Niagara Parks Power Station

Welcome to Niagara Park’s newest attraction:the historic Canadian Niagara Power Generating Station. The decommissioned facility on the Niagara Parkway is undergoing an extraordinary transformation into a multi-faceted visitor experience and a significant new landmark attraction. 

Completed in 1905, the Canadian Niagara Power (CNP) was the first large scale power plant on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls to harness the power of the Niagara River and produce hydroelectricity. 

Besides being an industrial marvel at the time, the facility turned heads for its imposing architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds. CNP was also considered anengineering pioneer for the ingenious tunnel system redirecting water from the forebay through turbines into the lower Niagara River, at the base of the Horseshoe Falls. 

CNP remained operational until 2006, and in 2009 the Niagara Parks Commission acquired ownership of the property. Established in 1885, Niagara Parks is responsible for the preservation, protection and promotion of key natural, cultural and historic features and highlights surrounding Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. These include beautiful gardens and a horticulture school, top golf courses, significant heritage sites, restaurants, shops and attractions, as well as the famous waterfalls.  

And now the Niagara Power Generating Station will join this family of attractions that make Niagara a globally recognized destination. 

For up-to-date information and details on the Niagara Power Generating Station, we recommend you visit their website. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends. 

View of exterior of old building from across a river

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair accessible

Unobstructed path through public 
hallways that are wide enough to allow 
people using wheelchairs and other 
mobility devices to move easily through 
the building. 

Universal washroom

Separate, individual washroom with 
adequate manoeuvring room for mobility 
devices. Includes grab bars, transfer 
space, accessible door latch, accessible 
sink with knee clearance, easy-to-use 
faucets and adult change table. 

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide 
services or assistance with 
communication, mobility, personal care, 
medical needs or access to facilities. 
Please check with the organization about 
entry fees, if applicable.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual 
indicators (guide dog or other animal 
wearing a vest/harness); or 
documentation available from a 
regulated health professional to confirm 
the animal is required due to a disability. 

Information available in alternative format

Accessible formats (e.g. for menus, 
brochures, etc) and communication 
supports are provided in a timely manner 
upon request at no extra charge in 
consultation with the person making the 
request.

Elevator access

Elevator access to all public floors with 
adequate manoeuvring room to enter 
and exit the elevator.

Easy access electrical outlets

At least one electrical outlet within easy 
reach has clear floor space in front for 
charging an electric mobility device.

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has 
adequate manoeuvring room for mobility 
devices. Includes grab bars, transfer 
space, accessible door latch, sink with 
knee clearance, and lever handles or 
automatic sensor faucets. 

Accessible drop-off location

Passenger drop-off is available by an 
accessible entrance. 

Accessible transportation

Accessible public transportation and/or 
accessible shuttle buses serve the site. 

Accessible seating

Reserved space with a clear view of the 
event/activity for someone who is seated, 
good sound quality, and adequate 
manoeuvring room for a mobility device.

Accessible restaurant

Accessible entrance; adequate 
manoeuvring room; accessible washroom 
nearby. Tables with removable chairs and 
adequate knee clearance. 
Cafeteria/buffet counters reachable for 
mobility device users. 

Accessible parking

At least one identified, reserved parking 
space with a safe, clearly marked 
accessible route from the designated 
parking area to an accessible building 
entrance.

Accessible entrances/exits

A sufficiently wide, hard surfaced, 
unobstructed path, no steps or equipped 
with ramp connecting to a public 
entrance or exit and identified by signage. 
Automatic door openers, adequate 
manoeuvring room in front of door.

Wheelchair and/or mobility devices available

Wheelchairs and/or mobility devices are 
available, free of charge, or for rent. 

More about Niagara Parks Power Station

The highly anticipated redevelopment and reuse of the Canadian Niagara Power Generating Station project will unfold in a phased approach. 

Upon completion of the first phase, visitors will be greeted with significant renovations to the exterior reservoir, along with interior interactive exhibits and immersive sound and light experiences. 

The project will be developed in collaboration with leading Canadian design firms, including Toronto based Forrec for the overall site concept and Lord Cultural Resources, who will design interpretive, storytelling components ensuring the historic significance of CNP is integral to the plan. MT Planners will work on a seamless and integrated landscaping design to complement Queen Victoria Park. Montreal-based production house Thinkwell will bring the immersive sound and light experience to life, utilizing multimedia and 3D projection to accent the unique architectural features. 

Finally, three exciting exhibits delivered from Science North will include Follow the Flow, a scale model of CNP with the use of augmented reality, Experience the Rush, a full-scale penstock demonstrating the power of harnessed water used to generate electricity and Take Control, a hands-on opportunity to interact with the century-old tools and levers in the control room. 

When Phase 2 is unveiled in 2022 (during summer), you’ll be invited to explore the vast underground portions of CNP nearly 70metres below the main floor via a glass-enclosed elevator. Visitors will follow the enormous, old tunnel which connects the plant to the Niagara River beside the base of the Horseshoe Falls. The experience will beaccented with projection mapping technology, a project led by Investment Niagara Parks. 

We can’t wait for this exciting experience, which will showcase the rich culture and history of this heritage landmark while creating a brand new innovative and iconic attraction in Niagara Falls. 

Last updated: August 9, 2022

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