Niagara Falls is one of the best places to visit in Ontario, Canada for fun activities at night. The view of Horseshoe Falls is mesmerizing, and the action in the city offers something for everyone to enjoy. After visiting Niagara Falls more times than I can count, my travel companions and I have prepared the perfect guides to the city, but what is there to do in Niagara Falls at night? You will be pleased to know that there is most definitely a lot!
The Illumination of Niagara Falls
Most travelers spend at least one night in a hotel while visiting Niagara Falls. There’s a huge list of hotels with scenic Fallsview rooms. For further information, check out my entire article on the various hotels in Niagara Falls and read our guide to the Perfect One Day in Niagara Itinerary, Things to Do in Niagara Falls if you prefer structure on what to do in Niagara Falls during the day. Believe me, we have stayed at them all!
This is something you should absolutely not miss as part of your nighttime view of Niagara Falls. Take the trip down to the walkway along the Niagara Parkway for the best vantage point.
With the replacement of xenon lights for LEDs, the illumination board now powers Niagara Falls with over 20,000 LED lights and achieves more than double the illumination previously used. This change was instituted in 2016. In addition to this change, the Falls are now illuminated at night for free viewing from multiple vantage points.
The illumination and Fireworks cruise allows guided tours for individuals and highlights the Table Rock Centre, the Skylon Tower, and cruise ships on the Niagara River.
The Niagara Falls are now flashier than ever. The grandeur of these waterfalls is a sight to behold without spending a dime.
The illumination changes with seasons and is set to red and green on Christmas. In addition, other holidays also have preset colors. The lights are adjustable based on the time of year.
Special events also have preset colors, and the general public is welcome to watch these displays without a fee. Ideal viewing locations include the Queen Victoria Park and the deck above the Hornblower.
Enjoying the vibrant light displays at the massive waterfalls in Niagara Falls is a treat to watch. The illumination schedule begins at sunset and ends at midnight, giving a truly mesmerizing view of the waterfalls.
Illumination of Niagara Falls’ Address: Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2, Canada
The American Falls Are Illuminated, Too
The illumination of both the Canadian horseshoe falls and the Bridal Veil falls is offered ceaselessly. The Canadian segment of the Niagara River is a truly breathtaking sight that will create unforgettable memories.
Falls Illumination Schedule:
- May, June & July 8:30 PM – 2:00 AM
- August 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- September 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Niagara SkyWheel
If you ride the ferris wheel, Niagara SkyWheel located atop Clifton Hill, you will get a stunning view of the illuminated waterfalls, and the city view at 175 feet. While on the ferris wheel you can catch a glimpse of both the Canadian horseshow falls, The Niagara river, Bridal Veil falls, and the American falls.
The hours are open until 2 am and it is a great time to ride as the skyline as well as the city is less crowded, and the city lights along with the falls are spectacular. Niagara SkyWheel comes as a freebie with your Clifton Hill Pass. Purchase your pass in advance here.
Niagara SkyWheel Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4, Canada
Fireworks Show
To fully capture the essence of Niagara Falls at night, make sure not to miss the fireworks show that accompanies the Falls Illumination. The Falls’ light show is even better in summer and is further enhanced by fireworks in the night sky.
Niagara Falls is beautiful when illuminated at night, but it is magnificent when fireworks are added to the spectacle. The vibrant fireworks are added in summer and during special holidays to give further sparkle to your night. The ideal location for the fireworks is from Queen Victoria Park, the platform at the Zipline, or anywhere along the water’s edge over the Niagara Gorge.
Other options include the Journey Behind the Falls, the terrace at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant, and virtually any Fallsview Restaurants which have a view. You may also reserve an Illumination and Fireworks Tour which comes with a guide to show you important sites such as Table Rock Centre, Skylon Tower, and a boat tour on the Niagara River to view the nightly illumination.
Fireworks Show Address: Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2, Canada (best falls view from the park)
Clifton Hill
It is commonly accepted that Niagara Falls comes alive at night, and there is no better place to view it than from Clifton Hill. From The Great Canadian Midway, get the adrenaline rush from hitting up the arcade on the second floor. Afterward, check out the rest of the Clifton Hill Attractions. The street is full of activities to keep you entertained, including but not limited to haunted houses, mini-golf, wax museums, and multiple nightlife events, all beautifully illuminated after dark. Read our review: The Clifton Hill Fun Pass in Niagara Falls: Is it worth it?
Purchase your Clifton Hill Attractions Pass here: The Clifton Hill Fun Pass is CAD 34.95 plus 13% tax. It includes entry to six attractions, which are the Niagara Skywheel, Zombie Attack, Cosmic Coaster, Movieland Wax Museum, and your choice between indoor glow-in-the-dark Wizard Golf or outdoor Wizard Golf. The cost of individual tickets adds up to CAD 71.70 so guests who buy the pass stand to save CAD 30. Get your Clifton Hill Pass Now.
Nightlife at Fallsview Casino Resort
In one location Fallsview Casino Resort has shopping, dining, and a casino, making it an entertainment complex. It is the best casino in Canada and a world class resort for entertainment. Check who is performing before going to the Canadian Falls. Niagara Fallsview Resort has hosts for Billy Joel and this year, be on the lookout for Pete Davidson, Ringo Starr, and Chelsey Handler.
The entire Fallsview region is the best place to be at night with a wide range of entertainment and good restaurants all with a view of the falls.
