Cave of The Winds Niagara Falls

Cave of Winds is one of Niagara's top attractions. You'll have the best views of the waterfall and you'll be able to take a deep dive into this incredible wilderness.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

8 min read

Cave of The Winds Niagara Falls

Cave of the Winds from the Fallsview footbridge | ©John Linton

Visiting the Cave of the Winds is an immersive experience. And highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy a trip to Niagara Falls. It is undoubtedly one of Niagara's best attractions.

Despite its name, it is not so much a caving-related visit. Rather, it is a quick and easy access to the lower part of the river where you can see some of the most breathtaking views of Niagara Falls.

Enjoy a visit to the Cave of the Winds in Niagara Falls

Entrance to the Cave of the Winds| ©KristyB
Entrance to the Cave of the Winds| ©KristyB

The caves are located on an island in the middle of a river. The visit starts with a lift ride down. It is no more and no less than a 50-metre descent that will leave us on a platform that we will have to walk along. We must, of course, be well equipped with a poncho and sandals. This path will lead you to the Hurricane Desk, a lookout point overlooking one of the most impressive falls in Niagara Falls: the Bridal Veil.

This attraction can only be visited after paying an entrance fee at Niagara Falls State Park. The tours available usually include the entrance fee, so you don't need to worry about purchasing it separately. You can book online for as little as €56. This way you'll get better discounts and, most importantly, you'll save on queues! We will go into this in more detail later on.

How long does a visit to the Cueva de los Vientos last?

Tours to the Cueva de los Vientos usually last between 4 and 5 hours. Especially as they consist of several stages such as the walkway tour and views of the falls from the Hurricane Desk and other observation points.

Book a Cave of the Winds Tour

Visit the Cave of the Winds by booking an organised tour to Niagara Falls

Cave of the Winds Home| ©Deborah Osborne
Cave of the Winds Home| ©Deborah Osborne

There are many tours that will introduce you to the Cave of the Winds when you book your Niagara Falls tour. It's up to you what you want to enjoy. For example, there are tours:

  • Which include a boat cruise on the river that bathes Goat Island, where this natural attraction is located.
  • Many of them also include transport from the hotel and a tour guide who will introduce you to the characteristics of this natural attraction.
  • And if you are travelling with children to Niagara Falls and you want the experience to be educational, there are tours with an educational orientation.

What is an organised tour to the Cave of the Winds like?

It depends on the type of tour you book. Each may include activities that others do not. For example, a visit to the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls tour. Generally, they all include a guide who will explain everything you are going to see. In fact, on some tours, the guide accompanies visitors during the bus transport.

You will usually beprovided with everything you need for the tour. That is , a mackintosh and sandals. However, this is a point that you should consult the conditions of the specific tour you wish to book. However, it is always advisable to bring a bag to store your shoes.

Book a tour to Niagara Falls

Follow these tips for visiting the Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls

Beginning the Cave of the Winds Tour| ©Bobistraveling
Beginning the Cave of the Winds Tour| ©Bobistraveling

Our advice on choosing your best Niagara Falls tour option is basically twofold. The first is to make sure that the tour includes a visit to the Canadian side. Remember that Niagara Falls straddles the border between the United States and Canada. It is for this reason that some tours to the Cave of the Winds also include a visit to sites on the Canadian side. If you finally opt for such a tour, don't forget to take your passport with you.

The second tip is to pay attention to the weather. From April to November, thanks to the good weather, tours are somewhat longer. This is not the case in the colder months, when it is not possible to get as close to the falls. So if you're looking for a fully immersive experience, it's best to opt for the warmer months, although visiting Niagara Falls in winter is an experience in itself.

Once you've chosen your best option, you can book online. Be sure to check the cancellation options available. Some tours include a refund if cancelled at least 24 hours in advance, and even free cancellation. Even free cancellation is an advantage in case of unforeseen circumstances!

Book a tour to Niagara Falls

Visit the Cave of the Winds for yourself on your Niagara Falls tour

Niagara Falls State Park Map| ©Larry Koester
Niagara Falls State Park Map| ©Larry Koester

If you want to go on your own once you've booked your Niagara Falls tour from New York, you can always book your ticket online or buy it directly from the Niagara Falls ticket office. This is usually done at the Cave Winds Plaza, located on Goat Island. The advantage of being able to plan it at your own pace is that you can decide whether to visit the Falls from the American or Canadian side. This is an option that not all guided tours offer.

What travel options are available to you?

