Date travelled: 15-16 October 2007.
Niagara Falls, one of the world's great natural wonders, and a popular honeymoon destination, is certainly one not to miss. Situated only 90 minutes away from Toronto, and right on the United States/Canada border, Niagara Falls is easily accessible.
For the purpose of this guide, I will be writing about the Canadian side of the falls, as I believe this is the better side to view the falls in all their glory.
If you are arriving by train, take a taxi to the centre by the falls (cost C$10). If you are arriving by plane, the nearest airports are Hamilton (Canadian side) or Buffalo (US side). See their websites for more information. I stayed at the Travelodge by the Falls, which is about 3 minutes walk from the falls (so close you can hear the waterfalls from the rooms, which acts as a relaxing way to get to sleep!)
The hotel I stayed at is situated on Clifton Hill, which consists of many restaurants, tourist shops and other tourist attractions such as the Guinness World Records museum.
Clifton Hill.
But of course, you didn't come to Niagara Falls to visit museums like the Guinness World Records. The falls are simply incredible. In fact there are two different waterfalls here; the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. With 129 million litres (thats 34 million gallons) of water going over both waterfalls every minute, you can understand why they make a noise! If you are here at night, you will see a nice lightshow on both falls, which uses high velocity lamps shining from the Canadian side.
American Falls at night.
All along the Canadian side of the falls, there is a pleasant path that runs along the cliff side, with views of both falls all the way around. Just off this path are other hotels, casinos and the Skylon tower, an observation platform where you can see both views from above (more on this later).
Skylon tower at night.
Even though the falls are amazing from a distance, there are opportunities to feel the falls close up during your visit. The most famous of these is the "Maid of the Mist", which is a 30 minute boat ride right into the heart of the Horseshoe Falls. (tickets C$14.00 - available from Canadian side or US side). You are given plastic garments to keep yourself dry. Believe me you will need these, it gets very wet down there!
Maid of the Mist.
As I mentioned earlier, the Skylon tower gives you a lovely view of both waterfalls, along with the town of Niagara, and on a clear day Ontario state (Canada) and New York state (United States) (tickets C$12.50).
American Falls from Skylon tower.
Horseshoe Falls from Skylon tower.
Of course if you have come to Niagara Falls to relax, you are in luck. There are many green areas by the cliffside where you can just sit on one of the many benches, shaded by the trees, and view the falls. Be careful not to drift off to sleep though!
Another fine attraction at Niagara Falls is the "Journey Behind the Falls", which is basically a series of underground tunnels underneath the Horseshoe Falls (tickets C$12.50).
Journey Behind the Falls.
As part of your ticket, you can also stand right on the edge of the Horseshoe Falls, thanks to the viewing platform. If you are here on a windy day, you could get quite wet from the mist, so again use your plastic garment that's provided to you.
Horseshoe Falls up close.
If you like your food, you will be in luck. I recommend "Kelseys", a restaurant at the top of Clifton Hill. They have an excellent menu, probably the best customer service I've ever experienced from a restaurant, and for C$35 for a filling three course meal, good value too. Try the burgers with feta, they are simply magnificant!
Niagara Falls offers you one of the best examples of natural beauty you will ever see in your lifetime, and definately worth a visit.
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