Journey Behind the Falls vs. Cave of the Winds

Planning your visit to Niagara Falls, North America? While in Niagara Falls, a tour of the Falls is simply a must thing to do! But wait! We’re not talking about a boat tour but a walking tour! What if we tell you that you can get as close to the Falls as 20 feet distance at the furthest viewpoint? Excited to know? Yearning for such a proximate experience of the Falls? For this, you’ll first have to choose between Cave of the Winds and Journey Behind the Falls, as only these two destinations offer walking tours close enough to the Falls. Not sure which one to opt for? Here, we’ve tried to answer most of the questions you might need to answer before you make your final decision. So, read thoroughly and plan wisely!

What Will I Experience at Cave of the Winds?

At Cave of the Winds, your adventure starts with an elevator ride taking you 175 feet down to the Niagara Gorge. Here, you’d be treated with a free poncho and sandals to keep you from getting wet. You’d then be escorted to the infamous ‘Hurricane Deck’ where you’d be within 20 feet distance from the roaring Bridal Veil Falls. At this iconic deck, you’d find rushing waters looming over you, and generously dousing you with water sprays. The nearby ‘The World Changed Here Pavilion’ will give you a sneak peek into how Nikola Tesla harnessed the power of the Falls to create alternating currents.

(Credit: elissarose2000 / Instagram)

What Will I Experience at Journey Behind the Falls?

At Journey Behind the Falls, you’d descend a 125 feet elevator to 130-year-old cave-like tunnels. You’d then be escorted to the two outdoor observation decks and two portals located directly behind the Falls. Here, you’d be treated with a spectacular view of one-fifth of the world's freshwater thundering down to the basin below. The viewing portals cut straight through the rock would offer you unique viewpoints to witness the wonder of Horseshoe Falls traveling at 65 kilometers per hour. 

(Credit: i_viaggi_di_andre_e_silvia / Instagram)

Where is Each Located?

Cave of the Winds is located on the American side of the Falls, on Goat Island at Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, USA. Journey Behind the Falls is located on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, in the Table Rock Centre beside the Canadian Horseshoe Falls in Ontario, Canada. 

So, by default, the major difference lies in the side of the border each of the two destinations happens to be!

Do Both Have Caves?

Nah! None of the two really has caves! 

Contrary to its name, Cave of the Winds has no caves at all! Yes, you read it right! Your adventure at Cave of the Winds would not entail caves in the slightest. Though the place is rumored to have had some caves in past, they were reportedly blocked over time due to rock falls.

Journey Behind the Falls has no caves as well! But you’ll find numerous tunnels here to give you a cave-like feel. So, if you’ve got a flare for tunnel experiences, Journey Behind the Falls is destined to be your choice!

Which Falls’ View Each Provides?

At Cave of the Winds, you’ll get the opportunity to get up & close to Bridal Veil Falls, at a mere distance of only 20 feet! 

Journey Behind the Falls will take you as close as possible to the iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls

Where Will I be Provided FREE Poncho & Sandals?

Both, Cave of the Winds & Journey Behind the Falls, provide a FREE poncho and sandals (in Spring & Summer months) to keep you from getting wet as you enjoy your close encounter with the Falls. You can also take these ponchos & sandals back home as mementos of your memorable trip to the Falls!

How Much Time is Required to Explore Each?

Cave of the Winds visits may last from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

A tour through Journey Behind the Falls takes an average time of 30-45 minutes.

What are the Operating Months of Each?

Cave of the Winds operates throughout the year from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Visiting hours are limited during the winter months. Check the latest operating hours here.

Journey Behind the Falls also operates throughout the year from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends, and from 10:00 am to 5:00 on weekdays. Check the latest operating hours here.

Which One is Expensive?

Cave of the Winds charges an admission fee of 12 USD for adults and 9 USD for youth. Groups are offered a discount of 1 USD per head and educational tours are offered a discount of 2 USD per head. 

Journey Behind the Falls charges an admission fee of 16 CAD (approx. 12 USD) for adults, and 10.50 CAD (approx. 8 USD) for Children (3-12 years). Entry for children aged 2 & under is free.

So, the entry fee for adults is approximately the same for both but Journey Behind the Falls charges lower for children and offers free entry for kids under 2. 

Note: Rates are subject to change. So don’t forget to check the latest rates before you visit.

The Verdict

Your choice between the two iconic places largely depends on the side of the border you happen to be, and whether you carry travel documents to cross the border. So, if you’re on the Canadian side of the border, Journey Behind the Falls is destined to win the battle, and if you’re on the United States side of the border, Cave of the Winds will be your preference. And if you happen to carry the necessary travel documents, we’d recommend both – as each has its own quintessential experience.

Your exploration of Niagara Falls would just begin with a tour of the Falls. There’s much more to see, and even more to do in Niagara Falls. Explore these Best Tours in Niagara Falls, USA, and Best Tours in Niagara Falls, Canada to see all the iconic places and experience the magic of the twin cities of the Falls!