What's Happening in Niagara Today
Frozen falls luring visitors: Recent extreme cold has created stunning icy formations and frozen mist at Niagara Falls, drawing crowds for photos and views while water flows beneath the surface
Icewine Festival grand finale: Tonight's Cool As Ice Gala at Niagara Parks Power Station caps the 2026 Icewine Festival with premium tastings and entertainment
Persistent cold conditions: Environment Canada forecasts a chance of flurries today, with wind chills making travel and outdoor time hazardous—layer up and check on neighbours
Ongoing regional updates: Public works crews in multiple municipalities maintain roads amid the prolonged winter weather
Housing milestone recognition: Niagara Falls' strong 2024 performance (exceeding targets by 116%) continues to support infrastructure growth in the region
Niagara Cold Snap Update
According to Environment Canada, Niagara Region is under continued cold weather with today's high at -10°C and a 40 per cent chance of flurries overnight, dropping to a low of -14°C. Morning wind chills reached -23°C, creating hazardous conditions for travel and exposure. The iconic Niagara Falls have partially frozen, forming dramatic ice and mist layers that attract visitors, though Niagara Parks emphasizes safe viewing as paths can be slippery. No major new storm is active today, but the lingering polar vortex effects from late January persist. Residents are encouraged to dress in layers, limit outdoor time, and monitor for frostbite risks.
In St. Catharines and surrounding areas, the cold has prompted caution, with no widespread closures reported today but ongoing awareness of winter hazards. Niagara Falls is seeing increased foot traffic at viewpoints due to the 'frozen falls' spectacle, as noted in local reports.
Around the Region
Niagara Falls achieved a significant housing milestone in 2024, exceeding its provincial target by 116 per cent with 774 new units constructed against a goal of 667. This earned the city $2.8 million in incentives through Ontario's Building Faster Fund, directed toward affordable housing-supporting infrastructure. The city leads the Niagara region in this area, with Welland also performing strongly at over 113 per cent of its target. Funding supports long-term growth for attainable homes across municipalities.
Grimsby, Lincoln, Fort Erie, Thorold, Port Colborne, Pelham, Wainfleet, and West Lincoln continue focusing on road maintenance and winter operations to keep communities moving safely during this cold period. Niagara Digest is tracking how these efforts support daily life across the region.
Niagara Events This Week
Niagara Falls — Saturday, January 31 from 7:00 PM: Cool As Ice Gala at Niagara Parks Power Station celebrates the end of Icewine season with premium Niagara wines, Icewine cocktails, local cuisine, live performances, and access to the historic venue including The Tunnel. Dress in Wine Country Cocktail Formal for the cool space.
Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Bench — Through February 1 from 11:00 AM: Icewine Discovery Pass final weekend offers self-guided tastings and curated food pairings at participating wineries—last chance for 2026. See our Icewine Discovery Pass guide for maps and tips.
Niagara Falls — Saturday, January 31 from 8:00 PM: The Guess Who performs classic Canadian rock hits at Fallsview Casino Resort.
Niagara Falls — Ongoing through February 1: The Hot Chocolate Trail features unique cozy creations at cafés across the city—perfect for warming up. See our Hot Chocolate Trail guide.
Niagara Falls — Ongoing: Cyclamen Display at the Floral Showhouse provides a colourful indoor winter escape.
Niagara Falls — Saturday, January 31 various times: Wild Magic by Greg Frewin illusion show at Greg Frewin Theatre offers family-friendly entertainment.
St. Catharines — Saturday, January 31 from 7:00 AM: Horseshoe Valley Ski Trip organized from Brock University for a day of winter sports.
Looking for more weekend plans? Check out our complete Events This Week in Niagara Region calendar with events across all 12 municipalities.
Niagara Weather This Week
According to Environment Canada, today's forecast includes flurries this morning, a high of -10°C, and a 40 per cent chance of precipitation overnight with a low of -14°C. Wind southwest 40 km/h gusting to 60 near midnight may intensify wind chills to -23 or lower. Sunday brings partly cloudy skies with a high of -7°C. Monday could see light snow and temperatures around -5°C. Continue dressing warmly, allow extra travel time, and monitor updates as conditions evolve.
Stay safe and warm today, Niagara. Whether you're braving the cold to see the frozen falls, heading to the Cool As Ice Gala, or enjoying indoor warmth, our community's resilience shines through winter. Check on neighbours, support local events, and take care on slippery paths.
The Niagara Digest Team