Huge tourist attraction in Niagara Falls gets new exhibits in renovations

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Published June 28, 2023 at 3:15 pm

From left: Niagara Parks CEO David Adames, Niagara Parks Chair April Jeffs and Tim Johnson, a senior advisor for Heritage, Legacy, and Indigenous Engagement, all pose in front of Indigenous artist Oren Lyons' painting, "Maid of the Mist and the Thunder Beings." (Photo: Niagara Parks)

With all the international acclaim that the Tunnel at Niagara Parks Power Station has gained in the year since it’s been open, Niagara Parks decided it was time to step things up with their flagship attraction, Journey Behind the Falls.

Over the winter months, Niagara Parks completely renovated the two floors of queuing areas within the attraction, transforming the space with a modern design and new interpretive exhibits.

While there was a sneak peek for the media today (June 28), the group says that beginning Canada Day, visitors “will embark on a journey through time, from the formation of the Falls to the first Indigenous inhabitants and the rise of Niagara Falls as a global tourism destination.”

Other than the falls themselves, Journey Behind the Falls is one of the area’s oldest attractions, dating back to 1832 when the first staircase was constructed down into the Niagara Gorge for visitors to enter what was then called the “Sheet of Falling Water” attraction.

“This history is celebrated and showcased throughout the space with images from Niagara Parks’ remarkable archival photo library,” said the group.

“In addition to the queuing areas, all-new LED lighting has also been installed in portions of the tunnel leading to the lower observation platform, illuminating the century-old walls and creating new photo opportunities for visitors.”

Now, more than 190 years later, it’s continuing to be tweaked with new exhibits, interpretive content, and digital storytelling.

“A centrepiece of the new space is a stunning reproduction of an oil canvas painting by Indigenous artist and icon Oren Lyons, entitled Maid of the Mist and the Thunder Beings,” said Niagara Parks.

“The painting is accompanied by interpretive content providing details on its artist and the remarkable story which inspired his work.”

Calling Journey Behind the Falls an iconic global attraction, Niagara Parks Chair April Jeffs said, “These enhancements to the visitor queuing spaces introduce a modern design, consistent with the updated Table Rock Centre, while also paying tribute to the remarkable history of the site.”

Located at 6650 Niagara River Pkwy., the year-round attraction offers a unique view of the Falls from both below and behind. Visitors descend 125 feet by elevator, where a short tunnel gives access to two outdoor observation decks and two portals located directly behind the Falls.

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