What Cave of the Winds is
Cave of the Winds is an attraction on Goat Island on the American side, at 10 Goat Island Loop Road. It leads to the Hurricane Deck, a set of walkways at the foot of the Bridal Veil Falls. It is not a boat ride, and it is not the same as Journey Behind the Falls on the Canadian side.
The attraction is open all year, with closures on some holidays and prices that change with the season. Single tickets are not sold online. You reserve a timed ticket on the day at the attraction or at the Welcome Center.
Our pick: Cave of the Winds with a guide
This tour combines the walkways with the Maid of the Mist.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Niagara Falls tours with Cave of the Winds
Guided tours and combinations that include the American falls, with live prices and availability. Check whether Cave of the Winds is part of the ticket.
Cave of the Winds tickets and prices 2026
Prices are in US dollars and change with the season.
| Period | Adult | Youth |
|---|---|---|
| 19 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 | USD 14 | USD 10 |
| Summer 2026 rate, until 18 October | USD 23 | USD 19 |
The current price table does not define the age bands, so ask at the ticket office who counts as a youth. Summer prices for 2027 are not set yet. For most visitors the winter weeks are the cheaper way to see the falls from the American side, as long as the deck access suits your plans (see below).
The Hurricane Deck in winter
The attraction is open all year, but that does not mean the Hurricane Deck is open all year. Do not plan a winter visit around the deck. Ask at the ticket office what is open on your day.
Opening hours and closures
Winter calendar for 2026 and early 2027.
Regular hours
From 21 October to 25 November 2026 the hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. That is the time of the last ticket sold. The winter calendar keeps 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. as the standard.
Closed days
The attraction is closed on 26 November, 25 December and 1 January 2027. On 24 December the last ticket is sold at 2:15 p.m.
Getting a ticket
You buy a timed ticket on site, at the attraction or at the Welcome Center. Single tickets are not available online. Collect the ticket early on your visit day, then spend the wait in the park.
What to wear
You get wet, as the name suggests. Sandals are no longer handed out, so bring water-resistant shoes of your own. Bring a rain layer, and dry socks help on cold days.
Cave of the Winds, Journey or a boat?
Three ways to get close, on both sides of the border.
| Cave of the Winds | Journey Behind the Falls | Boat ride | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side | USA, Goat Island | Canada, Table Rock | Maid of the Mist in the USA, City Cruises in Canada |
| Where | Walkways at the Bridal Veil Falls | Tunnels and a platform at the Horseshoe Falls | The base of the Horseshoe Falls |
| Time | – | About 60 minutes | About 20 minutes |
| Price 2026 | USD 14 adult in winter | CAD 28 to 33 | USD 30.25 or from CAD 47.95 |
For most visitors who stay on the American side, Cave of the Winds is the lower-cost option in the cold months, and the boat is the choice in the warm season. If you cross to Canada, Journey sits next to the Horseshoe Falls.
How it fits with the rest of the park
Goat Island is a short walk from the other viewpoints.
The state park is free to enter on foot, and individual attractions charge their own tickets. Goat Island also has Terrapin Point by the Horseshoe Falls, and Luna Island between the American and Bridal Veil Falls. The Maid of the Mist boat leaves from the foot of the Observation Tower at Prospect Point. The boat season in 2026 runs from 24 April to 8 November, so after 8 November the Maid of the Mist does not run until the next season.
Cave of the Winds: frequently asked questions
Is Cave of the Winds open in winter?
The attraction is open all year, with closures on 26 November, 25 December and 1 January 2027. The winter hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whether the Hurricane Deck itself is open on your day is something to ask at the ticket office.
How much does Cave of the Winds cost?
From 19 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 the adult ticket is USD 14 and the youth ticket USD 10. The summer 2026 rate was USD 23 and USD 19.
Can I buy tickets online?
Single tickets are not sold online. You reserve a timed ticket on site, at the attraction or at the Welcome Center, so do it early in the day.
What should I wear?
Wear water-resistant shoes, because sandals are no longer handed out. Bring a rain layer, and dry socks help on cold days.
Is Cave of the Winds the same as Journey Behind the Falls?
No. Cave of the Winds is on Goat Island on the American side and leads to the Hurricane Deck at the Bridal Veil Falls. Journey Behind the Falls is on the Canadian side at the Horseshoe Falls.
Is this website official?
No. This is an independent guide. It is not run by the state park, the attraction or any tourism body.