Niagara Falls FAQ

Q: What time of the year is Niagara Falls open ?

A: Niagara Falls is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

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Q: Are the Falls turned off at night ?

A: No

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Q: What will the weather be like when I visit Niagara Falls ?

A: See

History & Almanac

from our weather link .

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Q: Is there a charge to see the Falls ?

A: The parks are free and open to the public 365 days a year. During the busier months of May through September there is a charge for parking your automobile, r/v etc. There are also fees for municipally operated "attractions" ie: cave of the winds, maid of the mist, journey behind the falls.

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Q: What is the best time of the year to visit Niagara Falls ?

A: The best weather occurs from mid May until mid September. Yet, Niagara Falls can be very spectacular during the Winter. Nowadays more and more people visit the Cataract City year round.

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Q: How can I receive information about Niagara Falls by mail ?

A: Use the link "travel guides by mail" from our home page.

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Q: Are there boat rides available year round ?

A: Maid of the Mist and the Whirlpool Jet boat operate from early May until late October.

*during the months of November-April, Maid of the Mist, Jetboat, Cave of the Winds are closed. All other attractions and businesses are open year round.

** During the winter months the NY Observation tower's elevators are closed but the observation deck is open.**

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Q: What is the best way to get to Niagara Falls ?

A: By air, you have to fly into either Toronto, Ontario or Buffalo, New York.

Toronto's airport "Pearson International" is 78 miles (125 kilometers) from the Rainbow Bridge.

Buffalo's Airport "Buffalo/Niagara International" is 25 miles (41 kilometers) from the Rainbow Bridge.

To get to the Falls from the airport, you can either rent a car, take a shuttle bus, or arrive by taxi. More information is available from our "transportation link".

Trailways Bus Service and Amtrak/VIA train service is available directly to Niagara Falls.

Hotels do not provide courtesy shuttles to or from the airports.

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Q: How far is the train station from the Falls itself ?

A: In Niagara Falls Ontario, the train station (4223 Bridge Street, tel:1-800-361-1235) is 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) from the Rainbow Bridge. In Niagara Falls NY the train station (27 Lockport Road tel: 716-285-4224) is 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) from the Rainbow Bridge. ($8.00 cab fare)

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Q: How far is the Bus terminal from the Falls.

A: In Niagara Falls NY, the terminal (343 4th St. tel: 716-282-1331) is .6 miles (1 kilometer) from the Rainbow Bridge. In Niagara Falls Ontario the terminal (4555 Erie St. tel: 905-357-2133) is 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) from the Rainbow bridge.

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Q: Where can I obtain driving directions and a map of Niagara Falls ?

A: Visit our maps & info page.

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Q: Do you arrange tours of the Falls?

A: You can reserve a tour by checking our "tours" page.

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Q: Where can I exchange my currency ?

A: There are quite a few currency exchange locations in the area and always at both sides of the Rainbow Bridge. The best way to pay for your visit is to place everything on credit cards, you'll get the best exchange rate from your bank.

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Q: I'll be in New York City and would like to visit Niagara Falls. What are my options ?

A: New York City is 406 miles from Niagara Falls. By car it's a 6.5 hour drive.

By plane it's a 45 minute flight (airtime). But from terminal to terminal check-in and check out it will usually take three-four hours (with no delays!).

The train ride is great, much of the route follows the New York State Barge Canal. The trip takes is nine hours long and costs $71.00 each way. Usually four departures daily starting at 7:00 A.M until 4:00 P.M. Amtrak offers service from Penn Station in Manhattan. Visit Amtrak's website for more details.

Greyhound offers bus service to Niagara Falls. This route takes 9-11 hours and the fare is roughly $55.00 one way or $105.00 round trip. Many departure times are available but the ride is exceptionally long.

