Episode 13 | The Tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station

I hope you’re ready for some Canadian History because, on this episode of Aimlessly Wandering, we’re checking out Niagara Parks Newest attraction, The Tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station. Located in Niagara Falls Ontario, the tunnel brings back over 100 years of history to life from the deepest parts of the Niagara Gorge.

We didn’t have to go far for this episode of Aimlessly Wandering, because today’s destination is right here in our own backyard. We’re coming to you from Niagara Falls Ontario, where we’ve been invited by the Niagara Parks Commission to celebrate the opening of Niagara Falls’s Newest Attraction, The Tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station.

The Niagara Parks Power Station was formerly known as the Canadian Niagara Power Company generating station and was a source of electricity for over 100 years.

Built in 1905, based on designs by Nikola Tesla, the former hydroelectric generating station contained eleven vertical axle 25-hertz generators, each with vertical steel shafts that would draw water into the fore-bay and drop 180 feet before being expelled into a 2200-foot tunnel that emptied into the Lower Niagara River, right at the base of Horseshoe Falls. This was the first major power plant on the Canadian Side of the Niagara River and with the help of the Niagara Parks Commission, the plant was completely restored and opened to the public in 2021. It features immersive exhibits, restored artifacts, and interactive storytelling.

Niagara Parks Newest attraction at the power station is located 180 feet below ground. The 2200-foot Tailrace Tunnel runs underneath the Niagara Parks power station, below table rock, and out to a spectacular new viewing platform along the Niagara Gorge. The tunnel was excavated in 1901 with only lanterns, rudimentary dynamite, pickaxes, and shovels. It was built over four years from 1901 - 1905. While the plant was in operation, the tunnel was used as an exit point for all of the water utilized in generating hydropower.

Water entered the tunnel via draft tubes in the walls and ceiling and would be carried down a slope of 17 ft from the start of the tunnel until it exited the portal back into the Niagara River. Construction of the tunnel was a significant mining task with Hundreds of workers using steam power and compressed air to see them through the excavation. Reconstruction of the tunnel started in early 2022 and the authentic preservation of the tunnel as an important historical landmark was the first consideration in all decisions related to the adaptive reuse construction of the new visitor experience.

The tunnel offers visitors a 2,200-foot-long journey from the wheel pit, where the water entered the tunnel, to the portal opening where the water exited back into the Niagara River after flowing through the station to generate electricity. The tunnel’s brand-new viewing platform was constructed in the spring of 2022, providing guests with a never before seen panoramic view of Niagara Falls.

We were excited to start our descent down to the tunnel, marveling at the various levels of old equipment, left in its original state - just as it was upon opening in 1905. The plant remained functioning until 2005, before being decommissioned in 2006.

When we reached the bottom of the 180-foot elevator ride, we were awestruck at just how magnificent, and large, the portal entrance was. We also noticed a significant temperature drop, which is to be expected when you’re that far down underground. Shortly around the tunnel’s bend, we began to see the light at the end of the tunnel - which meant we were getting nearer to the brand new platform at the base of the Niagara River. We could feel the breeze flowing down the shaft of the tunnel, and were excited to see what the view was like.

The platform offers SPECTACULAR views of Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls and brings visitors right to the very edge of the river.

After spending a fair amount of time admiring the views, it was time to head upstairs and check out Niagara Parks’ amazing interactive show called “Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed. This three-part show was created and designed by Montreal’s Thinkwell group and brings audiences on a historical journey of the life of the power station. It makes use of 23 laser phosphor projectors on 5 distinct surfaces using 3d mapping to create an immersive video environment.

It’s a show not to be missed.

We are thankful for the opportunity to have been invited out by Niagara Parks and really enjoyed our visit to both the Power Station and The Tunnel. You won’t want to miss this amazing new attraction, and we certainly suggest making this a mandatory stop on your next visit to Niagara Falls Ontario.