Going to Niagara Falls and want to have the best close-up experience? Journey Behind the Falls and Cave of the Winds are two nerve-wracking options to experience the raw power of nature at the crashing height of the waters. It provides a different perspective, depending on which side of the border you are facing. Discover which journey suits you best on your travel agenda and make the most of your pleasure.

Before You Go: Must-Know Tips for Visiting Niagara Falls

You simply must not miss the boat trip when in Niagara Falls, but also have a walking tour that takes you within 20 feet of the roaring Falls. Get the cool spray on your face and hear the thunder water crash around you. It is one thrilling and close look that you will not forget, not sightseeing, but the complete experience of being at the mercy of the force of nature.

Few are lucky to be so close, and your principal options to get such closeness are the Cave of the Winds on the American side and the Journey Behind the Falls on the Canadian side. In case you can not choose which one to visit, there is no need to worry because this comparison should help you find the best option for this trip.

Feel the Power! Your Cave of the Winds Adventure Starts Here

Your Cave of the Winds nature adventure starts with an elevator ride into the Niagara Gorge, which is 175 feet deep. At the end, they give you a free poncho, and they give you a special sandal to help you prepare for all that is going to come. You will find wooden pathways that will take you to the amazing Hurricane Deck, where the actual adventure will start.

Bridal Veil Falls is only 20 feet away, and you can feel the spray of the water and hear the roar of the cascading waters. It is a feeling of being in the midst of a raging storm. The experience cannot be forgotten. Located only a short walk away, the World Changed Here Pavilion is an interactive journey into the story of how Nikola Tesla harnessed the power of the Falls in order to help electrify the world.

Journey Behind the Falls: What’s Hiding Behind the Thunder?

This is an experience that provides a totally different yet equally interesting experience. You take an elevator 125 feet down and are now in a network of 130-year-old tunnels hewn out of the rock. These tunnel-like tunnels take you right behind the majestic Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

There were two observation platforms that are located at the feet of the waterfall and provide views of the cascade pouring down right in front of you. Within the tunnels, two observation windows offer a preview of the rock behind the Falls so you can see mountains of gallons of water flowing right before your eyes. It is both intimate and powerful and historic at the same time.

Your Niagara Location Guide: Who’s Where?

Cave of the Winds is located in Niagara Falls, New York, on Goat Island in Niagara Falls State Park. It is situated on the American side of the border, and its accessibility is excellent through cities like Buffalo and Rochester.

Journey Behind the Falls is the attraction that is located in Table Rock Centre, Horseshoe Falls in Ontario, Canada. It is a magnificent event that is now one of the most popular events to visit on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls and often packaged in guided Canadian tours.”

Whose experience will allow you to go inside the cave?”

The names are somewhat deceptive in that neither of the experiences involves actual caves.

Cave of the Winds took its name after a collapsed natural cave that used to be located behind Bridal Veil Falls. Now it is solely decks and platforms made of wood, not cave formations.

Caves are also not a feature that is present in Journey Behind the Falls. Nonetheless, its ancient stone tunnels are dark and deeply hewn into the bedrock, and create the impression of stepping into a cave system, particularly when coupled with the thundering sound of water all around.

See the Falls Like Never Before – But From Where?

When visiting Cave of the Winds, you will be able to experience being in front of the Bridal Veil Falls, which is the smallest of the three waterfalls that make up the Niagara Falls. It may be small, but it’s in power and proximity; you’ll be just a hop away.

Journey Behind the Falls takes you to the base and back of the huge Horseshoe Falls, which constitutes around 90% of Niagara’s water flow. Standing behind and next to this wall of water is breathtaking, especially because you can see and hear the whole force of the river, tumbling over the cliff.

Suit Up for the Splash: Who Offers Free Ponchos and Footwear?

Both tours come with a free poncho to assist in keeping you dry in the pouring mist, and yes, you will be soaking wet!

One other thing to note at Cave of the Winds is that they also provide rubber sandals to wear during the walk at no cost. These come in handy in overcoming the slippery wood platforms.

You do not need sandals at Journey Behind the Falls since these places where you observe the waterfall are not so exposed to water like those in Cave of the Winds. Notwithstanding, the poncho remains an absolute necessity for spring and summer weather.

How Long Will You Need at Each Adventure?

An average Cave of the Winds tour will last anywhere between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the number of people and the time one expends at each viewing station or at the Tesla exhibit.

Journey Behind the Falls is a little shorter and occupies between 30 to 45 minutes.  Rather a linear walk, but you should have plenty of time to enjoy the sights and take pictures.

What Time of Year Can You Brave the Mist?

Cave of the Winds is destined to work all year round; however, during the season, the hours and kind of access may change. It opens daily in summer (9 am 8 pm) but in winter has fewer hours.

Journey Behind the Falls also provides service throughout the year, with the normal operating time in summer being 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends and an hour earlier during weekdays. Its winter hours are subject to change; thus, it is always advisable to inquire ahead.

Money Matters: Which One’s a Bigger Spend

Cave of the Winds admission price in peak season 23$ for adults and 19$ for children. After the peak season, prices drop starting October 20. The price for adults is $14, and $10 for children. Special rates are available for school and group tours. The entrance fee to Journey Behind the Falls is 29 $ CAD for adults(13+ years) and 19$ CAD for children (3-12 years). below the age of 2  or under is free( All prices are listed in Canadian dollars).

Thus, the two tours are rather similar in terms of price when it comes to adults, yet Journey Behind the Falls is more family-oriented in reflecting prices on children and toddlers, not have to pay anything.

Don’t Stop Here: More Niagara Wonders to See

Niagara Falls is a place to enjoy a misty adventure and will leave you with every panoramic view. Whether it is through helicopter tours, sky towers, boat rides, or even scenic footpaths, the Falls are only a forerunner on your voyage. After you have walked next to thunder, the twin cities of Niagara have a lot more magic to reveal.

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