“People will be in awe from the moment they step inside,” says David Adames, CEO of the Niagara Parks Commission.
He’s right. The Niagara Power Station is a stunner.
Niagara Parks
Niagara ParksGreat attractions are everywhere in Niagara Falls, Canada’s entertainment capital. With two famous, thundering waterfalls, catamarans that sail into the churning Horseshoe Falls maelstrom, a zipline flying beside the wild waters, jetboats racing into a wild whirlpool, a plethora of funky wax museums, a conservatory brimming with butterflies, endless hotels, restaurants, mini-putts and more, Niagara is an endless stream of attractions.
In spite of the competition, the Niagara Parks Power Station is truly lighting it up.
From 1905 until 2006 the Station harnessed the incredible power of the Niagara River. Purchased by the Niagara Parks Commission after its 2009 decommissioning, various plans were hatched–and scratched–until it was decided to turn the imposing building and its treasure trove of archived equipment into an interactive history experience to bring the power of water gushing into life.
Niagara Parks
Niagara Parks
As I wandered through the main floor displays–the first section to be opened to the public (July 30, 2021)–I clicked on interactive introductions to characters like engineering genius Nikola Tesla, then stood inside a massive pipe, pretending to be a miniscule water droplet. I took my turn at the controls of the station, learning and answering questions to keep the imaginary water flowing. Next, I watched a meticulously accurate model–developed in partnership with a team from Sudbury’s world-renowned Science North–and tried not to blow the budget on all the fab science-themed treats in the sleek gift store. (Nary a piece of touristy junk in sight!)
I had to remind myself that this was just the beginning. In 2022 the century-old underground Tail Race Tunnel will open, inviting guests to walk along a vast space to the base of the Horseshoe Falls.
Niagara Parks
Niagara Parks
Most exciting, on September 3rd, the Niagara Power Station will launch Currents, an immersive multi-media experience mixing sound, light and 3D projection to turn audiences into water droplets, surging through the transformation into hydro-electric power.
What better way to power up the Labour Day weekend?
When You Go
Niagara Parks
Location: 7230 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L0S 1A0
Telephone: 1-877-642-7275
Hours: Open daily; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Parking: $26.55/day at all Niagara Parks lots, including one beside the Niagara Parks Power Station and Horseshoe Falls at Table Rock Centre.
Price: Admission is $37.00 (adult), $24.00 (child; age 6-12) or $139.00 for a family bundle. (Bundle includes two adults, two children and one-day access to falls parking lot.)
For more information go to niagaraparks.com/niagara-parks-power-station