Second viewing platform at Niagara Falls scheduled to open in spring 2027. Anyone who has experienced Niagara Falls up close knows the feeling: you suddenly feel very small, get thoroughly soaked and, above all, are left utterly awestruck. After all, millions of liters of water thunder over the edge every second, plunging almost 60 meters into the depths below. The experience is aptly named Journey Behind the Falls, and Niagara Parks is now investing CAD 25 million in its redevelopment and enhancement. The project will also reopen a tunnel that has been closed to visitors for decades. At the end of it, a brand-new viewing platform will offer a fresh perspective on what are arguably the world’s most famous waterfalls. The new, year-round viewing platform is scheduled to open as early as summer 2027.
A Tunnel Dating Back to 1903
For more than 130 years, Journey Behind the Falls has been bringing visitors remarkably close to Niagara Falls. The attraction’s first tunnels opened in 1889, leading visitors approximately 46 meters down through the bedrock from Table Rock Centre towards the Horseshoe Falls. Now, another historic section is being brought back to life: a tunnel originally built in 1903, which has been inaccessible to visitors for many years. Following restoration, the exposed rock walls and original wooden beams will remain visible, offering a glimpse of what access to the falls looked like in the early 20th century. The restored tunnel will not only extend the existing route but also create an entirely new way for visitors to experience the falls.
Covered and Heated, Whatever the Weather
At the end of the historic passageway, a second viewing terrace is currently under construction, just north of the famous Rainbow Platform. Scheduled for completion by spring 2027, it will feature a roof and heated concrete flooring, allowing visitors to enjoy the views throughout the year – even during the bitterly cold Canadian winters, when the falls regularly become encased in ice. The expansion will increase capacity at one of Niagara Parks’ most popular attractions while also improving accessibility.
“Niagara Parks is proud to invest in significant improvements at our flagship attraction, Journey Behind the Falls. This is a bucket-list-worthy experience and a must-see for anyone visiting Niagara Falls. The attraction has existed in some form or another for over two centuries. These upgrades will enhance and expand the visitor experience while helping to ensure its continued place as one of the leading attractions for all visitors to Niagara Falls,” says Graham Coveney, Chair of Niagara Parks.
The more than 120-year-old tunnel leads through the mountain to the new viewing platform at Niagara Falls. This covered and heated platform will be ready in spring 2027. The old one „Rainbow Platform“ will then undergo a makeover after 75 years. Its reopening is planned for spring 2028. © Niagara Parks Commission
The Iconic Rainbow Platform Gets a Makeover
Niagara Falls owes much of its fame to the iconic Rainbow Platform, which first opened in 1951. Even Hollywood has made its mark here: in 1953, the platform served as a filming location for Niagara, starring Marilyn Monroe. Now, after 75 years, this much-loved vantage point is set for a complete makeover. Once the new viewing terrace opens, the existing Rainbow Platform will be replaced with a modern structure designed for year-round use. It will meet current safety standards and offer improved accessibility, while bringing visitors even closer to the thundering Horseshoe Falls. The revamped platform is scheduled to reopen in spring 2028.
The Falls Remain in Full View Throughout Construction
Journey Behind the Falls will remain open throughout the entire redevelopment. The new tunnel and additional viewing platform, delivered during the first phase of construction, will allow the attraction to continue operating while work takes place on the Rainbow Platform. For Niagara Parks, the project is part of a long-term strategy to preserve the iconic attractions along the Niagara River while continually enhancing them for visitors in every season.
Taken from the Press Release of Nov. 3rd, 2026
