One of the most thrilling parts about visiting Niagara Falls isn’t just viewing magnificent cascades of water, it's also about exploring the hidden underground tunnels located behind and underneath the falls. It is indeed an adventurous tour not many people are aware of, an underground journey to the heart of Niagara.
Niagara Falls, split between the USA and Canada, has long been a top attraction for visitors due to its powerful beauty, lush landscapes, and exciting attractions such as boat rides, a butterfly conservatory, and viewing platforms that allow visitors to feel the thunderous power of the falls.
However, to truly comprehend the awe-inspiring scale and power of Niagara Falls, the 'Cave of the Winds,' 'Journey Behind the Falls' and 'The Tunnel' tours are must-try experiences.
The Cave of the Winds Tour, located on the USA side of Niagara Falls, takes you 175 feet deep into the Niagara Gorge. As part of the tour, you are provided with a special poncho and sandals to shield you from the refreshing spray of the Falls. Riding down the elevator into the base of the Gorge, a series of wooden walkways take you right to the edge of the Bridal Veil Falls.
During the summer, the decks take you close enough to the Falls to feel tropical storm-like conditions, which gives the 'Cave of the Winds' its name. At night, the deck becomes an observation platform for an ethereal view of the Falls lit up in vibrant colors.
Meanwhile, the Journey Behind the Falls, an exciting Niagara Parks attraction in CANADA, gives you a chance to stand in the mist where the mighty Horseshoe Falls tumbles from 13 stories above! Visitors get access to over 130 years old man-made tunnels that go directly beneath and behind the falls.
A set of elevators transports visitors 125 feet down to the bottom of the Horseshoe Falls, leading them into a network of narrow passages and viewing portals carved out of the bedrock. As you walk these hidden passageways, the roar of the falls becomes louder and more powerful. You can hear and feel the immense force of the rushing water, providing a unique sensory experience.
Two outdoor viewing platforms are provided, one directly at the bottom of the falls and another beside the falls. These provide you with an unparalleled close-up view of the awesome power and majesty of Niagara Falls, offering visitors a heart-pounding, visceral connection to this natural wonder.
The tunnel had functioned as an exit for the water powering the hydroelectric energy production for over a hundred years before being transitioned for this exhilarating tourist experience. Your subterranean tour follows the water's path and brings you to a viewpoint where the tunnel's exit into the Niagara River can be seen.
Experience an innovative take on the lower Niagara River from the newly constructed viewing platform. It is the first time this access is available, presenting unrivaled views of the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls.
Included in all three experiences is a souvenir biodegradable rain poncho (which you’ll definitely need!) and a stunning illuminated view of the Falls at night during the illumination period, subject to availability.
Venturing to Niagara Falls and skipping the opportunity to explore these hidden tunnels would certainly be missing out on an entirely different experience. Exploring these secret underground pathways provides a truly unique, immersive perspective of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles.
These attractions operate year-round, giving visitors the chance to experience the wonder of the falls from this incredible vantage point during all four seasons. Regardless of whether it’s during the brisk winter months or the peak summer season, exploring the hidden tunnels of Niagara Falls is undoubtedly an unforgettable, must-see attraction for adventurous spirits.