Cave of the Winds
Cave of the Winds
5
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
About
Nestled on Goat Island, Cave of the Winds is an exhilarating tour that brings you very close to the falls. The tour starts with the indoor multimedia ‘World Changed Here Pavilion’ museum, where you can learn more about the falls’ history. Then, you're brought 175 feet down in an elevator, where you can get soaked at the Hurricane Deck, right next to Bridal View Falls. Plan your visit between May to October, before the onset of winter temperatures. You can also grab skip-the-line tickets as part of a tour, or even join a deluxe sightseeing tour of both the American and Canadian sides. – Tripadvisor
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6,492 reviews
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LexiV
Cleveland, OH1,740 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
This was my teen's favorite stop on our trip! I had a great time too, but you will get wet so dress accordingly. Our sneakers and socks were drenched. It is possible to avoid the wettest sections, but it's not as fun without them. There are timed tickets. You start in a room with museum displays, then you go into a room where you watch a short informative video, then you wait in line (outdoors) for the elevator. Once you go down, you get a poncho and walk a short way to the falls. The lowest level isn't bad, but you'll get wetter and wetter the higher you go. At about $20 per person this is cheaper than the other attractions that get you wet in the falls and we thought it was the most fun too. I highly recommend it.
Written 1 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
perpetualpassenger
Keystone Heights, FL79 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Cave of the Winds
One of our favorite activities that we did while at Niagara Falls. First of all, it is not a cave. This site consists of a walkway and boardwalks with steps that lead right up to the water. We could reach out and touch the waterfall. It is one of the most organic Falls experiences one can have while visiting Niagara Falls.
Our group arrived shortly before 9 AM. Because of this early tour, the Falls were in the shade, which was very pleasant. We walked up the “right hand” path which led directly to the highest point visitors can reach. The wind off the water at the top platform was so strong it was like standing in a mini hurricane.
We then descended all the steps to the bottom, stopping along the way at each landing to take a look at the Falls. Doing it in that order made it easier for us because one did not have to climb up as many steps.
Everything was wet. Even with a poncho our clothes were wet. The railings are slick and the steps are wet. We recommend wearing “rock shoes” or water-proof closed toed shoes.
There is a small museum that visitors wait in before the movie begins. I would have liked to spend a little bit more time there. I think we could have skipped the “photo”. A very exuberant photographer was taking “green screen” pictures. It wasn’t clear whether this was the only line though.
The informational movie we all had to watch before descending was actually very nice. Someone went to a great deal of effort to make it interesting yet brief. The audience we were with clapped after the movie! If you stand in the back of the theater then you will be some of the first down in the elevator.
Parking was interesting. $15 because it was Friday. Less on weekdays.
However, we discovered that we could drive to Maid of the Mist parking lot and “press the silver button” to tell the attendant that we had paid for parking at the Cave of the Winds, thus we could park there for no additional charge.
Gift shop was a little disappointing. The gift shop at Maid of the Mist was much larger. Maid of the Mist also had penny machines with a “Cave of the Winds” penny.
We would definitely visit here again.
As the two of us left the path we headed back through the long empty tunnel to the elevators. No one was around so we removed the chain at the end of the walkway in order to get to the elevators. When the elevator doors opened an angry attendant with a Chucky Doll mug yelled at us to stay behind the chain, “That’s what the sign is for…” Well this was an unfortunate end to what was otherwise a wonderful experience.
One of our favorite activities that we did while at Niagara Falls. First of all, it is not a cave. This site consists of a walkway and boardwalks with steps that lead right up to the water. We could reach out and touch the waterfall. It is one of the most organic Falls experiences one can have while visiting Niagara Falls.
Our group arrived shortly before 9 AM. Because of this early tour, the Falls were in the shade, which was very pleasant. We walked up the “right hand” path which led directly to the highest point visitors can reach. The wind off the water at the top platform was so strong it was like standing in a mini hurricane.
We then descended all the steps to the bottom, stopping along the way at each landing to take a look at the Falls. Doing it in that order made it easier for us because one did not have to climb up as many steps.
Everything was wet. Even with a poncho our clothes were wet. The railings are slick and the steps are wet. We recommend wearing “rock shoes” or water-proof closed toed shoes.
There is a small museum that visitors wait in before the movie begins. I would have liked to spend a little bit more time there. I think we could have skipped the “photo”. A very exuberant photographer was taking “green screen” pictures. It wasn’t clear whether this was the only line though.
The informational movie we all had to watch before descending was actually very nice. Someone went to a great deal of effort to make it interesting yet brief. The audience we were with clapped after the movie! If you stand in the back of the theater then you will be some of the first down in the elevator.
Parking was interesting. $15 because it was Friday. Less on weekdays.
However, we discovered that we could drive to Maid of the Mist parking lot and “press the silver button” to tell the attendant that we had paid for parking at the Cave of the Winds, thus we could park there for no additional charge.
