See the Falls From a Brand New Perspective
If you are planning to come to Niagara Falls but still don’t know what to do when you finally get here, you should definitely put the Journey Behind the Falls on your list. It doesn’t matter if this is your first trip or your tenth — Journey Behind the Falls will amaze you with a whole new perspective of Niagara Falls.
When we think of Niagara Falls, we immediately conjure up an image of the world-famous glorious waterfalls. What if we told you that there’s a more intimate way of seeing Niagara Falls than simply looking at it from the surrounding viewing points? What if you can actually go behind the falls — more specifically the Horseshoe Falls, located on the Canadian Side of the border? Sound interesting?
The Journey Behind the Falls is a Niagara Falls attraction that can be accessed from the Table Rock Center. As the name suggests, the Journey Behind the Falls will take you, well, behind the Horseshoe Falls. The attraction features an observation deck on the bottom of the Niagara Gorge and a series of tunnels that will give you an intimate perspective of Niagara Falls.
A little History…
The earliest version of Journey to the Falls existed as far back as the year 1818. Formerly, it was known as “Trip Behind the Great Sheet of Falling Water.” During this time, visitors would enter via an enclosed spiral staircase as they went to a wide cavern that formed behind the Horseshoe Falls, where they experienced the full force of the Falls. The staircases were then replaced by a hydraulic-powered elevator in 1887 and tunnels were built to further facilitate incoming visitors. Around this period, the attraction was known simply as the Scenic Tunnels. It only changed into Journey Behind the Falls in 1994.
It takes approximately 30-45 minutes to fully enjoy The Journey Behind the Falls experience. Visitors will start the journey by taking an elevator ride for approximately 150ft. to the bottom of the Horseshoe Falls. They will then be greeted by a short tunnel leading up to a fork in the road. One way will lead up to the observation deck while the other is leading up to an opening right behind the falls.
Niagara Falls Observation Deck
The Journey Behind the Falls Observation Deck is located directly beside the falls, on the bottom of the Niagara Gorge. This is arguably the highlight of this attraction. As you step out from the tunnel, you will be greeted by the mist from the roaring waterfall up above.
Be prepared to get wet during this part of the attraction, even though yes, you will be provided with the iconic yellow rain poncho. But that is a given, when there’s literally nothing separating you and the over 300,000 gallons of water flowing down every second.
The Observation Deck consists of two levels: the upper deck and the viewing plaza below. There’s a roof on the upper deck that will keep you somewhat drier compared to if you are staying on the viewing plaza, however, the unobstructed view from the lower level is unmatched. Consider taking a tour of Niagara falls to maximize your experience.
During the colder months in Winter, the observation deck may be closed due to ice buildup on the deck. However you may still see some amazing views of the ice bridge forming on the bottom of the Niagara River.
Behind Niagara Falls
The other end of the tunnels on Journey Behind the Falls will lead you to two openings where you can literally see the waterfall from behind. Before it ends, you will also see occasional openings on the tunnel walls with information chronicling on how it was built and its history over the years.
As you progress further, you will hear it first before you finally see it — the actual view from behind Niagara Falls. This view alone is spectacular enough. But if we’re being honest, what makes the experience worthwhile is that you’ll get to also hear the sound of the water thundering down. It is a humbling and magical experience. As you listen to the deafening noise, you realize that you are standing in a tunnel, carved deep into the earth, looking out at one of the biggest waterfalls in the world. For that moment, you are standing at the heart of Niagara Falls.
For more information about the Journey Behind the Falls, you can visit their website at Niagara Parks.
While the attraction opens throughout the year, admission price and hours of operation may vary depending on the season.
Over the Falls Tours offer various Winter tours both from the American and Canadian side of the falls, with a visit to the Journey Behind the Falls included. Check our website for the latest tour package offers. www.overthefallstoursniagara.com/niagara-falls-winter-tours