Just like the endless rush of water that cascades 57 metres over its brink, Niagara Falls is continually reinventing and renewing itself for new generations of visitors. On your next trip to see this wonder of the world, be sure to also check out the oldest attraction and the newest experiences this ever-changing destination has to offer — Table Rock Centre and the Niagara Parks Power Station.
Located right next to where one fifth of the world’s fresh water crashes over the edge of Horseshoe Falls, the “table rock” area —named after a large shelf of rock that was a popular spot for tourists to view the Falls in the 1800s — has been a popular iconic destination for more than two centuries.
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In the early 1820s, the first building, a museum, was constructed about 100 metres south of the centre’s current location, with several businessmen offering tours of the Falls, building rival attractions at the site over several decades. One of those buildings, the Table Rock House, built by Buffalo, N.Y., businessman Saul Davis in 1853, was turned into an official visitor building when the Niagara Parks Commission was first established by the province in the 1880s.
The story of the current Table Rock Centre began in the 1920s, when a new visitor building was needed to welcome the growing crowds coming to see the Falls. Located at the brink, and south of the Table Rock House, the new building was opened in 1925 and, over the next century, was renovated and expanded several times.
But the story of Table Rock Centre doesn’t stop there. Over the past several years, Niagara Parks has undertaken a multi-phase and multi-million-dollar renovation to prepare Table Rock for future generations of visitors. The work included a complete renovation of the main floor retail store, fast casual market, guest washrooms and west concourse, as well as Niagara Parks’ signature dining experience, Table Rock House Restaurant on the top floor.
Always a top draw for visitors, the centre is now home to attractions, excellent shopping and a variety of culinary options from fine dining to fast casual, so you can make Table Rock Centre your one-stop spot for a day of family fun and adventure.
Begin at its Journey Behind the Falls attraction where, starting from a wholly revamped entrance full of new exhibits and interpretive content, you will descend 125 feet into the 130-year-old tunnels that traverse behind the Falls.
After, peruse the new two levels of shopping at Table Rock Shop for that perfect keepsake before grabbing a quick bite to eat at Table Rock Market, which is home to five different culinary options, including fresh sushi, all-beef burgers, fish and chips, hearty salads and pizza.
Or try Table Rock House Restaurant, which features a locally sourced and internationally inspired menu crafted by Niagara Falls native Chef Matt Krupa. Dine on maple-brined Ontario pork chops or nibble on the charcuterie board featuring cheese from across of the province while admiring the awe-inspiring views of the Falls from the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
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The Niagara Parks Power Station
Follow up your fun-filled experiences at Table Rock Centre by walking five minutes south along the Niagara River to the Niagara Parks Power Station, the newest attraction in Niagara Falls. The first major power plant on the Canadian side of the river, the structure — built more than a century ago —was recently restored and opened to the public.
The station is home to immersive exhibits and restored artifacts that help tell the story of how the water from the Falls was harnessed to power industry in the region. You can also descend 180 feet beneath the station to a 2,200-foot-long hand-excavated tunnel that leads to an observation desk at the base of the Falls — offering a totally new view of the natural wonder. At night, the power station even appears to come back to life thanks to an experience called Currents, which includes 3D projections, interactive lights and images, and breathtaking musical score.
For more great ideas on what to do while visiting the Niagara Falls area, visit niagaraparks.com.