Courtesy of Niagara Falls Live

YourNiagaraFalls.com team TM

WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Marvel at the beauty of Niagara Falls, Ontario as the Winter Festival of Lights, Canada’s largest lights festival, illuminates the wintry nights with nearly 3 million lights and over 125 animated lighting displays, including the world-famous Enchantment of Disney™ displays. The principal lighting area for the Winter Festival of Lights is known as the Niagara Parks Winter Wonderland, a beautifully decorated 4 mile route that travels along the Niagara Parkway, adjacent to the mighty Niagara Falls. From displays of Canadian wildlife – both modern and prehistoric to Nativity Scenes and spectacular LED tree lighting, visitors will enjoy the wondrous sights. They can view spectacular fireworks each weekend; fantastic stage productions like Winter Wishes, The Misty Kids™ musical; The Mantini Sisters Concert; and Concerts at the Arena starring Daniel O’Donnell. Of course, the festivities wouldn’t be complete without Canada’s largest New Year’s Eve party. In total, the Festival has over $1.5 million in scheduled entertainment for 2007. Niagara Falls offers many shopping, attraction, dining and event experiences that are sure to please your group – and all available at reasonable rates. Join us for our 25^th Anniversary from November 3, 2007 to January 7, 2008.

Niagara Falls Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls Ontario ! More information on YourNiagaraFalls.com

Paul Anka at Niagara Fallsview casino

Date: September 1, 2 & 3
Time: Sept. 1 at 9pm, Sept. 2 at 7pm, Sept. 3 at 8:30pm
Where:Avalon Ballroom
Prices: Tickets start at $69.50

BUY TICKETS

Singer, songwriter and teen idol, Paul Anka, returns to the stage to perform his timeless hits such as: "My Way", "Diana" and "You’re Having My Baby".

Niagara falls rejects OHL proposal

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. (CP) -- Plans to bring the Ontario Hockey League back to Niagara Falls have been iced for a second time.

Niagara Falls city council turned down the OHL's Mississauga IceDogs Monday for the second time in two weeks.

They voted unanimously to reject the second proposal from Capital Sports Management, the owners of the OHL team. The company has been trying since Jan. 8 to convince city council to build a C$40-million sports and entertainment centre that would host the team as its main tenant.

"The major discussion was we could not afford Capital Sports' proposal to us," said Niagara Falls city counsellor Carolynn Ioannoni. "The whole thing is designed to make Capital Sports a huge amount of money at the expense of the taxpayer."

The revised offer from Capital Sports would have seen Toronto investor Tom Bitove buy the team and move it to Niagara Falls. The city would own the 5,000-seat sports and entertainment centre, but Capital Sports would have become the manager of the new facility. Capital Sports owns the NHL's Ottawa Senators and owns the Scotiabank Place, their home rink.

The company's second proposal would have given the city about $1.4 million in annual revenue from the sports and entertainment centre which could have been used to pay down $18 million in public debt over 30 years.

Council had turned down the first proposal Jan. 22 because it did not include an opportunity to get revenue from the centre.

Politicians had discussed the revised offer which Capital Sports had sent to city staff last week. Staff gave them a briefing on the financial and community implications of going ahead with the sports and entertainment centre.

It could lead to a 5.9 per cent increase in property taxes, compared to a 2.7 per cent increase for the twin-pad arena the city has been planning to replace Niagara Falls Memorial arena and adding to the available ice pads for community groups, the city's chief administrative officer John MacDonald said.

The city would have to borrow close to $53 million to build the sports and entertainment centre once buying land, providing parking and a one-year retrofit to Memorial arena were included, MacDonald said.

He compared that to a total debenture of $15.6 million for the twin-pad arena on the old Cyanamid property the city has been planning for a year, he added.

Monday's vote seems to bring to an end almost a month of talk about the possibility of reviving junior A in a city that hasn't had that level of play since 1996 when the Thunder franchise left town for Erie, Penn.

Capital Sports chief operating officer Cyril Leeder waited at city hall to hear council's verdict. It wasn't the answer he was looking for. But he thanked city officials for reviewing his company's offer.

"We appreciate you getting back to us with a quick response," Leeder said.

He called it unusual that there had not been any direct negotiation between his company and city officials. The company submitted its written bids to city staff. They reviewed them and summarized them to council. It was a "fairly unique" process, Leeder said.

