If you think you’ve seen Niagara Falls lit up at night, trust us, you’ve never seen it like this! December 2016 the Niagara Falls Illumination Board will flip the switch on the biggest upgrade the Niagara Falls lights have ever seen.
The Falls Will Shine in a Whole New Light!
For the past 20 years, 21 Xenon halogen bulbs have done a great job of projecting colourful lights onto the American, Bridal Veil and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. However, there have always been limitations to this lighting, including dark gaps and limited colour options.
The new lighting installation the Illumination Board will launch Thursday, December 1, 2016, is set to change the way we see the Falls forever! An investment of $4 million has been put towards a full revamp of the previous lighting system. Replacing the old halogen technology with the latest in high efficiency LED technology, decreasing energy use by approximately 59%.
This will give twice the lighting power to brighten Niagara as well as programmable features and a wider range of brighter colours. Niagara Parks Commission also believes the new technology will lead to a reduction in maintenance costs.
Niagara Falls Illumination Cruise
We here at Hornblower are extra excited for the new more powerful lights to be up and running for our 2017 season.
The new lights, which are said to be twice as bright as before, are sure to increase your viewing pleasure from the deck of our Falls Illumination Cruise and Falls Fireworks Cruise.
We can’t wait for our first sailings of these night time cruises which (weather permitting) will begin in May of 2017. Purchase your tickets here and come see the new lighting of Niagara Falls up close and personal with Hornblower!
Winter Festival of Lights
If you are planning on visiting Niagara this winter to see our new brighter and more colourful lights don’t miss the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights!
This 8 km route along the Niagara Falls Parkway showcases thousands of twinkly LED lighting instalments for guests to walk through and enjoy.
Since 1983 this festival has brought joy to millions of visitors each year and is Canada’s largest illumination festival as well as one of the premiere illumination festivals in North America.
Don’t miss this exciting festival that captures the magic of the holiday season from November 19, 2016 to January 31, 2017.
Where is Niagara Falls Canada?
Ready to plan your next trip to come check out the new lights? You’ll need to know how to get here.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises is in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Approximately one and a half hours away from Toronto, Ontario. It is also just across the border from Niagara Falls, New York. Niagara Falls, Ontario sits between one international border crossing and two major international airports, one located in Buffalo, NY and another in Toronto, Ontario making it easy for guests from all over the world to view the new Niagara Falls illumination!
For more information on directions see our Getting Here page!
Lighting Niagara Falls Throughout History
- It was 1860 the first time Niagara Falls was illuminated at night. When the Prince of Wales visited the area 200 coloured and white lights were placed around the American Falls, along with the road on the Canadian side of the gorge and behind the Horseshoe Falls. The lights were calcium torpedo lights known as Bengal Lights used to signal help for ships at sea.
- The first electronic illumination took place in 1879.
- 1925 was when the Niagara Falls Illumination Board was formed and the monies were raised to fund the installation of the first permanent lighting installation.
- From there on the lights were powered intermittently depending on energy supplies and local events. In 1950 the board was able to for the first time guarantee regular lighting of Niagara Falls because of a consistent power supply.
Read the full history of the Niagara Falls Illumination here.
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