Cave of the Winds
Cave of the Winds
5
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
About
Nestled on Goat Island, Cave of the Winds is an exhilarating tour that brings you very close to the falls. The tour starts with the indoor multimedia ‘World Changed Here Pavilion’ museum, where you can learn more about the falls’ history. Then, you're brought 175 feet down in an elevator, where you can get soaked at the Hurricane Deck, right next to Bridal View Falls. Plan your visit between May to October, before the onset of winter temperatures. You can also grab skip-the-line tickets as part of a tour, or even join a deluxe sightseeing tour of both the American and Canadian sides. – Tripadvisor
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See what travelers are saying
- Wesley2 contributionsGreatI love caves and I've done several of these types of tours all around the country. This was one of the best ones I've been to. Our tour guide, Olive, was fantastic and personable, she really knew her stuff beyond just a script, which I've run into a ton. 10/10 highly recommend.Visited March 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 19, 2023
- 465DENNISJOrleans, Indiana159 contributionsUp close and personal!This was part of our Over the Falls tour. I'm really glad this was part of it. It was really neat to get so close to Bridal Veil Falls. Also, the story of the 10's of thousands of birds nesting on the shoreline was very interesting. To think that many, if not all will migrate back to the Atlantic by late June or July. Recommend.Visited May 2023Written May 16, 2023
- PRC0809Ontario, Canada60 contributionsDifferent Perspective of the FallsFun trip very close to the falls. Because of the time of year the entire viewing area was not open yet, which was not a big deal (price was reduced). You get amazing view of the Canadian and American Falls. Be warned you get VERY WET when you get close to the falls. There are a lot of stairs, we saw a lot of people who obviously didn't know this and were really struggling. We had a great experience and would go again!Visited May 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 2, 2023
- Abby KBrunswick, Maine135 contributionsKids loved it!We took our kids (ages 6 and 9) and all enjoyed the experience. One thing to note, this is not a cave anymore (once was many years ago) but rather a leveled staircase that allows you to get very close to Bridal Veil Falls. You will get very wet - they provide ponchos but they are definitely not adequate. We wore raincoats, rain pants, and flipflops under the ponchos and then kept them on for Maid of the Mist, which worked well. I would definitely Cave of the Winds, especially if visiting with kids! Also recommend getting there at 8:30 - it's timed entry and this will allow you to get on one of the first tours before the tour buses and field trips arrive.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 14, 2023
- Steve W1 contributionAbsolutely Worth Every PennyAbsolutely a must do American Falls adventure.You will get wet, but change choose to also get nearly drenched if you stand directly under the spray of the falls. Plan on climbing quite a few steps, but it is very doable. At times during the climb, the water from the falls in running right over your feet! That is really cool! (no pun intended). There are places you can reach out and actually touch the falls. Bring an extra pair of shoes that can get wet, they're no longer able to provide the footwear. Pricing is reasonable and well worth it. Best to stop by in the morning and purchase your ticket for an upcoming time slot. Tickets are for a specific time. Would give 6 stars if we could.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 10, 2023
- ScubagalDetroit, Michigan41 contributionsGreat thrill for water loversWe loved this so much but we are water lovers! Tip: wear water shoes such as Keen’s. Then you don’t have to walk around all day in wet shoes. The amount of seagulls nesting on the rocks near the falls fascinated me. It was raining the day we went so we were already prepared with rain gear.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 11, 2023
- John S1 contributionCave of the winds top tour guideThe caves were amazing but i can not say enough the quality of our tour guide Katheryn! Her knowledge of the caves and passion to share her kkowledge with the group captivated the entire group which included 6 children of all age ranges. Thank you so much Katheryn for changing a tour into an amazing memory!Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 31, 2023
- dagodfrey647 contributionsClean and clear cascadesThis was a great way to cool off on a hot and humid day. Nice, not too difficult, hike right up to the falls. It was an emotional experience, looking up at the falls while they cascaded over me. We were supposed to travel there in 2017, but we lost my mom that year and I just couldn't manage it. This trip served as a catharsis for me and an important fulfillment of a promise I had made to the girls. I'm so glad we finally made it. This and the Maid of the Mist tour made it an experience of a lifetime.Visited July 2023Written August 6, 2023
