Frozen Niagara Falls stuns visitors with rare icy views

Frozen Niagara Falls is drawing attention this week as extreme cold temperatures create striking ice formations at one of the world’s most famous natural landmarks.

Niagara Parks says recent snow and prolonged cold across southern Ontario have caused parts of Niagara Falls to partially freeze, creating what it describes as “dazzling” views and a heavy, frosty mist around the falls.

The effect happens when surface water and mist freeze and combine with ice forming as water continues to cascade over the falls.

While the falls do not stop flowing, the ice builds up around them, creating dramatic winter scenery.

“This creates large ice mounds around the Falls, sometimes over 40 feet thick, and stunning icicles along the edges, whiel water continues to flow beneath the icy surface,” Niagara Parks said in a news release.

According to Niagara Parks, the phenomenon is uncommon and usually only occurs after several consecutive days of below freezing temperatures.

Full freezes are even more rare. The most well known complete freeze happened in 1848, when an ice jam on the Niagara River halted the flow of water for about 30 hours.

Officials note that conditions can change quickly and visitors should dress warmly and follow safety guidance while viewing the frozen landscape.