Niagara Falls is a magical place, no matter what time of year. While many people think of the falls as a spring or summer tourist destination, there is plenty to see and do throughout the year. Winter gives the viewer an entirely different perspective of these magnificent waterfalls, especially when they are surrounded by snow and ice. Plus, if you visit between mid- November and January 31, you be able to see the beautiful Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights.
Our weekend
We recently had the opportunity to take an impromptu trip to the Niagara region to catch a few hockey games. My cousin lives 400 miles away from us in a small town called Apsley, Ontario. This cousin, April, has six boys, five of whom are old enough to play hockey. Dennis and I usually try to make it up at least once each winter to watch a few games. When April texted and said three of her boys had qualified for the International Silver Stick Hockey Tournament in Niagara Falls this January, we were very tempted to go. After all, 180 miles is much closer than 400, especially in the winter.
This year, however, we were a little more leery than usual. We’d made hotel reservations for this tournament the past two years and hadn’t gone. In 2017, none of the teams won their regional. Note to self: don’t purchase non-refundable rooms for hockey tournaments. And then in 2018, there was a huge ice storm, and we holed up at home, losing out on one night’s hotel room cost because we couldn’t cancel in time. I did try to make a reservation this year at their hotel, Four Points by Sheraton St. Catharines-Niagara, but the only room I could find was $345 CAD a night. I wasn’t willing to pay that when I knew that April had only paid $129 CAD.
The boys were to play two games on Thursday and two games on Friday, and each team was guaranteed one game on Saturday. We had to work all week, so the weekday games were out. On Friday evening I asked what time the Saturday games were. Callum was scheduled to play his Bantam semi-final at 8:10 a.m., and Keagan and Beckham were to play at 9:30 a.m. Dennis really didn’t want to drive up, but at 8 p.m. on Friday night, I convinced him to go. He says I owe him.
Our Day
We got up at 3:00 a.m. and were packed and in the truck by 4:23. After a quick stop at the ATM, we headed north. We made good time, only stopping once for gas at the intersection of Route 7 and I-90. Here’s a tip: Ohio’s gas is always considerably cheaper than Pennsylvania’s, New York’s, or Ontario’s. Our only other stop was a restroom break at Angola on the New York Thruway.
The border crossing was a breeze, with absolutely no traffic at 7:00 a.m. We were asked different questions this time that puzzled me a little. Other than the standard questions (where are you from, where are you going, how long are you staying, what are you bringing in), we were asked about firearms. We said we didn’t have any weapons with us, and then the border agent asked if we carried. I have to wonder if it was because of the camouflage blanket in the front seat. If you are interested in visiting Canada, read “Traveling to Canada: Border Requirements for U.S. Citizens” to find out what documents Americans are required to show.
We reached the arena with time to spare so we stopped at Tim Hortons for breakfast. We’re not eating any bread or sugar, so there’s wasn’t much to choose from. I got green tea and a breakfast sandwich and tossed the biscuit.
Aunt Jo and Uncle Kim were surprised to see us. April knew there was a slight possibility, but we hadn’t made any promises. It was wonderful to catch up after not seeing each other for months.
The Games
Unfortunately, Callum’s team lost their semi-final game 5-4. Keagan and Beckham’s team won theirs 2-1 and would play in the Peewee Championships on Sunday morning. The game was early, and I was able to convince Dennis to spend the night. I may have thrown in extra clothes for the both of us just in case.
After the Games
After the game, our group of eleven (six adults and five kids) all went to a late breakfast/brunch at the Breakfast Barn in Welland, Ontario. I had a western omelette and bacon. It was very filling. I was able to make a same-day reservation on hotels.com for the same hotel for $120 USD–a much better price than what I could find several weeks ago.
We checked into the hotel. Their system was down, so I had to email a copy of my confirmation to them. We hadn’t had time to tell our local bank we were leaving the country, so of course our Visa debit card was declined. I left $200 American at the front desk as a deposit instead–luckily the hotel was willing to accept it. We did have Canadian money, but less than $100. Later I was able to go online and set a different Visa card to travel mode and retrieve our cash.
Winter Festival of Lights
After a little nap, we decided to head to the falls to see the Winter Festival of Lights. Each year since 1982, the Ontario Power Generation has presented this seven kilometer long display of holiday lights in Queen Victoria Park alongside the Niagara River and falls. It’s the largest display of lights in Canada, attracting over 1.5 million visitors each year. This year, the festival began November 3, 2018, and will end January 31, 2019.
The Winter Festival of Lights did not disappoint. The lights were absolutely beautiful. There are parts that visitors can walk through, but most people were driving due to the cold weather. The lights are along the Niagara Parkway, on Lundy’s Lane, up Clifton Hill, in the Fallsview area, and on the Dufferin Islands. Donations are accepted to help with the costs.
Dinner
After we returned to the hotel, we had dinner in their Piazza Restaurant. April, Uncle Kim, Aunt Jo, and Dennis all had steak and mozzarella salads. Josh had a Canadian burger–he ordered a Caesar salad, but ended up with fries. I ordered a taco salad without the tortilla bowl. My dinner was fantastic.
Sunday morning
The finals game between the Apsley Flames and the Seaforth Stars was scheduled early in morning, but was bumped to a later time so another team could make their flights. We were able to watch the Columbus Capitals team win the Bantam championship before our game started.
Unfortunately, Keagan and Beckham’s peewee team lost their championship game. They played their little hearts out. It was a hard loss.
Our weekend visit was quick–less than 30 hours–but we had a wonderful time with family. We didn’t visit any of the attractions at the falls other than the Winter Festival of Lights this trip, but we will come back another time. The falls aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
So, what can you do at Niagara Falls in the winter?
