9+ Frozen Waterfalls in Niagara (and Where to Find Them!)

With the deep freeze of winter comes amazing sights. Waterfalls that once flowed with such force in late fall have frozen over and have turned the landscape into an icy winter wonderland!

Our freezing temperatures create spectacular formations and turn these waterfalls into pillars of ice, caused by water slowly seeping through any cracks, melting, and then freezing again. Massive pillars of ice tower the length of the falls and makes them appear other-worldly!

I was out hiking in December and early January and there is such a drastic difference from what they look like now in mid-February!

If you’re looking for things to do outdoors this winter in Niagara, finding frozen waterfalls should be on your list! Here are some awesome ones to check out. I am left in complete awe of these amazing masterpieces.

What I love most about winter hiking is that sometimes it’s easier to find these hidden treasures, thanks to the lack of tree foliage, and the fact there are usually someone else’s footsteps in the snow to lead the way!

This post contains affiliate links which means I earn compensation when you book or purchase through my links at absolutely no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

A note on safety

Fortunately these places have frozen over enough for us to be able to venture right up to the base. Use caution when trekking to the falls and watch your footing, especially when the temperatures start to warm up. There may be some breaks in the ice where your foot can slip through to the water underneath.

Be careful around any overhanging icicles and I would not recommend attempting to climb the frozen waterfalls.

There are enough footsteps to follow to these waterfalls to give you a solid path. I highly recommend using crampons for added stability!

These are the ones I use and love!

Sale
ICETRAX V3 Tungsten Crampons, Ice Cleats for Shoes and Boots – Ice Grips for Snow and Ice, Non-Slip Shoe Grippers with Reflective Heel
  • TUNGSTEN SPIKES – Prevent slips and falls this winter with our new and improved ICETRAX V3 Tungsten ice cleats. Designed in Canada for harsh winter…
  • StayON SECURE FIT – Crampons with innovative StayON toe cap ensures a snug and secure fit on most types of footwear. The StayON toe cap design…
  • EASY TO USE – ICETRAX traction cleats easily slip-on around most types of footwear in seconds. Simply place the toe cap of the traction aids over…

What temperature does a waterfall freeze?

Waterfalls and their sources are always moving, so they don’t freeze in the typical way a still body of water (like a pond) would.

If the temperature stays below freezing for an extended period of time (hello February 2021!), the water supercools which means it is below 32 degrees but still liquid. This is when frazil ice forms.

Water molecules slow and begin to stick together and form solid particles of ice. They’re still tiny, but big enough to start the freezing process. When frazil ice flows over the edge, it tends to stick to the edge of the falls and against the rock or the overhang of the waterfall.

With prolonged cold temperature, the result is magnificent columns of ice.

The waterfalls never completely freeze over (unless of course its source freezes). For this reason,  it’s important to note that even with thick ice, it is never completely frozen solid and water continues to flow underneath.

Here are Niagara’s amazing frozen waterfalls to visit during the winter!

1. Beamer Falls, Grimsby

Located in Grimsby, Beamer Falls at Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is unique compared to those in our area, since the shape is more like a fan that cascades down compared to other plunge-type falls.

This waterfall isn’t accessible from the main conservation area, but there is a parking lot off of Ridge Rd with an (unofficial) but gentle way down to the falls. 

Height: 45 feet

Address: Beamer Falls Overlook Parking Lot, 121 Ridge Rd W, Grimsby. The few times I have driven by the parking lot, it hadn’t been plowed, so use caution.

2. Konkle Falls, Beamsville

Small but beautiful. You would walk right by this hidden waterfall in Beamsville if you didn’t know it was there!  

You’ll have this spot all to yourself. If you’re heading from Kinsmen Park to Locust Lane Winery, you can find this frozen waterfall by looking left just after you descend a steep spot while crossing Konkle Creek (after walking along the fence of private property). If you didn’t know to look for it, you would never see it.

Height: 6 feet (?)

Address: Accessed by hiking the Bruce Trail, either by parking at Kinsmen Park or Mountainview Conservation Area and heading towards Locust Lane Winery, 4041 Locust Lane, Beamsville.

3. Ball’s Falls, Lincoln

Since I only live a few minutes down the road from Ball’s Falls, I’ve been fortunate to see what the Upper and Lower falls look like in all seasons! Winter is definitely my favourite. 

