Falls Illumination
Niagara Falls illumination is a must for any visitor! Every night of the year, the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls are illuminated in glowing colours creating a stunning vista that can be viewed from near and far. The glowing waters against the dark sky elevate the beauty of the thundering wonder, making Niagara Falls at night unlike anything you've ever experienced. Lights shine from three different locales near the Falls to collectively provide the stunning waterfall illumination. Whether you decide to venture toward the brink of the Falls at Table Rock, watch from your Fallsview hotel room or take in the view from an epic illumination cruise, be sure to experience Niagara illumination on your next trip to Explore Niagara!
Special Illumination Schedule
July 19, 2024
10:15-10:30
Inspired By Nature Illumination Display
With colour palettes and movements that are inspired by nature, this new illumination display brings the Falls to life every evening with visualizations representing the sunrise, aurora borealis, rainbow and sunset. The “Inspired by Nature” display is part of the regular nightly illumination of the Falls, with the five-minute lighting display playing through three times on the half hour. See the mighty American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls like never before every evening with this tribute to the natural beauty all around us. The Inspired by Nature show times are as follows: 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30pm pending the start time of the Falls Illumination which is based on the time of dusk.
Falls Illumination Calendar
| time range | on | off |
|---|---|---|
| January 1-31 | 5:00pm | 1:00am |
| February 1-March 11 | 5:30pm | 1:00am |
| March 12-31 | 7:30pm | 2:00am |
| April 1-May 14 | 8:00pm | 2:00am |
| May 15-July 31 | 8:30pm | 2:00am |
| August 1-15 | 8:00pm | 2:00am |
| August 16-31 | 7:30pm | 2:00am |
| September 1-19 | 7:00pm | 2:00am |
| September 20-30 | 6:30pm | 2:00am |
| October 1-15 | 6:15pm | 2:00am |
| October 16-31 | 6:00pm | 2:00am |
| November 1-31 | 4:30pm | 2:00am |
View the Falls Illumination Live
History of Falls Illumination
Niagara Falls at night were forever changed more than 100 years ago in 1860, when 200 Bengel Lights were arranged to illuminate the Falls in honour of an upcoming visit by the Prince of Wales.
From then until the early 1920s the Falls continued to be illuminated for further Royal visits and special events. It wasn't until a group of Niagara Falls businessmen lobbied for improvement of the Niagara Falls lights that Falls illumination became more common. The group, known as the 'generators', raised enough money to purchase and install 24 new arc lights. This ultimately led to the creation of the Niagara Falls Illumination Board in 1925, to ensure the management, operation and maintenance of the illumination lights. Since their erection, The Niagara Falls Illumination Board has financed and operated the Falls illumination.
The Niagara Falls nightly illumination has greatly improved and changed over the years, with an update as recently as December 2016. A brand new $4-million lighting grid was unveiled that delivers twice the brightness and a wider spectrum of colour all at a quarter of the energy consumption than the previous illumination.
Experiences
Discover the illumination through these epic Falls experiences:
Classic Tour
It's clear why our helicopter tours are so popular among Niagara Falls attractions - they combine adventure and spectacular views for family vacation memories to last a lifetime. As the helicopter gently lifts off from our Victoria Avenue location, the awe-inspiring views of the Niagara Region begin to appear below. We wouldn't want any picture-taking opportunity to be missed so cameras should be ready to go right from the start!
SkyWheel Adult INTERNET
Soar the skies 175 feet above the Falls for the most spectacular view you will ever experience. Climate controlled gondolas provide year round sight-seeing comfort, both day and night.
Best of Niagara Falls Tour - Canada
This award-winning tour highlights the best ways to experience Niagara Falls. You'll experience the Falls up close on a Niagara City Cruises boat ride (operating May - November only), behind and underneath them at Journey Behind the Falls and from up above at the Skylon Tower. You'll also enjoy a narrated driving tour through the city that highlights the area's fascinating geography and history.
Falls Fireworks Cruise
Hop aboard the Falls Fireworks Cruise for the best views. There's nothing quite like the sight of exploding fireworks over the brink of Niagara Falls to make your trip a memorable one. Admire Niagara Falls at night aboard a 40-minute Falls Fireworks Cruise departing from Niagara Falls, Canada. Set sail for starry skies, panoramic skyline views, stunning illuminations, and of course - fireworks that light up the sky.
Ride-to-the-top and Observatory
The view that made Niagara Falls famous. Indoor and outdoor observation decks.
Special Requests
While the Falls are lit up in all colours of the rainbow, the Niagara Falls Illumination Board is happy to provide special illuminations in colours chosen by registered charities to honour their causes. These illumination requests can be made through Niagara Parks, and include your date and colour preference.
Fireworks
During the summer months, special occasions and the Winter Festival of Lights, fireworks shows occur over the Falls making for a fantastic display of glowing night lights. While you can view the fireworks schedule prior to your arrival, it can change due to inclement weather.
Accommodations to brighten your stay
Staying the night in Niagara Falls is a bucket list box that you can check off! View the incredible Niagara Falls from your Fallsview Hotel Room as it is lit up at night with the colorful and awe-inspiring colours cascading over the brink of the waters and if you're able to stay overnight in the winter or summer months, you can also view the Falls as they grow brighter with Fireworks. Check the Fireworks Page to schedule your getaway.
