Journey Behind the Falls

Journey Behind the Falls offers an incredible sensory experience between the thunderous sounds, the vibrations, and the unbelievable view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. This experience will take you to the base of Niagara’s Canadian Horseshoe Falls and as you stand there you’ll get to witness the gush of water tumbling down from thirteen stories above.

 

At this exciting attraction, tourists are led to descend 125 feet (approximately 40m) via an elevator to a short, cave-like tunnel that provides access to two outdoor observation decks as well as two portals that are situated directly behind the glorious Niagara Falls. The Lower Observation Deck is closed during the winter months but the Upper Observation Deck is open all year. Both observation decks provide the perfect place to snap a selfie by the Falls.

 

As a bonus, you’ll receive a very fashionable, souvenir biodegradable rain poncho to protect yourself from the chilly mist of the falls during spring and summer! The poncho, if discarded, is recycled by Niagara Parks later on so you may wanna take it home as a keepsake. Book a tour now to see Journey Behind the Falls along with other tourist spots in Niagara Falls!

What to Know

Journey Behind the Falls is one of the must-visit attractions in Niagara Falls, Canada, that will allow you to see an unobstructed view of the Falls right in front of your eyes! You will go deep into the gorge by descending 125 feet through an elevator. There, you'll see a series of tunnels that lead toward the two outdoor observation decks and two viewing portals nestled behind the massive sheet of water! See the surreal spectacle of one-fifth of the world's freshwater pouring down — about 2,800 cubic meters of which thunders over the brink of Canadian Falls every second during hot summer hours!

 

How to Get There 

Journey Behind the Falls is nestled at 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON. You can spot the entrance at the Table Rock Visitor Centre by the verge of the falls. Park your car in the large parking lot and shuttle towards the Visitor Centre where you can buy the entry tickets. The best way to visit this spot is by booking a guided tour that will pick you up directly from your hotel in Niagara Falls to save you the hassle of navigating!

 

Best Time to Visit Journey Behind the Falls

Journey Behind the Falls is open year-round so it's up to you when you want to visit this attraction. However, it's recommended that you visit this spot from mid-April through mid-December because the Lower Observation Deck which provides an unobstructed view of the falls is closed from mid-December to mid-April due to icy winters.

 

Highlights

Journey Behind the Falls is one attraction that you'll never forget! When you climb down the elevator of this famous landmark, navigate your way through the storied tunnels opening behind the crashing water at the foot of the falls. See the falls up close and be drenched in the mist! Snap a photo with a waterproof camera to capture those gorgeous moments! Hear the crashing of water thunders that will shake you to the core! Learn some fun facts about the spot while you're there!

 

Features 

Journey Behind the Falls is your chance to see and hear the falls up close! Take a descent 125 feet down into the gorge and navigate your way through 130-year-old storied tunnels while feeling the thunders of the waters cascading down to the basin below! The lower observation deck at the foot of the falls will give you a clear view of the sheet of falling water. Don't worry about being drenched as you'll be given a poncho to wear as protection from the mist. 

 

The upper observation deck is open year-round, providing an awe-inspiring spectacle allowing you to take in a full view of this tourist attraction. Don't forget to bring waterproof cameras with you to capture one of the most unforgettable experiences you'll ever have in life! You'll also spot the viewing portals, cut straight through the rock offering an unbelievable vista of the famous waterfalls. Just behind the sheet of waterfalls, you'll also see the famous Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal. All in all, a visit to this tourist attraction will leave you refreshed and longing for more!

 

History

Journey Behind the Falls has been drawing sightseers from around the world for over 400 years. But this tourist spot hasn't always been tourist-friendly, in fact, it was quite the opposite. At the turn of the 19th century, the breathtaking sights of Niagara Falls were becoming increasingly popular in Europe and North America, enticing more and more tourists to this attraction each year. But the visitors had to climb down the steep bank over massive boulders and fallen trees to see the famous waterfalls. 

 

Before the War of 1812, the verge of the falls stood deserted without a tourist-friendly infrastructure. Still, tourists flocked to see this attraction prompting some locals to build visual barricades that made it difficult to see the falls. Their motive was to make capital out of this situation by providing access to makeshift staircases leading down the gorge to the base of the falls. What was the catch? You guessed it! They charged a fee. 

 

In the following years, the area surrounding the verge of the falls saw a lot of development from enclosed staircases to spiral stairways to see the "Sheet of Falling Water" (the older name of the falls at that time). By 1887, a water hydraulic powered elevator was installed in the place by the Niagara Parks Commission. In May 1889, a series of tunnels were constructed below the surface to fully showcase the Horseshoe Falls.

 

On May 24th, 1888, the park was opened for the public to see and a visitor building was constructed on the brink of the falls by the name of Table Rock House. In 1925, a newer and grander Table Rock House was constructed which provided access to the "Scenic Tunnels" through a new elevator. In 1951, the Scenic Tunnels saw the construction of a lower observation platform to provide wide views of the Niagara Gorge and the Canadian Falls. In 1994, the name of this tourist spot was changed from Scenic Tunnels to Journey Behind the Falls, which remains famous to this day.