A Trip to Niagara Falls During the Polar Vortex

Posted: January 31, 2023 by Ovi

The polar vortex is making its way into Canada from time to time, bringing Arctic-like temperatures. This year the polar air is expected to reach Eastern Canada at the beginning of February.

One of the harshest and coldest winters in Canada was the winter of 2013/14 – with a Christmas ice storm that downed trees and hydro lines, cutting power to half million people – and a series of polar vortexes. The polar vortex from the beginning of January froze the Niagara River and the two smaller waterfalls, creating an unusual winter landscape.

“A polar vortex is a large pocket of very cold air, typically the coldest air in the Northern Hemisphere, which sits over the polar region during the winter season.” – AccuWeather

The biggest waterfall is the Horseshoe Falls that lies on the border of the United States and Canada and it is the most powerful waterfall in North America. The other two waterfalls are the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls on the US side. The falls are known as “Niagara Falls“.

Niagara Falls – Polar Vortex Photos

“All trembling, I reached the Falls of Niagara, and oh, what a scene! My blood shudders still, although I am not a coward, at the grandeur of the Creator’s power; and I gazed motionless on this new display of the irresistible force of one of His elements.” – John James Audubon

The Horseshoe Falls (Niagara Falls) and Niagara River during the polar vortex

Niagara Falls view from Canada side

Niagara Falls during the polar vortex

A look towards the American side of the fall

Due to the mist and droplets of water everything is frozen around the falls

Tourists taking photos of the Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, Canada

Nature in black and white

The Lower Observation Deck, Niagara Falls

The Lower Observation Deck is closed in the winter. It can be accessed in the summer with a Journey Behind the Falls tour.

Mist, water and ice

Niagara Falls with the old power generating station in the background

Six million cubic feet (168,000 m³) of water falls over the crest line every minute in high flow Wikipedia

Frozen Niagara River. View from the Horseshoe Falls towards the American falls on the right and the Rainbow Bridge between Canada and USA in the back..