You are able to get an awesome view from above for both waterfalls, and below too! Follow the Twenty Valley Trail down to get to the Lower Falls. Keep in mind that only in continued periods of extreme cold will the creek be frozen enough for you to be able to walk up the creek bed to the base of the falls. This is more challenging since there is a large set of stairs to go down, and don’t forget you have to go back up, too!

Be sure to stop and admire the beautiful historic buildings here too – and come back for a heritage tour when they’re offered. They’re well worth it!

Height: Lower Falls – 89 feet. Upper Falls – 36 feet. 

Address: Balls Falls Conservation Area, 3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln

4. Louth Falls, Jordan Station

Louth Falls is such a peaceful area and is one of my favourite, less visited places to come.

Follow the main trail straight and once you get to the bottom of the slope down, take a left. Follow that until you reach the waterfall. The view from above is gorgeous!

If you care to venture up the frozen creek bed, you’ll be able to see the amazing Irondequoit Limestone walls – which date back 420 million years!

Height: 30 feet

Address: Louth Conservation Area, 3193 Staff Ave, Jordan Station

Louth Falls Frozen Waterfall

5. Rockway Falls, St. Catharines

Rockway Conservation Area is an awesome place to hike because there is lots to see here! 

Getting to the base of Rockway Falls is one of the more challenging things I’ve done, since you have to clamber up the creek and over rocks, but I followed the footsteps of many who have gone through before me. The views are incredible.

As an added bonus, there are multiple frozen waterfalls to discover here, so take your time exploring all the trails! 

Height: 60 feet

Address: Rockway Conservation Area, 1742 St Paul St W, St. Catharines

Frozen Waterfalls in Niagara Rockway Falls

6. Terrace Creek Falls, Pelham

I was meaning to get to this waterfall for the past few months, and I’m so happy I got to see it once it was frozen over! This is probably one of my favourite frozen waterfalls to visit because it’s one of the easiest to access.

You can either follow the Terrace Creek Trail at the Short Hills, or follow Hog’s Back Road from the parking lot until you reach the Bruce Trail, which will take you directly there.

Height: 20 feet

Address: enter from Short Hills Parking Lot C on Wiley Rd in Thorold.

Terrace Creek Falls Frozen

7. Swayze Falls, Pelham

What a magnificent waterfall! After seeing Swayze Falls at the Short Hills completely dry during the summer, it looked completely different once it froze over!

There is an easy and manageable route down to the falls. If you want to take a longer hike and end up at the falls, follow the Swayze Falls Trail. If you want to come and visit the waterfall, you can take the shorter Paleozoic Trail. Once you reach the viewing platform, continue on the trail until you reach a pathway going down to the creek.

Height: 50 feet

Address: enter from Short Hills Parking Lot B on Roland Rd.

8. Decew Falls, St. Catharines

This beautiful mill was built originally in 1872 and makes for fabulous photos, especially during the winter when the falls are partially frozen.

P.s. while there are technically trails down to the falls, they are not official nor are they maintained and could be very dangerous, especially in this weather. Use caution while making your way up to Decew Falls, and wear the proper footwear.

Height: 72 feet

Address: 2714 Decew Rd, St. Catharines

Decew Falls Frozen Waterfall

9. Niagara Falls

We all knew this had to be on here! Niagara Falls is spectacular during the winter, when the icy mist coming off the falls freezes objects around it and forms a layer of ice around the falls.

Did you know that in the 1880s, it was popular to walk out on the ice bridges that formed on Niagara Falls?

There were even huts set up out on the ice where people enjoyed refreshments. This ended in 1912, when a few people lost their lives from the ice giving way.

Height: 170 feet

Address: I like to park at the Floral Showcase parking lot at 7145 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls. The parking rate is only $5/hour here – considerably less than Table Rock, which is around $30/flat fee (but is directly across from the top of Horseshoe Falls). The Floral Showhouse parking lot is only a 10 minute walk from the Horseshoe Falls, and you’ll be able to get the best view of the Niagara Scow! There are lot of other free things to do in Niagara Falls, too!

frozen niagara falls
Photo by my talented friend, Ashley Kingz!

Related posts

Pin it for later!

