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Niagara Parks Celebrates Canada Day with Official Launch of Updated Journey Behind the Falls

June 28, 2023

Niagara Parks

​​Niagara Parks Celebrates Canada Day with Official Launch of Updated Journey Behind the Falls​

  • Renovations will enhance the guest experience at Niagara Parks’ flagship attraction
  • Refreshed visitor queuing areas feature new exhibits, interpretive content and digital storytelling
  • A highlight of the new space is an area dedicated to Indigenous history, featuring Maid of the Mist and the Thunder Beings painting

​​Niagara Falls, ON –​ This Canada Day, Niagara Parks is proud to launch a refreshed visitor experience at Journey Behind the Falls, featuring significant renovations and all-new exhibits throughout the visitor queuing areas of the beloved attraction.

Over the winter months, Niagara Parks completely renovated the two floors of queuing areas within the attraction, transforming the space with a modern design and new interpretive exhibits. Beginning on July 1, upon entering the queuing area, guests will embark on a journey through time, from the formation of the Falls to the first Indigenous inhabitants and the rise of Niagara Falls as a global tourism destination.

A centrepiece of the new space is a stunning reproduction of an oil canvas painting by Indigenous artist and icon Oren Lyons, entitled Maid of the Mist and the Thunder Beings. The painting is accompanied by interpretive content providing details on its artist and the remarkable story which inspired his work.

Journey Behind the Falls holds a rich history, dating back to 1832 when the first staircase was constructed down into the Niagara Gorge for visitors to enter what was then called the “Sheet of Falling Water” attraction. This history is celebrated and showcased throughout the space with images from Niagara Parks’ remarkable archival photo library. In addition to the queuing areas, all-new LED lighting has also been installed in portions of the tunnel leading to the lower observation platform, illuminating the century old walls and creating new photo opportunities for visitors.

These most recent renovations further build on the transformative $22 million redevelopment of Table Rock Centre completed in 2020, which has already seen extensive renovations to its dining, shopping and pedestrian concourse areas.

Quote from Niagara Parks Chair, April Jeffs
“Journey Behind the Falls is an iconic global attraction and a signature experience at Niagara Parks. These enhancements to the visitor queuing spaces introduce a modern design, consistent with the updated Table Rock Centre, while also paying tribute to the remarkable history of the site. I am proud of the investments we continue to make at Table Rock Centre and look forward to welcoming our guests to enjoy the updated Journey Behind the Falls this summer.”

Media Assets are available here.

​For more information, please visit niagaraparks.com or contact:

Chris Giles, Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing
cgiles@niagaraparks.com
(905) 356-2241 ext. 2259

​Stay Connected:

​Facebook: @NiagaraParks
Instagram: @niagaraparks
Twitter: @NiagaraParks
#NiagaraParks​

Niagara Parks

Niagara Parks

The Niagara Parks Commission is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.