12 Exciting Activities to Experience Niagara Falls at Night
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a great destination in Ontario, Canada. The sight of Horseshoe Falls is always awe-inspiring, and there is plenty of entertainment and activities to enjoy in the city. After visiting Niagara Falls numerous times, we have put together comprehensive guides to help you make the most of your trip. And when it comes to nighttime activities in Niagara Falls, there is no shortage of options to keep you entertained.
Create a stunning panoramic photograph of Niagara Falls, capturing the powerful cascades, lush greenery, vibrant blue sky, mist, and a rainbow forming in the spray. The image should evoke awe and natural beauty.
When visiting Niagara Falls, many people choose to stay overnight in a hotel. There are plenty of hotels with rooms that offer a view of the falls, and we have written a detailed article on the top hotels in the area based on our own experiences. If you are planning a trip to Niagara Falls and are looking for daytime activities, be sure to check out our guide on how to spend a perfect day in Niagara Falls.
1. Experience the Niagara Falls Illumination at night by taking a stroll along the Niagara Parkway. The Niagara Falls Illumination Board upgraded the lighting from Xenon lights to LED lights in 2016, resulting in a more efficient and brighter display. With 20,000 LED lights now illuminating the falls, the nightly showcase is free for all visitors to enjoy from any vantage point.
One option available is the Illumination and Fireworks Tour, where a knowledgeable guide will lead you to important landmarks like Table Rock Centre and the Skylon Tower, as well as take you on a cruise along the Niagara River. The vibrant colors of the illuminated Niagara Falls will captivate all who see them.
At Niagara Falls, the colors of the lighting display change to match various holidays like Christmas with red and green hues, as well as to commemorate important events. The lighting can be adjusted based on the season.
The lights change colors periodically throughout the year and there are also special events. Watching the lights is free, and the best spots to see them are from Queen Victoria Park and the viewing platform above the Hornblower.
Observing the magnificent Niagara Falls light up with colorful lights is a top nighttime activity in the area. The lights are turned on from sunset until midnight, providing a breathtaking and unique view of the falls.
The Illumination Board lights up the American Falls with colorful lights throughout the year, as well as the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. The view from the Canadian side of the Niagara River is truly unforgettable.
2. Experience the Niagara SkyWheel, a large Ferris wheel located on Clifton Hill, offering stunning views of the lit up Niagara Falls and the city below from a height of 175 feet. The Niagara SkyWheel takes three full rotations, providing views of both the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, the Niagara River, and the Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls.
The operating hours of the Niagara SkyWheel go until 2 am, providing a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a ride with fewer people around and stunning views of the city and the falls. The admission to the Niagara SkyWheel is part of the Clifton Hill Pass, which you can purchase beforehand.
3. Fireworks Display
Make sure not to miss the fireworks show combined with the illuminated Niagara Falls to truly enjoy the beauty of the falls at night. In the summer, the lighting of the falls is enhanced with fireworks lighting up the sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
At night, Niagara Falls is stunning, but it becomes even more impressive with a dazzling fireworks show. The fireworks are a common occurrence in the summer and on holidays, bringing an extra element of excitement to your evening. The ideal spot to view the fireworks is from Queen Victoria Park, the Zipline platform, or any location along the water’s edge overlooking the Niagara Gorge.
Visiting Journey Behind the Falls, dining at the terrace of Queen Victoria Place Restaurant, or enjoying a meal at one of the Fallsview Restaurants with a view are all wonderful options. Another exciting activity is booking an Illumination and Fireworks Tour, where a guide will show you around key attractions like Table Rock Centre, Skylon Tower, and take you on a cruise along the Niagara River to witness the nightly illumination.
4. Clifton Hill is a popular spot in Niagara Falls for nighttime activities. Begin at the Great Canadian Midway for classic arcade games, then explore the various attractions on Clifton Hill. This area is often called the “Street of Fun” and offers a variety of entertainment options such as haunted houses, mini-golf, wax museums, and evening events. Everything is brightly illuminated after sunset, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Check out our review on whether the Clifton Hill Fun Pass in Niagara Falls is a worthwhile purchase.
Purchase your Clifton Hill Attractions Pass for $34.95 Canadian plus 13% tax. This pass grants you access to 6 attractions, such as the Niagara Skywheel, Zombie Attack, Cosmic Coaster, Movieland Wax Museum, and either indoor or outdoor Wizard Golf. Buying each attraction individually would total $71.70 plus tax, so by getting the pass, you save $30. Don’t miss out on this deal and get your Clifton Hill Pass today.
5. Enjoying the night scene at Fallsview Casino Resort
Fallsview Casino Resort offers a variety of entertainment options including shopping, dining, and a casino. It is considered the top casino in Canada and a top-notch entertainment destination. Make sure to check the event schedule before heading to Niagara Falls to see which artists will be performing. Fallsview Resort has featured musicians such as Billy Joel in the past, and upcoming shows to look out for include performances by Pete Davidson, Ringo Starr, and Chelsea Handler.
At night, the Fallsview area is the best place to be with a variety of live entertainment options and upscale dining experiences, all with a scenic view of the falls.
