Civic Holiday: Monday, August 4th 2025. Celebrate the Civic Holiday long weekend in style with a four-day getaway to Niagara Falls. From August 1 to 4, the city comes alive with entertainment, dining, and attractions designed for every kind of traveler—families, couples, and weekend adventurers alike. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to plan a summer escape, this is it.
What Is the Civic Holiday?
Observed on the first Monday of August, the Civic Holiday is a uniquely Canadian celebration, with each province and territory adding its own local flavor. In Ontario, the day pays tribute to John Graves Simcoe, an early governor credited with shaping modern Toronto. Today, it’s less about history and more about making the most of a summer weekend—celebrating Canadian culture, local traditions, and a little well-earned relaxation.
Why Niagara Falls?
Few destinations capture the excitement of the Civic Holiday like Niagara Falls. Clifton Hill, the city’s entertainment district, puts dining, attractions, and the Falls themselves within easy walking distance. By day, you can take in sweeping views of the Horseshoe Falls, explore attractions, or enjoy family-friendly activities. At night, the Falls glow with nightly illuminations and fireworks, adding magic to the holiday weekend.
Where to Park
For a hassle-free visit, park just steps from the action. The Clifton Hill main parking lot lot (see map below) is only a five-minute walk to Queen Victoria Park, the Falls illumination, and the 10 p.m. fireworks shows. It’s also close to Fallsview Casino, Niagara City Cruises, and the Zipline to the Falls—making it easy to plan a full evening without the stress of traffic.
Top Things to Do Over the Civic Holiday Weekend
Niagara SkyWheel
OPEN DAILY 10:00am-2:00am!
Glide 175 feet above the Falls in a climate-controlled gondola and take in panoramic views of the illuminated Horseshoe Falls, Niagara River, and skyline. The SkyWheel runs year-round, offering a comfortable, all-weather way to experience the region’s natural beauty from a fresh perspective. Get tickets for the Niagara SkyWheel
Click here for more details on Niagara SkyWheel
Niagara City Cruises (Hornblower)
OPEN DAILY 9:00am-8pm!
It’s easily one of Niagara’s favourites! Niagara City Cruises lets you experience Canada’s most spectacular wonder of the world. Within the Niagara Great Gorge, the catamarans will journey past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and into the very heart of the famous Horseshoe Falls.
Take Hornblower’s new Funicular down the gorge located on the Niagara Parkway at the north end of Queen Victoria Park at the foot of the Clifton Hill tourist area.
Click here for full details on Niagara City Cruises
Niagara Speedway
OPEN DAILY 10:00am-1:30am!
Part go-kart track, part coaster, the Niagara Speedway is one of Clifton Hill’s most thrilling attractions. Its 2,000-foot course features a four-story spiral climb before racers plunge down a winding ramp—perfect for families and friends looking for a dose of adrenaline.
Click here for more details on Niagara Speedway
Movieland Wax Museum
OPEN DAILY 10am-2am!
Pose with life-like wax figures of blockbuster icons, from Chris Hemsworth as Thor to Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow. The museum offers a fun, interactive stop for movie lovers and Instagram enthusiasts alike.
Click here for more details on Movieland Wax Museum
Carnival Chaos
OPEN DAILY 10am-2am!
This immersive dark ride blends carnival chaos with a laser-tag-style challenge. Navigate rickety coasters, spinning rides, and bumper cars as you face off against mischievous “carnies” in a surreal, fast-paced adventure. Team up for the highest score—or simply to make it through unscathed.
Click here for more details on Carnival Chaos
Clifton Hill Offers
Beyond Clifton Hill: Don’t Miss These Attractions
Niagara Parks Power Station
Open Daily 10am-6pm
Step back in time at this century-old hydropower station, now transformed into a museum of engineering marvels and immersive exhibits. At night, interactive light shows bring the station’s industrial history to life.
