Our Winter Family Visit to Niagara Falls Canada

Living in Toronto, Niagara Falls has always been a favourite destination for me and my family. We often take for granted the fact that we’re only an hour’s drive from one of the Wonders of the World. However, every time we take a trip there, usually at least one once per year, I’m reminded of its splendor, beauty and everything the Falls has to offer families, couples and friends. In fact, whenever we have any visitors from out of town, the agenda always includes a visit to the Falls.

However, I’ll be the first to admit that our visits have always taken place when it is warm out, mainly in the Summer.  When we were looking for a weekend getaway over the Family-Day long weekend, I never would have thought about heading to the Falls, but we did…, and it was a great idea! It was an amazing experience to see the Falls in the winter, so beautifully covered in snow and ice. It felt like a magical scene right out of Frozen. Except, this was real life!

During the first day of our visit, we saw the Falls “behind the scenes”. We went down and through the tunnels at Journey Behind the Falls.

The Falls was roaring and the ice formations all around it was just stunning. The following day the weather was in the negative twenties (Celsius). While we didn’t plan on going for a walk outside, we drove right by the Falls to get a close look at the huge cloud of mist coming out of the Falls. I have never seen anything quite like it!

I remember one of the visitors asking the tour operator when would be best to see the Falls; in the Summer or Winter? Personally, I think you need to see the Falls in both seasons as it’s completely different and both are spectacular. Not to mention, the crowds are pretty much nonexistent during the winter months, making it ideal for visiting with little ones (short lines and easy viewing access = happy kids).

Another first for me, which is crazy considering how many times I’ve visited Niagara Falls, was our family visit to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory.

During our visit, the “We Are the Insects” traveling exhibit was there.

The boys really enjoyed walking around, looking and learning about all of the different insects that can be found around the world.

While they were seemingly undeterred by the insects, my younger son Ryan was a little scared of the butterflies. However, the fact that he was exhausted at that point might have also played a role. Personally, I loved the conservatory and being able to walk around in a garden full of free flying butterflies of different sizes and colours.

There were several benches placed throughout the conservatory and for a good reason. If I didn’t have my kids in tow, I can see myself sitting there for long periods of time as a great way to relax. I might have to come back on a solo-trip!

Have you ever visited Niagara Parks in the winter time? What was your experience like?