Niagara Falls, Canada: Evening Fireworks Cruise

Name: Niagara Falls, Canada: Evening Fireworks Cruise
Brand: GetYourGuide
Price: 39.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.53 (2653 reviews)

4.5 (2653 verified reviews)

Passengers in ponchos on the open deck of the cruise boat watching green and red fireworks burst over the Niagara Gorge, the lit Skylon Tower behind them

A father and young child in ponchos on deck, faces lit purple and pink, looking up at the fireworks above the falls

The Niagara City Cruises catamaran moored at its lit boarding dock at blue hour, the Rainbow Bridge and observation tower behind

A passenger in a poncho filming fireworks from the boat rail, the illuminated Niagara Falls skyline glowing through the mist

A couple in pink souvenir ponchos on deck at night, the colour-lit falls and city lights behind them

About This Experience

Niagara's other boat trip, and the one people picture when they imagine a Niagara boat: a catamaran that runs from the Canadian bank up to the base of the American Falls and into the mist below Horseshoe Falls — at night, with the cataracts lit in colour and fireworks overhead.

The 'Illumination of the Falls' has been running in one form or another since the 1860s; the current LED installation washes both falls in shifting colour after dark, and on scheduled evenings a fireworks display goes up over the gorge. From the water you get all of it at once, with the falls floodlit above you and the show reflected off the river.

There is a 360-degree open viewing platform for anyone who wants the mist, and sheltered indoor observation areas for anyone who does not. A souvenir poncho comes with the ticket, and there is a licensed bar and Wi-Fi aboard.

One thing to be clear-eyed about: the cruise sails rain or shine, but the fireworks are weather-dependent and are not operated by the boat company. If the display is cancelled you still get the illuminated falls, but no refund is issued for the missing fireworks — worth knowing before you plan an evening around it.

Highlights

Experience the magic of the 'Illumination of the Falls' up close
Ride the one-of-a-kind funicular to the base of Niagara Gorge
Cruise up to the Niagara Falls after dark to see fireworks light up the sky
Soak in the views and ambiance at the Riverside Patio before or after your cruise

What's Included

✓ Cruise
✓ Fireworks show (weather dependent)
✓ Souvenir mist poncho
✓ Onboard music, licensed cash bar, and Wi-Fi
✓ Riverside patio access

Not Included

Food and drinks (available for purchase)

Good to Know & Caveats

The cruise operates rain or shine. However, the fireworks display is weather dependent. The activity provider is not associated with the fireworks displays. In the event the display does not occur, no refunds will be given
There is seating for those with mobility issues on board

Meeting Point

Niagara City Cruises Main Ticket Plaza located at 5920 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada. Look for the large white sails next to the Zipline Tower. Take the ramp to the elevators leading down to the riverside patio and boarding area. Then present your barcoded ticket at the boarding location to board the vessel. Do not stand in line at the ticket booth. Allow yourself ample time to check-in, as gates to access lower landing area close sharply at 9:15 PM. Late arrivals will not be permitted and no refunds will be issued.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.5/5 by 2653 verified GetYourGuide travelers.

Really enjoyed it. A brilliant unique way to see the fireworks.
— Karen, August

I loved it! It was a wonderful experience. I definitely recommend doing this event watching the fireworks in the sky was so special. I traveled alone but I was totally comfortable. They give you the rain coat for free when you arrive.
— Valisa, August

Could have used better directions to find the meeting point. Also, parking was a challenge. Once we found the entry, everything was awesome.
— Robert, August

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the fireworks guaranteed on the Niagara Falls fireworks cruise?

No, and this is the single most important thing to understand before booking. The cruise itself sails rain or shine, but the fireworks are a separate display run by a third party and are weather-dependent. If they are cancelled the boat still sails to the illuminated falls, and no refund is issued for the missing show.

Where does the evening cruise depart from?

From the Niagara City Cruises Main Ticket Plaza at 5920 Niagara Parkway on the Canadian side — look for the large white sails beside the Zipline tower. A ramp leads to elevators down to the riverside patio and boarding area. Present your barcoded ticket at the boarding point rather than queuing at the ticket booth.

How early do I need to arrive?

Considerably earlier than you would expect. The gates to the elevators down to the boarding area close sharply — for the late sailing that is 9:10 PM — and late arrivals are not admitted and are not refunded. Allow a comfortable margin for the walk down and the ticket queue.

Will I get wet on the fireworks cruise?

Some, if you stand on the open 360-degree viewing platform as the boat noses into the mist below Horseshoe Falls — that is the classic spot and a souvenir poncho is included. If you would rather stay dry there are sheltered indoor observation areas on board.

How is this different from the jet boat tour?

Almost completely. The fireworks cruise is a 40-minute sightseeing sail up to the base of the falls on a large catamaran; the jet boat is a 45-minute high-speed run through Class 5 rapids several kilometres downriver, and never approaches the falls at all. One is a spectacle, the other is a ride.