Should You Visit Journey Behind the Falls in Canada?
When planning a trip to Niagara Falls, Canada many visitors wonder, “Is Journey Behind the Falls worth visiting?” My answer is YES! And here is why.
This iconic experience offers a unique way to explore the power of one of Canada’s most famous landmarks, the Horseshoe Falls.
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As a seasoned traveler familiar with Niagara Falls attractions, I’ve explored this adventure firsthand and can share what makes it special. This guide is for visitors who want honest insights about whether this experience is worth adding to their Niagara Falls itinerary.
Let’s dive into what you can expect, potential drawbacks, and tips to make the most of your visit.
What Is Journey Behind the Falls?
Journey Behind the Falls is a popular attraction on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Visitors descend 125 feet by elevator into tunnels behind the iconic Horseshoe Falls.
These tunnels lead to two outdoor observation decks and two indoor viewing portals that showcase the roaring water up close.
The attraction operates year-round, offering unique experiences in every season, including winter. Tickets are required, and it’s a good idea to plan ahead to avoid long waits.
Keep reading to discover what makes this experience memorable and helpful tips for your visit!
What Makes Journey Behind the Falls Special?
- Family-friendly activity suitable for all ages.
- Offers a unique perspective of the falls, including views from directly behind the water.
- Self-paced experience, allowing you to spend as much time as you’d like at each area.
- Viewing portals provide a rare opportunity to see the roaring curtain of Horseshoe Falls up close.
- The observation decks offer breathtaking, mist-filled views of the falls and the Niagara River.
- Open year-round, including winter, for a distinct seasonal experience.
- Free ponchos provided to stay dry from the mist.
Journey Behind the Falls Highlights
- Tickets can be purchased online or on-site at the Welcome Centre.
- Plan to spend about 45 minutes to an hour at this attraction.
- You’ll descend approximately 128 feet in an elevator.
- Free ponchos are provided to help you stay dry.
- Expect to get quite wet from the mist—especially on the observation decks.
- Tunnels lead to two observation decks and two viewing portals.
- Long lines are common during the busy summer months, both for the elevator down and back up.
- Cameras are welcome—just ensure they’re waterproof!
Where Is Journey Behind the Falls Located?
Journey Behind the Falls is located in Niagara Falls, Canada. The entrance is inside the Table Rock Welcome Centre.
It’s centrally situated in the Niagara Fallsview tourist area, making it convenient for visitors exploring the region.
The entrance is close to the brink of Horseshoe Falls and it’s near the Niagara Parks Power Station, another noteworthy attraction in the area.
Purchasing Tickets to Journey Behind the Falls
Tickets for Journey Behind the Falls are available in several ways, offering flexibility for travellers. You can purchase them online, on-site, or as part of a guided tour—some tours include front-of-line access for added convenience.
Both timed-entry and anytime tickets are offered, allowing you to choose what works best for your schedule. Bundling tickets with other Niagara Falls attractions can save money, making it a great option for those exploring the area.
Since this attraction gets crowded, especially during peak seasons, pre-purchasing tickets is highly recommended.
Journey Behind the Falls Ticket Prices (subject to change):
- Adults (13+): $25.00 CAD
- Children (3-12): $16.50 CAD
- Ages 2 and under: Free
What to Expect at Journey Behind the Falls
Journey Behind the Falls is one of Niagara’s most popular attractions, offering an unforgettable perspective of Horseshoe Falls. Here’s what you’ll experience during your visit:
- Descend 125 feet via elevator into the bedrock behind the falls.
- Walk through the historic tunnels to the the observation deck and viewing portals.
- Access two observation decks with panoramic views of the falls.
- Stand at indoor viewing portals, just feet away from the roaring water.
This adventure immerses you in the sheer power and beauty of Niagara Falls. Keep reading for further details to help make the most of your trip!
Journey Through Time
While waiting in line for Journey Behind the Falls, you’ll come across displays with images and information about Niagara Falls. These explain the geological formation of the falls and its evolution into a global tourism destination.
The historical overview is presented through plaques on the walls, making it an okay way to pass the time while waiting. If there’s no line, you will miss these displays entirely.
As you wait in line you will be given a free souvenir poncho to help keep you dry.
