Have you been to the Floral Clock in Niagara Falls? If you’re visiting Niagara Falls, stopping by the Floral Clock is a fun free thing to do during your time in the falls.
This massive clock is located right beside the Centennial Lilac Garden along the Niagara Parkway, about 10 km from the famous Niagara Falls. It’s one of the largest floral clocks in the world at a whopping 40 feet (12.2 metres) in diameter!
The Floral Clock also happens to be one of the most photographed attractions in Niagara Falls and is a popular stop for visitors.
Add a visit to Niagara’s Floral Clock to your list of free things to do in Niagara Falls!
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Niagara Falls Floral Clock History
Believe it or not, the Floral Clock has been in operation since 1950! This famous floral clock holds ornate designs decorated with thousands of plants, and it’s changed twice a year!
The Floral Clock was inspired by the chairman of Ontario Hydro. It’s based on the famous 1903 clock in Edinburgh, Scotland, and remains the largest of its kind in the world.
If you’re visiting around a quarter hour, you’ll be able to hear the special Westminster chimes!
Plus, if you walk around the back of the Floral Clock and if the door is open, step inside to see the clock mechanism! You will also find photos of almost every clock face design since the 1950s!
Make a wish! A 10-foot wide water garden curves 85 feet around the base of the Floral Clock. It’s a great spot for photos, and a popular spot to make a wish!
Interesting information about the Floral Clock in Niagara Falls
- An average of 16,000 carpet bedding plants (sometimes more!) are put on the clock face twice a year!
- During the winter, multi-coloured stones are put onto the clock face instead of plants.
- The clock tower behind the large floral face stands 11 feet above the clock.
- The internal clock mechanism runs in a bath of oil driven by a 2 horsepower, 3 phase squirrel cage motor. It operates at 1500 rotations a minute, to keep the hands balanced. Plus, it’s design gives the second hand a sweeping motion, rather than the usual ticking motion.
- The hands of the clock are made of stainless steel; two hands weigh in at a whopping 500 lbs, whereas the short hand weighs in at 250 lbs.
Who maintains the Floral Clock?
The Floral Clock was built in 1950 and maintained by Ontario Hydro. Since 1977, Niagara Parks horticulture staff have looked after and maintained the clock’s floral face. The clock mechanism is maintained by Ontario Power Generation.
During the summer months, the Floral Clock is covered with 16,000 plants!
Designs for the clock face are changed annually, and designs are developed a year in advance to ensure proper preparation! During the planting process, the clock is stopped. There are also tin dividers throughout the clock to prevent soil slippage that would naturally occur by the angle of the clock face.
What is the Floral Clock known for?
The Floral Clock in Niagara Falls is the largest of its kind in the world! It’s three times the size of the one that it’s inspired by in Scotland.
How to get to the Floral Clock
If you’re driving and have GPS, put “Floral Clock” into your navigation for directions. The address is 14004 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls. There is plenty of free parking at the Floral Clock.
Directions for the Floral Clock are really quite simple. If you’re already in Niagara Falls, head along the Niagara Parkway towards Niagara-on-the-Lake.
You’ll head past attractions like the White Water Walk, Whirlpool Aero Car, and the Butterfly Conservatory, before reaching the Ontario Power Generation plant – the unmissable concrete walls you’ll be driving along! Just around the bend is the parking lot for both the Floral Clock and the Centennial Lilac Garden.
If you are visiting Niagara Falls without a car, you can easily reach the Floral Clock by using the WEGO Green Line. If you purchase a Niagara Parks Attraction Pass, WEGO is included in your pass to use! You can also pay for a 24 hour pass for $12/adults ages 13+ and $8 for children.
Related: How to Get from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake
What to know about the Floral Clock
- Pack a picnic! The Floral Clock and adjacent Centennial Lilac Gardens are a popular spot for picnics in Niagara Falls.
- During the peak season, there are washrooms available on site and a small gift shop, close to the Jet Boat Tours stand.
- Expect to spend around 10-15 minutes at the Floral Clock to take photos, see inside the clock tower, and listen to the Westminster Chimes.
- While you’re in the area, visit Queenston Heights. There’s a ton of history here and is also the birthplace of Niagara Falls!
- The Floral Clock is a worthy stop to make if you’re passing by on your way to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
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