- minimize940314Los Angeles, California3,528 contributionsGreat winter experienceI visited this attraction in the winter and I highly recommend it. Virtually no crowd and you get to enjoy the beautiful scene on you own. The ice over the tree makes the waterfalls more magnificent. Be sure to poncho that is given free.Visited December 2022Written August 7, 2023
- Michigan DadGrand Blanc, Michigan22 contributionsDo this you won’t regret itOverall just very beautiful and a great way to get close to the caves, take pictures, and have an experience. Also, purchase trolley tickets. $3 and you can take this to maid of the mist and screw great spots for shopping, eating, and taking pictures. Staff were very polite and helpful.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 18, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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TravelProNY
New York City, NY1,059 contributions
Aug 2020
This was my favorite experience during my visit to Niagara Falls. You can feel and see the falls very close. You will get wet, but it feels great in summer. On Sunday, arrived 11am and the first available ticket was 6pm. You can get ticket only that day. Be careful.
Written August 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
crnd
Clarksville, TN122 contributions
Jul 2021
Everyone that goes to the Falls has heard of Maid of the Mist. But "Cave of the Winds"? Not so much. Not knowing what to expect, we bought a timed ticket and headed in.
First, let me say I love, love, love the timed tickets. We went on the 4th of July, probably one of the busiest days of the year. Despite that, there was minimal waiting and plenty of room to spread out, keeping the crowd manageable. I wish the Maid used time tickets.....
The experience itself starts with entry into a small museum, covering the history of the Falls. Then you head in for a short movie (seating, shade and air conditioning welcomed) followed by distribution a free pair of water sandals, which were surprisingly decent.
The main event is then an elevator down to the bottom of the Bridal Veil Falls, where you can get up close and personal with the power and majesty of both Bridal Veil and American Falls. There's a good view of Horseshoe Falls from here too.
The whole experience was an extremely pleasant one, and a "must do" for any visit to Niagara!
First, let me say I love, love, love the timed tickets. We went on the 4th of July, probably one of the busiest days of the year. Despite that, there was minimal waiting and plenty of room to spread out, keeping the crowd manageable. I wish the Maid used time tickets.....
The experience itself starts with entry into a small museum, covering the history of the Falls. Then you head in for a short movie (seating, shade and air conditioning welcomed) followed by distribution a free pair of water sandals, which were surprisingly decent.
The main event is then an elevator down to the bottom of the Bridal Veil Falls, where you can get up close and personal with the power and majesty of both Bridal Veil and American Falls. There's a good view of Horseshoe Falls from here too.
The whole experience was an extremely pleasant one, and a "must do" for any visit to Niagara!
Written July 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather
Albuquerque, NM45 contributions
May 2022
This was amazing. We went mid-May and it wasn't busy. When we went they didn't provide a rain poncho, so I would recommend going to the Maid of the Mist first and hang on to your poncho. You take an elevator down and walk out on a boardwalk. The number of seagulls were amazing. Part of the walk way is designed so that you actaully have to walk though part of the falls (feet only). I wasn't expecting that. You get up close and personal with the falls. The very top section is not open and it needs some repairing but it did not impact our experinece at all.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HeyStefff
Jersey City, NJ94 contributions
Nov 2020
Memorable part of the trip. There are really two options in seeing the falls up-close; that would be Maid of the Mist or Cave of the Winds. We decided to do Cave of Winds. 19$/adult. {Children under 5 are free and "youth" 6-12 are 16$. I recommend wearing water shoes and having a towel, socks and dry shoes in the car. You are given a poncho and allowed to roam on your own - free to take photos and video. Pretty cool experience. (If you go by car, there is a 10$ parking fee to park at Goat Island). You will quickly notice that 10$ for parking seems to be the trend in these parts. But make it worth it and walk around!
