If you are lucky enough to be visiting Niagara Falls on a fireworks night, you are in for a real treat! The natural wonder is also home to Canada’s longest-running fireworks series. Here’s what you need to know about when, how, and where to watch the fireworks.

The Ultimate Guide to Canada’s Longest-Running Fireworks

When are the Niagara Falls Fireworks?

In the summer, there are shows 7 nights a week at 10 PM. Fireworks are also on full display are also Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday in the Spring (mid-May to June) and Fall (September to mid-October). 

Are the fireworks ever cancelled?

Yes, but rarely. Fireworks do continue rain or shine, but the wind can impact the schedule from time to time. Niagara Parks staff will be able to let you know if they might be cancelled that evening.

How long is the nightly fireworks show?

The fireworks displays vary from 5 – 10 minutes depending on the night. Aside from this display, the Niagara Falls Illumination provides gorgeous views throughout the evening.

Where should I watch the Niagara Falls fireworks?

That is a mighty good question! We’ve compiled our top nine picks below. 

1. A Niagara Falls Fireworks Cruise

An evening boat cruise is the best way to get close to the Niagara Falls and her fireworks – I mean really, really close. Just look at this picture taken during a Falls fireworks cruises:

The 40-minute nighttime tours include onboard music, a licensed bar, and an up-close-and-personal view of the illuminated waterfalls. This boat tour is truly the most unforgettable way to experience the Niagara Falls fireworks.  

2. Skylon Tower

Have you ever watched a fireworks show from a hundred feet in the air? While this may not always be possible at home, the Skylon Tower Observation Deck makes it a quintessential Niagara Falls experience. After an exhilarating 52-second elevator ride, you will be 775 feet above the Falls. Talk about the ultimate view! If you aim to be at the top before the fireworks shoot off, Skylon Tower can be one of the most memorable experiences from your Niagara Falls trip.

You can also enjoy dinner during the fireworks from Skylon Tower’s revolving dining room. Be sure to arrive early if you choose this option – even with a reservation, you may still need to wait for optimal fallsview seating.

3. Journey Behind the Falls

If you’ve spent any time researching Niagara Falls attractions, chances are you’ve heard about Journey Behind the Falls. The hallmark attraction offers an evening package which offers “after-hours” access. If you time your trip right, you could have a chance to enjoy the fireworks side-by-side with the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Tickets have limited availability and are dependant on conditions, so you can only purchase them in person. This might not be the best option for trip planners, but it is a fabulous option for spontaneous visitors who want to take advantage of a clear night.

4. Queen Victoria Park

This is the classic fireworks viewing experience – think lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and people coming together. Queen Victoria Park is located directly across from Horseshoe Falls, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Staking your territory in advance is a good idea if you plan to watch the fireworks from this location. With many trees and even more people flocking to this area for the display, you’ll want to set down your own roots in the park at least 15 minutes before the fireworks set off.

5. A Fallsview Hotel Room (Hilton or Sheraton Niagara Falls)

Are you splurging for a hotel room overlooking Niagara Falls? If so, you might consider watching the fireworks from the comfort of your room. This is probably the most relaxing option and has the benefit of a high vantage point – perfect for catching every inch of the action!

If you are in the area for just a night it may make sense to try a more social viewing option, like the boat cruise or a park. However, if you are around for a few days, pencil in a night snuggled up in your room overlooking the show.

6. Queen Victoria Place Restaurant

If you think a romantic dinner is served best with a side of pretty lights and gorgeous views, look no further than Queen Victoria Place Restaurant. Any fallsview restaurant is a wonderful place to see the Niagara Falls Illumination, but late-night hours make it a touch more difficult to find food and fireworks pairings. Luckily, Queen Victoria Place is open until 11 PM on weekends to allow for fireworks-side dining. If you are trying to create the ultimate romantic evening, it’s hard to go wrong with an experience like this.
While beautiful, this is far from the easiest way to watch the fireworks – you’ll want to reserve in advance and be comfortable with a later-evening dinner. 

7. Rainbow Bridge

The Rainbow Bridge provides a walkway between the Canadian and American sides of Niagara Falls. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy a unique, top-to-bottom view of the Niagara Falls fireworks as they shoot out from the water’s edge.

Walking on the bridge itself does not require you to enter the United States – customs will only greet you at the very end, as the bridge itself remains on the Canadian side. You will, however, need to pay a 50-cent toll to step onto the bridge, so pack a few quarters!

8. Niagara Skywheel

Riding the Niagara Skywheel during the fireworks is a magical experience. Imagine watching a fireworks display over a natural wonder… while on a ferris wheel… at 175 feet in the air… this is a scene straight out of a movie!

Timing your ride is the biggest challenge with the Niagara Skywheel. The nightly fireworks last less than 10 minutes, and you do not have control over the exact moment that you board and leave the ride. We recommend trying your luck with this on your second trip to the Niagara Falls fireworks so you don’t risk missing the show. It’s also a good idea to arrive 15-30 minutes early to queue – there are usually quite a few people who want to ride the Skywheel during the fireworks display!

9. Table Rock Welcome Centre

The Table Rock Welcome Centre is one of the first destinations for people visiting Niagara Falls. A helpful landmark on the brink of the falls, many gravitate to the building when it comes time to take in the fireworks show. It makes sense – Table Rock overlooks the very spot where the fireworks ignite, making it an obvious crowd-pleaser for many Niagara Falls tourists.

On busy nights, it might be challenging to find an unobstructed view of the fireworks from this location. Unlike others on our list, this is a “standing room only” kind of place and crowds can sometimes be a factor. Still, it’s an obvious choice for many Niagara Falls visitors and super close to the action, making it worth a mention.

What is your pick?

As locals who work in Niagara Falls tourism, we like to think we know our stuff. However, we often learn new tricks and ideas from customers and readers, especially those who visit frequently or live nearby. If you have your own favourite Niagara Falls fireworks vantage point, please let us know! We’d love to give it a try – and maybe even give it an honourable mention on our list. Happy viewing!