Fallsview Casino Resort’s Address: 6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7X5, Canada
Dine with a View at a Fallsview Restaurant
Dine with a View at a Fallsview Restaurant
Niagara Falls dining with a view paves a new road, and The Keg Fallsview, located within Embassy Suites, is our favorite Fallsview restaurant. The Keg is a stem Canadian Steakhouse. The Keg has the best restaurants as it gives a view of the falls and is the best place to see illumination at night. Why join the crowds when you can have a delicious dinner instead?
The Watermark Fallsview is located at the Hilton and it features other Fallsview restaurants. It has stunning views of the Horseshoe Falls as well as the American Falls. There is a three-course fixed-price dinner available on Fridays that includes a bottle of wine from Niagara. The 21 Club Steakhouse at the Fallsview Casino also offers exquisite sight of the American and Canadian Niagara Falls.
My recommended Italian restaurant is Massimo’s on the Falls located at the Sheraton, which has magnificent windows overlooking the falls. Rated as number one for Italian food in Niagara Falls, you cannot go wrong.
If you want to stay further out of the main strip, the Niagara Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa does have some lower tier views of the falls compared to the other restaurants. While staying there you can order a three-course fixed dinner with a complimentary bottle of award-winning Canadian Niagara wine at Morton’s Steakhouse.
Other Eats on Niagara Falls in Canada
If you are looking for good food on the Canadian side of the Falls, Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse serves all-you-can-eat barbecue alongside the reasonably priced tender cuts. After sampling Brazilian BBQ in Brazil, we can vouch for their authenticity. While their salad bar is glorious, go easy on it as you will want room for the tender cuts which are actually pricey.
Rainbow Room – Positioned in the Crown Plaza, Rainbow Room offers another one of the best views of the Falls, looking down the US falls towards the Horseshoe. It also has an extensive wine list to pair with the seasonal menu designed by Chef Massimo Capra.
Napoli Restaurant and Pizzeria – This is a staple in the city and when craving Italian, we head to Napoli. It’s a short walk from the Fallsview tourist area on Stanley Street.
Hornblower Night Cruise
The Hornblower Cruise is a lot of fun during the day, but can you imagine the Niagara Falls fireworks cruise with lighted skies and the thundering falls ahead?
On a Hornblower Night Cruise, get up close and personal with the falls. The boat tours, which take place from spring through fall, offer a breathtaking view of the illuminated falls and are frequently accompanied by fireworks displays.
This Illumination and Fireworks Tour offers a Cruise on the Niagara River to view the nightly augmentation as well as a guide who shows you key sights like Table Rock Centre, Skylon Tower.
Niagara Falls Nightmares Fear Factory
Niagara Falls Nightmares Fear Factory
For those who want some good scares, visit Nightmares Fear Factory, one of the best haunted houses in Victoria Avenue. It is the scariest of all attractions in Niagara Falls and is best enjoyed after dark.
Located in a defunct coffin factory which heightens the spooky and haunting ambience, Nightmares Fear Factory is infamous for the use of extreme and shocking scares. This family friendly attraction uses common phobias and fears as its main source of scares, using darkness, loud sounds, and startling meetings.
The story associated with the place states that it was once an Abraham Mortimer coffin factory. Amusement park ride enthusiasts will recognize the name as he was purportedly killed in some ridiculous multi-car pile-up and now haunts the site to get revenge on people who dare go there.
Address: Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3L5, Canada 5631 Victoria Ave
Skylon Tower
You can appreciate how important the food is at Skylon Tower Revolving Restaurant because the views are extraordinary. You will rotate 360 degrees while you eat 775 feet above Niagara Falls in a revolving dining room. Moreover, meals booked at Skylon Tower come with complimentary transportation to the Tower’s observation deck, the Skylon Tower viewing point, and also the elevator ride to the top. Make this one of your date night spots and you will not be disappointed.
If you are feeling extra adventurous, check out the all-inclusive night tour that I don’t think many people know about, which takes you around both sides of the border to explore Niagara Falls at night. This tour is truly unique as it does the best of both sides of the border, both USA and Canada and is an all-inclusive night tour.
Journey Behind the Falls – Night Version
During the summer, the Journey Behind the Falls attraction closes at 10pm, offering visitors the opportunity to see the illumination of the Falls as well as the illumination of the Falls through a unique and intimate perspective under the night sky. You should remember that this is one of the most stunning sights in Niagara and make sure you book tickets in advance to explore the tunnels beneath the Falls and the observation decks beside the Horseshoe Falls.
Magic Shows
Where to go if you are looking for edutainment options while in Niagara. “Magic Evolution” is a Vegas-style Wild Magic Illusion Show at the Greg Frewin theatre that features magic illusions as well as classic magic. The show is amusing to kids and adults. Check out the Evolution of Magic for more details.
Niagara Power Station Night Views
Niagara Power Station offers an exclusive experience after dark where you can access the tunnel for an epic sound and light show which makes this attraction the newest in Niagara Falls.
The breathtaking views of the falls can be enjoyed from the 2,200-foot tunnel leading to the Niagara River. At night, the three main cascades, Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, are illuminated.
With the new nighttime access to the iconic Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel comes a new adventure. This experience runs from 7 PM to 10 PM daily; the last entry is at 9 PM.
So far we have covered everything there is to do in Niagara Falls at night. From the nightly illuminations to the casinos and even the concerts featuring some of music’s biggest stars, there’s a myriad of activities to enjoy.
If you are planning a trip to Niagara Falls make sure to visit the Niagara Parks website to get your Adventure Pass which allows you access to Journey Behind the Falls, the WeGo Bus, The Whitewater Walk and Niagara’s Fury, and even more!