The Tunnel
Descend 180 feet via glass elevator into a 2,200-foot tunnel, hand-carved with lanterns and dynamite, leading to a stunning observation deck along the Niagara River.
For 100 years, the “Canadian Niagara Power Company generating station” harnessed the powerful energy of the Horseshoe Falls and turned it into a great source of electricity. Now, years after its turbines came to a halt, the wonder of this hydropower pioneer is coming back to life in an entertaining and educational experience that highlights both the remarkable history and unique architectural features of this 115-year-old engineering marvel.
Where to Eat
Keep your energy up with two family-friendly dining options right on Clifton Hill, each with spacious patios ideal for people-watching:
Mon-Fri 11am-2am; Sat & Sun 10:30am-2am
“I had such an amazing experience here, the food was excellent and the service was impeccable. Kelly V helped us and she was so kind and really took the time to be attentive with us while she was also very busy. I’ll be back here again for sure!” – Alexa Mcfadyen
Mon-Fri 11am-2am; Sat & Sun 10:30am-2am
“I came here for lunch after a visit to the falls and it was perfect. I ordered the chicken ceasar wrap with kettle chips but there were lots of options on the menu. The food was good! Our server, Courtney, was exceptional. I really appreciate her energy and helpfulness. She made our experience a 10/10. Thank you!” -Laura Schmitz
Civic Holiday Weekend Events
Below is a listing of all the top events for Civic Holiday Weekend in the Falls and the Niagara Region.
David DaVinci in Evolution Magic Show
August 1st & 2nd 2025
6:00 PM: EVOLUTION MAGIC (Dinner)
7:30 PM: EVOLUTION MAGIC (Show)
World-class illusions, exotic birds, and daring escapes performed by award-winning illusionist David DaVinci. Dinner and evening show options available.
Other event highlights include:
Niagara Falls Illumination
Nightly 8pm to 2am
Wild Magic by Greg Frewin
Monday August 4th from 6pm
Niagara Falls Fireworks
Nightly at 10pm
Floral Showhouse Annual Summer Show
Now – September 7, 2025
Port Colborne Canal Days
August 1, 2025
Darius Rucker LIVE at Seneca Niagara
August 1, 2025
Niagara Fiesta Extravaganza
August 2, 2025, August 3, 2025
Toto LIVE at Seneca Niagara
August 2, 2025
The Black Crowes
August 2, 2025
The Killers
August 3, 2025
Where to Stay
For a stress-free weekend, plan to stay overnight and avoid the rush. Niagara Falls offers accommodations for every budget, from full-service resorts to boutique inns:
Shopping in Niagara
- Canada Trading on Clifton Hill
- Fudge Factory on Clifton Hill
- Canada One in Niagara Falls
- SmartCentres in Niagara Falls, Welland and St Catharines
- Outlet Collection at Niagara in Niagara-on-the-Lake
- The Pen Centre in St Catharines
- Fairview Mall in St Catharines
- Briarfield Shopping Centre in St Catharines
- Pendale Plaza in St Catharines
- Seaway Mall in Welland
Driving Route Alternatives
Here are a few driving options to consider while getting in and out of the Falls.
Civic Holiday Long Weekend Road Closures
Dates: August 2nd & 3rd
Affected Areas & Traffic Adjustments
- Niagara Parkway (between Clifton Hill and Fraser Hill) – Full closure by 8 p.m.
- Clifton Hill (Victoria Avenue to Falls Avenue) – Closed to vehicles
These measures aim to reduce congestion in the bustling tourism core, allowing visitors to explore safely on foot. The closures also support Niagara Parks Police and Niagara Regional Police in crowd control while maintaining emergency access.
Getting Around
Expect heavy pedestrian traffic around Clifton Hill and the Niagara Parkway during the holiday weekend. Both roads close to vehicles after 8 p.m., creating a safe, walkable core for visitors. Allow extra travel time, and plan ahead to park or walk between attractions.
Civic Holiday Contest…Coming Soon!
Details coming soon!