Written December 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
russianwulfgar
Milwaukee, WI1,607 contributions
Sep 2021
It's true what other reviewers say, this is not a cave experience, so if that's what you're looking for, you will not find it here. It is very badly named. And as of September 2021, if you're looking for a safer Covid-19 experience - SKIP THIS! There is zero social distancing, you are literally PACKED into a tiny elevator with strangers with no masks as they are not required. And when you go on the walkway and the stairs to see the falls, there is no social distancing at all. There were teenagers running this experience and they don't have the confidence to ask people to be safe, or they just don't care, or who knows what. All that said, we did enjoy the experience (except for the elevator ride). The falls were beautiful and it was great to see them up close. So take your own health precautions if you want this experience.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherry C
1 contribution
Jul 2021
I wish I had reviews before going to The Cave of the Winds as I wonder if I would have liked it better. When people mention you will get wet, you are literally soaked! The experience was disorienting as there is so much water you can't see or hear anything going on. The youngest members of our group were 8 and the oldest in their 70's. It was neat to be right up next to the falls but I would absolutely not be willing to take a really young child or someone who could not easily walk around on their own. We were told the falls were more intense the day we were there (something about the winds). We had gone on Maid of the Mist earlier the same day and I thought it was fantastic. My son (8 yrs old) and several others loved Cave of the Winds far more than Maid of the Mist and others, including me, would never do Cave of the Winds again. My son said it was one of the best experiences of his life. No matter what, wear the shoes they give you! I saw someone slip in Teva sandals. Just be considerate of who is in your group to determine if it's the best fit for all!
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ThaiBlu
Philadelphia, PA97 contributions
Jun 2022
Fun experience.Great for everyone. We were a couple and in our tour were children and older folks and everyone enjoyed it. You are able to get close to the falls and really feel the power. They provide a poncho and sandals, I also wore a light hooded raincoat underneath and still got a little wet. The sandals are great because other wise you would have to walk in soaked shoes afterwards. Also the sandals have grip for walking up the stairs with wet surfaces.
It was also birthing season for the birds, we were told because there are no natural predators on the rocks so seeing the baby chicks was an added bonus.
It was also birthing season for the birds, we were told because there are no natural predators on the rocks so seeing the baby chicks was an added bonus.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine S
Atlanta, GA115 contributions
Jun 2021
If you are reading this, please know that I experienced both Cave of the Winds and the Maid of the Mist boat tour. No one I know have done both. I wish someone told me that taking the Cave of the Winds tour BEFORE doing the Maid of the Mist tour is the best way to make the most of the day. This is not for someone who doesn't like to get their hair/body wet, nor walking up flights of stairs that are remain wet all day long. Once you purchase your timed ticket, you will receive 2 complimentary items of 1 poncho and a pair of water shoes!
1. They have an indoor area where you will watch a short video
2. When you exit, you will receive water shoes and change them on benches
3. Upon receiving your poncho outside the building, you can proceed to walk
4. Once past the gate, you are free to stay as long as you please
5. When you've experienced the Cave of the Winds at your own pace, exit around the building and find a place where you can change into your dry shoes
This tour not only gets you acclimated to the wet and misty environment, the shoes they provide you will help you keep your original shoes dry if you use the Cave of the Winds water shoes for the Maid of the Mist boar tour!
This is a fantastic walking tour where you are walking adjacent the falls. It's such a great adventure.
1. They have an indoor area where you will watch a short video
2. When you exit, you will receive water shoes and change them on benches
3. Upon receiving your poncho outside the building, you can proceed to walk
4. Once past the gate, you are free to stay as long as you please
5. When you've experienced the Cave of the Winds at your own pace, exit around the building and find a place where you can change into your dry shoes
This tour not only gets you acclimated to the wet and misty environment, the shoes they provide you will help you keep your original shoes dry if you use the Cave of the Winds water shoes for the Maid of the Mist boar tour!
