Here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions that I receive regarding visiting Niagara Falls in the Fall:
Q: When do the Niagara Falls fireworks finalize?
A: The 2016 Summer/Fall Niagara Falls Fireworks Series finalize on Friday, October 30th (10:00 pm), and start back up during the Winter Festival of Lights on November 19th. All performances then begin at 9:00 pm, and they are weather permitting and may be cancelled at the last-minute due to unexpected changes in wind direction or heavy rainfall. These take place at Queen Victoria Park stage.
Here is the Winter Festival of Lights Fireworks Schedule:
Saturday, November 19, 2016: 6:40 pm & 7:40 pm (Opening Day)
Friday, November 25, 2016: 9:00 pm
Friday, December 2, 2016: 9:00 pm
Friday, December 9, 2016: 9:00 pm
Friday, December 16, 2016: 9:00 pm
Friday, December 23, 2016: 9:00 pm
Saturday, December 24, 2016: 9:00 pm
Sunday, December 25, 2016: 9:00 pm
Monday, December 26, 2016: 9:00 pm
Tuesday, December 27, 2016: 9:00 pm
Wednesday, December 28, 2016: 9:00 pm
Thursday, December 29, 2016: 9:00 pm
Friday, December 30, 2016: 9:00 pm
Friday, January 6, 2016: 9:00 pm
Friday, January 13, 2016: 9:00 pm
Friday, January 20, 2016: 9:00 pm
Friday, January 27, 2016: 9:00 pm
As for the Falls Illumination, here is the remaining schedule for 2016:
FALLS ILLUMINATION SCHEDULE
October 1 to October 31 7:00 p.m. Midnight
November 1 to December 30 5:00 p.m. Midnight
December 31 5:00 p.m. 1:00 a.m.
Q: What time do all the Attractions close?
A: Depending on the attraction, they can vary. Our Clifton Hill attractions are open year round, with the only exception being our outdoor Dinosaur Adventure Golf course. We are open extended hours on the weekends (generally until around Midnight to 1:00 am), as well as extended hours over Holidays such as Thanksgiving and the Christmas Break.
Have a particular question regarding Clifton Hill? Click here for answers to the most FAQ’s that we get specific to the “Street of Fun by the Falls”!
**For a link to our current Clifton Hill attractions Hours of Operation click here.**
The majority of the Niagara Parks attractions remain open as well throughout the year, however the hours are shorter as the Fall season continues on. For example, the Whirlpool Aero Car and the White Water Walk will close for the season on November 6th. The Heritage attractions will be closing shortly for the season, although the McFarland House and Old Fort Erie are open at various dates throughout October.
**For a link to all the Niagara Park attractions Hours of Operation click here.**
The Hornblower Niagara Cruises (**weather permitting) will remain open until November 30th, 2016.
**For a link to the Hornblower Niagara Cruises tour options that then send you to their booking calendar that presents their Hours of Operation click here.**
Q: Where is the best place to view the Falls?
*Pictured Above: Autumn view from the observation deck at the bottom of Clifton Hill/Niagara Parkway*
A: There are a few places to get some one-of-a-kind views of the Falls with the most popular viewpoints being:
Q: What are some of the best trails to hike in Niagara Falls in the Fall?
*Pictured Above: A section along the Bruce Trail*
A: Get out your camera, proper footwear and clothing to fully appreciate and explore Niagara and the beauty of Fall along these most popular trails:
The Bruce Trail:
The Bruce Trail stretches 773 kilometres (480 miles) from Queenston Heights in the south, to Tobermory at the northern end of the Bruce Peninsula. The trail follows the cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, a ribbon of near wilderness running through one of the most populated parts of the country. The place is also renowned for Niagara’s famous vineyards and wineries. It is rich in plants, bird life, animals, and history. The Bruce Trail is rugged in many places, with picturesque waterfalls brimming along the route.
The Niagara Glen:
The Niagara Glen is spread across 4 km of trails and goes through the Carolinian Forest. There is a spectacular metal staircase at the steepest part of the gorge and probably its most popular attribute is that it overlooks the Niagara River Whirlpool. Paths of the Niagara Glen were carved from the cliff face some eight thousand years ago pass by a host of natural features like the mammoth pothole and Devils arch. It is a path full of ancient history, carvings and natural wonder. For more information please call the Niagara Parks Nature Centre at 905-354-6678.
Ball’s Falls:
Ball’s Falls is suspended on the string of the Bruce Trail. This site is perched on the edge of the Niagara escarpment and features an operational mill, two waterfalls, numerous historic buildings, and lovely nature trails. It has been restored to its early 1800’s atmosphere, and features an operating flour mill, a lime kiln, a church, family home, blacksmith shop, carriage shed, and more.
Ball’s Falls is also home to the Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Festival, now in its 41st year. This popular festival is included among the list of the best festivals in Niagara Falls in the Fall. Read more about it (and other upcoming Fall Festivals in Niagara) by clicking here.
To reach Ball’s Falls, exit the Queen Elizabeth Way at Vineland. Follow Victoria Avenue (Highway 24) south to Regional Road 24, where you turn eastward and travel to Ball’s Falls.
Niagara River Recreation Trail:
The Niagara River Recreation Trail meanders through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. Running alongside the Niagara Parkway, the Niagara River Recreation Trail is a paved path for non–motorized traffic stretching some 58 kilometers along the Canadian side of the Niagara River. From Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake in the north, it extends almost the full length of the peninsula, ending in the north end of the Town of Fort Erie.
Taking a stroll, a run, or a bike ride along the Niagara Parkway is one of the “7 Awe-Inspiring Places To View The Fall Colours In Niagara“.
Visit www.niagaragreenbelt.com for more information on Niagara’s best trails.