6. Enjoy a meal overlooking Niagara Falls at a Fallsview Restaurant. The Keg Fallsview, located at Embassy Suites, is a top choice for dining with a view of the falls. Known for its delicious steaks, this popular Canadian restaurant is a great spot to enjoy a meal while watching the nightly illumination of the falls. Skip the crowds and opt for a tasty dinner with a view instead.
Another restaurant located in the Fallsview area is The Watermark Fallsview at the Hilton hotel. This restaurant offers stunning views of both the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. On Fridays, guests can enjoy a 3-course fixed-price dinner that includes a bottle of wine from the Niagara region. Another dining option is 21 Club Steakhouse at Fallsview Casino, which offers amazing views of both the American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls.
For those seeking Italian cuisine, Massimo’s on the Falls at the Sheraton offers breathtaking views. It is highly regarded as the top Italian restaurant in Niagara Falls.
The Niagara Marriot Fallsview Hotel & Spa offers views of the falls from a slightly lower perspective compared to other restaurants. At Mortons Steakhouse, guests have the option to order a 3-course fixed dinner which comes with a bottle of Niagara Wine.
Looking for more dining options in Niagara Falls, Canada? Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse is a great choice. They offer a variety of all-you-can-eat meats, similar to what you would find in Brazil. It’s recommended not to eat too much from the salad bar so you can enjoy the tender cuts of meat. While it may be a bit expensive, make sure to get the most out of your dining experience.
The Rainbow Room is situated in the Crown Plaza hotel and offers a stunning view of the Falls, overlooking the US falls towards the Horseshoe Falls. The restaurant features a wide selection of wines to complement the seasonal menu crafted by Chef Massimo Capra.
Napoli Restaurant and Pizzeria is a popular dining spot in the city for Italian cuisine. It is conveniently located near the Fallsview tourist area, just a quick walk away on Stanely Street.
7. Hornblower Night Cruise
While the Hornblower Cruise during the day is enjoyable, the experience is taken to a whole new level during the night. Picture yourself on a Niagara Falls fireworks cruise, surrounded by the illuminated sky and the powerful sound of the falls in front of you.
Get a close-up view of the falls by taking a Hornblower Night Cruise. These boat tours run in the warmer months and offer a special way to see the falls lit up, sometimes with a fireworks display as well.
Experience the Illumination and Fireworks Tour, which features a boat ride on the Niagara River to witness the stunning evening lights. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you to popular sights like Table Rock Centre and Skylon Tower.
8. For those looking for a fright, check out the Nightmares Fear Factory on Victoria Avenue in Niagara Falls. This popular haunted house is known for being one of the scariest attractions in the area, providing a thrilling experience once the sun goes down.
Located in a building that used to be a coffin factory, Nightmares Fear Factory is famous for its frightening and engaging scares. The experience is created to exploit people’s common fears and phobias by incorporating darkness, sudden sounds, and surprising encounters to scare guests.
Legend has it that the building used to be a coffin factory belonging to Abraham Mortimer. The tale says that Mortimer died in a strange accident and now his ghost roams the building, looking to take revenge on those who enter.
The Skylon Tower is a well-known landmark in Niagara that features a revolving restaurant where you can enjoy a meal while taking in panoramic views of Niagara Falls from 775 feet above. When you dine at the Skylon Tower, your ticket includes a ride to the top and access to the Observation Deck. This is a popular spot for a romantic date night, so treat yourself and enjoy the experience.
Experience something special by booking a tour that allows you to see Niagara Falls illuminated at night from both the American and Canadian sides of the border. This tour is one-of-a-kind, providing an all-inclusive night tour that showcases the highlights of both countries.
10. Nighttime Journey Behind the Falls
During the summer, you have the opportunity to visit the Journey Behind the Falls at night to see the falls in a special and more personal way under the night sky. The attraction stays open until 10pm during the summer months, giving visitors the chance to witness the falls illuminated from a new angle. Whether you visit during the day or at night, this is one of the top attractions at Niagara Falls. Be sure to purchase tickets to explore the tunnels behind the falls and the observation decks next to Horseshoe Falls.
11. Enjoy a Magical Performance
For a fun and entertaining experience in Niagara Falls, consider attending a magic show. The show, presented by Greg Frewin at the Greg Frewin Theatre, is a Vegas-style performance that includes a variety of magic tricks and illusions. Suitable for both families and adults, the show features classic magic acts and an engaging storyline. For more information, be sure to look into the Evolution of Magic show.
12. Experience Niagara Power Station at Night
The newest attraction at Niagara Falls is the Niagara Power Station, which now offers a special nighttime experience. Visitors can explore the tunnel and then enjoy a spectacular sound and light show.
Visiting the 2,200-foot tunnel to the Niagara River is a must for stunning views of the falls. In the evening, Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls are lit up, creating a beautiful sight.
Explore the Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel at night with a new nighttime adventure. This experience is open every day from 7 PM to 10 PM, with the last entry at 9 PM.
Here are some top activities to enjoy in Niagara Falls at night. Whether you’re admiring the colorful lights, testing your luck at the casinos, or catching a live performance by popular musicians, there is something for every visitor to enjoy in Niagara Falls.
If you’re thinking about visiting Niagara Falls, consider getting an Adventure Pass from Niagara Parks. This pass will allow you to experience attractions such as Journey Behind the Falls, rides on the WeGo Bus, The Whitewater Walk, and Niagara’s Fury.