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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- Mariusz SBaulkham Hills, Australia316 contributionsAmazing experienceYou have to go and see the falls on this tour. It only takes about 1 hour but this experience packs a punch. The first part is a little history lesson which is actually quite cool, the history is reach and interesting. Afterwards you take a lift down to the bottom of the gorge and walk the wooden planks towards the edge of American Falls. You get really close, I mean you can touch the falls if you want in one spot. I truly don't know how they build this walkway each year and tear it down for winter. It feels safe but the power if the falls is immense. You get totally wet so take sandals otherwise you shoes will be totally drenched. Amazing experience.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 October 2023
- Jordan MorningstarBurnsville, Minnesota282 contributionsThe Trek to a HurricaneThis was an amazing experience. My son and my husband had the best time. It starts off with a video giving you history of Niagara Falls and Goat Island. After the brief video (15 minutes) you will get in line to take an elevator down to where you will begin your walk. They give you a new poncho...you can double up if you have a poncho from Maid of the Mist, but nothing will save you from the water on this attraction. The Cave of the Winds get you so close to the waters you can touch it with you hand! The higher up you climb the stairs, the more wet and wind you will experience; at the top level, they have the Hurricane floor! There is no time limit you can visit, however if you're on a tour, your guide will give you a time you need to return. Take your time and enjoy the scenery and admire the power of the falls. The steps are extremely slippery, so hold onto the rails and walk slowly.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 November 2023
- 2seniorcitizens607 contributionsAwesome!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!Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 27 May 2024
- Larry GMemphis, Tennessee3 contributionsNiagara Must do on US side..This place was amazing. Bring a camera that is waterproof. Even though they give you a poncho, you will get wet and you will enjoy it! We brought a backpack to put our good walking shoes in and changed before and after doing the Cave of Winds. My family thought this was the best experience for all of Niagara.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 June 2024
- Ric ATurners Falls, Massachusetts68 contributionsDay at Niagra FallsThere 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.Visited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 8 June 2024
- Travelbugsforlife1,109 contributionsLike being on an elliptical machine in the shower, so much fun!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.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 June 2024
- LexiVCleveland, Ohio1,682 contributionsWet and Wild TimeThis 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.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 1 July 2024
- Darren DTexas812 contributionsA trip to the falls should include thisI'd been to Niagara falls when I was 13, in my 30s, and now in my 50s. I'd heard of Maid of the Mist all my life, but I had never heard of Cave of the Winds. Therefore, we added this to our trip without having planned to do it. What a great surprise. Another exhilarating experience at Niagara Falls. The thundering rush of water above us and next to us - and the mist/rain - was a great experience. I am convinced that a trip to the falls should include both the Cave of the Winds and the Maid of the Mist.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 4 July 2024
- Julie E31 contributionsVery PowerfulIt 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,Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 July 2024
- Travelgirl77710New Jersey169 contributionsOur favorite attraction at Niagara Falls!We visited both the Canadian & American sides of Niagara Falls. Both are beautiful and the Canadian side views rival those on the US side but Cave of the Winds was our favorite attraction! The tickets have a specific return time ( don't be late!). There is a small museum area and short, interesting video beforehand. There are ponchos available, which you will need to stay drier but you'll still get wet, especially your feet! We put our cell phones in wet cases to use for pictures & videos- great idea! There are a series of steps and areas to get up close to the American and Bridal Veil Falls. It's exhilarating and crazy but an amazing experience! Definitely do not skipVisited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 August 2024
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5.0
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daynasu
Deerfield, NH270 contributions
July 2021
If you go to the Maid of the Mist first, save your poncho. This one will rip when you try to put it on, and it has no tie to keep the water out. You'll also get shoes for this attraction, but you will be given nothing to put your current shoes in. Bring a plastic bag from home, because they are illegal in NY and you will not find one there.
Back to the attraction itself, you will have a timed ticket. They'll call your time slot and by the time you get into the attraction with interactive exhibits, you will have exactly four minutes to look around...except the place is filled to capacity and there isn't even enough room to move. Nobody will tell you what's going on until the doors open and you are ushered, Disney style, into a movie theater for a short informational movie about the falls.
After the movie, you exit BEHIND you, which causes mass confusion. You're corralled into a chute where they give you sandals. Take them. Once you put them on, go out the door; Nobody is going to tell you what to do. You'll traverse the ticketing area outside and go to another building and an elevator will take you down into a stinky wet basement. Then you'll get a poncho. Then you're THERE. Several levels of stairs that go in and out of the falls. If you go up to the very top you are DEFINITELY going to get soaked, even under your poncho. And everything you're holding (your shoes and socks) will also get wet, so don't forget that plastic bag.
Back to the attraction itself, you will have a timed ticket. They'll call your time slot and by the time you get into the attraction with interactive exhibits, you will have exactly four minutes to look around...except the place is filled to capacity and there isn't even enough room to move. Nobody will tell you what's going on until the doors open and you are ushered, Disney style, into a movie theater for a short informational movie about the falls.
