Abandoned Ontario tunnel closed since WWII transforming into tourist attraction

Construction has begun to restore a historic tunnel hidden beneath Ontario's Niagara Falls, which has sat closed and largely forgotten since World War II.

Niagara Parks shared fresh progress photos from the construction site, giving visitors a glimpse at the work underway beneath the Horseshoe Falls as part of a major redevelopment of one of Ontario's most famous tourist attractions. 

The 130-year-old tunnel (not to be confused with the existing Niagara Parks Power Station tunnel) is one of the centrepieces of a multi-phase redevelopment project of Journey Behind The Falls announced earlier this year, aimed at turning Niagara Falls into an even stronger year-round destination.

While visitors can currently see the entrance to the tunnel, it has remained closed for decades. That's set to change by spring 2027, when the 150-feet-below-ground passageway is expected to reopen as part of a completely new visitor experience.

Niagara Parks says the historic tunnel will be stabilized and fully restored, giving guests access to a viewing platform located north of the existing Rainbow Platform, not accessible for generations. 

The current Rainbow Platform isn't going anywhere; however, it is nearing the end of its life cycle and needs some zhuzhing. It originally opened in 1951 to allow visitors a completely open-air experience and unobstructed views of the Horseshoe Falls.
If you've ever visited Niagara Falls in the middle of winter, you'll know the scenery is stunning, but the wind chill is no joke. The new heated and covered platform is meant to make those cold-weather visits a lot more comfortable. 

Once the new tunnel and viewing area are complete, phase two of the project will begin, which involves a complete reconstruction of the existing platform to meet modern safety standards. 

According to Niagara Parks, these upgrades are all aimed at improving accessibility, enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the attraction. 

This phase is expected to be finished by spring 2028, so if you're planning a big "see it all" trip to the Falls, you might want to pencil it in a couple of years from now.