Journey Behind the Falls
Descend into tunnels to stand behind and beside the mighty Horseshoe Falls, feeling its raw power and mist.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less wait time
Journey Behind the Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less wait time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Descend into tunnels to stand behind and beside the mighty Horseshoe Falls, feeling its raw power and mist.
"The absolute highlight of our Niagara trip, offering a powerful and immersive perspective."
🎯 Book Adventure Pass
Consider the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass for bundled savings and access to multiple attractions.
💦 Embrace the Mist
Ponchos are provided, but you'll still get wet! Waterproof your phone and wear quick-dry clothes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tunnels Behind the Falls
Base of Horseshoe Falls
Walk through 130-year-old tunnels to emerge behind the thundering curtain of water. Feel the raw power and mist.
Lower Observation Deck
Base of Horseshoe Falls
Stand mere feet from the cascading water on an outdoor deck. The roar and spray are an unforgettable sensory experience.
Upper Observation Deck
Near Table Rock Welcome Centre
Get a unique, framed view of the falls from portals located directly behind the crashing water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Prepare for the Mist!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Adventure Pass
Consider the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass for bundled savings and access to multiple attractions.
💦 Embrace the Mist
Ponchos are provided, but you'll still get wet! Waterproof your phone and wear quick-dry clothes.
📸 Capture the Moment
Protect your phone with a waterproof case for amazing shots from the observation decks.
⏳ Avoid Peak Times
Visit on a weekday morning to experience fewer crowds and shorter waits for elevators and tunnels.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Adventure Pass
Consider the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass for bundled savings and access to multiple attractions.
💦 Embrace the Mist
Ponchos are provided, but you'll still get wet! Waterproof your phone and wear quick-dry clothes.
📸 Capture the Moment
Protect your phone with a waterproof case for amazing shots from the observation decks.
⏳ Avoid Peak Times
Visit on a weekday morning to experience fewer crowds and shorter waits for elevators and tunnels.
♻️ Poncho Recycling
Appreciate the sustainability effort as ponchos are recycled after use.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Journey Behind the Falls for its immersive and powerful experience, offering a unique perspective from behind and beside the thundering water. While some find the price a bit high for the duration, most agree the sensory experience of the mist and roar is unforgettable and a must-do for first-time visitors.
"I went on Journey on the Falls on a hot Thursday morning and there wasn’t a wait or any crowds in the tunnels or the elevators. It was interesting to get up close to the falls, especially the tunnel area with a bigger area near the top.
I didn’t feel the price fully justified the experience. You won’t get very soaked unless it’s windy, so no need to fuss over a poncho. Overall, still fun, but if you’re on a budget, it’s okay to skip and prioritize the boat tour."
Connie Kwok
"The areas MUST DO activity! We got tickets online to avoid any potential wait and got right in on the tour. You go in, get a much needed poncho and LITERALLY go behind the falls through tunnels that they have. It was amazing to witness the shear power of the falls, very loud too which was cool. After that you can go out to a two-level viewing area to see the falls up close. You will get wet, so wear the poncho. Also very cool that they focus on sustainability by recycling the ponchos. Loved to see that. It wasn't overly expensive and was probably the best money we spent on the trip. 10/10 recommend!"
Leah Bryant
"A couple of days ago, my friends and I experienced the Journey Behind the Falls, and it was the absolute highlight of our Niagara trip. While the views from above are stunning, this adventure gives you a completely different, powerful, and immersive perspective.
We purchased the one the journey behind the fall ticket but I highly recommend people to get the fall pass because it's the perfect package for this specific experience. The process begins in the main building next to the mall, where we got our tickets ($29 CAD each) and were provided with a free recyclable yellowish raincoat (you'll need it!).
You take an elevator that descends 80 meters down through the bedrock to a system of tunnels. Emerging onto the observation platform at the base of the Horseshoe Falls is simply breathtaking. You are right beside the thunderous wall of water, feeling the incredible spray and mist on your face—it’s a truly humbling and awesome feeling. The “behind the falls” viewing portals also offer a unique, framed view looking out from behind the crashing water.
It’s a must-do for any first-time visitor. The power and beauty of Niagara Falls from this vantage point are something you have to experience firsthand. An amazing and unforgettable adventure."
Ahmad Aquib Raza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Journey Behind the Falls is located at the Table Rock Welcome Centre, right next to the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. You can reach it by car, public transit, or as part of a guided tour from Toronto. Parking is available at Lot A near the Welcome Centre.
