Cave of The Winds Niagara Falls

Visiting the Cueva de los Vientos is an immersive experience. And highly recommended for all those who want to enjoy a trip to the Cave of the Winds. Niagara Falls. Visiting the Cave of the Winds is one of the best attractions in Niagara Falls. Despite its name, it is not so much a visit related to caving. Rather, it consists of a quick and easy access to the lower part of the river where some of the most stunning views of Niagara Falls can be seen.

The caves are on an island located in the middle of a river. The visit begins with an elevator ride down. Nothing more and nothing less than 50 meters of descent that will leave us on a platform that we will have to cross. Of course, well equipped with a poncho and sandals. This path will lead us to the Hurricane Desk, a viewpoint that faces one of the most impressive falls of Niagara Falls: the Bridal Veil.

This attraction can only be visited upon payment of an entrance fee at the Niagara Falls State Park facilities. The tours available usually include the entrance fee, so you don't need to worry about purchasing it separately. You can hire them from 50 € by booking online. This way you will get better discounts and, above all, you will save 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 since they consist of several stages such as the walkway tour and views of the falls from the Hurricane Desk and other observation points.

There are many tours that will show you the Cave of the Winds. It is up to you what you want to enjoy. For example, there are tours that include a boat cruise on the river that bathes Goat Island, where this natural attraction is located. Many of them also include transportation from the hotel. A trip that is enlivened by a guide who will introduce you to the characteristics of this natural attraction. By the way, if you are traveling with children to Niagara Falls and you want the experience to be as educational as possible, there are tours with an educational orientation.

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

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

Usually you will be provided with everything you need to make the visit in conditions. That is, a raincoat and sandals. However, it is a point that you should consult the conditions of the specific tour you want to hire. However, it is always advisable to bring a bag to store your shoes.

Our tips when choosing your best tour option are basically two. First, 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 contemplate a visit to places located on the Canadian side. If you finally opt for such a tour, do not 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, the tours are somewhat longer. Something that does not happen in the cold months, during which, by prevention, it is not possible to get as close to the falls. That is why, if you are looking for a fully immersive experience, it is best to opt for the good weather months, although visiting Niagara Falls in winter is quite an experience.

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

If you want to go on your own, you can always book your ticket online or buy it directly there. The most common is to do it 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 always offer.

What travel options are available to you?

It is also of great importance that you plan your travel well. The tours usually include it in the price, something you will have to think about on your own if you decide to go on your own. Whether you want to cover the trip by bus or with a 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. For this reason, it is advisable to have a place to temporarily store your shoes.

How to locate 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, they are on the northwest end of the island. You can access it 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 trip that takes approximately 50 minutes.

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

After December 1, the coldest 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 ages 6-12 and free for children ages 0-5.

Visiting the Cueva de los Vientos is, in principle, suitable for all kinds of people regardless of age. However, it is true that part of the visit involves a walk along walkways. An activity that may be somewhat unsuitable for older visitors. It is also a rugged natural environment, so accessibility for people in wheelchairs is very limited.

Once you've done the tour, you don't need to immediately return to a built-up area to eat. In fact, Niagara Falls is surrounded by an abundance of restaurants. From restaurants to ice cream parlors. So, you don't need to worry about that: here you will find options on where to eat in Niagara Falls.

Visiting the Cave of the Winds is a totally immersive experience. It consists of several "stages" or moments. These are as follows:

• The descent to the river gorge: A 50-meter journey by elevator.
• Walking along the footbridges: Red platforms that will lead you, between the views and the roar of the waters, to a privileged observation point.
• Hurricane Desk Viewpoint: The observation point from which you can contemplate the largest waterfall on the American side: the one known as the Bridal Veil.

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

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

Complementary activities in Cueva de los Vientos

You can also complement your visit with some of the exhibitions that take place in this environment. One of the most interesting is the World Changed Here pavilion.

Here you can learn 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 their access was much more complicated and their location more remote and difficult to reach.