- Niagara Parks is investing in its flagship Journey Behind the Falls attraction, located next to the Horseshoe Falls
- In 2027, a century-old tunnel previously closed during WWII will be reopened, leading to a brand-new year-round viewing platform
- In 2028, the lower observation deck will be fully redeveloped and modernized, bringing guests closer than ever to the heart of Niagara Falls
- The attraction will remain open during redevelopment, with construction expected to be completed by summer 2028
- For more information about this redevelopment project, visit niagaraparks.com/restorejourney.
- Media assets are available here.
Niagara Falls, ON – For over 130 years, Journey Behind the Falls has captivated visitors from around the world, bringing guests 125 feet below ground to witness the unforgettable, multi-sensory experience of standing face-to-face with the mighty Horseshoe Falls.
The attraction’s first tunnels opened in 1889, and the Rainbow Platform, one of Niagara Falls’ most famous viewpoints, opened in 1951. The attraction was prominently featured in the classic 1953 film Niagara, starring Marilyn Monroe, contributing to Niagara Falls’ rise as the “honeymoon capital of the world” and solidifying Journey Behind the Falls as one of the destination’s most iconic, must-see visitor experiences for the next 75 years.
Now, Niagara Parks is investing $25 million from its earned revenue into its most popular attraction, including reopening a previously abandoned, century-old tunnel that will lead to a brand-new, year-round viewing platform, along with a full redevelopment of the existing lower observation platform.
The transformation of Journey Behind the Falls is the latest example of Niagara Parks’ ongoing commitment to evolving its world-class attractions and experiences, creating compelling, new reasons to visit Niagara Falls. These investments reflect Niagara Parks’ historic mandate to preserve and promote the environmental and cultural heritage of the Niagara River corridor by investing in experiences that deepen guests’ connection to these lands while growing tourism to the region.
The project also aligns with the Province’s Destination Niagara Strategy, aiming to double annual visitation to Niagara, expand the region’s economic impact, raise the destination’s global profile and attract more private investment. In addition to developing brand-new visitor experiences, Niagara Parks is also investing in its existing attractions, encouraging more year-round visitation and delivering on the goals of the Destination Niagara Strategy.
Phase One
Opening Summer 2027
- Expanding the attraction’s tunnel network to include the original tunnel built in 1903 that was previously closed during the Second World War.
- Carved rock walls and exposed wooden beams provide a glimpse into what the tunnel would have looked like when it opened at the turn of the century.
- Development of a brand-new, year-round viewing platform that will provide a panoramic perspective of Niagara Falls with elevated, sweeping views of the entire Niagara Gorge across all four seasons.
Phase Two
Opening Summer 2028
- Fully redeveloped lower observation deck featuring a year-round, modern and innovative design with enhanced accessibility.
- New observation platform will bring guests closer than ever to the thundering Horseshoe Falls.
Quick Facts
- $25 million investment from Niagara Parks’ earned revenue to support significant upgrades at its most attended and profitable attraction.
- This redevelopment project builds on more than 135 years of history at Journey Behind the Falls.
- The attraction’s first tunnels opened in 1889, extending 150 feet below the surface to offer visitors a true behind-the-Falls perspective.
- In 1903, a new scenic tunnel was constructed as part of an agreement with the Ontario Power Company to support hydroelectric power generation.
- That tunnel was then closed to the public during the Second World War and following an inspection in 1944, it was abandoned.
- That same year, a new concrete-lined, electrically lit tunnel was cut approximately 18 metres behind the original and remains in use today.
- In 1951, Niagara Parks opened the Rainbow Platform, which has become one of Niagara Falls’ most iconic, bucket-list viewing experiences.
- This investment builds upon recent renovations to the ticketing and queuing areas of Journey Behind the Falls (2023), as part of the $52 million transformation of Niagara Parks’ flagship Table Rock Centre.
- The recently renovated multi-level queuing area now features a dynamic visitor gallery with engaging interpretive exhibits and artwork that detail the early history of Niagara Falls.
- $52 million multi-year redevelopment of Table Rock Centre includes:
- Niagara Parks’ newest must-see attraction. Niagara Takes Flight (2025)
- New ticketing and queuing areas at Journey Behind the Falls, including a new Visitor Gallery (2023)
- Dining: Table Rock House Restaurant (2019), Table Rock Bistro + Wine Bar (2023), Table Rock Market (2022)
- Retail: Table Rock Shop (2019)
- Renovated guest amenities: Welcome Centres, guest washrooms
- This current redevelopment of Journey Behind the Falls will enhance the year-round guest experience while increasing capacity and supporting future growth at the attraction.
- Other recent examples of Niagara Parks’ investments to introduce new experiences and upgrade existing attractions:
- Adaptive reuse of the Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel (2021)
- Interactive Pollinator Playground exhibit at the Butterfly Conservatory (2026)
- Refresh of interpretive content and reconstruction of lower platform at White Water Walk (2024-2026)
- Upcoming project with the Niagara Parks Foundation to build a four-acre, play-based Children’s Garden at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens (2028)
For more information about this redevelopment project, please visit niagaraparks.com/restorejourney.
Media assets are available here.
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