Yes, parking is available at Lot A, which is conveniently located near the Table Rock Welcome Centre where the attraction is accessed.
If you are already in the main tourist area of Niagara Falls, Canada, you can easily walk to Journey Behind the Falls as it's situated at the Table Rock Welcome Centre, adjacent to the Horseshoe Falls.
Many visitors opt for the Megabus for an affordable trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls. Alternatively, you can drive or join a guided tour.
Yes, Niagara Falls is well-served by public transit. Local bus routes can take you to the Table Rock Welcome Centre, the starting point for Journey Behind the Falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for Journey Behind the Falls are approximately $29 CAD for adults and $16.50 CAD for children (3-12), plus tax. Prices can vary slightly. 
It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during busy periods.
Yes, Journey Behind the Falls is often included in the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass, which offers a cost-effective way to experience multiple attractions.
Journey Behind the Falls is open year-round, but specific operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Niagara Parks website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Yes, ponchos are provided with your ticket and are essential as you will get wet from the mist and spray, especially on the observation decks.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll descend 125 feet via elevator into 130-year-old tunnels. You'll feel the thunderous vibrations before reaching observation portals and decks offering unique views from behind and beside the Horseshoe Falls.
The experience typically takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on wait times for the elevator and how long you spend at the observation decks.
Yes, expect to get wet from the powerful mist and spray, especially on the lower observation deck. Ponchos are provided to help mitigate this.
Many visitors find the lower observation deck, right beside the thundering water, to be the most impactful. The portals behind the falls also offer a unique perspective.
Yes, it's generally suitable for all ages. Children will be fascinated by the power of the falls, and the elevator descent adds an element of adventure.
📸 📸 Photography
The lower observation deck offers dramatic shots with the water up close. The portals behind the falls provide unique framed views. Be mindful of the mist and protect your camera.
Use a waterproof phone case or a camera with a waterproof housing. Alternatively, a plastic bag can offer temporary protection.
Yes, you can take photos from the observation decks, but be prepared for the spray and mist, which can affect image quality if your equipment isn't protected.
The lower observation deck provides the most immersive photo opportunities, capturing the sheer volume and power of the water. The portals offer a more intimate, behind-the-scenes look.
Daytime offers the best natural light. Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' before sunset for potentially dramatic lighting, though crowds might be higher.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to introduce children to the natural wonder of Niagara Falls in an engaging and memorable way. The attraction is generally accessible and easy to navigate for families with strollers, though it can get crowded. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to make the experience more comfortable for younger children.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you're strictly on a tight budget, you might consider prioritizing other free viewpoints of the falls or opting for the Maid of the Mist boat tour (which also has a fee but offers a different kind of immersion). However, the direct experience of being behind the falls is hard to replicate elsewhere.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Remember to protect your gear from the constant mist and spray by using waterproof cases or bags. Visiting during the 'golden hour' before sunset can yield stunning, dramatic lighting, but be prepared for potentially larger crowds during these times.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Tunnels and Decks
+1These tunnels lead to two main areas: the observation portals and the observation decks. The portals offer a unique, framed view looking out from behind the crashing water, giving a sense of being enveloped by the falls. The outdoor observation decks, particularly the lower one, place you mere feet away from the thundering cascade, where the sheer force of the water is palpable through vibrations and a constant, drenching mist.
+1Niagara Parks has also focused on sustainability, with the provided ponchos being recyclable, a small but appreciated detail for environmentally conscious travelers.
Experiencing the Falls in Winter
+1Visitors can still descend into the tunnels and access the observation decks, though the experience of the mist might be less intense and more like icy spray. The unique beauty of the frozen surroundings, combined with the raw power of the falls, makes for a truly memorable visit. It's a chance to see a different side of Niagara Falls, often with fewer crowds than in the warmer seasons.
Despite the cold, the attraction remains open year-round, providing a unique opportunity to witness the falls in their winter glory. Dressing warmly and in layers is crucial for enjoying this seasonal perspective.
Value for Money: Is it Worth It?
Many travelers highlight that the immersive experience of being behind and beside the thundering water is unparalleled and offers a perspective that simply viewing from above cannot match. The feeling of the mist, the sound of the roar, and the sheer power felt are often cited as highlights that justify the expense.
For those looking to maximize value, purchasing the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass is frequently recommended. This pass often includes Journey Behind the Falls along with other popular attractions, making it a more economical choice for a comprehensive Niagara Falls experience.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit