7 Winter Musts In The Niagara Falls National Heritage Area

1. Cave of the Winds Winter Experience

The Cave of the Winds Winter Experience is possibly the most breathtaking way to experience Niagara Falls. We all know the falls as we generally see them in summer, but winter adds an entirely new dimension. When you couple that with the up-close-and-personal view that the Cave of the Winds provides, you are left with stunning beauty and an eerie silence that persists aside from the deep roar of Niagara Falls.

2. Aquarium of Niagara

It's always the right time to visit our underwater friends at the Aquarium of Niagara. With several brand new exhibits, you'll engage with all kinds of sea life in fun and interactive ways. Visit their website for more information, including special events!

3. Niagara Falls State Park

Niagara Falls is amazing to view in winter. In fact, the colder the day, the better. If we have a week of those 12 degree days with the nasty windy chills, that is your cue to make a plan to visit. We promise, it will be worth the chilly encounter... just bundle up! The nightly illuminations also look particularly dazzling in the winter as well, as the colors dance as they hit the ice. We can't stress this enough though: bundle up! Gloves. Hat. Scarf. Coat.

4. Old Fort Niagara

A visit to Old Fort Niagara in winter really captures your imagination. What was it like hundreds of years ago living at the fort when the temperatures dropped? You can learn all about their means of survival and see for yourself what the winter landscape looked like for soldiers of the past. Be sure to check out their Snowshoe Patrol event! 

5. Snowshoe Exploration

Our many parks are beautiful to explore in winter, with hiking boots or showshoes! Our friends at Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper organize hikes and snowshoe tours during the winter months, so be sure to check out their event calendar.



Parks to explore:

Fort Niagara State Park

Stella Niagara Reserve

Whirlpool State Park

Deveaux Woods State Park

Joseph Davis State Park

Niagara Falls State Park

6. Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center

The Heritage Center’s mission is to reveal authentic stories of Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists in Niagara Falls that inspire visitors to recognize modern injustices that stem from slavery and take action toward an equitable society. They accomplish this through fascinating, interactive visits that informative for visitors of all ages. They also offer virtual tours to experience and learn about the Underground Railroad history of Niagara Falls at home.

7. Niagara Wine Trail

The Niagara Wine Trail is open for business year round, and winter is a great time to explore the wonderful wineries of our region. Wine tours also offer an education on why our area is so special in terms of making several different styles of wine. For Winter 2021, take advantage of their Winter Wine Pass.