As one of the foremost wonders of the natural world, Niagara Falls is quite the tourist destination. Visitors from all around the globe regularly descend on the area to take in the majesty of the iconic falls and enjoy the countless attractions found in the surrounding area. Because so many of Niagara Falls’ most popular activities involve outdoor exploration, it’s easy to see why the area is commonly regarded as a summertime destination. However, unbeknownst to many Niagara-bound travelers, the area has a lot to offer wintertime visitors as well. Anyone considering a winter jaunt to Niagara Falls will want to check out the following attractions.
1. Festival of Lights
No wintertime visitor to Niagara Falls can go home without enjoying the annual Festival of Lights. Running from mid-November to the end of January, this popular attraction has been a Niagara Falls staple for over 30 years. One of Canada’s largest winter light shows, the Niagara Falls Festival of Lights is a beautiful display of over 2,000,000 lights spread across the Niagara Parkway. Additionally, given how early the sun sets during the winter months, tired visitors needn’t stay up late to appreciate the Festival of Lights in all its glory.
2. Journey Behind the Falls
Tours of the falls aren’t quite as plentiful during the cold weather months as they are over the summer. However, this isn’t to say they’re unavailable. When it comes to Niagara Falls, the falls themselves will always be the main draw – and while they’ll have to bundle up, wintertime visitors can still get an up-close look at them. One of the area’s most popular walking tours, Journey Behind the Falls takes guests on a journey through a tunnel directly behind the falls, providing them with a one-of-a-kind view. Winter guests should take note that due to safety concerns, some of the tour’s observation decks are closed throughout the season. Furthermore, many of the best Niagara Falls hotels offer discounts on winter tours.
3. Icewine Festival
Not many people associate Niagara Falls with fine wine. However, as many first-time visitors quickly discover, the surrounding area is awash with world-class vineyards and wineries. Every wine connoisseur should visit Niagara Falls at least once – particularly during the winter, when the annual Icewine Festival is in full swing. Held every January, this yearly festival is organized by a collection of local wineries and offers attendees the chance to sample over 20 tantalizing icewines. To ensure that guests have some entertainment to go with their wine, the festival also features delicious food, live music and eye-catching ice sculptures.
It’s so secret that Canada and upstate New York have frigid winters. As such, it’s hardly surprising that many travelers won’t even consider charting a course for Niagara Falls during the cold weather months. Still, the fact that outdoor activities are somewhat sparse during this time of year doesn’t mean that Niagara isn’t a worthwhile place to visit. Whether you’re traveling by yourself, embarking on a romantic getaway with your special someone or taking the whole family on vacation, there’s never a dull moment in Niagara Falls – regardless of the season.