Elevator Ride
The Journey Behind the Falls experience begins with a quick elevator ride, descending 38 meters (125 feet) into the tunnels. The elevator is a bit underwhelming. There’s no view, and the elevator is usually quite full.
Although some information is shared on the way down, it’s minimal and could be improved to set the tone for the experience.
Once you exit the elevator, you’ll step into 130-year-old cave-like tunnels that lead to the viewing areas.
Journey Behind the Falls Observation Decks
The observation decks are, in my opinion, the highlight of Journey Behind the Falls. These platforms provide a thrilling, close-up view of the Horseshoe Falls and the Niagara River.
The first stop is a platform at the base of the falls, where you can see the immense volume of water pouring over the rim. A second observation deck, accessible by stairs, offers a different perspective. This second platform is closed in winter.
I spent a lot of time here capturing photos and admiring the falls from various angles.
While the mist will get you wet, you will not get as drenched as you will on the Hornblower or Maid of the Mist boat cruises.
Tunnels to Viewing Portals
The tunnels at Journey Behind the Falls lead to two viewing portals, providing a unique perspective from directly behind the falls. These 130-year-old caverns let you hear the roar of the falls up close and see the power of the water from behind the falls.
At each portal, you’ll wait in line to reach a short tunnel ending at a barrier about 4–5 meters from the water. You will see a curtain of water rushing past—dramatic but limited. Both portals provide an identical view.
Many visitors, myself included, find this part anticlimactic. You really only need a minute or so to see the view. It’s worth stopping for a quick photo, but the observation decks outside are far more impressive.
Journey Behind the Falls in Winter
Journey Behind the Falls offers a unique experience during the winter months, though it’s a bit more limited. Only the upper observation deck and viewing portals are open, as the lower deck is closed due to icy conditions.
One advantage of visiting in winter is the lack of crowds. However, it’s extremely cold, so dressing warmly is essential to fully enjoy the view from here.
If you’re lucky, you might catch frozen elements of the falls, creating a stunning and unforgettable winter scene. It’s a special way to experience Niagara Falls during the winter.
How Long Does Journey Behind the Falls Take?
The full Journey Behind the Falls experience typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. This estimate doesn’t include wait times for the elevators, which can vary greatly depending on the season.
When I visited on a week day in the summer, the wait to take the elevator down was only about 10 minutes. However, some guests report waiting over an hour during peak times.
Once you’re in the tunnels and on the observation decks, you can take your time exploring and enjoying the views. How long you spend there ultimately depends on how crowded it is and how much time you want to spend looking at the Canadian Falls.
Journey Behind the Falls Queues
Waiting in line for Journey Behind the Falls can sometimes take away from the experience. While in the queue, you’ll find displays sharing the history of Niagara Falls, which are interesting but might not justify a long wait.
In peak summer months or holidays, lines can take upwards of an hour to go down. This also results in a wait to leave via the elevator.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend visiting if the wait times are this long. While I honestly enjoy this attraction, I value my time and would opt for other experiences like the White Water Walk, the Aero Car, or the Power Station instead.
Planning your visit during off-peak hours, going early, or pre-purchasing tickets for a quieter time is a better way to enjoy this tour.
Is Journey Behind the Falls Worth Visiting? My Final Review
Journey Behind the Falls is worth visiting for the incredible views of the Horseshoe Falls from the observation decks. However, it’s important to manage expectations about the tunnel and viewing portal experience, which some may find underwhelming.
While I do think it’s worth experiencing, I wouldn’t rank it as the best Niagara Falls attraction. If your time is limited, I’d recommend prioritizing a boat cruise like the Hornblower or Maid of the Mist, especially if lines are long at Journey Behind the Falls.
If you’re deciding between Journey Behind the Falls and Cave of the Winds on the U.S. side, I’d choose Cave of the Winds for a more immersive experience.
Before You Go: More Niagara Falls Information
As you plan your Niagara Falls vacation, here are some additional articles to help you with your planning.
- Which Side of Niagara Falls is Better? American vs. Canadian
- Toronto to Niagara Falls: Choosing the Best Travel Option
- Hornblower vs Maid of the Mist: Which Cruise is Better?
- Best Niagara Falls Hotels with a View
- Niagara Falls in a Day: The Ultimate 2024 Travel Itinerary
- Plan a Memorable Two-Day Visit to Niagara Falls Canada
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