Astounding. Enchanting. Magical.
There are not enough words to fully describe the beauty of Niagara Falls. The very first sight of this mighty cascades is enough to send you into joyous raptures – notwithstanding the wind and water hitting your face.
This legendary sight is one of the greatest natural attractions in North America. It straddles the border between Ontario, Canada and New York State. It has played a significant role in American history, dating as far back as the first native Americans who discovered this place of natural wonder.
Well, in an ideal situation, of course, you’d be able to drive or stroll across the Rainbow International Bridge to enjoy the view from both banks of the Niagara River. But that is not often the case because sometimes you just can’t get over the border. Maybe you don’t have enough time or maybe your legal status won’t allow it. But wherever you are seeing it from – it’s all good.
Going under the Falls
My itinerary was simple – fly into Buffalo, drive to Niagara Falls, stay two days and fly out. And to be honest, two days was just enough time to see and do everything I had on my list and then some. But I am afraid I have missed something too. So adding an extra day would be worth the while too, just saying.
As soon as I arrived, I looked for a ticket that included all the attractions, which I knew would take up almost the entire afternoon. I was soon picked up and taken to the start of the Niagara adventure. Promptly I boarded the Maid of the Mist (at the Observation Tower) – the sightseeing boat tour for the magical journey right into the Falls. Predictably, Niagara Falls is crowded, whether you are taking the boat or not. I was told that tourists didn’t stop coming here, rain or snow!
The boat ferried past the base of the American Falls, and onto the basin of Horseshoe Falls, the dramatic passage leading us through the roiling waterfall whitewater and massive rock formations. I’ll have you know that it is not just pretty, in the process you end up getting very wet. But that is half the fun. All of us on the boat screamed (mostly out of sheer joy rather than the cold) but the voices were lost to the thunderous roar.
My personal suggestion to anyone visiting would be to take the boat ride to the Falls. The Niagara Falls, which is made up of three waterfalls, the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls produces the highest flow rate of any waterfall on earth and you experience this in full effect on the boat ride.
Everyone on the boat was soaking wet, however we all trooped to the Cave of the Winds, a place that was also a favourite of Charles Dickens who visited in the year 1842. A lot has changed since the time Dickens descended a rickety staircase to stand in the Cave of the Winds, a 130-foot-tall cavity behind Bridal Veil Falls (cave collapsed but the name lives on) because today newer, sturdier, and ever-changing walkways have been installed in front of Bridal Veil Falls.
Dare to face the roaring spray by starting in the state park, where, happily, a modern elevator takes you safely to the walkway. A soaking is unavoidable—which makes it even more amazing that the tour is open even in the depths of winter. It was my most unique experience by the Niagara Falls area and with any waterfalls, to be honest. The whole experience makes you feel like you are in the middle of a storm – a mild one. A word of warning here – thanks to all that water, the surface can be slippery. Grab the rails and exercise caution.
A walk in the park
Considering that I was completely soaked (no escaping that), I spent time under the pale afternoon sun hoping to dry off and soak up some warmth by the Nikola Tesla statue. And in a brave attempt to defy the cold, allowed myself the luxury of indulging in a cookie-dough ice cream, the best I’ve eaten in my entire life.
Honestly, I had no idea that there was a whole Niagara Falls State Park here which is also the oldest state park in the United States, opened since 1885. It spans about 400 acres, which means there is so much to explore. It is a great spot to look at or takes pictures of – Niagara Fall, from all angles.
Next, we were driven to see the Devil’s Whirlpool – which is said to be in existence for over 4200 years. This natural whirlpool is in the Niagara Gorge, downstream from Niagara Falls. Average depth of Niagara whirlpool is 125 feet (38 m). the uniqueness of this whirlpool is that naturally spins in a counterclockwise motion during normal flow. When more water from the river is diverted to the surrounding hydroelectric power plants, the flow often reverses.
If you are lucky enough, a wlak in the park will give you the chance of seeing plenty of bird species, including gulls that are often seen to dive into the choppy waters, along with warblers and green herons.
This is pretty much all that I could do on Day 1.
Old Niagara Fort
Day 2 begins leisurely and is dedicated to the history nerd in me. Twenty minutes from Niagara Falls, the old Fort is located at the base of the Niagara River. It is also the oldest continuously occupied military site in North America and was established as a fortification built to protect the interests of New France in North America. However, it became best known for its use during the War of 1812 in which the British captured the fort and then eventually relinquished it under the terms of the Treaty of Ghent. It has remained in US custody ever since. In 1934, Old Fort Niagara opened as a historic site and public museum. However, military presence on the site continues with the United States Coast Guard still operating at “The Bottoms”, making Fort Niagara one of the longest continuously run military bases in the United States, 1726 – present. You can explore the fort or just sit down and enjoy some amazing views!
On a clear day, you can see Toronto across the river.
Must Visit
If you have time on hand, here are a few things you could fit into your itinerary as well.
Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Centre:
This recently opened centre shares authentic stories of Underground Railroad abolitionists and freedom seekers in Niagara Falls. If you do visit, there is a permanent exhibition titled One More River to Cross that features stories of the Underground Railroad in Niagara Falls, including the actions of the area’s black residents.
Niagara Falls Art & Cultural Museum:
This is located in the former Niagara Falls High School building, the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center (NACC) is the largest multi-arts center in upstate New York. The Mission of the NACC is to Protect the historic building as well as promote the arts and cultural experiences to the community and visitors to the region.
Castellani Art Museum:
This museum is located on the Niagara University’s main campus in the town of Lewiston, close to the city of Niagara. It features exhibitions of nationally known and emerging contemporary artists and traditional folk arts. It started with the Castellanis couple collecting art in the 1960s. By 1989, their collection included over 3,000 works.
Aquarium of Niagara:
A very interesting aquarium containing 30 exhibits and is also called the Wet Wonder of Niagara. It features over1500 aquatic animals from more than 120 aquatic animal species ranging from California sea lions, rescued seals, Peruvian Humboldt penguins, sharks, seahorses, coral reef, sturgeon and more. There is also daily penguin and seal feedings, sea lion shows, and expert talks.
Go on a wine trail:
The Niagara Wine Trail features almost two dozen award-winning wineries and cideries to enjoy giving you the opportunity to escape to the countryside. The wine trail stretches to both the Canada and the U.S sides and all well within half hour drive from the city itself. Niagara wineries have been recognized for their ice wines over the years.
Did you know –
- 3,160 tons of water flows over Niagara Falls every second.
- Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in America, established in 1885 as the Niagara Reservation. Over 8 million visitors explore Niagara Falls State Park annually.
- Niagara Falls State Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted; he also designed Central Park in New York City.
- Niagara Falls is comprised of three waterfalls, from largest to smallest, the Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls), American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
