Vacationing in Niagara Falls may seem cliche to some, but for this resident of Southern Ontario it is anything but. I consider myself fortunate to live just down the highway from this natural wonder and we make the hour and an half drive several times a year to visit. Niagara Falls has so much to offer besides the spectacular views of the beautiful falls; from shopping and dining to the casinos, shows and out-of-the-norm places to visit (think Guinness World Records Museum). All of this, and more, is available to be enjoyed year round!
One of my favorite things to do in the winter is head to Niagara Falls on a Saturday, making sure we stay late enough for it to get dark. You want to know why? With the dark comes the light. The Winter Festival Of Lights, that is. For over thirty years the Ontario Power Generation has put on the Festival and this year is no exception. The Festival Of Lights will run from November 15th, 2014 to January 12th, 2015, turning the stunning landscape of Niagara Falls into a sparkling winter wonderland.
This magical 5km route is lit up with over three million colourful lights creating fun and whimsical displays, all just begging to be photographed. This year the Festival will be showcasing several new displays including an incredible 3D Canadian Wildlife stunner at Dufferin Islands. Family favorites will still be there of course, including the world’s largest illuminated Canadian-American flag and the Zimmerman Fountain. I always look for the Royal Mounted Canadian Police and Disney inspired displays, particularly the dancing princesses. Sigh..
So grab your calendar and make a date to head to Niagara Falls to see The Winter Festival Of Lights! Pack your skates for a spin around the ice rink that overlooks the falls, TD RINK at the Brink, or pack your courage for a ride on the year round Niagara Skywheel! There is so much to see and do you might even want to stay a night or two. Keep your eyes open for cause we might just bump into you. 🙂
Have you visited the Winter Festival Of Lights in Niagara Falls? Will you visit this year?
FT&PD
Suz
Editor’s Note: As of the 2015 season the TD Rink at the Brink is no longer open.
We have only been there once and I loved it! This blog has got me thinking, Suzanne. And, yes, we would stay overnight at least one night but probably two ….or three! There is lots to do there and one day has to be for shopping! 🙂 Thanks for sharing this!
It is such a great place to visit in the winter Gemma, so peaceful and magical!
I have never visited before, but it looks like it would be lots of fun for the kids. They absolutely enjoy Niagara Falls.
Yes Jenna, your kiddos would love it! Pack some hot chocolate and away you go!
Wow these lights look absolutely beautiful!
Although my photos do not do them justice they really are amazing to see..
The lights are literally melting me as they are a joy to look at. I’m sure many people are taking pictures of those.
They are just lovely to see John..
I have yet to go to Niagara Falls – in the nearer future, for sure! I love any Festival of Lights – the colors, the play of lights are always something that people look forward to. Your photos remind of the Christmas Season here in the Philippines – a flood of gorgeous lights usually line the streets … it’s really festive.
I think the lights make any season brighter, but when you add in the snow and ice it is amazing!
My aunt and her family went to Niagra falls before and when she showed me all the photos, I was so jealous! It’s such a nice place to go to! I’m hoping I would also be able to visit! It’s quite hard to get a visa from the Philippines 🙁
I love lights too! They have similar types like this during Christmas in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (where I grew up in). Made me miss home.
xo,
Louise of The Legendary Ukayista | Bloglovin’
Keep the faith Louise and one day you will get to visit!
Evening lights especially for this occasion gives more hopes to our way of life. Like Christmas season wherein lights are the most beautiful item to watch.
It is the best time of year!
Wow you are so lucky to have a place so close to the world famous natural wonder! I would love to see this festival where millions of lights brighten up the falls
We are indeed very lucky..
I love fun and family events like this that become annual traditions. I can just imagine how fun it would be to grab some hot cocoa and watch the lights.
We have the best time Randa!
This is also one of my favourite times in Niagara Falls. We used to go all the time as kids and now my parents take their foster kids there. One my boys are a little older, I plan on taking them there too. Love it!
Yes, it is hard when the kids are young Maya. I recall pushing the stroller through the snow and ice and it does lose a bit of it’s magic, LOL
I would love to go see a light display like this! They look wonderful. Sadly, we don’t have anything like that here. So maybe if we visit a city that does during Christmas season, we would try to find one of these events. We do love driving around our town and checking out all of the decorated houses.
I love checking out the decorations around the city to Brandy. That in itself is a great tradition!
Oh wow, that looks awesome! Would be great to visit Niagara Falls one day, my parents have been lucky enough to visit though! Simone x
Save your pennies Simone, it is a beautiful place!
Ohhhh Looks interesting! This is the first time I’ve heard of this festival so I’m looking forward to it. I hope I get to go there in the future!
It is a wonderful addition to the holiday season Phyliciamarie 🙂
The festival of lights would really be a scenic delight. Of course, Niagara Falls is also a must visit location.
Oh it certainly is Franc :-0
I bet it’ll be really interesting to see the scenic festival of lights in Niagiara falls… Must be very amazing!
It is!
Those light festival looks really wonderful!
They are!
I am a sucker for lights!!!! Too bad I can’t go there. I’ll hang LED lights on my bed and pretend I’m there.
Excellent compromise Aiza!
I’ve always wanted to see the Niagra Falls! Do you think this is the best time to visit it for the first time? on the winter festival of lights?
Sigh. Sad that I’m here at the other side of the world! Oh well, will be informing my family and friends residing in Canada about this event.
That is a tough call Hazel Ann. Visiting in the winter is so amazing, but for a first timer I think the summer is probably best.
Aw, winter festival of lights sounds like something beautiful! If only you have more photos! I live in Singapore so I can’t go over… Do share more photos!
I will Tiffany! I just have to get better with my new camera and then watch out!
Winter… I always wanted to experience this. Plus the Niagara Falls… ow lovely place. I just seen this place in pictures and movies. Hope I can visit that place and experience this festival
Save your pennies for a trip Eric, it is worth it!
I wish we had more light festivals like this in Manila!! It’s just so pretty and brings such a positive mood! 🙂
It really does makes everyone happier :-0
I haven’t been to Niagara Falls in ages but, I have fond memories of my visits there. I think I caught the winter festival of lights once. It was beautiful.
It has only gotten better each year as they add new lights in. Worth another visit!
I have been to the famous Niagara Falls but that was on the US side, not the Canada side which is said to be better. No photograph can capture its magnificence!
I am bias Fred, but I prefer the Canadian side 🙂
I want to go there! But It was so far. I wish we also have like that here on our country,
It is worth the plane trip!
You are right… this is a hidden little treasure that is so worth the drive! It is a great way to take a couple days as a family and explore something new away from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. Several years ago, we went to Niagara Falls with the kids for our anniversary in early November and we stumbled upon this amazing light show. It was the thrill of the mini-vacation to take a horse drawn carriage through the park glistening with lit up scenes for as far as the eye can see. Six years later, my kids still remember this as a wonderful family getaway!
That would have been so much fun Karen! I would love to do the carriage ride 🙂
I’ll right away snatch your rss feed as I can not to find your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service.
Do you have any? Please let me know in order that I could subscribe.
Thanks.
Every year we venture down to Niagara Falls to view the lights
It’ѕ hard to find wеll-infοrmed people about this subject,
however, you seem like you know what yߋu’re talking about!
Thanks