After the movie, you exit BEHIND you, which causes mass confusion. You're corralled into a chute where they give you sandals. Take them. Once you put them on, go out the door; Nobody is going to tell you what to do. You'll traverse the ticketing area outside and go to another building and an elevator will take you down into a stinky wet basement. Then you'll get a poncho. Then you're THERE. Several levels of stairs that go in and out of the falls. If you go up to the very top you are DEFINITELY going to get soaked, even under your poncho. And everything you're holding (your shoes and socks) will also get wet, so don't forget that plastic bag.
Written 8 July 2021
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.
Kaitlin R
Lynchburg, VA204 contributions
July 2022
If you ever want to feel like what I assume Jim Cantore feels like in a hurricane, definitely hit up the Cave of the Winds. It was a blast! The tickets are reasonably priced as well. I recommend getting to the platform early to purchase your ticket for a timed slot so they do not sell out.
Written 12 July 2022
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.
rgoel
Dayton, OH50 contributions
Aug 2020
Ponchos were provided. All tickets were timed-tickets to avoid too large of a crowd at one time. You have to buy your ticket the same day as you plan on using it. I went to the booth at 9am, and bought tickets for my family for 4pm that day. It worked out great.
Written 15 August 2020
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.
MikeI283BL
Milford, CT1,230 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We waited about an hour during a Tuesday afternoon to board the Maid of the Mist. We initially arrived early in the morning hoping to beat the crowds but they only had one person working for tickets. The setup is not the most efficient, I know they are still working on it to factor in Covid restrictions, etc. Overall, you must do this attraction if you are in Niagara Falls. It was a good experience but we enjoyed the Cave of the Winds better.
Written 12 August 2020
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.
amyw2012
Birmingham, AL2,227 contributions
June 2021 • Family
We loved our experience here! There is no way to preorder tickets. You must buy them there. We went on a Saturday afternoon and had to wait an hour before our ticket time. We wore waterproof shoes. We did not know they give you sandals that you keep. They do not give you a bag or have bags available to put your own shoes in. I wish I had known to bring a bag for our shoes because they were bulky to hold. You also spend a short amount of time in a room that is kind of a museum, but it was too crowded to be able to enjoy much.While you are waiting in line for the elevator to go down, people have made their own piles of left shoes and bags. We ended up leaving our Crocs out in our own pile, and they were still there when we came back up. They also give you a yellow poncho to keep, and send you down an elevator. There is a staircase against the falls with several levels. You can get as wet as you want. My youngest was so drenched that his poncho was useless. He loved what they referred to as the hurricane deck. It was fun to be able to touch the falls. There are many birds with their adorable babies to look at. We also saw 2 snakes. You can stay as long as you want. The elevator line was longish but went fast. We also enjoyed reading facts about the falls on the posters. We kept our ponchos and shoes for souvenirs. Many people recycled their ponchos.
Written 7 July 2021
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.
Joy
New York57 contributions
Aug 2021
This self-guided tour started with a short movie on the history of Niagara Falls before receiving our ponchos and sandals (included with the tickets). We then headed to an elevator to the staircase, which is built right alongside the American Falls. The stairs are somewhat slippery and some landings are flooded – expect to get wet! The best part was being up close and personal with the falls.
Note: There was no cave, unless the elevator cave counts.
A very popular and crowded attraction, especially at the spots where you can stand under the waterfall. I would recommend coming early, we arrived around 10am and waiting times were reasonable (no lines for tickets, 5 minute wait for elevators).
Note: There was no cave, unless the elevator cave counts.
A very popular and crowded attraction, especially at the spots where you can stand under the waterfall. I would recommend coming early, we arrived around 10am and waiting times were reasonable (no lines for tickets, 5 minute wait for elevators).
Written 13 August 2021
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.
carolyne406
Norwalk, CT24 contributions
Dec 2019
This is one of the few attractions on the American side that is open during the winter months. The cost of this tour was very reasonable, which included a tour guide and a movie of Niagara Falls. On the other side of the cave, we got close enough to the falls to feel the mist on this beautiful winter day. There is also a cafe and gift shop on the premises. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Written 14 January 2020
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.
jpete02
Lansing, MI931 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Should be number one on your list to do when on the American side. Not cheap at $19/person and $16/youth (five and under free) but really worth it.
Ticket includes waterproof shoes and a poncho. So, if you don’t have waterproof shoes, go here first before going on Maid of the Mist (they only give you a poncho there).
There are no lockers but you can store your regular shoes on a small picnic table to your left when you emerge from the tunnel. You are given the waterproof shoes before you go down the elevator and are given your poncho
After you buy your ticket, you go into a small exhibit area and watch a well done film about the history of the area (lasts less then ten minutes). Then, you descend an elevator to a man made tunnel, go through the tunnel, and emerge on a short path to go below American falls. You will only get soaked on part of the path, so you do get a chance to catch your breath. You can stay at the Cave of the Winds as long as you want and it is self guided.
