- Frozen Falls Contest invites visitors, content creators and photography enthusiasts to capture the rare winter conditions that have transformed Niagara Falls into an icy spectacle
- Participants can enter to win cash prizes by sharing their most captivating Frozen Falls photo or video on Instagram or TikTok with the hashtag #FrozenFallsContest
- The contest runs from February 20 to 25, 2026; all submissions to be reviewed by a panel of judges and winners announced in March
- For complete contest details, visit niagaraparks.com/frozenfalls
- Media Assets are available here
Niagara Falls, ON – With one of the most spectacular displays of winter ice formations seen in a decade, Niagara Parks, Niagara Falls Tourism and the City of Niagara Falls invite visitors, content creators and photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of the winterized Niagara Falls and participate in the social-media-driven Frozen Falls Contest.
To enter, participants must post their photo or video on Instagram or TikTok between February 20 and 25, 2026, tagging @NiagaraParks and including the official contest hashtag #FrozenFallsContest. All qualifying submissions will be reviewed by a distinguished judging panel that includes Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, Niagara Parks CEO David Adames, Interim CEO of Niagara Falls Tourism Adam Stiles and two surprise guest judges, to be announced. The top three winners in each category will be eligible for cash prizes, including a grand prize of up to $5,000 CAD.
By entering the contest, participants authorize Niagara Parks the rights to use their photo or video across print, web, social and other marketing materials, with credit given where possible.
How to Enter
Participants can enter the contest by:
- Capturing a winter-inspired photo or video of the frozen Niagara Falls
- Posting their content on Instagram or TikTok between February 20 and 25, 2026
- Tagging @NiagaraParks and including the official contest hashtag #FrozenFallsContest
- Ensuring the posting account is set to public
Multiple entries are welcome, and content does not need to be taken during the contest period, provided it showcases the Frozen Falls.
Prizes & Judging
Participants are encouraged to submit photos or videos capturing the natural wonder of the Frozen Falls from safe, authorized viewing locations. Winners will be selected based on creativity, composition and overall impact, with all prizes awarded in Canadian dollars. An expert panel of judges from Niagara Parks, Niagara Falls Tourism, the City of Niagara Falls, along with two surprise guest judges will review all eligible submissions. Winners will be announced in March 2026.
Best Photo
First Place: $5,000 CAD
Second Place: $2,500 CAD
Third Place: $1,000 CAD
Best Video
First Place: $5,000 CAD
Second Place: $2,500 CAD
Third Place: $1,000 CAD
Full contest details, including prizing, eligibility and usage rights, are outlined in the official rules. For more info, visit niagaraparks.com/frozenfalls.
The Frozen Falls Phenomenon
The Frozen Falls phenomenon, which occurs during extended periods of sub‑zero temperatures, creates the appearance of a fully frozen waterfall, though water continues flowing beneath a crust of ice and mist. During particularly cold spells, ice can accumulate into massive formations at the base of the Falls, sometimes reaching heights of up to ten stories, drawing visitors and photographers from around the world. Although the Falls may appear to freeze solid, a complete top‑to‑bottom freeze is nearly impossible due to the constant movement and volume of water beneath the surface ice.
Media Assets are available here.
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