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.
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