But the Municipal Act doesn't allow council to bring private developers behind closed doors for direct talks, said counsellor Victor Pietrangelo.

Later, Leeder said the council appeared to be more focused on landing a convention centre and completing the twin-pad arena than they were on an OHL-calibre sports centre.

"A major entertainment centre like we were talking about isn't on the radar screen yet," Leeder said.

Turning down the opportunity to bring back OHL hockey wasn't a snub to Leeder, Capital Sports or local hockey fans, said counsellor. Vince Kerrio.

"We really are grateful for his offer. The community would love to have a hockey team. We just can't afford to pay for it," Kerrio said.

Council unanimously agreed to send a counter-offer to Capital Sports that would give them 20 acres of city-owned land south of Niagara Square worth $2 million, $8 million in city funding, and assistance finding other government funding and other investors. But Ioannoni said that should be the last offer to Capital Sports and they want a yes-no answer within seven days.

Leeder said he would need time to consider that counter-offer, but Monday he wasn't even familiar with the site they had suggested.

"I need to actually see their resolution to understand it a bit better," Leeder said, adding he will talk to the city officials Tuesday for more information.

"I'll get together with our group and pass that along," Leeder said.

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(By Corey Larocque, Niagara Falls Review)

Rock and roll legend

Date: August 23 & 24
Time: August 23 at 8:30pm, August 24 at 9pm
Where:Avalon Ballroom
Prices: Tickets start at $25

BUY TICKETS

Rock & Roll legends Creedence Clearwater Revisited perform your favourite hits such as: “Bad Moon Rising”, “Fortunate Son”, “Proud Mary”, “Have You Seen The Rain”, “Hey Tonight” and “Susie-Q”.

SKYLON tower

AIR TRANSPORT CONTROL APPROVAL NEEDED FOR THE TOWER

Because of the height of the Skylon, 520 feet, and its location being only a short distance from the international boundary, approval for its construction was required from both the Canadian and American air transport authorities. Air regulations were met by clearly identifying the Tower and its spire with approved marker lights. The Tower is also floodlighted at night for aesthetic highlights, and to provide additional warning and guidance for aircraft.

ELEVATORS

Of prime importance to the Tower are the three outside mounted "Yellow Bug" elevators. At the time of construction, they were the first such elevators in Canada and are maintained daily to ensure safe and speedy transportation for the many guests visiting the Tower yearly. Designed, engineered and maintained by Otis Elevator Company of Hamilton, the three high speed elevators carry passengers comfortably to the top of the Tower in 52 seconds. Each car has the capacity of 5,000 pounds or the equivalent of 30 passengers. Unlike conventional elevators, which are guided by rails along each side, the Skylon elevators operate with a guide rail on the backside only. Special equipment is used to prevent the cables from becoming entangled by the wind, and to ensure that the ice and snow do not impede the efficiency of the operation. This is partially accomplished through the use of a curtain wall up the outside of the Tower behind each elevator thereby protecting counterweight and travelling cables from the elements.

There are seven levels to the Skylon Tower:

Observation Deck

775 feet above the Falls

Indoor/outdoor viewing

Visibility to 80 miles (129 km)

Souvenir shop

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Summit Suite Dining Room

Relaxed, affordable dining

Superb buffet selection

Lunch, dinner, Sun. brunch

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Revolving Dining Room

Award-winning continental cuisine

One complete rotation per hour

Lunch & dinner (a la carte menu)

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"Yellow Bug" Elevators

3 exterior, glass-enclosed elevators

52 seconds to "the top"

Spectacular ascent as all of Niagara Falls unfolds

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Plaza Level

Special event & exhibition area

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Main Concourse

"Ride to the Top" ticket desk, dining reservations

International shopping, specialty boutiques, Canadian Handicrafts

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Lower Level & SkyQuest

The Lower Level & SkyQuest contains an interactive indoor entertainment center for dynamic family fun. Visit our Quick Service Food Court for a light snack and be sure not to miss the hit movie “Legends of Niagara Falls” playing in the Skylon’s own 3D/4D Motion Theatre. The 3D film combines special effects and motion for awesome realism, thrills and excitement. An unbeatable not-to be-missed family experience. Contact our Sales and Marketing office for more information.

