Niagara Falls: Power Station & Tunnel Tour with Skylon Entry

Summary

Walk under Niagara Falls, ride a glass elevator, see hydro power up close

You’ll step inside historic power stations, ride a glass elevator deep below Niagara Falls with a local guide, and feel the ground shake in the Tailrace Tunnel. Pause for views from Skylon Tower and stand almost beneath Horseshoe Falls — there’s nothing quite like hearing that roar up close.

What’s the experience like?

We started outside the Skylon Tower — honestly, I was still shaking rain off my jacket and didn’t expect much from a tower, but our guide (I think her name was Marsha?) had this way of pointing out things you’d never notice. She showed us where the Niagara Generating Stations sit across the river, all humming quietly in the distance. It’s weird to think those buildings light up so much of New York. The wind carried that damp, metallic smell you only get near big water, and I tried to snap a photo but my lens fogged up. Typical.

Walking down towards the Illumination Tower, Marsha told us about how they light up Niagara Falls every night — apparently even British royalty have walked this same path. There’s this moment when you hear the falls before you see them, kind of like thunder in your chest. We paused on the boardwalk above Horseshoe Falls. I probably looked ridiculous just staring at all that water pouring over the edge, but it really does pull you in. Marsha explained why Tesla (the real one) got obsessed with harnessing all this energy — she actually made the “War of Currents” sound like a soap opera.

The Niagara Parks Power Station itself feels like stepping into an old movie set — echoey halls, original machines everywhere, and these hands-on levers that look too heavy for anyone to move. We tried some training exercises (I failed at spinning one of those wheels), then Marsha handed us audio guides so we could wander on our own. That glass elevator ride down into the Tailrace Tunnel? It’s colder than you’d expect and smells faintly of wet stone and oil. You walk right under Niagara Falls until suddenly there’s daylight again and you’re standing at the base looking up at all that water roaring past. I still think about that view sometimes; it makes everything else feel smaller somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Niagara Falls power and history

• Meet guide at Skylon Tower
• View Niagara Generating Stations and Control Dam
• Visit Illumination Tower and learn light show
• Discover Nikola Tesla's legacy and inventions
• Walk boardwalk and view Horseshoe Falls
• Tour Niagara Parks Power Station machinery
• Descend power station and walk Tailrace Tunnel

Top questions

How long is the Niagara Underground Tour?

The walking tour lasts several hours including time at Skylon Tower, Power Station, and Tailrace Tunnel.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at Skylon Tower.

Are tickets to Skylon Tower included?

Yes, pre-reserved entry to Skylon Tower is included in your day trip.

Can people with mobility impairments join?

No, due to stairs and uneven surfaces this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

What language is the tour given in?

The guided portion is conducted in English.

Do I need to buy tickets for each attraction separately?

No; all necessary tickets are included as part of your booking.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Skylon Tower where you start your tour.

Will I go inside the actual tunnel under Niagara Falls?

Yes; after descending by glass elevator you walk through the Tailrace Tunnel beneath Niagara Falls itself.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your local English-speaking guide at Skylon Tower with pre-reserved entry tickets ready for you; guided walks through key sites like Illumination Tower and Horseshoe Falls; admission to Niagara Parks Power Station plus hands-on activities; access to audio guides for self-paced exploration; and a glass elevator ride down into the Tailrace Tunnel right under Niagara Falls itself before finishing at river level.