Niagara Falls and the Great Beyond

There’s always something timeless about visiting Niagara Falls.  Watching the water pour over the majestic falls captures the heart of millions of visitors every year from all over the world.  Though the skyline of the falls has changed drastically over the past few decades the falls are still the reason to go. 

My wife and I honeymooned in Niagara Falls almost 30 years ago and though we have traveled all over the world since I don’t think a year has gone by that we haven’t visited Niagara Falls even if just for the day but many times a weekend.  It’s just such a magical place.  And what’s really wonderful is that our children have followed suit and also love to go back to the falls with their mates and now our grandchildren. 

If you have family coming from overseas Niagara Falls is the place to go.  Both the Canadian and American sides offer great vantage points.  And Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York offer wonderful trails up to and around the falls.  A great view of the falls can be had from the Rainbow Bridge just downstream of the falls.  This is the border crossing between Canada and the United States so you do need your passport and will have to go through customs.   We like to stay by the Rainbow Bridge in the hotel we honeymooned at and from there go for a walk across the bridge and up to the park at Goat Island stopping by “Bridal Vail” falls on the way to the main falls.  On the Canadian side of Niagara Falls we like to park up stream of the falls at the Niagara Parks greenhouse or at the park just up from there and walk down to the falls.  There is a large parking lot directly across from the Canadian side of the falls and Table Rock restaurant. 

No trip to Niagara Falls is complete without walking up and back down Clifton Hill.  Clifton Hill is great at night with lots of lights and wax museums, haunted houses and arcades.  About halfway up or down Clifton Hill …depending which way you’re heading is the Ferris wheel.  This massive Ferris wheel offers amazing views of both the American and Canadian Falls. 

Another great way to enjoy the falls is on the Maid of the Mist.  The Maid of the Mist boats will take you up to the falls along the Niagara River and yes you will get wet but plastic rain coats are provided.  The Maid of the Mist only operates in the warmer months so if you are going to Niagara Falls and want to take this voyage it’s best to check ahead to make sure they are in operation.  Another great way to see the Niagara River is by jet boat and yes once again you will get wet but rain coats are provided. 

 If you don’t mind heights a great view above the Niagara River is the Whirl Pool Rapids cable car.  This ride takes you over 1800 feet across the gorge and provides a great view of the whirlpool.  There are also companies in the Niagara area that offer helicopter sightseeing tours of the falls and Niagara Gorge. 

There are hundreds of attractions in the Niagara Falls area and this is just a fraction of what Niagara Falls and area have to offer.  It is a wonderful place to take your family and guests that are visiting from out of the area or oversees. 

Even though we’ve been going for over 30 years we still find new and exciting things to do when visiting Niagara Falls.