About Niagara Parks

The Niagara Parks Commission is a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The Niagara Region offers an unparalleled variety of sights and sounds, from the majestic Niagara Falls to theatres, festivals and wineries.

All the Niagara Parks attractions, like Journey Behind the Falls and the Whirlpool Aero Car, and beautiful gardens like Oakes Garden Theatre are owned and operated by Niagara Parks.

History

The Niagara Parks Commission was established in 1885 to control the lands and buildings immediately surrounding the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The area, which is now known as Queen Victoria Park, encompassed just 62.2 hectares (154 acres).

In its long history, Niagara Parks has grown to own and maintain over 1,325 hectares (3,274 acres) of parkland along the entire length of the Niagara River, stretching 56 kilometres (36 miles) from Fort Erie in the south to Niagara-on-the-Lake in the north.

Niagara Parks operates like a city within a city, with its own police services, road maintenance, waste collection and other services. During the height of the tourist season, Niagara Parks employs over 1,700 staff: approximately 300 full-time and 1,400 seasonal employees.

Niagara Parks receives no government financing and raises its own revenues through its attractions, restaurants, golf courses, gift shops and parking lots.