15 majestic photos of frozen Niagara Falls that will make you want to visit

Max KalnitzDec 17, 2020, 03:04 IST

Niagara Falls during winter.Wally Stemberger/Shutterstock

Niagara Falls is beautiful any time of the year, but as photographs taken in previous years show, winter weather makes the natural wonder even more majestic.
If it's cold enough, the American, Horseshoe, and Bridal Veil Falls will partially freeze, resulting in some breathtaking views.
The falls typically freeze in January.

Niagara Falls is one of those attractions that is breathtaking no matter what time of year you see it.

With that being said, visiting during the winter months offers some unique views and lets you view the natural wonder in a totally new light.

When the falls partially freeze and the surrounding rock faces are covered in ice, it looks like something out of a fantasy picture book, not Buffalo, New York. And if you stick around for sunset and the nighttime light show, you'll be rewarded with some of the best views possible.

If you've never seen Niagara Falls during wintertime, here are 15 photos from years past that show why it's worth trekking into the cold to visit.

During the winter months, Niagara Falls turns into a snowy wonderland.

Niagara Falls during winter. Photomanz/Shutterstock

Almost everything immediately near the falls is coated in white.

These frozen stairs at Niagara Falls look straight out of an ice palace. Daniel Loya/Shutterstock

Niagara Falls has always been a popular winter attraction. In fact, visitors used to be able to walk across Niagara Falls' ice bridges.

Visitors crossing Niagara Falls' ice bridges in 1883. Heritage Images/Getty Images

The falls themselves don't completely freeze though.

Niagara Falls during winter. Wally Stemberger/Shutterstock

Instead, Niagara Falls partially freezes, and when it does, the mist of the falls mixed with the snow is breathtaking.

The American side of Niagara Falls in 2015. Aaron Vincent Elkaim/Getty Images

Still, depending on the conditions, Niagara Falls can resemble the Wall from "Game of Thrones."

Niagara Falls in 2018. Seyit Aydogan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Sheets of ice that form on the rocks next to the falls look like natural works of art.

A partially frozen Niagara Falls in 2014. GEOFF ROBINS/AFP via Getty Images

Some pretty impressive icicles also form on the rock surrounding Niagara Falls.

Icicles formed at Niagara Falls in 2018. Seyit Aydogan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

It's also worth seeing the Niagara River coated in snow and ice.

Niagara Falls in 2018. Seyit Aydogan/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Bring your binoculars because you might spot some wildlife.

A fox walks on the ice at the bottom of Niagara Falls in 2018. GEOFF ROBINS/AFP via Getty Images

If you visit on a sunny day, you'll probably catch a rainbow too.

A rainbow at Niagara Falls. Valery Remezau/Shutterstock

Stick around for sunset and you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views.

Sunset at Niagara Falls. Mike Ver Sprill/Shutterstock

Nighttime offers a completely different view of the snowy falls.

The American Falls illuminated at night. Laval/Shutterstock

It also offers some pretty magnificent opportunities for photos.

An observation point at the base of Niagara Falls, Ontario, in winter of 2018. AFP/Getty Images

Plus you get a beautiful view of the Niagara Falls, Ontario, skyline.

Niagara Falls, Ontario, illuminated at night. Anton stock/Shutterstock

A bride wore 2 custom Pnina Tornai looks on her wedding day, including a reception dress covered in crystals

Cookies on the Business Insider India website