12 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls at Night

Written By: The Planet D

Niagara Falls is the perfect getaway in Ontario, Canada. Seeing Horseshoe Falls never gets old, and there is always something fun and exciting to do in the city. Having visited Niagara Falls too many times to count, we have created the perfect guides to the city, but what is there to do in Niagara Falls at night? You’ll be happy to know that there is a lot!

Niagara Falls at Night

niagara falls at night illumination in winter

Most people spend at least one night in a hotel when visiting Niagara Falls. There are numerous hotels with Fallsview rooms, and we have an entire article breaking down the best hotels in Niagara Falls. Trust me, we have stayed at them all! If you are planning a trip to Niagara Falls and want to know what to do in Niagara Falls during the day, read our guide to the Perfect One Day in Niagara Itinerary, Things to Do in Niagara Falls

1. Niagara Falls Illumination

niagara falls lit up at night illumination board

When visiting Niagara Falls at night, make sure to go down to the walkway along the Niagara Parkway to witness the Illumination. Thanks to the Niagara Falls Illumination Board’s change from the existing Xenon lights in 2016 to the more efficient LED lights, Niagara Falls is lit with 20,000 LED lights that emit more than twice the level of light as the previous lighting levels. The spectacular display is free for everyone to watch the nightly illumination from anywhere.

You can book an Illumination and Fireworks Tour that includes a guide who takes you to key attractions such as Table Rock Centre, the Skylon Tower, and it includes a cruise along the Niagara River. You will be amazed at how vivid the colors are, illuminating the regal Niagara Falls for everyone to enjoy.

  • Address: Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2, Canada
niagara falls illumination board

The colors over Niagara Falls change to celebrate different holidays, such as red and green, during Christmas and to mark significant dates. The programmable lighting changes depending on the time of year.

They rotate colors throughout the rest of the year but also have special events. It is completely free to watch, and some of the best places to see them are from Queen Victoria Park and the viewing platform above the Hornblower.

Watching the majestic falls come alive with vibrant colors is one of the best things to do at night in Niagara Falls. The illumination schedule runs from sunset to midnight and offers a mesmerizing view of the falls in a whole new light.

The American Falls Are Illuminated, Too

niagara falls USA American falls lit up illumination board

The Illumination Board ignites the falls with vibrant colors all year long over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls. Standing on the Canadian side overlooking the Niagara River is a view you won’t forget.

  • 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

2. Niagara SkyWheel

niagara falls at night niagara skywheel

Take a ride on the Niagara SkyWheel, a giant Ferris wheel on Clifton Hill, and enjoy views of the illuminated falls and the surrounding cityscape from a height of 175 feet. The Niagara SkyWheel does three complete passes to see both the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, The Niagara River and both the Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls.

Hours are open until 2 am, and it’s a great time to ride as the crowds are less, and the dazzling lights of both the city and the falls are truly beautiful. The Niagara SkyWheel is included with your Clifton Hill Pass. Get your pass in advance here.

  • Address: 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4, Canada

3. Fireworks Show

niagara falls at night illumination fireworks

To really experience Niagara Falls at night, don’t miss the fireworks display combined with the Falls Illumination. During the summer months, the Niagara Falls lighting goes a step further, magnifying the fall’s illumination with fireworks lighting up the night sky.

Niagara Falls at night is beautiful, but with a spectacular fireworks display, it is magnificent. The fireworks are a regular feature during the summer months and on special holidays, adding extra sparkle to your night. The best place to watch the fireworks is from Queen Victoria Park, the platform at the Zipline or anywhere along the water’s edge above the Niagara Gorge.

Journey Behind the Falls, the terrace at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant, or any of the Fallsview Restaurants with a view are also great. You can also book an Illumination and Fireworks Tour that includes a guide who takes you to key attractions such as Table Rock Centre, Skylon Tower, and a cruise along the Niagara River to see the nightly illumination.

  • Address: Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2, Canada (Best viewed from various points in the park)

4. Clifton Hill

niagara falls at night wizard golf

Clifton Hill is definitely the place to be in Niagara Falls at night. Start at the Great Canadian Midway for some good old-fashioned arcade games, and then work your way up to the Clifton Hill Attractions. Clifton Hill is known as the “Street of Fun,” and there are so many things to keep you occupied, from haunted houses to mini-golf to wax museums to nightlife events, all lit up after dark. Read our review: The Clifton Hill Fun Pass in Niagara Falls: Is it Worth it?

movieland wax museum niagara falls at night

Get your Clifton Hill Attractions Pass: The Clifton Hill Fun Pass costs $34.95 Canadian plus 13% tax. It includes entry to 6 attractions, including the Niagara Skywheel, Zombie Attack, Cosmic Coaster, Movieland Wax Museum, and your choice of indoor glow-in-the-dark Wizard Golf or outdoor Wizard Golf. To purchase each attraction separately, it would cost $71.70 plus tax, so that is a $30 savings. Get your Clifton Hill Pass Now.

5. Nightlife at Fallsview Casino Resort

niagara falls at night fallsview casino resort

Fallsview Casino Resort is a complete entertainment complex with shopping, dining, and a casino. It is Canada’s Premier casino and a world-class entertainment venue. Check the schedule before visiting the Canadian Falls to see who is playing. Niagara Fallsview Resort has hosted the likes of Billy Joel, and this year, keep an eye out for Pete Davidson, Ringo Starr, and Chelsey Handler.

The entire Fallsview area is the place to be at night with wide range of live entertainment, and fine dining, all with a view of the falls.

