Power Plant and Butterflies

We visited the Niagara Parks Power Station toward the end of our first day on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. We wished we had noted the recommended time of allotment of two hours earlier in the day. The building itself is impressive with eleven generators lining the length of the building. Then there is the Tesla Coil demonstrations throughout the day, approximately once per hour. It is visually impressive with the "lightning" timed to music. You can also walk the long tunnel where they used to channel the water back to the river. The observation deck at the end of the tunnel offered some amazing eye level view of the falls. 

Located a small distance from the falls, the Butterfly Conservatory wasn't nearly as crowded. Both of us enjoyed it far more than we expected. Perhaps it was the quietness after the roar of the falls for three days. Perhaps is was the small thrill of butterflies landing on you and holding your breath so you didn't scare them.  Whatever the reason, we found it very relaxing and a nice contrast to the loudness and busyness of the Falls area.

View at end of Power Plant Tunnel

Row of generators

Where Are We Going Next?  

Those Amazing Niagara Falls

April 22 - 24, 2025

I remember visiting Niagara Falls as a kid when we came to visit my aunt and uncle. It was more than time to play tourist again. While we love shoulder season, this time it did put a tiny wrinkle in our plans. It was too early in the season for the boats.  Most begin their season in early to mid-May. Oh well. 

We spent an afternoon on the American side of the falls, visiting the Observation Tower and Goat Island. We signed up for the Niagara Parks Falls Pass and took two day trips to the Canadian side. Thankfully, there was no line to cross the border into Canada and only small waits in the late afternoon returning to the USA. Summer would probably be a whole different story.

Our pass included the Journey Behind the Falls. You walk in tunnels that end with portal views behind Horseshoe Falls. The sound is incredible. Already there were lines for viewing as everyone has to get a couple of photos. 

White Water Walk is a boardwalk that goes along the gorge downstream of the falls. The Class VI rapids (the most dangerous) are incredible to view as they churn through the gorge.

The Whirlpool Aero Car is a short cable car ride that spans the whirlpool area of the Niagara River. The river comes out of the gorge and pretty much makes a 90 degree turn. The whirlpool changes direction depending on  how much water is being channeled through the gorge. 

The Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel and the Butterfly Conservatory round out the last two attractions on our pass. They both were our favorite attractions for very different reasons. We'll cover those in a separate entry. 

American Falls in foreground

Observation Deck in the background

Harold and the American side Tesla sculpture

Scary rapids

Journey Behind the Falls

Foot of Horseshoe Falls

Top of Horseshoe Falls

See the viewing platform below

Harold and the Canadian Tesla sculpture

American Falls from Canadian side

Whirlpool Aero Car

There's the rainbow

Where Are We Going Next?