Also on this level, Administration offices, engineering departments, and rest rooms facilities.

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Niagara Falls
Illumination

2007 FALLS ILLUMITATION SCHEDULE
Financed and Operated by THE NIAGARA FALLS ILLUMINATION BOARD SINCE 1925
January 1 to January 8		5:00pm - Midnight
January 9 to February 28		6:30pm - 10:00pm
*March 1 to March 10		7:00pm - 10:00pm
*March 11 to March 31 Mon-Thurs		8:30pm - 10:00pm
*April 1 to April 30 Mon-Thurs		8:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
*March 1 to April 30 to Sunday only		Off at midnight
May 1 to August 16		9:00 p.m. - Midnight
August 17 to September 30		8:30 p.m. - Midnight
October 1 to October 31		7:00 p.m. - Midnight
November 1 to November 2		6:30 p.m. - Midnight
November 3 to December 30		5:00 p.m. - Midnight
December 31		5:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

NOTE: All times are approximate and subject to change according to light conditions

2007 FALLS FIREWORKS - 10:00 P.M. Fireworks displays are set off over Niagara Falls every Friday and Sunday evening from May 18th until September 2nd, 2007. Throughout the months of July and August, also enjoy spectacular Fireworks displays on Wednesday evenings. All shows begin at 10:00pm.

Over the falls

Over The Falls

Bobby Leach and his barrel after his trip over Niagara Falls, 1911

In October 1829, Sam Patch, who called himself The Yankee Leaper, jumped from a high tower into the gorge below the falls and survived; this began a long tradition of daredevils trying to go over the Falls. In 1901, 63-year-old school teacher Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to go over the Falls in a barrel as a publicity stunt; she survived, bleeding, but virtually unharmed. Soon after exiting the barrel, she said, "No one should ever try that again." Unfortunately, the fortune she hoped to make from a later lecture tour was never realized, as her manager was a con-man who took everything she owned. (Legend says that a small kitten rode in the barrel with her, but this seems to have been a whimsical myth. Still, when she posed with the barrel afterwards, the kitten sat placidly on top of it.) Since Taylor's historic ride, 14 other people have intentionally gone over the Falls in or on a device, despite her advice. Some have survived unharmed, but others have drowned or been severely injured. Survivors of such stunts face charges and stiff fines, as it is illegal, on both sides of the border, to attempt to go over the Falls.

Other daredevils have made crossing the Falls their goal, starting with the successful passage by Jean François "Blondin" Gravelet in 1859. These tightrope walkers drew huge crowds to witness their exploits. Their wires ran across the gorge, near the current Rainbow Bridge, not over the waterfall itself. Among the many was Ontario's William Hunt, who billed himself as "Signor Fanini" and competed with Blondin in performing outrageous stunts over the gorge. Englishman Captain Matthew Webb, the first man to swim the English Channel, drowned in 1883 after unsuccessfully trying to swim across the whirlpools and rapids downriver from the Falls with nine other people. Two others drowned with him, and the other seven gave up before finishing their course.

Mr. Roger Woodward and Mrs. Deanne Woodward Simpson meeting with the two heroes.

In what some called the "Miracle at Niagara", Roger Woodward, a seven-year-old American boy, was swept over the Horseshoe Falls protected only by a life vest on July 9, 1960, as two tourists pulled his 17-year-old sister Deanne from the river only 20 feet (6 m) from the lip of the Horseshoe Falls at Goat Island.^[21] Minutes later, Roger was plucked from the roiling plunge pool beneath the Horseshoe Falls after grabbing a life ring thrown to him by the crew of the Maid of the Mist boat. His survival, which no one thought possible, made news throughout the world.

