Journey Behind the Falls
- 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8
Plunge into a journey like no other and get ready to be awestruck by the powerful Niagara Falls. Journey Behind the Falls presents a one-of-a-kind sensory experience with the thunderous sounds and the awe-inspiring sights of the mighty falls and the vibrations that resonate through the ground and reach your heart! This is a chance to stand at the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and witness the water tumbling down from a dizzying height of 13 stories.
Take a thrilling journey down 125 feet via an elevator to a cave-like tunnel that leads to two outdoor observation decks. Both observation decks offer stunning views of the falls, with the Upper Observation Deck open all year round and the Lower Observation Deck closed during the winter months. Whether you’re looking to capture a stunning photo or simply take in the beauty of the falls, this is the perfect spot!
As a special treat, visitors will receive a free souvenir biodegradable rain poncho to keep themselves dry from the mist during the spring and summer months. The poncho is not only fashionable but also eco-friendly, as it is later recycled by Niagara Parks. Book your private tour today to experience Journey Behind the Falls along with other popular attractions in Niagara Falls. Don’t miss out on this luxurious VIP experience!
Hour Of Operation
What to Know
Venture into a wondrous journey to the heart of Niagara Falls, Canada, and behold the breathtaking beauty of the Falls up close and personal. Descend 125 feet into the depths of the gorge via an elevator, and be transported to a series of tunnels leading to two outdoor observation decks and two viewing portals tucked behind the massive sheet of water. Marvel at the surreal sight of the world’s freshwater, a staggering 2,800 cubic meters of which thunders over the brink of the mighty Canadian Falls every second during peak summer hours. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this must-visit attraction!
How to Get There
Discover the hidden gem of Journey Behind the Falls, located at 6650 Niagara Parkway in the heart of Niagara Falls, ON. Easily accessible from the Table Rock Visitor Centre, simply park your vehicle in the ample parking lot and take the convenient shuttle to the Visitor Centre where you may purchase your entry tickets. To get a truly exclusive experience, consider booking a Private Guided Tour, which will effortlessly transport you directly from your hotel in Niagara Falls, putting an end to your worries about navigating to your destination! What’s more? You’ll be luxuriously transported in an air-conditioned Mercedes Metris van to Skylon Tower, Dufferin Islands, and other top attractions of Niagara Falls, Canada. You’ll also get to enjoy a VIP Hornblower Niagara Cruises boat ride which will take you as close to the Horseshoe Falls as possible!
Best Time to Visit
The Journey Behind the Falls attraction is available to visit at any time of the year, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred date! However, it is suggested to visit between mid-April and mid-December for the optimal viewing experience, as the Lower Observation Deck which offers a clear view of the falls is temporarily shut down during the winter months from mid-December to mid-April due to severe weather conditions.
Highlights
Embark on an unforgettable journey as you delve into the magnificent beauty of Journey Behind the Falls. Descend the elevators of this iconic destination and navigate the historic tunnels that lead you behind the tumultuous waterfalls. Experience the breathtaking closeness of the cascading water and feel the refreshing mist of the falls spray upon your face! Capture those stunning moments with a waterproof camera and take home memories to last a lifetime. Be awed by the roar of the water thunders as they boost your adrenaline! While there, make sure to learn some fascinating fun facts about this enchanting location.
Features
Plunge into a wondrous adventure as you journey behind the iconic Niagara Falls. Descend 125 feet into the stunning Niagara Gorge and marvel at the thundering power of the cascading water as you explore the historic 130-year-old tunnels. Be dazzled by the breathtaking view of the waterfall at the lower observation deck and feel the mist refresh your skin! Don’t worry about getting soaked as you’ll be decked up in a poncho as protection from the mist!
The upper observation deck, open year-round, offers a panoramic spectacle that will leave you in awe. Don’t forget to capture the memories with your waterproof camera! Gape at the view from the viewing portals cut straight through the rock, offering a breathtaking vista of the iconic falls, and have a sensory adventure like no other! Behind the waterfall, don’t forget to witness the famous Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal. A visit to Journey Behind the Falls will leave you refreshed and longing for more of this unforgettable experience!
History
The Journey Behind the Falls has been a must-visit destination for over four centuries, but it wasn’t always so easily accessible. In the early 19th century, the stunning beauty of Niagara Falls was gaining worldwide attention, and tourists were flocking to the site. However, the only way to see the falls was by scaling down a treacherous bank filled with boulders and fallen trees.
Before the War of 1812, the edge of the falls was a desolate place with no tourist infrastructure. Yet, tourists still made the trek, so some local entrepreneurs took advantage of the situation by constructing makeshift staircases down the gorge to the base of the falls. Of course, they charged a fee for access.
Over time, the area surrounding the falls saw significant development, from enclosed stairways to spiral stairways to see the “Sheet of Falling Water” (the older name for the falls). By 1887, the Niagara Parks Commission installed a water-hydraulic-powered elevator. Then in 1889, a series of tunnels were also put together underneath the surface so that the visitors could witness the glory of Horseshoe Falls.
The grand unveiling of the park to the public took place on May 24th, 1888. This historic moment was marked by the construction of the visitor building, Table Rock House, perched on the edge of the majestic falls. A decade later, a newer and more magnificent Table Rock House was erected, granting visitors access to the breathtaking “Scenic Tunnels” through a state-of-the-art elevator. In 1951, the Scenic Tunnels were further enhanced by the addition of a lower observation platform, providing a bird’s eye view of the stunning Niagara Gorge and the Canadian Falls. Nearly a century later, in 1994, the name was officially changed from Scenic Tunnels to Journey Behind the Falls, solidifying its status as a timeless and beloved tourist attraction.