21 Comments

  1. February 15, 2021 / 12:07 pm

    What a beautiful post with so much outdoor travel inspiration. Great recommendation for the cramp-ons. I need some!

    • Sarah
      Author
      February 15, 2021 / 12:32 pm

      Thanks Ashlee! I totally fell in love with winter this year!

  2. February 15, 2021 / 2:11 pm

    Ah, I’m so in love with frozen waterfalls! They look so magical! It doesn’t often get cold enough in England for our waterfalls to freeze. I discovered one of our local ones had frozen this weekend and I missed it! I was gutted! Maybe next year instead! Balls Falls looks absolutely spectacular! What an incredible sight! Thanks for the great guide!

    • Sarah
      Author
      February 15, 2021 / 2:30 pm

      Thank you Hannah! I hope you’re able to see one near you some time – they are marvelous!

  3. February 15, 2021 / 2:15 pm

    Oh my heavens… this is beautiful, but it looks SO COLD. I’m from Texas, so we aren’t used to seeing that much ice and snow. (Of course, as I say this, we are currently experiencing more snow & below-freezing weather than we’ve dealt with since with 80’s. So I guess there’s a first for everything, lol!) Thank you for sharing! xx

    • Sarah
      Author
      February 15, 2021 / 2:31 pm

      I have friends in Texas and I am blown away by the snowfall there right now!!! So funny to see pools with icicles hanging off the diving board haha. Enjoy those warm temps for me when you get them back!

  4. February 15, 2021 / 2:33 pm

    Oh wow–you are so lucky to see these! They are so beautiful I’m almost ready to plan a winter trip to Canada!

    • Sarah
      Author
      February 15, 2021 / 2:40 pm

      We are very lucky! Winter hiking was never something I wanted to do, until I experienced it just once and became hooked! Now I can’t get enough – and it’s worth being out in the cold for! Come to Canada! We have great wineries too 😉

  5. Char
    February 15, 2021 / 2:43 pm

    Wow this is really cool! I’ve never seen frozen waterfalls before! Love all your photos too

    • Sarah
      Author
      February 15, 2021 / 2:55 pm

      Thanks Char! They’re beautiful 🙂

  6. February 15, 2021 / 8:28 pm

    These photos are stunning! I usually like to hibernate in the winter but these have convinced me to bundle up and go for a hike.

    • Sarah
      Author
      February 16, 2021 / 6:33 am

      Thanks Jessica! it’s worth being out in the cold for!

  7. February 15, 2021 / 9:29 pm

    These frozen falls are amazing!!! I loved Balls Fall, Lincoln. Of course, the frozen Niagara Falls is spectacular which I have seen MANY times, in the winter. Love how the surrounding mist freezes on the railings, the lampposts, the benches … and everything. Sometimes the ice is over 12″ thick on the surrounding objects. Just gorgeous. And love how the trees look like they are made of glass. I have never been to the other falls you mention but they look so pretty,

  8. Ken Hodgins
    February 17, 2021 / 12:52 pm

    …and there are lots of smaller gems along the Bruce Trail as well!

    I have photos

    • Sarah
      Author
      February 17, 2021 / 1:37 pm

      Yes there are! I plan on getting out soon to find them before we lose this freezing cold!

  9. February 20, 2021 / 12:11 am

    Squeeee these look amaaaazing!

    I am such a fan of ice waterfall, but these really take it to a new level of giant ice-wall like epicness! Did you see any ice climbers? Some of these waterfalls look like they would be perfect for that.

    I also love all the huge icicles on the lower Ball’s Falls. It’s interesting how that one stops in icicles while the others all sort of join up in a flow of white ice.

    • Sarah
      Author
      February 21, 2021 / 8:34 am

      They’re so awesome! We don’t have ice climbers around us that I have seen! Quite a contrast for the torrent of water flowing over these falls not too long ago!

  10. Gloria
    February 21, 2021 / 3:49 pm

    Amazing winter wonderland love it

    • Sarah
      Author
      February 21, 2021 / 4:32 pm

      Thank you!

  11. February 21, 2021 / 5:59 pm

    I’m all about waterfalls in this area, so cool that these freeze over. Will check it out next winter!

    • Sarah
      Author
      February 22, 2021 / 6:42 am

      They’re even more impressive in person!

Leave a Reply to Jessica Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *