Niagara Underground Tour: Power Station and Tunnel Under Falls

Begin your walking tour by meeting your expert guide at Skylon Tower. Along with the incredible views (and photo opportunities) you’ll be shown the Niagara Generating Stations supplying power to one-quarter of New York state along with the International Control Dam where water is diverted for use in the Station.

The Illumination Tower is located near the base of the Niagara River. Here, every evening at dusk, Niagara Falls is transformed into a multi-colored water and light masterpiece. Learn how the light show works as well as the famous figures who have walked this path before including British Royalty.

Learn more about one of the most underappreciated inventors whose impact on the world cannot be underestimated. As you uncover his legacy, you’ll hear about his inventions that harnessed the power of water to produce hydroelectricity, how he sparked the ‘War of the Currents’ with Edison, and his oftentimes eccentric behavior.

Step on the boardwalk to look out over Horseshoe Falls, one of three waterfalls that makes up Niagara Falls. You’ll have time to breathe in the magnetic beauty, see the whirlpool beneath and truly appreciate why Tesla and others were so inspired to harness the raw power of nature on display here.

The first major power plant on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Parks Power Station was completed in 1905 to produce hydroelectricity by using the power of the Niagara River. Today, crossing the threshold into this imposing structure is much like stepping back in time. With original machinery still housed within, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in hands-on training exercises. See the thrust deck, brake deck and turbo deck as you hear about their use and the future of hydroelectricity going forward. At this point, your guide will say goodbye and hand out audio guides so you can explore the Power Station and Tailrace Tunnel at your own pace.

What you see from the top of the power station is just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll descend 180 feet through the inner workings of the power station, then walk the path the water flowed through the Tailrace Tunnel to a one-of-a-kind view from the base of Niagara Falls.