Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls was a convenient stop on the way from the U.P. of Michigan to New England. It seemed like more of a “we should” stop rather than someplace we must go. We tend to steer away from the more touristy places, but how could we miss the most famous waterfall in the world.

Since we were cutting across Canada to get there we decided to make Ontario our home base. We really didn’t know what to expect but were pleasantly surprised with the beauty of the surrounding area. A short drive provided an array of picturesque vineyards and orchards along with gorgeous homes along Lake Ontario. We stopped for a glass at Two Sisters Vineyards and then picked up some fresh fruit and vegetables at a local farm stand.

The Canada and US side of the Falls are very different. Although each of the falls are visible from both sides, we recommend actually visiting both sides for the full experience. After all it’s only a bridge (and customs) separating them. The town of Niagara Falls, Ontario is a tourist zoo. If you’re into the touristy stuff, you are sure to find it there. Once you make your way past bars and wax museums and come up to the boardwalk, Horseshoe Falls (the largest of the three falls) is right there in your face. We’re used to hiking through the woods to find our favorite waterfall, so this was a bit different and almost overwhelming, in a good way. The sheer power and beauty of these Falls was simply amazing. Further to the left American Falls and Bridal Veils falls, although smaller, are quite impressive as well.

TIP: Even if you have completed the ArriveCAN app for the duration your stay in Ontario, you must additionally log any side trip you might take within your stay back and forth from the US side in the app.

To get a closer look at Horseshoe Falls we took the Journey Behind the Falls tour. You descend 125 feet to get right next to the heart of the cascade. A tunnel takes you directly behind the falls for a very different vantage point. This was an incredible experience.

For those wanting to get right in the middle of the action (yes we did) the iconic Maid of the Mist (US side) or Hornblower (Canadian side) boat tour takes you right to the base of Horseshoe Falls. Here you really get the full perspective of the power of the falls. I don’t know why they call it “mist”, because its a full drenching. Thank goodness for those ponchos!

TIP: If you’re taking the Maid of the Mist, when you exit the boat on the return, keep your poncho on and take the path to the edge of American Falls. It’s a great up close view and chance to get some fantastic pictures, rainbows included.

The US side of Niagara Falls are very different from the Canadian side in that it is all within a state park. So instead of boardwalks, busy roads and hordes of people, you have the tranquility of a park setting. The majority of the park is on Goat Island and can be walked or accessed from the hop on, hop off trolly. From here you get to see Horseshoe Falls from a different angle and get to be much closer to American Falls and Bridal Veil falls. The US side also offers access to the river above the Falls which we found to be very pretty.

TIP: Whether you are on the US side or the Canada side, go back to the Falls in the evening when they are lit up in various colors. And as if that isn’t enough, throw in some fireworks for sensory overload.

As a side trip we went to the Butterfly Conservatory, a venue featuring over 2,000 butterflies in an enclosed rainforest. It was one of the nicer butterfly exhibits we have been to. There was one particular butterfly that took a liking to me and was fluttering all over my neck and face. That is a really odd feeling.

Niagara Falls is a destination everyone should go to at least once. It’s truly one of those specials wonders of the World. It’s less important which side you stay at than it is taking the time to visit both sides and everything the overall area has to offer.

Be sure to check out all of our cool pictures of Niagara Falls.