The Journey Behind the Falls provides a unique perspective, allowing you to descend 125 feet (40 meters) below the Horseshoe Falls. You can explore a series of tunnels leading to two outdoor observation decks, the Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal. Here, you'll feel the thunderous vibration and refreshing mist of the falls up close, experiencing their immense power from a truly immersive vantage point. It's a sensory experience distinct from viewing the falls from above.
Visitors typically spend about 30 to 60 minutes enjoying the Journey Behind the Falls. This includes the elevator ride down, exploring the tunnels, and taking in the views from the observation decks. The actual duration may vary depending on crowd levels and how much time you wish to spend at each viewpoint.
During the Journey Behind the Falls, visitors will descend into bedrock tunnels behind the Horseshoe Falls. You'll pass through viewing portals carved directly into the rock, offering unique perspectives of the water crashing down. The main highlight is the observation deck at the foot of the Horseshoe Falls, where you can witness the sheer volume of water cascading over the edge and feel the powerful spray. Rain ponchos are provided to keep you dry.
The Niagara Falls Boat Cruise offers a spectacular water-level view, taking you directly into the basin of the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, providing a full frontal view and intense spray. In contrast, the Journey Behind the Falls places you literally behind and beside the Horseshoe Falls, allowing for an intimate, subterranean experience of the falls' power from within the rock and from an observation deck at its base. Both offer distinct, exhilarating perspectives.
From the Skylon Tower Observatory, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Niagara Falls region. This includes unobstructed sights of the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, along with the Niagara River, the surrounding cityscapes of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and even as far as Buffalo, New York on a clear day. It provides a comprehensive aerial perspective of the natural wonder and its surroundings.
For visitors on a guided tour, transportation to scenic stops like the Floral Clock, Dufferin Island, the Niagara Power Plant, and Clifton Hill is typically provided as part of the itinerary. This ensures a seamless and comfortable experience, allowing you to relax and enjoy the sights without needing to arrange separate transportation between these key locations. Your tour guide will manage the logistics, making it easy to see all included points of interest.
The tour includes several excellent vantage points to view the three impressive falls: the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. These include the Journey Behind the Falls observation deck for an up-close, base-level view, and the boat cruise for a water-level perspective directly in front of the falls. Additionally, the Skylon Tower Observatory offers unparalleled aerial panoramic views, while various scenic stops along the Niagara Parkway provide diverse photographic opportunities of the entire falls complex.
Yes, the Journey Behind the Falls is generally accessible. Visitors descend to the tunnels and observation decks via elevators, eliminating the need to use stairs for the main descent. The pathways within the tunnels and on the observation decks are paved. However, some areas may be wet or slippery due to mist, and some parts of the experience might involve uneven surfaces or slight inclines. It is advisable to wear comfortable, non-slip footwear.