During 1960’s, amidst Niagara Fall’s period of ambitious development, the Skylon Tower emerged as an impressive addition to Niagara’s skyline. The tower’s name “Skylon” evokes its reaching towards the sky and draws inspiration from the futuristic Skylon sculpture, featured in 1951 Festival of Britain.

The vision behind the Skylon Tower was simple, yet bold. Rising majestically above the thundering Niagara Falls, it offered unparalleled aerial views of the Falls, which during those times in the 1960s; was something very new!

Today, the Skylon Tower has transformed the tourism in Niagara Falls! Join us, as we explore the Skylon Tower and see what makes it a must-see, on your next trip to Niagara Falls!

Did you know, that during its construction in the 1960s, the Skylon Tower was nicknamed “The Needle”!?

Mesmerizing Views From the Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower features both, an indoor as well as an outdoor observation deck. Located at the top of the Skylon Tower, it elevates you to a height of 775 ft.!

Access to the Skylon Tower Observation Decks, is via the “yellow bug” elevators that ascend to its height in just 52 seconds, adding to the exhilarating experience!

Did you know, the Yellow Bugs are designed to travel up at 500 ft. per second speed- BUT, during a power failure, rely on a backup gravity system, to safely descend down!

Indoor Observation Deck

The indoor observation deck with floor to ceiling windows, provides a spectacular 360 degree view. The climate controlled space of this indoor deck allows visitors to comfortably enjoy the view, no matter what the weather is!

This means that unlike some other attractions- like the Hornblower Boat Tour and the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour– the Skylon Tower is open and available all year round!

The glass panels are kept meticulously clean to ensure crystal clear views. They are also slightly kept at an angle, so as to minimize the glare and reflections creating optimal conditions for photos.

You will also see informative displays and maps that help you identify landmarks visible from the indoor observation deck- like the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls as well as the other distant skylines!

Outdoor Observation Deck

The outdoor observation deck wraps itself around the Skylon Tower. Standing on this deck, you will probably be able to feel the mist rising from the Falls and definitely be able hear the distant roar of the rushing waters!

The open to air platform offers unobstructed views that are particularly lovely during sunrise and sunset.

The designers of the Skylon Tower always prioritized safety. So the outdoor observation deck has secure railings and protective barriers that still allow for excellent visibility as well as perfect photo opportunities!

The view from the observation decks of the Skylon Tower is truly phenomenal! What makes it so effective, is the setting of the Skylon Tower. It is set back just enough from the Falls so as to frame them perfectly within the broader context of Niagara River, the Gorge and the surrounding cityscapes!

On an especially clear day, you may get to see as far as Toronto’s CN Tower and the distant shore of Lake Erie! Together, they encompass 8,000 square miles of the Canadian and American landscapes!

Culinary Excellence at the Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower offers two options for an excellent dining experience. There is the Revolving Dining Room and the Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room.

As the name suggests, the Revolving Dining Room, make a complete 360 degree revolution every hour. It represents the pinnacle of sky-high dining experiences in Niagara Falls! The scene outside keeps changing, and you don’t even have to get up from your seat!

Did you know- that the seamless rotation of the 125-ton dining room is achieved using a sophisticated mechanism that includes a 3-horsepower motor driving a 9-ton gear?

Their menu features sophisticated offerings such as prime steaks, fresh seafood, and local seasonal specialties. The chef and his culinary team, pride themselves over meticulous attention to detail with the food prep. Come nightfall, the illuminated Falls create a magical backdrop for an unforgettable dinner!

For a more casual experience try the Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room! The offerings here are an impressive array of international cuisine and classic favorites. Families particularly love the variety and value of this option. It still combines the breathtaking views making the dining at Skylon Tower so special.

Beyond the Views

The Skylon Tower houses a family-friendly entertainment complex, where visitors of all ages find something to enjoy!

The Skylon Tower Fun Center has an impressive variety of interactive features to indulge into. Visitors can enjoy arcade games, modern gaming experiences and unique amusements- all while taking a break from sightseeing.

The location of the Fun Center is what makes it impressive enough! For many, this tower’s natural location is what makes it a prominent “hang-out” spot. And with the Fun Center right there- it certainly adds to the locations’ charm!

A Continued Legacy

As the Skylon Tower approaches decades of operation, it continues to grow and evolve. Regular updates and renovations ensure that the facilities remain modern and comfortable while preserving the tower’s classic appeal.

The Skylon Tower stands as a testament to human ingenuity! It remains an essential part of any visit to Niagara Falls, offering views and experiences that create lasting memories.

Whether you go to for the breathtaking views or the unique dining experience, or the family entertainment options… the Skylon Tower continues to fulfill its founding vision- providing an elevated experience above one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders.

Will it make it on your must-see list? Let us know in the comments below…