Underneath the Niagara Parks Power Station, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, which was a working power station between 1905 and 2006, there is a long tunnel. This tunnel was built without the use of electricty. The main tools used were lanterns, rudimentary dynamite, pickaxes and shovels. This tunnel is an amazing feat of engineering. For a long time, it was closed to visitors. But in the summer of 2022, it was reopened.
To get to the tunnel, visitors get into a glass elevator that descends deep underground. Once you arrive at your destination, you are 180 feet underground. The walls are all brick and, at places, glisten with water. There are places where the top layer of bricks have worn away, and you can see another layer of bricks. It is really an amazing sight. It is very apparent that the walls are very sturdy and were built in a careful way, which has withstood a lot of water and other types of damage for 115 years.
The tunnel is fairly long and wide. The total distance from the elevators to the end of the tunnel is 2,200 feet. Can you imagine that, more than 100 years ago, people were working hard to excavate that entire area? The idea is impressive, for sure. That was a lot of work to accomplish.
When I was there, there were tourists from all over the world. They were speaking a wide variety of languages. Even though I didn’t understand the words that they were speaking, it was apparent to me that everyone was amazed by what they saw and by what they were experiencing. This underground world was incredible and it was also quiet and peaceful.
At the end of the tunnel, you see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. That is the spot where you go outside and you get to experience a close-up view of Niagara Falls. Before we went outside, we got ourselves fashionably attired in recyclable ponchos. The area outside is wet. But the view is worth the dampness. You can see the rushing water and the rocks that have been worn away from so many years of water rushing over it.
Being that close up to Niagara Falls was truly an amazing and wonderful experience. If you ever find yourself in Niagara Falls, I recommend that you visit the Niagara Parks Power Station to see both the gadgets and the tunnel. It’s an experience not to be missed.
Thank you for joining me on my adventure! I hope that you had fun! There are more adventures coming!!! You just never know when!
I remember reading about this tunnel but didn’t know it was open to the public. We use to visit the falls often when we lived in the area but now I can see we need to make another trip soon!
That would be great! Plus I live nearby and I would love to see you!!!
Wow, that sounds like an incredible experience! It’s amazing to think about the work that went into building that tunnel without the use of electricity. The fact that it’s still standing after 115 years is a testament to the careful planning and hard work that went into its construction. The view of Niagara Falls from up close must have been breathtaking. I’m glad you had the opportunity to visit and experience it for yourself, and thanks for sharing your adventure with us. It sounds like a must-see for anyone visiting Niagara Falls. I can’t wait to see what other adventures you have in store for us!
Thank you, Paul. It’s amazing to think of how the people who designed and built the tunnel did such amazing and thorough work. Also, it’s been well maintained more recently. The work that’s done into maintenance, and the work that’s done in providing the signage make the whole experience very educational, as well as awe inspiring.
I’ve been there before! Such amazing views and an incredible tunnel system. Thanks for the memories!
You’re so welcome! I’m so happy that I could do that for you!
Alice, wow! The scale is stupefying– both the Falls and the engineering work. So meticulous. Thanks for the photo-tour! If I ever get there, we’ll get together! I would love that.
Kebba, I would be so excited for us to get together!!!