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 Niagara Falls, 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
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
When visiting Niagara Falls at night, make sure to go down to the top of the Niagara River Gorge to witness the Illumination. Thanks to The Niagara Falls Illumination Board changed from the existing Xenon lights in 2016 to the more efficient LED lights, Niagara Falls is lit with 20,000 LED lights that emite more than twice the level of light than the previous lighting levels. You will be amazed with how vivid the colours are. Just take a look below!
The colors change to celebrate different holidays, such as red and green during Christmas, and rotating colors throughout the rest of the year. 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. Watch the majestic falls come alive with vibrant colors as they are illuminated every night. The stunning light display runs from sunset to midnight and offers a mesmerizing view of the falls in a whole new light.
American Falls Are Illuminated Too
The Illumination Board ignites the falls with vibrant colors all year long, including the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls. We took this photo of the American Falls and Canadian Niagara Falls lit up in the winter. It doesn’t matter which time of year you visit Niagara Falls, it is always a sight to see.
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
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.
3. Fireworks Show
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.
4. Clifton Hill
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?
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
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 Casino 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.
6. Dine with a View at a 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.
7. Hornblower Night Cruise
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 with the crashing of the thunderous falls 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.
Where Else to Eat in Niagara Falls, Canada
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 check 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.
8. Niagara Falls 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.
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. 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.
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 that give you access to Journey Behind the Falls, transportation on the WeGo Bus, The Whitewater Walk, and Niagara’s Fury.