Frozen Niagara Falls Draws Visitors in Offseason

Rare winter spectacle offers new reason to visit the falls as local businesses struggle with loss of Canadian tourists.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Niagara Falls, a popular tourist destination, is drawing visitors in the offseason with the rare sight of a partially frozen waterfall. This phenomenon, known as a "coolcation", is occurring at a time when local retail and restaurants are facing a steep decline in cross-border traffic from Canadian tourists.

Why it matters

The frozen Niagara Falls provides a unique draw for the area during the typically slower winter months, offering locals and tourists alike a chance to experience the falls in a new way. This is especially important for businesses in Niagara that have been struggling with the loss of Canadian visitors, a key part of their customer base.

The details

The freezing of Niagara Falls, while not a common occurrence, happens when temperatures drop low enough for an extended period of time. This creates a stunning visual as the powerful waterfall is partially encased in ice. The rare spectacle is attracting visitors who are seeking a novel experience, helping to offset the decline in Canadian tourism that has impacted the local economy.

  • Niagara Falls has partially frozen over in the winter months.
  • This is happening at a time when local businesses are facing a steep drop in cross-border traffic from Canadian tourists.

The players

Niagara Falls

A famous waterfall located on the border of New York state and Ontario, Canada, that is a major tourist attraction.

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The takeaway

The frozen Niagara Falls demonstrates the resilience of the local tourism industry, as it finds new ways to draw visitors during the offseason and offset the loss of a key customer base. This highlights the importance of diversifying tourism offerings to remain competitive.