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Niagara Parks Welcomes Visitors for the Civic Holiday Long Weekend

August 14, 2024

Niagara Parks

  • Check out the latest exhibits, new features and updated nighttime experience at Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel
  • New Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar and Whirlpool Pub + Lounge welcoming guests for a refreshed dining experience
  • Dive deeper into Indigenous culture and wisdom while hiking the marked trail network within the Niagara Glen
  • Enjoy the Whimsical Creatures outdoor garden exhibit on now at the Floral Showhouse
  • Civic Holiday fireworks displays and holiday road closures planned for Queen Victoria Park

Niagara Falls, ON – Niagara Parks welcomes guests to the heart of Niagara Falls for the Civic Holiday long weekend. Take advantage of the summer weather and get outdoors to explore the renewed and refreshed visitor experiences all along the 56-kilometre Niagara River corridor.

To learn more about Niagara Parks’ sites and summer hours, visit niagaraparks.com/summer.

New features now open at the Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel

The Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel is taking visitors deeper into Niagara’s rich history of hydroelectric power with enhanced daytime features and an all-new nighttime experience that showcases the power station after dark.

During the day, guests can experience the all-new bilingual audio tour, as well as two new Tesla Coil exhibits; one larger than life installation that shoots electrical currents across the ceiling and one interactive display that allows guests to see and feel the power of electricity right before their eyes.

At night, guests can experience the power station in a whole new light with an expanded evening experience. Flexible screenings of the award-winning sound and light show, Currents, take over the main generator hall while the colourfully lit Tunnel leads guests to a stunning panoramic view of the illuminated Horseshoe Falls and nightly fireworks. There is a world of wonder and innovation to discover at the Power Station at Night.

The best way to experience what’s new at the Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel and across Niagara Parks while also saving money is by purchasing a bundled attractions package. Guests can choose from three unique packages when planning their getaway to Niagara Parks. For more information, visit niagaraparks.com/deals.

Civic Holiday Fireworks

Celebrate the Civic Holiday weekend with fireworks displays each night at 10 p.m.! Table Rock Centre, Queen Victoria Place and Grand View Marketplace will be the prime viewing spots for anyone wishing to witness the dazzling display in the sky. New this summer, plan your visit to the Power Station at Night for a chance to view the fireworks from an unforgettable vantage point – the Tunnel’s lower observation deck next to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. For more information, visit niagaraparks.com/fireworks.

New restaurants offer stunning views and local culinary delights

Boasting the closest open-air rooftop patio to the brink of the iconic Horseshoe Falls, Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar offers an upscale casual dining experience. With gourmet dishes crafted from local ingredients from across the region, paired with an extensive selection of Niagara VQA wines, beer, ciders and spirits, this brand-new restaurant offers a sophisticated setting guests can’t find anywhere else.

The airy dining room at the new Whirlpool Pub + Lounge offers panoramic views of the tree-lined Niagara Parkway and the 18th hole at Whirlpool Golf Course. Open to the public throughout the golfing season, guests can enjoy pub-style cuisine paired with a glass of Niagara VQA wine or a pint of Ontario craft beer after a day of exploring the Niagara Parkway or playing a round of golf.

For more information, visit niagaraparks.com/culinary.

Rekindling All Our Relations, an Indigenous audio tour of the Niagara Glen

This free self-guided hiking experience within the four-kilometre trail network of the Niagara Glen merges nature, culture and storytelling into a profound exploration of Indigenous wisdom and connection. Curated by Michele-Elise Burnett, a respected member of Niagara’s Indigenous community, Rekindling All Our Relations is a self-guided journey toward a deeper appreciation for and connection to the nature all around us. With her deep roots and understanding of Indigenous teachings, Burnett has carefully crafted an experience that goes beyond the physical beauty of the Niagara Glen, delving into its spiritual essence.

For more information, visit niagaraparks.com/glenaudio.

Witness the magic of Whimsical Creatures at the Floral Showhouse

Experience the fantastical Mosaïculture-style outdoor garden exhibit, Whimsical Creatures. Niagara Parks’ horticultural team, in partnership with Mosaïcultures Internationales de Montréal (MIM) and the Atlanta Botanical Garden (ABG), have meticulously planted a series of Mosaïculture living sculptures at the Floral Showhouse for this limited time exhibit. From a colossal dragon to a mystical Pegasus, each piece tells a unique story related to Niagara Parks’ dedication to horticultural excellence.

For more information, visit niagaraparks.com/mosaiculture.

Add Even More Adventure with Niagara City Cruises and WildPlay

Cross these experiences off your bucket lists this Civic Holiday weekend! Enjoy the classic Voyage to the Falls with Niagara City Cruises as you take in stunning views of the Niagara Gorge, American and Bridal Veil Falls, and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Soar on a breathtaking ride into the Niagara Gorge toward the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls with WildPlay’s Zipline to the Falls or take on a series of aerial ropes courses, obstacles and ziplines at WildPlay’s Whirlpool Adventure Course.

For more information and tickets, please visit niagaraparks.com/attractions.

Holiday Road Closures

Guests visiting for the long weekend are advised to plan ahead for road closures. On Saturday, August 3 and Sunday, August 4, the Niagara Parkway will be closed to vehicular traffic from Clifton Hill to Fraser Hill, beginning at 7 p.m., with a full road closure in place by 8 p.m. Clifton Hill from Victoria Avenue to Falls Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 7 p.m. with a full closure in place by 8 p.m. Closing the roads within this high-traffic tourism area will provide a safer environment for pedestrians while reducing vehicular congestion and gridlock by the Falls. For more information, view the holiday road closure schedule here.

Travelling from the GTA

For visitors from the GTA, the GO Niagara Train Service allows access to all that Niagara has to offer, including combo packages that bundle both the GO Train and WEGO bus system, starting from only $20! Learn more at niagaraparks.com/go.

Media assets are available here

About Niagara Parks

Since its establishment in 1885, Niagara Parks has remained a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, entrusted to preserve and protect the land surrounding Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. Today, Niagara Parks boasts gardens, a horticulture school, recreation, golf courses, restaurants, heritage and historic sites, gift shops and, of course, Niagara Falls. In short, natural landscapes, history, family fun, hiking, culinary delights, attractions and adventure.

For more information, please visit niagaraparks.com

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.