
Thanks to the bitterly cold temperatures lately from the most recent polar vortex, the majestic Niagara Falls has transformed into a stunning sight to behold.
Named as Canada’s most worthwhile tourist attraction in 2024, it’s no surprise that the series of three cascades is a bucket list destination for people around the globe to check off.
However, while most journey to see the falls during the summer months, in winters that get cold enough, sections of the falls can appear completely frozen over, becoming a glorious winter wonderland.
Over the past week, a number of brave souls endured the harsh Ontario weather and captured videos of the partially frozen falls.
Though the water was still flowing at the strongest points, the surrounding rocks and tree branches appear frozen in time, crystallized in ice.
During bouts of extreme cold, the mist created by the falls also forms into a crust of ice over the rushing water, giving the illusion it has frozen over.
Despite appearances, Niagara Falls in its entirety has not frozen over since 1848, when massive ice fields across Lake Erie blocked the source to the Niagara River.
If you plan to visit, you can make your experience even more magical if you stay for nightfall. Every night of the year, Niagara Falls is illuminated with glowing LED lights, creating mesmerizing colours contrasted with the snow and ice.
There is also an “Inspired by Nature” display, bringing the Falls to life with visualizations representing the sunrise, sunset, aurora borealis, and rainbows. You can catch the 5-minute show on the half hour mark starting at dusk, typically at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. during the winter months.