Gift shop was a little disappointing. The gift shop at Maid of the Mist was much larger. Maid of the Mist also had penny machines with a “Cave of the Winds” penny.
We would definitely visit here again.
As the two of us left the path we headed back through the long empty tunnel to the elevators. No one was around so we removed the chain at the end of the walkway in order to get to the elevators. When the elevator doors opened an angry attendant with a Chucky Doll mug yelled at us to stay behind the chain, “That’s what the sign is for…” Well this was an unfortunate end to what was otherwise a wonderful experience.
Written 30 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol S
6 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Day 1 we went to Canadian side of the Falls. They are beautiful. From. That side we saw The Maid of Mist and the Canadian version boat into the falls. The American Maid ship always had fewer people on the ship. Everyone could see. The Canadian side boat was packed! Not a good experience. We also did the Journey behind the Falls on Canadian Side. The 2 observation desks were well worth seeing - easy to get to - no lines. The line to see the "under the falls" was long and definately not worth it to see a cave with water falling down in front of it.
So the next day we did American side. We bought tickets for Maid of the Mist $28 ea. Wonderful! Everyone had rail space on the boat. Each side had equal views. Then we walked over to Cave of the Winds - I thought it would be similar to Journey behind the falls - but No! This was FUN! Close to the water - you can get as wet as you want. The elevator man told us to Embrace the Water. It was Fun & Wet. The force of the Falls create wind & wet!
Don't waste your money with tours. They aren't needed. On the U.S. side you can walk or buy an all day tram ticket to get from Maid of the Mist to Cave of the winds. It was Sept but hot. We walked over but took tram back.
The 2 days we spent there was FUN!
So the next day we did American side. We bought tickets for Maid of the Mist $28 ea. Wonderful! Everyone had rail space on the boat. Each side had equal views. Then we walked over to Cave of the Winds - I thought it would be similar to Journey behind the falls - but No! This was FUN! Close to the water - you can get as wet as you want. The elevator man told us to Embrace the Water. It was Fun & Wet. The force of the Falls create wind & wet!
Don't waste your money with tours. They aren't needed. On the U.S. side you can walk or buy an all day tram ticket to get from Maid of the Mist to Cave of the winds. It was Sept but hot. We walked over but took tram back.
The 2 days we spent there was FUN!
Written 19 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelbugsforlife
WORCESTER1,108 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Such a fun adventure. You start in the waiting room where they have interactive displays and information. We were only in there for a few minutes when we were moved to the next room with the movie. In hind sight I wished we had asked to stay longer in the first room as the displays were really well done. But the movie was really informative and entertaining. Then you make your way to the elevator to go down to the Cave of the Winds walkway. There is no cave at this point, there use to be one but it collapsed in the 20's but the name remained. The nice thing is you can enjoy this activity even if you don't want to get wet, you just stay to areas of the platform that don't get much water. However if you are looking to be more adventurous you can walk around the platforms and up the stairs to the hurricane deck. Our group was joking taking the stairs up to the different platforms was like being on an elliptical machine in the shower, but we all loved it. I would suggest wearing a Teva or sandal instead of sneakers because if you want to go to the levels your feet do get wet. There is a cafe at the exit area of this attraction and we ate there as there was outdoor seating and it was a beautiful day. We were all impressed by the food here.
Written 9 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhan A
3 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We live in VA and I took my wife on a surprise trip to Niagara Falls for her birthday mid-October.
Not sure what the weather was going to be like, I purchased us full rain suits for $14.99 instead of using the ponchos they give you.
I also had a small backpack under it with extra pairs of dry socks and shoes as we did the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds. She said it was amazing.
Not sure what the weather was going to be like, I purchased us full rain suits for $14.99 instead of using the ponchos they give you.
I also had a small backpack under it with extra pairs of dry socks and shoes as we did the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds. She said it was amazing.
Written 31 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie H
2 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The haunted lantern tour was one of our favorite moments of our visit to Colorado Springs. We laughed, we gasped, I only let out one muffled scream, and my husband only cried a little bit 😝
Regan was our tour guide and very enthusiastic and passionate - she absolutely made the tour engaging and fun. Whatever you’re paying her isn’t enough!! Thanks Regan!
Regan was our tour guide and very enthusiastic and passionate - she absolutely made the tour engaging and fun. Whatever you’re paying her isn’t enough!! Thanks Regan!
Written 20 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie E
31 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
It was amazing to feel the power of the falls. This was very fun and a unique experience. We kept our ponchos from the Maid of the Mist and they worked great, I recommend wearing shorts and waterproof shoes, I wore flip flops and they were fine. The people who wore pants got soaked up to their mid thighs,
Written 28 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2seniorcitizens
Sayre, PA619 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Don’t miss this awesome up close experience if you don’t mind getting wet. You can purchase timed tickets at the welcome center and don’t waste money buying from a tour. We also saw the gull chicks- so many seagulls! A great up close to the falls experience!