  • Address: 6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7X5, Canada

6. Dine with a View at a Fallsview Restaurant

niagara falls at night fallsview restaurant

Niagara Falls dining with a view to a whole new level. The Keg Fallsview is our favourite fallsview restaurant. Located within Embassy Suites. The Keg is a popular Canadian Steakhouse chain and one of the best places to eat to see the nightly illumination. Why deal with the crowds, go for a delicious dinner instead.

Other Fallsview restaurants include The Watermark Fallsview at the Hilton. It has beautiful views of Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. On Fridays, you can order 3-course fixed-price dinners that include a bottle of Niagara Wine. 21 Club Steakhouse at Fallsview Casino has excellent views of the Niagara Falls USA and Canadian Falls.

If you are looking for Italian, Massimo’s on the Falls at the Sheraton has excellent views. It is rated the #1 Italian restaurant in Niagara Falls.

Niagara Marriot Fallsview Hotel & Spa has views of the falls, but they are a bit lower than the other restaurants. You can order a 3-course fixed dinner that includes a bottle of Niagara Wine at Mortons Steakhouse.

Where Else to Eat in Niagara Falls, Canada

niagara falls at night fallsview restaurant

Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse—Having sampled Brazilian Barbecue in Brazil, we can say that this restaurant gets it right. If you are into meat, you get all-you-can-eat meat of all kinds and cuts. Here’s a pro tip—don’t fill up too much on the salad bar. You won’t have room for the tender cuts, and it’s pricey, so you’ll want to get your money’s worth.

Rainbow Room – Located in the Crown Plaza Rainbow Room, another one of the best views of the Falls. looking down the US falls towards the Horseshoe. It has an extensive wine list to go with the seasonal menu created by Chef Massimo Capra.

Napoli Restaurant and Pizzeria – This is a staple in the city and when we’re craving Italian, we head to Napoli. Located just outside the Fallsview tourist area, it’s a short walk on Stanely Street.

7. Hornblower Night Cruise

where to stay in niagara falls best hotels

Experiencing the Hornblower Cruise during the day is a lot of fun, but imagine taking a Niagara Falls fireworks cruise as the skies light up around you and the thunderous falls crash ahead.

Experience the falls up close on a Hornblower Night Cruise. The boat tours operate during the warmer months and provide a unique perspective of the illuminated falls, often paired with the fireworks show.

This Illumination and Fireworks Tour includes a cruise along the Niagara River to see the nightly illumination and a guide who takes you to key attractions such as Table Rock Centre, Skylon Tower, and a

8. Niagara Falls Nightmares Fear Factory

niagara falls at night nightmares fear factory

If you’re in the mood for a scare, visit the Nightmares Fear Factory, a renowned haunted house on Victoria Avenue. It’s one of the scariest attractions in Niagara Falls and offers a thrilling experience after sunset.

Set in a former coffin factory, which adds to the eerie and chilling atmosphere, Nightmares Fear Factory is known for its intense and interactive scares. The attraction is designed to play on common phobias and fears, using darkness, sudden noises, and unexpected encounters to frighten visitors.

According to the legend associated with the attraction, the building was once a coffin factory owned by Abraham Mortimer. The story goes that Mortimer was killed in a freak accident and now haunts the premises, seeking revenge on anyone who dares to enter.

  • Address: 5631 Victoria Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3L5, Canada

9. Skylon Tower

Skylon Tower Revolving Restaurant is a Niagara institution. You’ll do a 360 spin around in the revolving dining room as you enjoy your meal from 775 feet above our Niagara Falls. Plus, if you book a meal at the Skylon Tower, your ride to the top and entrance to the Skylon Tower Observation Deck is included. This is the classic date night destination so splurge a little and have some fun.

For something truly unique, book this tour that takes you across both sides of the border to explore Niagara Falls at night. This tour is truly unique, offering an all-inclusive night tour that does the best of both sides of the border between the USA and Canada.

10. Journey Behind the Falls – Night Edition

niagara falls journey behind the falls

In the summer, you can experience the Journey Behind the Falls at night for a unique and intimate view of the falls under the night sky. During the summer hours, Journey Behind the Falls is open until 10pm, offering visitors a chance to see the fall’s illumination from a different perspective. When you visit Niagara Falls, this is one of the best attractions day or night. So make sure you book tickets to explore the tunnels under the falls and observation decks beside Horseshoe falls.

11. Catch a Magic Show

If you are looking for some entertainment in Niagara Falls, book this magic show. The Vegas-style show is a wild magic illusion show featuring Greg Frewin at the Greg Frewin Theatre. It showcases illusions, classic magic, and a fun story for families and adults. Check out the Evolution of Magic for more details.

12. Niagara Power Station at Night

niagara falls power station at night

The Niagara Power Station is Niagara Falls’s newest attraction, and they have added an exclusive after-dark experience where you can visit the tunnel, followed by an epic sound and light show.

The 2,200-foot tunnel to the Niagara River is worth visiting for views of the falls. At night, Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls are illuminated.

Experience access to the iconic Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel with a new nighttime adventure. This nighttime experience is available daily from 7 PM to 10 PM, with the last entry at 9 PM.

Winter in Canada Frozen Niagara Falls at Night

And there you have the best things to do in Niagara Falls at night. Whether you are enjoying the nightly illumination, trying your luck at the casinos or watching some of music’s biggest stars perform, there is something for everyone in Niagara Falls.

If you are planning a trip to Niagara Falls, visit Niagara Parks for your Adventure Pass, which gives you access to Journey Behind the Falls, transportation on the WeGo Bus, The Whitewater Walk, and Niagara’s Fury.

Plan Your Trip to Niagara Falls

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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