Century-old power tunnel opens at Niagara Falls in bid to boost Ontario tourism industry

Tourists are flocking to Niagara Falls over Canada Day weekend for a new experience that displays the falls from a century-old power tunnel.

Visitors are flocking to Niagara Falls over the Canada Day weekend to catch a glimpse of water cascading from a view never before seen by the public.

A century-old 2,200 foot-long water tunnel located nearly 200 feet below the surface of a power station leads to a viewing platform at water level. It provides unobstructed panoramic views of the Horseshoe and American Falls.

“It really is the light at the end of the tunnel for COVID-19. People can get out and enjoy living and exploring again,” said Kim Viney, Senior Director of Business Development at Niagara Parks.

Open officially on July 1, the Tunnel is expanding the visitor experience at the Niagara Parks Power Station by providing a subterranean glimpse of the vast underground infrastructure of the building.

Upon entry to the power station, visitors are whisked down a 180-foot-deep elevator shaft with glass doors, turning back time on the historic trail race tunnel.

Once you reach the designated depth, you are greeted by a massive, brick-draped tunnel. This is where the 2,200-foot journey begins. This tunnel is where the power station’s spent waters flowed through the engineering marvel on its way back to Niagara River. Now, instead of raging waters, you are greeted with a concrete path accessible to all.

The journey through the tunnel is one that engages all of the senses. The further visitors venture in, they can begin to smell moisture in the air and hear the thundering sound of the falling water.

They are finally greeted by the raging waters of the Niagara River as they emerge from the tunnel, onto a brand-new viewing platform perched just above the water.