Niagara Falls Illumination

Every evening beginning at dusk the Falls are lit in the colours of the rainbow - don't miss the unmatched beauty of the Falls at night!

Illumination of the Falls has been Financed and Operated by The Niagara Falls Illumination Board since 1925.

FALLS ILLUMINATION SCHEDULE 2011

January 1 to January 31, 5:00 p.m. - Midnight
February 1 to February 28, 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

* March 1 to March 12 Mon-Thurs, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
* March 13 to March 31 Mon-Thurs, 8:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
* April 1 to April 30 Mon-Thurs, 8:30 p. m. - 11:00 p.m.

* During March and April, the Falls Illumination will end at midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

May 1 to August 11, 9:00 p.m. - Midnight
August 12 to September 30, 8:30 p.m. - Midnight
October 1 to November 4, 7:00 p.m. - Midnight
November 5 to December 30, 5:00 p.m.- Midnight
December 31, 5:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

NOTE: Illumination times are approximate and subject to change according to light conditions.

HISTORY OF THE ILLUMINATION OF NIAGARA FALLS

Lighting the Falls to allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the mighty Niagara even at night, was first attempted more than 140 years ago. In 1860, a spectacular illumination of the Falls celebrated a visit by the Prince of Wales. About 200 coloured and white calcium, volcanic and torpedo lights were placed along the banks above and below the American Falls, on the road down the bank of the Canadian side of the gorge and behind the water of the Horseshoe Falls. The lights were called Bengal lights and were the kind used at sea to signal for help or give warning.