Chasing Rainbows

Niagara Falls, one of the world's most famous natural wonders, is renowned for its awe-inspiring cascades of water. But there's another breathtaking spectacle that often graces this iconic destination – rainbows.

Niagara Falls is more than just a destination for stunning waterfalls; it's a place where nature creates this enchanting artwork all on its own. The next time you visit this world-famous locale, don't forget to look up and marvel at the breathtaking arches of color that grace the sky. Chasing rainbows at Niagara Falls, Canada, is an experience that will leave you in awe of the beauty of our natural world.

Catching a Sunrise

If you can stay the night and get up early to experience the morning stillness and beauty of the Falls when the sun is rising, you will experience a magic that only this will provide.

Bring your camera and your coffee to witness the Falls as the sun rises and greets the new day.

The Science of Rainbows

Rainbows are meteorological phenomena that occur when sunlight is refracted, or bent, as it passes through water droplets in the air. This bending of light causes it to separate into its constituent colors, creating the distinct semicircular spectrum we all know and love. The primary ingredients for a rainbow are sunlight and water droplets, making Niagara Falls, with its mist-laden air, an ideal stage for these ethereal displays.

Niagara Falls boasts an ideal combination of natural elements to create stunning rainbows. The mist generated by the Falls rises into the air, forming a delicate curtain of water droplets. When the sunlight interacts with these suspended droplets, the magic happens. The refracted light spreads out, revealing a mesmerizing spectrum of colors against the backdrop of the roaring falls. Visitors often witness double rainbows, with a fainter secondary bow outside the primary one, adding to the enchantment.

Best Times to See Rainbows

While rainbows at Niagara Falls can occur at any time of the day, they are most spectacular during the late afternoon when the sun's angle is lower in the sky. These times create longer and more vivid rainbows that stretch across the falls, making them a photographer's dream.

Colourful rainbows can usually be spotted in the mist over Niagara Falls on bright sunny days. Because the sun rises in the east (from Niagara Falls, NY), they see the rainbows early in the day. As the sun climbs in the sky, we see the rainbows usually from noon until the sun sets in the west.

On clear brilliant days, you can also see a glorious sunrise as it lights up the sky over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls at Table Rock. These sunrises take place at different times depending on the season. At this time of the year, it’s usually around 7:40 a.m.

Capturing the Moment

For those who want to capture the beauty of Niagara's rainbows, modern cameras and smartphones offer excellent tools. Polarized sunglasses can also help to enhance the colors and reduce glare. Don't forget to take a mist-resistant cover for your camera as the falls' spray can be quite intense.

Experiencing the Magic

To experience rainbows at Niagara Falls in all their glory, consider taking a tour up close to the Falls, or visiting one of the numerous viewpoints along the Niagara Parkway. The iconic Niagara City Cruises Voyage to the Falls, or Journey Behind the Falls takes you up close to the Falls, providing the perfect vantage point to witness this natural wonder.