Expanding on the Niagara Parks Power Station that opened last year, the Tunnel has opened to the public connecting their innovative landmark to a viewing platform at the base of Niagara Falls. Visitors to the Tunnel will descend 180 feet below the generator hall in a glass-enclosed elevator, observing the many underground floors of the station on their way down to the historic tunnel. For over a century, the power station’s spent waters flowed through this engineering marvel as it made its way back to the Niagara River.
The one-of-a-kind experience offers guests a 2,200-foot-long journey through the enormous tunnel that leads to the exit portal where the water exited back into the Niagara River. There, a brand-new viewing platform has been constructed, extending out into the river to provide never-before-seen panoramic views of Niagara Falls and the lower Niagara Gorge. Access to the Tunnel is included with all regular admissions to the Niagara Parks Power Station, with adult tickets starting at $28.
The Niagara Parks Power Station is considered to be the only fully intact, decommissioned hydroelectric power plant of its era in the world. Constructed in 1905 as the “Canadian Niagara Power Company generating station” the massive facility was a historic achievement in engineering and architecture, remaining operational until 2006.
The daytime guest experience will feature interactive exhibits and interpretative installations that explore the history and science of hydroelectric power generation at the station. The nighttime immersive multimedia experience “Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed” created by Thinkwell Group, will bring the dormant station back to life for visitors by utilizing state-of-the-art sound and 3D projection mapping technology.
