Whether you’re enjoying an adventure vacation in the Canadian province of Ontario or the US state of New York, you won’t want to leave before you’ve had a chance to experience the natural spectacle of Niagara Falls.
The renowned natural wonder straddles the border between the two North American countries. With three separate waterfalls: Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls on the US side and Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, the sister cities of Niagara Falls, NY and Niagara Falls, Canada have much to offer everyone.
In fact, the falls, which formed 12,000 years ago and are formed by water flowing from four of the five Great Lakes, are one of the world’s most beloved honeymoon destinations and the largest producer of hydroelectric power.
a canadian adventure
The Canadian side of the falls allows for the best direct views of the 52-meter-high Horseshoe Falls and the 55-meter-high American Falls. From this side of the Niagara River, the Maid of the Mist tour boat operates from mid-April to late October each year to give tourists an up-close-and-personal view of the falls.
Passengers from the ship, which also has a departure point on the US side of the river, board the ferry on a calm part of the Niagara River near the Rainbow Bridge, which crosses the Canada-US border. Once on board, you are provided with a blue waterproof poncho to protect your clothing from the river spray. She will then have the opportunity to cruise American and Bridal Veil Falls before stopping at the misty curve of the majestic Horseshoe Falls.
Several famous faces, including actress Marilyn Monroe, the late Princess Diana, her sons Princes William and Harry, and former US President Jimmy Carter, are among those who have taken a ride on the Maid of the Mist since it was established. like a tourist. attractions in the mid-nineteenth century.
Another adventure that you may want to visit on your trip to Canada is the Journey Behind the Falls attraction. Here, you can ride an elevator through 150 feet of bedrock to an upper and lower viewing platform behind Horseshoe Falls for an up-close look at the 2,800 cubic meters of water that falls every second.
Surprise yourself in America
Goat Island separates Horseshoe Falls from American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, and the natural wonder on this side of the falls is also worth a closer look.
While only about ten percent of all the water that passes over the falls is on the US side, it is possible to get much closer to these falls and they generate considerably less mist.
The American Falls are best viewed directly from the Canadian side of the border, but you can get within several feet of the falling water and enjoy a side view from very close. An alternative vantage point is the New York State Observation Tower, the bottom of which also serves as a base for the US side of the Maid of the Mist tower, where you can view the falls from above.
If you want to get even closer to the action during the summer months, you may want to take the Cave of the Winds tour, which allows you to get close enough to Bridal Veil Falls to feel the mist coming off the water. This attraction, like the Maid of the Mist, is only available during the warmer months, between April and October.
Find the falls and other things to do
It’s easy to plan a trip to Niagara Falls no matter which side of the border you travel from. Tours are available from Toronto, New York City, and nearby Buffalo, which is also a great place to explore when you’ve had your fill of the falls.
Nearby, why not take a day trip to the historic and picturesque Canadian city of Niagara-on-the-Lake or take part in some outdoor activities at Niagara Falls State Park in New York? You can always return to the falls at night, where they are often lit up after dark with a series of dancing colored lights.
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a day trip or a week trip, there are plenty of Niagara Falls tours to suit your needs.
