Niagara Underground Tour: Power Station and Tunnel Under Falls

The powerful waters of Niagara Falls hide a truly epic story of electricity and innovation. You'll explore history firsthand as you dive deep into the Falls, in a glass elevator, as part Niagara's Tailrace Tunnel Experience. Uncover the stories of Nikola Tesla, the ‘War of the Currents’, and the daredevils who challenged the Falls while getting pre-reserved access to Niagara Parks Power Station and the Skylon Tower. Discover the dramatic history of hydropower, unraveled for you by an expert guide on this cultural walking tour.

1. 1

   Skylon Tower

   20 min

   Begin your walking tour by meeting your expert guide at Skylon Tower. Along with the incredible views (and photo opportunities) you’ll be shown the Niagara Generating Stations supplying power to one-quarter of New York state along with the International Control Dam where water is diverted for use in the Station.

2. 2

   Skylon Tower

   10 min

   Before exiting Skylon Tower, you'll check out the new Daredevil Exhibit (opened in 2025) to learn about these brave characters and see the real barrels they used to confront the Falls.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   10 min

   The Illumination Tower is located near the base of the Niagara River. Here, every evening at dusk, Niagara Falls is transformed into a multi-colored water and light masterpiece. Learn how the light show works as well as the famous figures who have walked this path before including British Royalty.

4. 4

   Nikola Tesla Statue

   10 min

   Learn more about one of the most underappreciated inventors whose impact on the world cannot be underestimated. As you uncover his legacy, you’ll hear about his inventions that harnessed the power of water to produce hydroelectricity, how he sparked the ‘War of the Currents’ with Edison, and his oftentimes eccentric behavior.

5. 5

   Horseshoe Falls

   10 min

   Step on the boardwalk to look out over Horseshoe Falls, one of three waterfalls that makes up Niagara Falls. You’ll have time to breathe in the magnetic beauty, see the whirlpool beneath and truly appreciate why Tesla and others were so inspired to harness the raw power of nature on display here.

6. 6

   Niagara Parks Power Station

   1 hour

   The first major power plant on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Parks Power Station was completed in 1905 to produce hydroelectricity by using the power of the Niagara River. Today, crossing the threshold into this imposing structure is much like stepping back in time. With original machinery still housed within, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in hands-on training exercises. See the thrust deck, brake deck and turbo deck as you hear about their use and the future of hydroelectricity going forward. At this point, your guide will say goodbye and hand out audio guides so you can explore the Power Station and Tailrace Tunnel at your own pace.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   1 hour

   What you see from the top of the power station is just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll descend 180 feet through the inner workings of the power station, then walk the path the water flowed through the Tailrace Tunnel to a one-of-a-kind view from the base of Niagara Falls.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• This tour is in English.
• This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
• Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
• Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.