Just steps away from the hustle-bustle of the entertainment district, besides the banks of Niagara River, lies the Niagara Parks Power Station.

Once, it was responsible for taming the very forces that form a part of Niagara Falls’ thunder. Today, the Niagara Parks Power Station has opened its door, revealing all its secrets & stories!

The majestic limestone structure of the Niagara Parks Power Station is not just another tourist attraction. This is an architectural marvel and a step into the visionary era of engineering.

Today. visitors can walk through the same paths, where the engineers once tread! They can go on exploring the hand-chiseled underground Tunnel carved into a solid bedrock! From lighting cities across two nations, to the hundreds of stories housed inside- the Niagara Parks Power Station is a total Pandora’s box of untold glories!

Let’s take a deeper look at Canada’s first ever Power Station and explore what makes this attraction a total must-see!

Constructing the Niagara Parks Power Station

The construction of the Niagara Parks Power Station began on May 23rd 1901. As of the publish date of this article, a day after its anniversary, would mark 124 years since the foundation was laid. The construction took somewhere around 4 years, to complete. It was a massive undertaking and to this day, considered quite an achievement in design, architecture and engineering.

The early sketches of the design, showcase a Romanesque style building with arched windows. The overall design was inspired by the Adams Generating Station, on the American Side of Niagara River.

Many different companies and people with specialized trade were involved with the building of the Niagara Parks Power Station. The engineers and the ground workers knew at the time, that they were partaking in a project, which is going to awe-inspiring, for generations to come!

Constructing the Tunnel

The Tunnel (also called the Tailrace Tunnel), is a curving passageway that was first used to expel the used water back safely, into the Niagara River. It lies curving through the depths of the Power Station’s wheel pit- nearly 200 meters below the ground level.

Did you know that the construction of the 2,200 ft. tunnel, was done without any fancy equipment? Using crude equipment like dynamites, shovels, pickaxes and lanterns the workers carved out the tunnel, out of the bedrock under the power station!

Exploring the Niagara Parks Power Station

There are two ways that visitors can explore the Niagara Parks Power Station- a guided tour or a self-guided tour.

A Guided tour

To avail a guide for your entire walk through, will be something that you will be able sign up for right at the start of your tour. Tour guides are available for a guided tour of just the main floor of the Niagara Parks Power Station. Keep in mind that walk through The Tunnel, is a self-guided walkthrough only!

A tour guide, with this particular tour especially, will be a good choice! The right guide can entertain as well as fascinate you! It is the guide’s job to give you all the details in the entire flow.

Self-Guided Audio Tour

The self-guided audio tour is basically a recording of all the salient features that you need to know, on your walk through. This is included in your admission fee and will remain your companion, as you journey through this amazing attraction! Not only that… you can hear snippets from former employees at the Niagara Parks Power Station, as they comment on their experience at the hydro-plant!

The Tunnel

The Tunnel at Niagara Parks Power Station, is preserved as a piece of Niagara Falls history. Now defunct, it once played its part of emptying the used waters of the power plant, back to the Niagara River.

As we mentioned earlier, the Tunnel was constructed using very rudimentary tools. Pickaxes, dynamites, shovels and few lanterns were the only friends the construction team had in their hands! Did you know that the Tunnel was complete even before the power plant was?! That’s right!

Descending down the elevator to the wheel pit, where you also go into the Tunnel is the best experience of all! The goal was the keep all the original structures so that when descending, people are able to see everything that functions as a part of the hydro-electricity generating process.

Walking through the Tunnel, visitor’s arrive at the 65 foot viewing platform. You are so close to the Niagara River, that you can feel its power as well as feel the mist from the Falls! This is a spectacular spot for all those are looking to snap the best pictures! So make sure, you bring your camera with you!

A Different View at Night

Exploring the Niagara Parks Power Station at nighttime is a whole different ball game altogether! The Station becomes entirely new at night!

Dramatic LED projections, sounds and spectacular lights- all create an immersive narrative that is both entertaining and informative! The interplay of colored lights dancing across the massive generators and steel framework creates an atmosphere that feels both industrial and ethereal. All this is part of their signature show, called Currents!

Walking through the Tunnel at night is also just as memorable! The strategic lighting placed all through the length of the Tunnel, creates an atmosphere of mystery and adventure!

Visitors have often described how they feel walking the Tunnel at nighttime. For them, this feels like a journey to the center of the earth with the backdrop of rushing waters from the Falls!

The nighttime view from the Tunnel is truly spectacular!

The illuminated Niagara Falls creates a breathtaking backdrop! The rushing rapids below are highlighted by underwater lighting systems. The contrast between the warm glow of the power station and the cool blues and whites of the illuminated falls creates photographic opportunities that are simply impossible to replicate during daytime visits.

There are special evening programs and events are often scheduled during peak seasons which include a guided tour. These guided tours focus specifically on the station’s role in the early days of electrical lighting.

Programs such as these help visitors understand how this very facility once provided the power that first illuminated Niagara Falls for nighttime viewing, creating a historical connection that spans more than a century.

Practical Pointers For Your Trip

Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind, before you make your way to the Niagara Parks Power Station. Most of these are about your trip to the Tunnel! These pointers can keep you safe and at the least- add to your comfort levels throughout the tour!

• Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes, especially during your visit to the Tunnel! While the pathway is comfortable enough, you might still want to prioritize your comfort, over style with this one!
• There are plenty of benches along the way, if you need to sit and take a break!
• It can get chilly when you are going down to the Tunnel. Make sure to bring a light jacket!
• At the observation deck, at the end of the Tunnel- things can get a little misty! To save yourself from the mist from the Falls; make sure that you borrow one of the recyclable poncho!
• Make a washroom trip before you go down to the Tunnel! There are washrooms up on the main generator floor; but none downstairs!

In summary

The Niagara Parks Power Station is definitely a must-see for history buffs!

We recommend that you combine this tour with our Journey Behind the Falls or even the Hornblower Boat Cruise to elevate your experience!

Will the Niagara Parks Power Station be on your list of places not to miss?

Let us know in the comments below!