Niagara Falls Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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When do they light up the falls?   (Back to the list of questions).

Illumination schedule (2010):

	Above: the American and Bridal Veil Falls lit up in purple. Below: the Horseshoe Falls lit up in yellow. The illumination isn't limited to one color. The colors cycle ever 10 or so minutes and will often include combinations of colors.

• January 1 to January 21: 5:00 p.m. - Midnight

• January 22 to February 28: 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

• March 1 to March 31:  7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. *

• April 1 to April 30:  8:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. *

• May 1 to August 15:  9:00 p.m. - Midnight

• August 16 to September 30:  8:30 p.m. - Midnight

• October 1 to October 31:  7:00 p.m. - Midnight

• November 1 to November 15:  6:30 p.m. - Midnight

• November 16 to December 30:  5:00 p.m. - Midnight

• December 31:  5:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

*Note: all times are approximations and subject to change according to light conditions.
**During the months of March and April the Falls will be illuminated until midnight on Fridays, Saturday and Sundays. 

The illumination display takes 21 xenon lights rated at 4,000 watts each. 11 of those are directed towards the Horseshoe Falls, 9 on the American Falls and one centered on the Bridal Veil Falls. The bulbs last about 4 months and cost $1100 each to replace.

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When are the fireworks?  (Back to the list of questions).

Fireworks shows are every Friday, Sunday and holiday from May 21 through September 3 at 10:00 p.m.  Additional shows have been scheduled for 2010: every Wednesday in July and August and every Friday from September 10 to October 8.

Firework displays can also be seen on the following U.S. and Canadian holidays: Victoria Day, Memorial Day, Canada Day, Independence Day, New Years Eve, and Canadian Civic Holiday.

Queen Victoria Park in Canada, one of the best places to view the falls, will be featuring a free concert preceding the fireworks at 8pm on Fridays and Sundays.

The fireworks show can be seen from either side, although some portions of Queen Victoria Park will be roped off for safety reasons during the display. By far the best place to view the show if from the observation deck of the Skylon Tower.
* updated for 2009

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How many people visit the Falls each year?  (Back to the list of questions).

It is estimated that roughly 13 million people visit Niagara Falls each year. Peak season is June through August.

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Which side should I visit (US or Canada)?  (Back to the list of questions).

This question is asked all the time. The easy answer is both, or the side you haven't been to yet. But if you have to pick just one side, I recommend taking a look at what each side has to offer using this guide: Niagara Falls: American vs. Canadian Side.

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