We didn’t even touch on the activities that are open during the winter. There’s just so much to do. Here are nine things to do when it’s cold out at Niagara Falls.
1. Winter Festival of Lights
If you are visiting Niagara Falls in November, December, or January, don’t miss the Winter Festival of Lights. In addition to this display, there are fireworks at various times during the month (usually on Friday nights).
2. Shopping
From tourist shops to malls to outlet stores, Niagara Falls has it all. Try the Canada One Factory Outlet on Lundy’s Lane for bargains on major brands like Coach, Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Carter’s Oshkosh, and more. Or, check out the Fallsview Casino Resort Shopping Galleria for smaller specialty shops.
3. Hockey and Ice Skating
Stop by a local arena and see when their public skate times are. Two nearby arenas are the Niagara Falls Gale Centre and the Willoughby Memorial Arena–there are several more in the area, depending on where your hotel is located.
If you have more time, go see a Niagara IceDogs hockey game at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines.
4. Clifton Hill
All of the restaurants, shops, and museums are open in the winter. From wax museums to the skywheel, Clifton Hill has it all. Check out Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum or Strike, Rock, and Bowl for fun indoor activities.
5. Forts
For a glimpse back into history, don’t forget about the forts. While Old Fort Erie closes for most of the winter, Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-4.
6. Wineries
The Niagara region is famous for its wines, and there are over 80 wineries in the Niagara region. Many of them are open year-round for wine-tasting and tours. These are great stops for adult getaways.
7. Casinos
Want to try your luck at the tables? Niagara Falls, Ontario, is home to two casinos. The Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara are home to slot machines, gaming tables, restaurants, shows, and more.
8. Butterfly Conservatory
The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is open year-round. Plus, as a bonus, it’s warm inside. Check out my post about our visit to the butterfly conservatory here.
9. The Falls!
How could I forget? Niagara Falls is beautiful when covered in snow and ice. Be sure to visit once in the daytime and then again at night to see the falls illuminated in a rainbow of colors. Remember to dress warm–the mist freezes when it hits you, plus the wind can be brutal. Coats, hats, gloves, and scarves are a must.
In Closing
Our trip was not focused on the falls, but rather on family and sports. However, we did enjoy the Winter Festival of Lights and will come back again with the grandkids when they are a little older. Don’t count Niagara Falls out as a winter destination. There’s plenty to do to keep your family busy at the falls any time of year!
Disclaimer: Not all of these photos are mine. April took some of them.
I’m sure the falls are just stunning with all of the snow! And sounds like such a fun time you all had! I’d would definitely like to make a trip back to the falls, I haven’t been there since 8th grade!
-Madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
I had the opportunity to actually go see Niagara Falls 2 years ago, but it hailed. I usually go in the summer. I have never been there in the winter, but after reading your post, it is now on my places to go see list!
I’ve never been to Niagara, but you have me thinking about going now. A lot of things you mentioned would interest me and/or my wife including the forts, wineries, the casino and the falls.
Niagara is gorgeous. So many years since I’ve been there but it looks like you all had a great time.
Awesome post Niagara falls is one the wonders of the world. Hope you had great fun at that location. If you are visiting Niagara means you are going to Torornto falls too. We also gather a post on Things to do in Toronto with kids. Thought you and your readers would be interested to find out some other location to visit in Toronto. Here is the link. https://socialkids.ca/things-to-do-in-toronto-with-kids/
One of my favorite things to do in Toronto is the Royal Ontario Museum. The dinosaurs at the ROM are impressive!
I think that it is a good thing that you were able to convince your husband to go because it sounds like you both had a good time
good job with the article! but what does CAD mean? Canadian Dollars?
Yes 🙂
That kid must of had a good time spending all that money. lol
He earned it, so he could spend it.
Wow looks like a fun place to go cant wait till this year to go vist all the shopping stores.
I’ve been meaning to go the Niagara falls for a while. Thanks for the informative post!
Such a great list I really want to take my husband to Niagara since he had never been before.
The light festival looks spectacular. I’ve always wanted to see the falls up close and now I know what time of year to come!
First the photos are beautiful. I love traveling and this is one place I can’t wait to visit with family.
I love your pictures, it looks beautiful!
I’ve always wanted to visit Niagara Falls – I shall save this!
I’ve never been! I’d love to go sometime! Thanks for providing some great insight.
Wow!!! This looks amazing. I had no idea they had such a large light festival. Beautiful 😍
Niagra Falls is definitely on my bucket list! I had no idea they lit them up at night, though! That would be spectacular!
Thank you for posting this, especially those photos of the Festival of Lights. It looks beautiful.
I’ve lived in NY state my entire life of 50 years and have never been to Niagara Falls. I only went to the Empire State Building roof about 10 years ago. I hear the falls look beautiful at night all lit up. Now I know what I’m missing out on after reading your article! Thanks for giving me an idea for our next trip.
Wow!! The falls look amazing!! You guys really had fun. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
vow niagara!!!!! One of the beautiful places which we visited this year . Am going back to my vacation days by reading your posts. Looks like you ppl had a very good time .
I have never been to Niagara Falls and I had no idea there was so much to do there. Makes me want to go even more now!
Seeing the Falls is on my bucket list! The light show looks amazing!
You really had a great time, that’s so lovely! I didn’t know there were so much more attractions linked to the Niagara Falls. I think we should try this time of the year to see the Festival of Lights.
I love Niagara! Especially in the winter, which I lot of people think is crazy. This year I also got to see the Cascades of Fire fireworks show over the falls which was beautiful. And I love visiting the wineries anytime of year!