10 fun things to do in Niagara Falls at night
Diplomat.Today
Niagara Falls is the perfect getaway in Ontario, Canada. Seeing Horseshoe Falls never gets boring, and there is always something fun and exciting to do in town. Since we’ve visited Niagara Falls too many times to count, we’ve put together the perfect Niagara Falls guides, but what is there to do in Niagara Falls at night? You’ll be happy to know there’s a lot!
Niagara Falls at night
Most people stay at least one night in a hotel when they visit Niagara Falls. There are numerous hotels with rooms overlooking the falls and we have a whole article on the best hotels in Niagara Falls. Trust me, we’ve stayed at them all! If you’re 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. Illumination of Niagara Falls
If you visit Niagara Falls at night, make sure you go to the top of the Niagara River Gorge to witness the Illumination. Thanks to the Niagara Falls Illumination Board switching from existing Xenon lights to more efficient LED lights in 2016, Niagara Falls is illuminated with 20,000 LED lights that emit more than twice as much light as previous lighting levels. You will be amazed at how vibrant the colors are. Just take a look below!
The colors change to celebrate different holidays, such as red and green at Christmas, and varying colors throughout the rest of the year. It’s completely free to view, and some of the best places to see them are from Queen Victoria Park and the viewing platform above the Hornblower. Watch the majestic waterfalls come alive with vibrant colors as they are illuminated each evening. The stunning light display runs from sunset to midnight, offering a mesmerizing view of the falls in a whole new light.
American Falls are also illuminated
The Illumination Board illuminates the falls with vibrant colors year-round, including the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls. We took this photo of the American Falls and Canada’s Niagara Falls, lit up in winter. No matter what time of year you visit Niagara Falls, it is always a sight to behold.
- Fall lighting scheme:
- May, June and 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 waterfalls and surrounding cityscape from a height of 180 feet. The Niagara SkyWheel takes three full passes to see the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, the Niagara River, and both the Bridal Veil Falls and the American Falls.
Open until 2am, it’s a great time to ride as there are fewer crowds and the dazzling lights of both the city and the falls are truly beautiful.
3. Fireworks show
To truly experience Niagara Falls at night, don’t miss the fireworks combined with the falls lights. During the summer months, the illumination of Niagara Falls goes one step further, enhancing the illumination of autumn with fireworks lighting up the night sky.
Niagara Falls is beautiful at night, but it is stunning with a spectacular fireworks display. During the summer months and on special holidays, fireworks are a regular feature, adding extra sparkle to your evening. The best place to watch the fireworks is from Queen Victoria Park, the platform at the Zipline or anywhere along the waterfront above the Niagara Gorge.
Journey Behind the Falls, the terrace of Queen Victoria Place Restaurant or one 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 old-school arcade games, 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 busy, from haunted houses to mini golf, wax museums and nightlife events, all lit up after dark. Read our review: The Clifton Hill Fun Pass in Niagara Falls: Is it worth it?
Buy your Clifton Hill Attractions Pass: The Clifton Hill Fun Pass costs $34.95 Canadian plus 13% tax. It includes admission 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. If you were to purchase each attraction individually it would cost $71.70 plus tax, so that’s a savings of $30. Buy your Clifton Hill Pass now.
5. Nightlife at Fallsview Casino Resort
Fallsview Casino Resort is a complete entertainment complex with shops, restaurants and a casino. It is Canada’s best casino and a world-class entertainment venue. Check the schedule before you visit 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 in the evenings with a wide range of live entertainment and great food, all with views of the falls.
6. Dine with a view
Horseshoe Falls takes dining by eye to a whole new level. Of all the places you can eat overlooking the falls, this has the best view, and I dare to stay. I have yet to find a steak I like better.
The Keg Fallsview – Located in Embassy Suites. The Keg is a popular Canadian steakhouse chain, but with a view of H
The Fallsview Watermark Dining is a great dining option during your stay at the Hilton. It has beautiful views of Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. On Fridays you can order a 3-course fixed price dinner, including a bottle of Niagara wine.
21 Club Steakhouse at Fallsview Casino—If you haven’t noticed, steak is almost a household name in Niagara. The restaurant has a beautiful view of the falls.
Massimos at Sheraton on the Falls – If you’re looking for Italian, Massimo’s on the Falls at the Sheraton has a beautiful view. It is rated as the #1 Italian restaurant in Niagara Falls.
Morton’s Steakhouse – Niagara Marriot Fallsview Hotel & Spa has a view of the falls, but is slightly lower than the other restaurants. You can order a set 3-course dinner, including a bottle of Niagara wine.
7. Hornblower Night Cruise
It’s great fun to experience the Hornblower Cruise during the day, but imagine taking a Niagara Falls fireworks cruise as the sky lights up around you with the thundering falls ahead.
Experience the falls up close during a Hornblower Night Cruise. The boat trips take place during the warmer months and offer a unique perspective of the illuminated waterfalls, often combined with the fireworks show.
Where else to eat in Niagara Falls, Canada
Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse – After tasting Brazilian barbecue in Brazil, we can say that this restaurant does it right. If you like meat, you get unlimited meat in all types and cuts. Here’s a pro tip: don’t overfill the salad bar, you won’t have room for the tender pieces and it’s pricey, so you want to get your money’s worth.
Rainbow Room – Located in the Crown Plaza Rainbow Room, another of the best views of the falls. looking down the US is falling towards the Horseshoe. It has an extensive wine list to match the seasonal menu, curated by check Massimo Capra.
Napoli Restaurant and Pizzeria – This is a staple of the city and when we fancy Italian we head to Napoli. It is located just outside the Fallsview tourist area, a short walk from 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 is 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 spin 360 degrees in the revolving dining room as you enjoy your meal 800 feet above our Niagara Falls. And if you book a meal at the Skylon Tower, your ride to the top and access to the Skylon Tower Observation Deck is included. This is the classic date night destination, so splash out a little and have fun.
For something truly unique, book a 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 overnight tour that takes in the best of both sides of the US-Canada border.
10. Visit a magic show
If you’re looking for some entertainment in Niagara Falls, book this magic show. The Vegas Style show is a wild magical illusion show with Greg Frewin at the Greg Frewin Theater, featuring 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 in the evening. Whether you enjoy the nighttime illuminations, try your luck in the casinos or see some of music’s biggest stars perform, there is something for everyone in Niagara Falls.
If you’re planning a trip to Niagara Falls, visit Niagara Parks for your Adventure Pass that gives you access to Journey Behind the Falls, WeGo Bus transportation, The Whitewater Walk, and Niagara’s Fury.
