Here’s what the first 5-star hotel in Niagara Falls will look like

While Niagara Falls is known, for good reason, as one of Canada’s top tourist destinations, it actually does not boast any five-star hotels.

But that’s about to change.

Rendering of the hotel’s facade

Last November, it was revealed that a National Historic Site in Niagara Falls that has been vacant since 1974 was slated to become the beloved tourist town’s first five-star boutique accommodation. A year later, the Niagara Parks Commission announced that the province gave it the green light to proceed with a project that will transform the Toronto Power Generating Station into a hotel that will boast a theatre, restaurants, a museum, an art gallery and a public viewing area that will overlook the falls.

Drone shot of the TPGS

The Niagara Parks website also says the property will feature a craft brewery, “wellness and social spa,” a variety of culinary offerings, educational programming and more.

Future lobby lounge

Reception area

According to a Niagara Parks news release, visitors will be able to visit the museum and gallery for free.

Society Developments will fund the project entirely through a $200 million investment in collaboration with Pearle Hospitality, an Ancaster-based company that operates the Elora Mill, the Pearle Hotel and Spa in Burlington, the Ancaster Mill, and other luxury properties in Ontario.

Current generator hall

The historic property, designed by architect E.J. Lennox, is located on the banks of the upper Niagara River, overlooking the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. According to Niagara Parks, the property was built in 1906 and supplied electricity to communities throughout the province until it closed in the mid-70s.

Current entrance

“Redevelopment plans will restore and preserve the iconic heritage building and transform it into a globally significant visitor experience,” the NPC said in a 2023 news release.

Dining room

Last year, the NPC said it had four goals for the property: Restoration of the heritage building, creation of a new guest experience that does not exist in Niagara or Ontario at the moment, payment of rent to Niagara Parks (and coverage of all restoration and redevelopment costs) and economic investment that will benefit both Niagara and Ontario.

Hall of Mirrors event space

Theatre space

The NPC, an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, will own the property. With the Ontario government’s approval and a lease agreement in place, Pearle Hospitality will become NPC’s newest tenant.

Restaurant and bar

“This is great news for the whole Niagara Region. This project will give the Toronto Power Generating Station a new purpose and identity, while creating new jobs, encouraging tourism sector growth and stimulating the local economy,” said Bob Gale, chair of the Niagara Parks Commission, in a statement.

Restaurant and bar

Last year, Niagara Parks said the project could create up to 9,000 jobs and could be completed in 2027.

Front patio cafe

Hotel room rendering

All photos courtesy of the Niagara Parks Commission