If going during a busy time, go here first and get here early. They only allow so many people at a time and in the summer of 2021, they don’t allow you to buy your tickets ahead of time or make reservations. Going early means less people on the walkways and less waiting for the best spots. Parking lot #2, which is the lot close to Cave of the Winds can fill up too and get backed up to enter. Cost of parking is $10 on top of the admission price.
Went here with a five year old and eight year old. They loved it. Just had to keep an eye on the five year old and help her up and down the slippery stairs. Would not recommend for anyone younger than four.
Ticket includes waterproof shoes and a poncho. So, if you don’t have waterproof shoes, go here first before going on Maid of the Mist (they only give you a poncho there).
There are no lockers but you can store your regular shoes on a small picnic table to your left when you emerge from the tunnel. You are given the waterproof shoes before you go down the elevator and are given your poncho
After you buy your ticket, you go into a small exhibit area and watch a well done film about the history of the area (lasts less then ten minutes). Then, you descend an elevator to a man made tunnel, go through the tunnel, and emerge on a short path to go below American falls. You will only get soaked on part of the path, so you do get a chance to catch your breath. You can stay at the Cave of the Winds as long as you want and it is self guided.
If going during a busy time, go here first and get here early. They only allow so many people at a time and in the summer of 2021, they don’t allow you to buy your tickets ahead of time or make reservations. Going early means less people on the walkways and less waiting for the best spots. Parking lot #2, which is the lot close to Cave of the Winds can fill up too and get backed up to enter. Cost of parking is $10 on top of the admission price.
Went here with a five year old and eight year old. They loved it. Just had to keep an eye on the five year old and help her up and down the slippery stairs. Would not recommend for anyone younger than four.
Written 9 August 2021
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.
Steve4570
Bellefonte, PA278 contributions
Sept 2020
This is truly an experience. To be this close to the base of the falls, leaves you in wonder at the power of the falls. Yes, you will get wet, even though they provide ponchos. The staff did a very good job at shuttling groups up and down in the elevators, and staggering groups at the start to maintain social distance. We still wore mask as an additional precaution. Due to the time of year, going on a weekday and unfortunately the pandemic, it was not crowded and maintaining social distance while moving around the falls was very easy.
Written 7 October 2020
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.
HeardItBothWays
Easton, PA2,364 contributions
Aug 2022
My husband and I visited Cave of the Winds on our recent trip to Niagara Falls. We were excited to visit, as this is one of the Niagara Falls "staples," and it's definitely a must-see!
The process of getting to the Cave of the Winds is a bit frustrating. Parking was a bit of a nightmare (though, at least the parking for this and Maid of the Mist are in the same park so you don't need to pay twice if you move your car) but we managed to get a spot. You cannot buy tickets in advance so it makes the entire experience feel touristy and unpleasant. You wait in a line to get tickets, then you need to wait for your time to be called to go wait in another line, then you wait on yet a third line to get down to the elevators then to get a poncho. After the experience, you wait in a line in the tunnel to get back up the elevator. It just really takes you out of the experience of enjoying nature when you're waiting in lines like you're in Disney!
The experience itself was amazing and a lot of fun. You can get as wet or stay as dry as you want by just choosing the platforms (or side of the platform) you prefer. We wore water-friendly sandals and opted to get quite wet, which we think added to the fun. The view of the falls up close, as well as the Canadian Falls and the marine life, were really impressive.
Though entry is timed, no one rushes you through the experience so you can enjoy it as long as you want. We took this one very slowly to explore every corner of the walkways and all of the views.
It was $19 per person, which we thought was reasonable for the experience (and it included the poncho that kept our clothes and electronics dry).
I wish this place were more organized but I'd still definitely recommend a trip!
The process of getting to the Cave of the Winds is a bit frustrating. Parking was a bit of a nightmare (though, at least the parking for this and Maid of the Mist are in the same park so you don't need to pay twice if you move your car) but we managed to get a spot. You cannot buy tickets in advance so it makes the entire experience feel touristy and unpleasant. You wait in a line to get tickets, then you need to wait for your time to be called to go wait in another line, then you wait on yet a third line to get down to the elevators then to get a poncho. After the experience, you wait in a line in the tunnel to get back up the elevator. It just really takes you out of the experience of enjoying nature when you're waiting in lines like you're in Disney!
The experience itself was amazing and a lot of fun. You can get as wet or stay as dry as you want by just choosing the platforms (or side of the platform) you prefer. We wore water-friendly sandals and opted to get quite wet, which we think added to the fun. The view of the falls up close, as well as the Canadian Falls and the marine life, were really impressive.
Though entry is timed, no one rushes you through the experience so you can enjoy it as long as you want. We took this one very slowly to explore every corner of the walkways and all of the views.
It was $19 per person, which we thought was reasonable for the experience (and it included the poncho that kept our clothes and electronics dry).
I wish this place were more organized but I'd still definitely recommend a trip!
Written 5 September 2022
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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