It's also very important to plan your travel. Tours usually include it in the price, something you'll have to think about on your own if you decide to go it alone. Whether you want to cover the journey by bus or rental car, you should know that the trip from New York to Niagara Falls takes between 6 and 7 hours.

Do I need to bring equipment?

Another tip is to bring a backpack or bag to store your shoes for the duration of your visit to the Cave of the Winds. Once there, you will be given some sandals so that you can walk more comfortably. It is therefore a good idea to have a place to temporarily store your footwear.

How to find the Cave of the Winds once in Niagara Falls State Park

The Cave of the Winds is located on Goat Island, where Niagara Falls State Park is located. Specifically, it is at the northwest end of the island. You can access the Cave of the Winds in several ways. The most common way is by bus or boat. These options are often provided by the tour company you hire.

If you want to go to Niagara Falls State Park on your own, it is possible to take the bus directly from nearby towns such as Lornamead. Even from Niagara Falls International Airport, a journey time of approximately 50 minutes.

Book a Cave of the Winds Tour

Consider how much it costs to visit the Cave of the Winds on your trip to Niagara

Ticket office to purchase entrance to the Cave of the Winds| ©Sabiy Qnzyat
Ticket office to purchase entrance to the Cave of the Winds| ©Sabiy Qnzyat

Prices depend on the season in which you want to visit the Cave of the Winds. From 1 May to 30 November, the best weather season, prices are $12 for adults, $9 for children between 6 and 12 and free admission for children up to 5 years old. However, tickets can only be purchased through Niagara Falls State Park once you are there.

From 1 December on wards, the colder months begin, when visits are shorter and, for safety reasons, the experience is less immersive. This is why the price is substantially reduced. Thus, during this season tickets are available for $7 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children 0-5.

So keep this in mind and add it to the price of the Niagara Falls tour from New York.

Book a tour to Niagara Falls

Is visiting the Cave of the Winds suitable for everyone?

People enjoying the tour| ©Bobistraveling
People enjoying the tour| ©Bobistraveling

Visiting the Cave of the Winds is, in principle, suitable for everyone regardless of age. However, it is true that part of the visit involves a walk along footbridges. An activity that may be somewhat unsuitable for older visitors. It is also a rugged natural environment, so accessibility for wheelchair users is very limited.

Book a Cueva de los Vientos Tour

And after visiting... where can I go for lunch in Niagara Falls?

View from the Skylon Tower restaurant| ©Mark
View from the Skylon Tower restaurant| ©Mark

Once you've done the tour, you don't need to return immediately to a built-up area to eat. In fact, when you book your Niagara Falls tour, bear in mind that there is plenty to eat in and around Niagara Falls. From restaurants to ice cream parlours.

So you don't need to worry about that: here you'll find options on where to eat in Niagara Falls.

Book a tour to Niagara Falls

What to see at the Cave of the Winds when you visit Niagara Falls

The Hurricane Deck Tower restaurant| ©Todd Fowler
The Hurricane Deck Tower restaurant| ©Todd Fowler

Visiting the Cave of the Winds is a totally immersive experience that you can enjoy on your Niagara Falls tour from New York. It consists of several "stages" or moments. These are as follows:

  • The descent into the river gorge: A 50-metre journey by lift.
  • Walk along the footbridges: Red platforms that will take you, between the views and the roar of the waters, to a privileged observation point.
  • Hurricane Desk Lookout: The observation point from which you can see the largest waterfall on the American side: the one known as the Bridal Veil.

Book a tour to Niagara Falls

Is it worth visiting the Cave of the Winds at Niagara Falls?

View from the top of the Walkway| ©Bobistraveling
View from the top of the Walkway| ©Bobistraveling

Of course it is! With its 51-metre waterfall, Niagara Falls is one of the most impressive natural attractions in the world. The Cave of the Winds is, in this sense, an unbeatable way to get close to them, since you will be able to contemplate them from one of the best spots. In fact, it is considered the best place to see the falls on the North American side.

And visiting this attraction is much more than just enjoying panoramic views or taking good photos. It is an interesting activity for those who love adventure. Although the environment is fully insured, being able to walk along the walkways with the imposing waterfalls in the background is a unique experience.

Complementary activities to Cave of the Winds in Niagara Falls

As you can see, the Cave of the Winds is one of the best attractions in Niagara Falls. Once you've had a chance to see it, you can complement your visit with some of the exhibitions that take place here. One of the most interesting is the World Changed Here pavilion.

Here you can find out how Nikola Tesla used the force of falling water to create alternating current. You can also discover how the falls were visited in the past, when access was much more complicated and the location more remote and difficult to reach.

Book a Niagara Falls Tour