Cave of the Winds: Tickets and Tours

Experience the power of Niagara Falls by purchasing tickets to the breathtaking Cave of the Winds. Once an impressive system of underground chambers, the former location of the cave is home to the popular Hurricane Deck lookout point today.

Unfortunately, in 1920, a rock fall made the original cave unsafe for people to access, and the modern-day platform area was constructed in its place. Make your visit to Niagara Falls unforgettable by enjoying this unique perspective.

How much do Cave of the Winds tickets cost?

The entrance fee to the Cave of the Winds changes depending on the season. Note that the time periods below may be different depending on the year.

From May 12 to Oct. 16

• Adults: US$19
• Children (6 to 12): US$16
• Children under 6: Free

From Oct. 17 to May 11

• Adults: US$12
• Children (6 to 12): US$9
• Children under 6: Free

Who is eligible for discounts?

Students are able to visit the Cave of the Winds at a reduced rate if they present a valid ID.

From May 12 to Oct. 16, the student price is US$11 per person. From Oct. 17 to May 11, it is only US$7.

What are the best Cave of the Winds tours?

Cave of the Winds guided tour

This guided tour includes skip-the-line Cave of the Winds tickets and admission to the cave. Begin on Goat Island at the Power Portal archway and head to Terrapin Point, an observation point next to Horseshoe Falls, before exploring the grounds with an expert guide.

Jump the queues and enjoy express entry to the Cave of the Winds. The tour is two hours in total and generally costs around US$55 to US$60. The entrance fee to the Cave of the Winds is included in the tour price.

Cave of the Winds trolley tour

Enjoy the stunning scenery of the falls from the comfort of the Niagara Scenic Trolley. This fun mode of transportation gives visitors a scenic view of the park and offers fun facts, anecdotes and stories about the falls. After, head to the Cave of the Winds before concluding your visit with an exciting boat tour.

This Cave of the Winds visit costs a total of US$90 and includes the entrance rate, boat and cave. You can even use the trolley for the rest of the day after your tour has ended.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Cave of the Winds and other attractions?

Combined Cave of the Winds tours are a great way to save time and money and see all of the attractions that Niagara Falls State Park has to offer.

• Cave of the Winds entry and Maid of the Mist boat ride: Enjoy a close-up view of the falls at the Cave of the Winds before going on a Maid of the Mist boat tour with a group of other travelers.
• Cave of the Winds ticket, Maid of the Mist boat ride and observation tower: Get up close to Bridal Veil Falls and take in amazing views of all three falls on a boat tour before enjoying panoramic vistas at the observation tower.

Should you book Cave of the Winds tickets in advance?

Visitors must purchase Cave of the Winds tickets at the Plaza on Goat Island. Tickets are not available online separately, but are included in the price of most guided tours.

What will you see inside the Cave of the Winds?

The first stop of many tours is the World Changed Here Pavilion. This is a new multimedia museum where visitors can learn about the history of the falls.

Find out how Nikola Tesla used the power of water to create the world’s first hydroelectric power plant in 1895, which led to the widespread availability of electricity across the world.

At the cave theater, visitors can watch a short video about the long and fascinating history of Niagara Falls. Find out about their discovery and how tourism boomed in the 19th century and after WWI. Hear about how people survived death-defying jumps, plunges and tight-rope walks over the years.

After so many interesting facts, it’s time to head to the falls. Prepare yourself by picking up some waterproof sandals and rolling up your pants before you take the elevator down over 50 meters into an underground tunnel.

You’ll make your way toward the popular Hurricane Deck which is one of the highlights of any visit to the Cave of the Winds. Take the redwood paths to this viewpoint and get as close to the falls as possible.

Stand in the lower areas to avoid getting wet or directly under the falls to get soaked. There are rubber mats on the ground to help visitors to maintain their balance.

How to get to the Cave of the Winds?

The Cave of the Winds is located on Goat Island inside Niagara Falls State Park. When you enter the park, follow the indication to reach the Cave of the Winds

When is the best time to visit the Cave of the Winds?

The best time for a Cave of the Winds visit is in the morning at around 9 AM to avoid the afternoon crowds. Weekends during the summer will be especially busy, so it’s best to go on a weekday.

Which other attractions can be visited in the city?

• Adventure Theater

Travel tips

• Bring waterproof bags for shoes and electronics, and consider leaving important items at home. Ponchos and waterproof sandals are included in the Cave of the Winds rate.
• Supervise children carefully, as the walkways can get very slippery at the Hurricane Deck. Walk slowly and take your time getting around to avoid accidents.
• If you’re visiting during the winter months, you might want to bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. The weather will be very cold, and sometimes the ponchos don’t work perfectly.