chance to try out their lunch or dinner buffet on my last trip, but I heard it was definitely worth the experience. If you are like me and accidentally fill up on Tim Hortons and poutine, you can still enjoy the tower views for under $20/per person.

The Prospect Point Observation Tower on the American side extends out dramatically over Niagara Gorge and offers unobstructed views of the wild cascades of Niagara Falls. Ride up to the top of the tower for only $1.25.

SEE THE FALLS FROM THE SKY

Experience the “Thrill of a Lifetime” and witness the Falls from new heights with Niagara Helicopters. On a clear day, you will see the outline of Toronto to the North and the shores of Lake Erie to the South. You can book these fantastic tours on the spot, with no reservations, just by stopping in. An added bonus is that this attraction is open year-round, so if you visit the Falls in the colder months when other attractions like the boat tours are closed for the season, you can still get a thrilling adventure during your trip to Niagara.

SEE THE FALLS WHILE GLIDING THROUGH THE AIR

If you are looking for a little more adrenaline rush, add ziplining to the falls to your bucket list. Wildplay invites thrill-seekers and those just wanting to experience the Falls in a new way to glide worry-free down to the Falls. Feel the mist on your face as you race at speeds over 40 miles per hour toward one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world.

The process of booking a zip down the wire is super easy. You do not need reservations; head to the Wildplay booth on the walking path and sign up!

SEE THE FALLS FROM DOWN BELOW

The Journey Behind the Falls, located on the Canadian side of the park, allows you to get a view like no other. Drop 125ft into the pit of the falls, where two tunnels take you behind Horseshoe Falls to get two different and unique perspectives; 1) Literally behind the Falls and 2)To a viewing tower right next to the falls. Unfortunately, the observation platform is not open in the winter, but you can still get a good view from the windows. Prices for adults are $15.50 and $10.50 for children.

SEE THE FALLS FROM YOUR HOTEL ROOM

Want to stay in bed? I don’t blame you. My biggest tip when visiting Niagara Falls is to book a falls view room during your stay. I bunked up at The Embassy Suites on the Canadian side, and let me tell you, those views were amazing! At night, I could crack my window and let the volume of the falls sing me to sleep. A little tip, the Canadian hotels seemed typically cheaper than the hotels on the U.S. side, plus, there was way more to do.

SEE THE FALLS FROM TWO COUNTRIES AT ONCE

The Rainbow Bridge is the gateway between the cities of Niagara Falls. You can cross the bridge by auto, on foot, or bicycle 24/7 every day of the year; have your passport and vax information ready. Check the Canada and U.S. entry requirements before your trip!

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