Written 27 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ric A
Turners Falls, MA73 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
There are many places to view Niagra Falls. None better than the Cave of the Winds experience! You WILL GET WET! The power of the falls is IMPRESSIVE and you will be right underneath them! You'll be given a poncho. That will keep part of you dry. I'd recommend wearing sandals or boat shoes as your feet will definitely get wet. I think this is a better experience than the Maid of the Mist. You'll be climbing wooden stairs. So if that's a problem be aware. This is handicapped accessible. To get down to below the falls you'll be taking an elevator. Pictures and video are a must. be careful holding your phone or camera. Again you WILL GET WET.
Written 8 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie D.
Cleveland, OH2,444 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
I have been to Niagara Falls, Canada at least a dozen times, but had never been to the American side of the falls. Every time we’d visit in Canada, I’d look across the and wonder what the Cave of the Winds was like. We finally visited the American side with friends and got to do the Cave of the Winds and it is now hands down my favorite attraction on either side of the falls. It was an incredible experience.
The process is super easy and organized—you buy timed tickets at any of the kiosks in the park. You show up at your time, get ushered in and watch a film about the falls and their history and then get your poncho and are on your way. You can spend as much or as little time as you want on the various platforms, including the hurricane deck. We did get really wet, even with the ponchos, but we didn’t care—it was a hot day and it felt good! It’s pretty incredible to be that close to the falls and to hear the roaring water.
The process is super easy and organized—you buy timed tickets at any of the kiosks in the park. You show up at your time, get ushered in and watch a film about the falls and their history and then get your poncho and are on your way. You can spend as much or as little time as you want on the various platforms, including the hurricane deck. We did get really wet, even with the ponchos, but we didn’t care—it was a hot day and it felt good! It’s pretty incredible to be that close to the falls and to hear the roaring water.
Written 29 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael H
San Antonio, Texas
I am Claustrophobic
and I am wondering how long your in the tunnel at the cave in the winds?
Written 3 May 2024
It won’t be long. Maybe around 1 minute walk and a few time to wait the elevator.
Written 23 June 2024
Lexi L
Burnsville, Minnesota
Hi!
I saw on a website that the Cave of Winds catwalk and hurricane deck closes in the fall. Does anyone know if this is true, and if so when this happens in the fall (I'm going Oct. 12th and 13th)? I also was wondering what there is to do at the Cave of Winds if those two things arent open. Please advise. Thanks!
Written 4 September 2023
I don't know. I've only been there one time in the summer. I live in South Carolina. You could probably Google and find out.
Written 7 September 2023
Is the Caves of the wind mostly stairs, or are people in wheelchairs or scooters have access to this attraction?
Written 4 June 2023
All stairs. Didn't see any way for a wheelchair. Be best to call them.
Written 5 June 2023
If tickets are sold out on line can I get tickets in person. Only visiting for the weekend and didn’t know I needed to buy tickets in advance
Written 8 October 2022
You can buy tickets on site. We did so. Just note, that they have a time schedule, so better to check the times and availability in advance, so you don't loose precious time around waterfalls waiting.
Written 10 October 2022
If tickets are sold out on line can I get tickets in person. Only visiting for the weekend and didn’t know I needed to buy tickets in advance
Written 8 October 2022
Tickets are not available on line. We went there on Monday （ A week before Labor Day ) afternoon around 4 pm in person, there are plenty of tickets available.
Written 10 October 2022
Hi, anyone who has been there recently…are they still providing the sandals? Wondering if I need to take my own. I’ve called them several times, but no answer. Thank you. :)
Written 29 August 2022
No, they don't provide sandals. We did make a stop at a small souvenir shop where sandals could be purchased. However, I highly recommend water shoes that are much safer when climbing so many (wet) steps.
Written 9 October 2022
How is it the beginning of April? Is the falls usually frozen still? Too cold to do with kids?
Written 29 June 2022
Depends on the weather conditions and climate, but the most probably yes. This year they open for boat rides because of the ice only at first weekend in May. However, Cave of the Winds is supposed to be open whole year round, so you can actually go. But you need to take in consideration that you can get wet and the weather can be colder.
Written 1 July 2022
suzt43
Keystone, Colorado
If it's raining will they still be open? 30% chance of rain next Thursday. Also if you know about maid of the mist. TY
Written 1 September 2021
Yes. We went in the rain. You get wet anyway so it doesn't matter.
Written 4 September 2021
After we pickup the sandals and ponchos, are we able to return to car to put our shoes back inside? I’ve seen that people leave their shoes around but I’d be more comfortable with having them safely in car.
Written 7 July 2021
No when you put on your sandles,you get on the elevator down to the gourge and you get your Pancho and proceed into the falls.
Written 5 August 2021
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