This is a fantastic walking tour where you are walking adjacent the falls. It's such a great adventure.
Written July 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rodriguez_Party_of_5
New York7 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
An absolute must do!!! Our family enjoys this attraction so much especially learning the history of Niagara Falls before you go down to the stairs. It’s is a thrill and you will get super wet (unless you wear the provided poncho and keep the hood on the entire time). Our family usually opts out and allows the falls to rain down on us! It’s an experience like no other!
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
oli
Niagara Falls, NY3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Must do destination for people who have come to see Niagara Falls.
Would recommend coming 3 minutes before slot and go to buy tickets early as the queues can get long.
The experience starts with a short video about the history of the falls and then led down an elevator to the base of the falls.From there you are given a poncho ( it doesn’t help ) and are free to walk around the different decks and can virtually stand under the falls.
I would recommend wearing sandals,sliders or taking your shoes off before walking on the decks because by the end they will be soaked.
Would recommend coming 3 minutes before slot and go to buy tickets early as the queues can get long.
The experience starts with a short video about the history of the falls and then led down an elevator to the base of the falls.From there you are given a poncho ( it doesn’t help ) and are free to walk around the different decks and can virtually stand under the falls.
I would recommend wearing sandals,sliders or taking your shoes off before walking on the decks because by the end they will be soaked.
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lexi L
Burnsville, MN
Hi!
I saw on a website that the Cave of Winds catwalk and hurricane deck closes in the fall. Does anyone know if this is true, and if so when this happens in the fall (I'm going Oct. 12th and 13th)? I also was wondering what there is to do at the Cave of Winds if those two things arent open. Please advise. Thanks!
Lisa B
7 contributions
I don't know. I've only been there one time in the summer. I live in South Carolina. You could probably Google and find out.
Is the Caves of the wind mostly stairs, or are people in wheelchairs or scooters have access to this attraction?
465DENNISJ
Orleans, IN159 contributions
All stairs. Didn't see any way for a wheelchair. Be best to call them.
wendy
Long Island, NY11 contributions
If tickets are sold out on line can I get tickets in person. Only visiting for the weekend and didn’t know I needed to buy tickets in advance
Zuzana
Europe303 contributions
You can buy tickets on site. We did so. Just note, that they have a time schedule, so better to check the times and availability in advance, so you don't loose precious time around waterfalls waiting.
wendy
Long Island, NY11 contributions
If tickets are sold out on line can I get tickets in person. Only visiting for the weekend and didn’t know I needed to buy tickets in advance
Castle88
Holmdel, NJ237 contributions
Tickets are not available on line. We went there on Monday ( A week before Labor Day ) afternoon around 4 pm in person, there are plenty of tickets available.
Paige76
Miami38 contributions
Hi, anyone who has been there recently…are they still providing the sandals? Wondering if I need to take my own. I’ve called them several times, but no answer. Thank you. :)
Debbie W
San Antonio, TX6 contributions
No, they don't provide sandals. We did make a stop at a small souvenir shop where sandals could be purchased. However, I highly recommend water shoes that are much safer when climbing so many (wet) steps.
ALinker87
55 contributions
How is it the beginning of April? Is the falls usually frozen still? Too cold to do with kids?
Zuzana
Europe303 contributions
Depends on the weather conditions and climate, but the most probably yes. This year they open for boat rides because of the ice only at first weekend in May. However, Cave of the Winds is supposed to be open whole year round, so you can actually go. But you need to take in consideration that you can get wet and the weather can be colder.
After we pickup the sandals and ponchos, are we able to return to car to put our shoes back inside? I’ve seen that people leave their shoes around but I’d be more comfortable with having them safely in car.
GarciaEmelie
Springfield, MA137 contributions
No when you put on your sandles,you get on the elevator down to the gourge and you get your Pancho and proceed into the falls.
Lindsey B
1 contribution
Is it hard to get tickets to Cave of the Winds with larger crowds this summer? We are going in late June.
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