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Niagara Falls are possibly the most famous waterfall in North America. They are some of the most powerful falls in the world (others include Iguazu Falls in South America and Victoria Falls in Africa). To really see and feel their incredible power, one really needs to get up close and personal. Niagara Falls are not all that high as far as tall waterfalls go (like Yosemite Falls), but they are incredibly powerful.
Canada's Journey Behind The Falls is undoubtedly one of the must-do attractions of visiting Niagara Falls. In the summer months, both sides of Niagara Falls are crowded with people; in the winter, there is scarcely anyone, but the weather can be bitterly cold. Perhaps the best time to visit Niagara Falls is during the autumn months as a happy medium.
Why Take The Journey Behind The Falls On The Canadian Side
Niagara Falls is located on the border between Canada and the United States. Each side has something special to offer, and given a chance; one should view them from both sides. The greater part of the falls are in the United States - but as the Canadians like to point out, this means that Canada typically enjoys better views of the falls.
- Parking Pass: $26.55 CAD ($20 USD)
Take the Journey Behind the Falls on the Canadian side. Their Journey Behind The Falls is one of the main attractions on the Canadian side of the Falls and offers a trip behind Niagara Falls. This attraction includes a tunnel behind the Falls and lower observation decks.
The Canadian side has both a lower observation deck (where one will be in the spray of the falls) and 130-year-old tunnels running behind the falls.
Journey Behind The Falls Price:
- Adult: $23.50 CAD ($18 USD)
- Child: $15.50 CAD ($12 USD) Aged 6-12 Years
- 2x Adults: $46.50 CAD ($36 USD)
There is an elevator that takes visitors 125 feet down below. At the base of the elevator is a short tunnel that has access to two outdoor observation decks and also leads behind the Falls.
The Tunnels Behind Niagara Falls
There are 130-year-old tunnels that have been carved into the bedrock behind the falls. Today these are open to the public, and one can visit. To get to them, visitors descend 125 feet and venture all the way out into the heart of the Niagara Horseshoe Falls.
- Age: 130 Years Old
- Portals: Cataract Portal and The Great Falls Portal
Going into these tunnels is a unique experience; one will feel the thunderous vibration of the Horseshoe Falls long before one sees them.
The tunnels behind the falls have two portals that look straight into the Falls, plummeting down immediately in front.
The second portal - the Great Falls Portal - is located around a third of the way along the Falls ( can't go too far without being on the American side of the Falls).
Niagara Falls Lower Observation Decks
After the walk behind the Falls and glancing through the ports, it's time to venture onto the Upper and Lower Observation Decks. These are located at the foot of the mighty Falls. It may be a good idea to take along a waterproof camera.
Don a disposal poncho (or bring one's own) and step out on the lower observation deck. Here, instead of looking down at the falls, one will be gazing right up at them. It is something else to see the river that drains the Great Lakes containing 20% of the world's freshwater crashing down right in front.
Stand in wonder at the sight of over 2,800 cubic meters of water cascading down every second. The whole Journey Behind the Falls takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
- Duration: Around 30-45 Minutes
The Journey Behind the Falls is offered year-round - although it can be bitterly cold in the winter. The rates in the winter months are reduced, and the Lower Observation Deck is closed due to the accumulation of ice.
- Winter Rates: Reduced
- Lower Observation Deck: Closed During Winter Months
Additionally, there are posts of information throughout the hallways that offer a deep dive into the history and evolution of the Falls. It's not that many waterfalls in the world where one can walk along a tunnel carved behind them!