On July 2, 1984, Canadian Karel Soucek from Hamilton, Ontario successfully plunged over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel with only minor injuries. Soucek was fined $500 for performing the stunt without a license. In 1985, he was fatally injured in a practice session for a stunt attempting to re-create the Niagara drop at the Houston Astrodome. His aim was to climb into a barrel hoisted to the rafters of the Astrodome and to drop 180 feet into a water tank on the floor. After his barrel released prematurely, it hit the side of the tank and he died the next day from his injuries.

In August 1985, Steve Trotter, an aspiring stunt man from Rhode Island, became the youngest person ever (age 22) and the first American in 25 years to go over the Falls in a barrel. Ten years later, Trotter went over the Falls again, becoming the second person to go over the Falls twice and survive. It was also the second-ever "duo"; Lori Martin joined Trotter for the barrel ride over the Falls. The first two-person trip over the brink goes to Jeffrey Petkovich (25) and Peter Debernardi (42) on September 27, 1989.

Kirk Jones of Canton, Michigan became the first known person to survive a plunge over the Horseshoe Falls without a flotation device on October 20, 2003. While it is still not known whether Jones was determined to commit suicide, he survived the 16-story fall with only battered ribs, scrapes, and bruises.

No human has ever survived a plunge over the American Falls, owing to the many boulders and the relatively weak current. A newspaper account in the late 19^th century does cite a bulldog believed to have successfully, though accidentally endured the passage. All survivors and daredevils have passed over the Horseshoe Falls, where there are fewer boulders and the current can "throw" a person farther away from the brink and avoid the boulders.

The characteristics

Niagara Falls is divided into the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. The Horseshoe Falls drop about 170 feet (52 m). The American Falls drop about 70 feet (21 m) before reaching a jumble of fallen rocks that were deposited by a massive rock slide in 1954. The larger Horseshoe Falls are about 2,600 feet (792 m) wide, while the American Falls are 1,060 feet (323 m) wide. The volume of water approaching the falls during peak flow season is 202,000 cubic feet per second (5,720 m³/s).^[3] By comparison Africa's spectacular Victoria Falls has over 15 million cubic feet (424,750 m³) of water falling over its crest line each minute during the peak of the wet season (250,000 cu ft/7,079 m³ per second).^[4] Since the flow is a direct function of the Lake Erie water elevation, it typically peaks in late spring or early summer. During the summer months, 100,000 cubic feet per second (2,832 m³/s) of water actually traverses the Falls, some 90% of which goes over the Horseshoe Falls, while the balance is diverted to hydroelectric facilities. This is accomplished by employing a weir with movable gates upstream from the Horseshoe Falls. The Falls flow is further halved at night, and during the low tourist season in the winter, remains a flat 50,000 cubic feet per second (1,416 m³/s). Water diversion is regulated by the 1950 Niagara Treaty and is administered by the International Niagara Board of Control (IJC).^[5]

Viewpoints on the American shore generally are astride or behind the falls. The falls face directly toward the Canadian shore. Thus, the most complete views of Niagara Falls are available from the Canadian shoreline.

The features that became the Niagara Falls were created by the Wisconsin glaciation, about 10,000 years ago. The same forces also created the North American Great Lakes and the Niagara River. All were dug by a continental ice sheet that drove through the area like a giant bulldozer, deepening some river channels to make lakes and damming others with debris.^[6] Scientists believe that there is an old valley, buried by glacial drift, at the approximate location of the present Welland Canal.

When the ice melted, the upper Great Lakes emptied into the Niagara River, which followed the rearranged topography across the Niagara Escarpment. In time, the river cut a gorge through the north facing cliff or cuesta.

The unusual rock formations did not erode evenly because of the interactions of three major rock formations.^{[citation needed]} One rock formation was composed of erosion-resistant limestone and Lockport dolostone. That hard layer of stone eroded more slowly than underlying materials. The aerial photo clearly shows the hard caprock, the Lockport Formation (Middle Silurian), which underlies the rapids above the falls and approximately the upper third of the high gorge wall.

