It’s no secret that we can get some really bitter cold Niagara Falls weather, but what happens on those spine-tingling, mind-numbing days? What is there to do for families and groups traveling from abroad that wish to get a first-hand look at the Niagara Falls without enduring standing outside along the Niagara Parkway battling the Winter elements? Last year brought about temperatures so cold in Canada and parts of the U.S., that the term ‘Polar Vortex’ was used. Quite simply, it is a large pocket of very cold air, typically the coldest air in the Northern hemisphere, that sits over the polar region during the winter season — only it found its way to us. While the weather may be unpleasant to some, it does however translate to gorgeous photos of nature — and the Niagara Falls has made headway around the globe in its partially frozen state. International tourists especially want to take home with them photos of this rare occurence, but what may seem like a really cold day for a Canadian, may be excruciating to someone traveling abroad that is not used to our northerly weather conditions. So where can you go to take some good quality pictures of the Niagara Falls in all its majestic icy beauty without being uncomfortably cold?
Skylon Tower
The Skylon Tower Observation Deck takes the viewer 775 feet above the Falls. The elevator ride is a 52-second trip to the viewing platform, and from there you are treated to some beautiful, clear aerial shots of the majestic wonder. From this vantage point, you’ll see as far as 8,000 square miles of Canada and the U.S. At night, the illumination of the Falls from far below is a favourite among visiting tours.
*Click here for the 2015 Niagara Falls Illumination Schedule*
*The Wintery View from the indoor observation deck of the Skylon Tower*
The Skylon Tower offers 360 views of the Niagara Falls and the entire Niagara landscape!
For group pricing information and inquiries, please contact:
Phone: 1-905-356-2651 or 1- 800-814-9577
Reservations: ext 226
Prices: ext 211
Email: groupsales@skylon.com
Fax: 1-905-356-8699
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Table Rock Welcome Centre
For the closest indoor views of the Horseshoe Falls, nothing beats the indoor viewing spectrum that the Table Rock Welcome Centre offers. Located at 6650 Niagara Parkway, close to 8 million visitors take advantage of the views from here annually — and it’s a very popular “go-to” during the frigid Winter months. Best of all, the viewing platform is free and the centre is fully accessible to wheelchairs.
*The viewing platform inside the Table Rock — gorgeous and spacious!*
Please call the Niagara Parks at: (877) 642-7275 for further information.
The Niagara SkyWheel
Climb aboard the Niagara SkyWheel for views that stretch well past the Niagara horizon in all directions! You’ll see the American and Horseshoe Falls in all its beauty, plus a full view of the Niagara River and many other famous landmarks. This spectacular observation wheel sits atop the peak of Clifton Hill , plus it towers 175 feet (53 metres) high in addition to that. The aerial view is breathtaking, and each of the 42 gondolas (2 of which are wheelchair accessible) are climate-controlled to ensure comfortable seating. The gondolas may hold up to eight passengers and this 8-12 minute ride will leave the viewer with lasting memories and top-notch photos to share with their loved ones.
*A few photos taken aboard the Niagara Skywheel*
The Niagara Skywheel operates year round, including all holidays from dawn to dusk. Group Tours are welcome and are a frequent part of the business during the Winter months.
Call 905-358-4793 for hours of operation, ticket prices and group booking information.
