Visiting Niagara Falls can be a perfect plan for any time of the year. In each season the natural spectacle has its own magic, be it due to the increase in the flow of the water, the rainbows created near the base, the colors of the nature that surrounds the falls or simply by the freezing of the water during winter. Whatever the show is, it is always impressive but it is never the same.
A different experience, every time
There are a few excursions that take you in one day, in any month, to see this natural wonder up close. Whether you decide to do a Niagara Falls day trip from New York or from Toronto, the important thing is to be open to what can happen without obviating what has been lived in a past experience.
Besides, the effects of the weather on the water make many of the visitors go to the falls several times, in different seasons, to appreciate nature from different perspectives and at different times of the day.
Why do we say it is never the same?, very easy, despite the fact that we are talking about 4 basic climatic seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter, year after year the temperature varies, either as a result of climate change, telluric movements or the rotation of the earth.
There are so many possibilities that climatic variations can carry out that in the end a few degrees, too high or low, can make a big difference.
For example, in January 2014, one of the most striking natural spectacles of this millennium was witnessed. The average temperature of the Niagara area, during winter, is around -10 °C, however, as a result of strong winds in the Arctic, it reached near -20 °C. This had a strong effect on the falls, including the park, the water was covered with ice for several days simulating a setting in the best Disney style, just like Frozen.
Can Niagara Falls Be Totally Frozen?
No, although you can see an immense layer of ice that falls from the frame of the mountain, it is not 100% frozen as might be believed. Some videos and photographs were captured at the right moment, and they show that the waterfall stopped in time but actually it is nothing more than an optical illusion.
According to a member of the New York State Parks Office, there are studies that have shown that since 1930, when the New York power plant was created, the total freezing of the falls is impossible, so what we see is a totally frozen layer over the surface and water flowing under it.
That is to say that the ice and snow are visible and tangible, but the water is also there, hidden behind voluminous layers of ice and not perceptible to the naked eye.
Did The Falls Ever Freeze Completely?
Yes, there is evidence of totally frozen Niagara Falls on 3 occasions.
- In March 1848 there was such a cold wave that it reached temperatures of -31 °C. At this time a large piece of ice appeared, crossed the river and froze it 100%; people could walk over the “water” to cross to the other side without any problem.
- In 1902 Niagara Falls became a “great mass of ice” that simulated gigantic marble sculptures.
- In 1911 an image called “Cave of the winds in Winter Niagara Falls” became popular, however, the exact date on which the photograph was taken is unknown.
- Since 1930 a partial freeze has occurred repeatedly.
What Are The Advantages Of Traveling To Niagara Falls In The Winter Season?
- You see the almost frozen niagara falls, and be able to take beautiful photographs.
- The landscapes are unique and unforgettable.
- Everything tends to be cheaper since many tourist attractions are closed.
If you are spending a vacation in the United States, it is essential that you take a NYC to Niagara Falls tour; it is a plan that will remain engraved in your memory and in your life. Get ready and let’s go!