Immediately below the hard-rock formation, comprising about two thirds of the cliff, lay a weaker, softer, sloping Rochester Formation (Lower Silurian). The formation was composed mainly of shale, though it has some thin limestone layers. It also contains ancient fossils. In time, the river eroded the soft layer that supported the hard layers, undercutting the hard cap rock. Eventually the process carved out the falls.

Submerged in the river in the lower valley, hidden from view, is the Queenston Formation (Upper Ordovician), which is composed of shales and fine sandstones. All three formations were laid down in an ancient sea, and their differences of character derive from changing conditions within that sea.

View of Niagara Falls, showing parts of Canada and the United States

The original Niagara Falls were near the sites of present-day Queenston, Ontario, and Lewiston, New York, but erosion of their crest has caused the waterfalls to retreat several miles southward. Just upstream from the Falls' current location, Goat Island splits the course of the Niagara River, resulting in the separation of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls to the west from the American and Bridal Veil Falls to the east. Although engineering has slowed erosion and recession in this century, the falls will eventually recede far enough to drain most of Lake Erie, the bottom of which is higher than the bottom of the falls. Engineers are working to reduce the rate of erosion to postpone this event as long as possible.

Donny Osmond at Niagara falls casino

Date: August 30 & 31
Time: August 30 at 8:30pm, August 31 at 9pm
Where:Avalon Ballroom
Prices: Tickets start at $45

BUY TICKETS

Teenage heart throb, Donny Osmond brings your favourite hits to the stage such as: “Go Away Little Girl”, “Puppy Love”, “Soldier of Love”, “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and “Hey Girl”.

Buy tickets today at Fallsview Casino Resort's Box Office (open Noon-8pm), at all Ticketmaster locations, by calling Ticketmaster at 1-877-833-3110 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca.

Ticket Limit: There is a 6 (six) ticket combined purchase limit per customer. Orders exceeding the published ticket limit may be cancelled without notice by Ticketmaster at its discretion. This includes duplicate orders having the same billing address or credit card.

Must be 19 years of age or older to purchase tickets or attend Avalon Ballroom performances.

One after another

Niagara Falls is far more than a natural phenomenon. A world-class destination with something for everyone, the city offers thriving night life, one-of-a-kind sightseeing, and adventure for all ages. The Niagara Falls honeymoon and family activities like the Maid of the Mist tour and Marineland are long-time traditions, while new Niagara attractions abound.

The popular Fallsview Casino has made Niagara Falls a must-visit Canadian destination, and an array of Niagara accommodations -from charming to luxe-offer visitors an ideal retreat. A growing gourmet food and wine scene, drawing upon nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyards, offers everything from out-of-the-way restaurant gems to popular Fallsview dining. Come see what makes Niagara Falls one of the world's favorite destinations!

The falls

One of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world, the Falls are more than something to see, they are a Niagara attraction to experience. And there are many ways to do so. The Maid of the Mist Steamboat Tour (a long-time Niagara tradition) takes visitors on an up-close-and-personal voyage at the bottom of Niagara Falls, while Journey Behind the Falls tours the Cataract and Great Falls Portals-directly behind the 13-story falls. Possibly the most popular of Niagara Falls attractions, the Niagara fireworks and illumination shows occur on a regular, seasonal basis and make for unforgettable memories.

welcome

Niagara Falls, and the surrounding Niagara Region, has evolved and grown into one of the world's foremost travel destinations. Nearly 14 million visitors a year agree!

Niagara's fascinating history and rich, cultural heritage is the foundation for many interesting discoveries today. Our past sets the tone for our present, and you will find many places to see and things to do, giving you memories to last a lifetime.

Our internationally renowned wine region is home to more than 50 world-class wineries and has gained an appreciative audience, while our culinary expertise , flavoured by our agricultural heritage and regional cuisine has added to the rich dimension of Niagara as a wine and food destination.

We welcome you to Niagara and invite you to experience, to discover, to explore.

YourNiagaraFalls.com team

Visit the official site of YourNiagaraFalls