Cave of the Winds Tours

Hidden behind the thundering Bridal Veil Falls on Goat Island, the Cave of the Winds is a natural wonder that remained undiscovered until 1834. Measuring 130 feet high and 100 feet wide, this cavernous space earned its name from the powerful gusts felt by early explorers Barry Hill White and George Sims, who named it "Aeolus' Cave" after the Greek god of the winds. Today, it’s possible to descend to the base of the Falls in an elevator and experience the full force of the cascading water up close. Here’s everything to know about this one-of-a-kind attraction, from what to expect to timings.

What to expect on your tour of the Cave of the Winds

Make your way to Goat Island inside Niagara Falls State Park to start on your Cave of the Winds adventure. The tour begins with an exhibit that takes you through the attraction’s history and highlights. You will then get complimentary ponchos and special footwear to keep you dry before you descend 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge. Walk by the river to the wooden walkways that will lead you to the Hurricane Deck which takes you as close as just 20 feet to the Bridal Veil Falls.

On the way, feel the exhilarating rush of the mist as you admire the mesmerizing view of the gushing water that folds its waves one over the other right next to you. As you reach the Bridal Veil Falls, you can stand right below the falling water to feel the power of the smallest of the three Falls that make up the Niagara Falls. Leave the tour with wet clothes but fonder memories!

Plan your visit

A brief history of the caves

1834: Originally an overhanging ledge over which the Bridal Veil Falls flowed, Cave of the Winds was discovered by Joseph W. Ingraham, who spotted the cave from above the Niagara Gorge.

1841: Visitors are officially offered guided tours to the cavern through Goat Island, which involves descending a staircase into the cave. 

1920: A rock fall within the Cave, the second of its kind over the years, temporarily closed the tour. 

1924: The guided tour officially reopened, and a series of wooden walkways were built in front of the Falls instead of behind them.

1954: Another major rock fall destroyed the cave, making it impossible to visit.

1955: The remainder of the cave was destroyed by a controlled dynamite blast after engineers determined that the entrance was too dangerous. 

Today: Cave of the Winds is a series of redwood decks and platforms removed every fall and re-installed in spring every year to avoid damage caused by ice buildup.