7/16/17: While at Port Colborne, we took a day and played tourist at The Canadian Niagara Falls. We can think of only one word that can describe this wonder of the natural world: spectacular!
We talked to a few people who all recommended that we take the Niagara Parkway from Fort Erie to Niagara Falls. It added a half hour to the the trip there, but it was well worth the extra time. The parkway twists and turns as it follows the river, and has several parks and other places on the river side to pull off to fish, have a picnic, or just relax. On the opposite are homes: some were multi (multi) million dollar mansions, and some were “normal middle class” family homes. It was interesting to see the mixture of homes standing right next to each other. It was a beautiful drive.
When we arrived at the Falls, the parking was crazy. It appeared they only had 2 lots, and the first was completely filled so we had to park in the second “overflow” lot. It was about a mile walk to the welcome center, but they had shuttles running to take people there. The problem was they had one shuttle that held 5-7 people, and there were at least 40 or 50 people waiting. Each shuttle took about 10 minutes to deliver people and return. We figured it would be well over an hour to wait, so we walked. Little did we know we would be walking all day.
The sidewalk to the welcome center took us by the rapids that lead to the Falls, which were impressive just by themselves. Massive torrents of water with huge eddies, waves and backcurrents dominate the Niagara River for about 1/2 mile leading to The Falls. You can see the mist rising further ahead where the water plunges over the escarpment. Even before you get to the welcome center, The Horseshoe Falls present themselves with all their majesty. They are truly incredible to see. Further down, on the opposite shore, you can also see The American Niagara Falls, which are smaller, but no less impressive.
There were several attractions on both sides of the river (American and Canadian), but we chose the three that interested us the most: The Hornblower Cruise, The Skylon Tower, and The Journey Behind the Falls. There were also ziplines, butterfly gardens, and many other attractions within the city of Niagara Falls, just like you’d find at any other major tourist area.
The Hornblower Cruise is the Canadian equivalent of the American Maid of the Mist. These are the boats that take you right to the bottom of the Falls. Everyone is provided with a thin, lightweight plastic red poncho (they are blue on the American cruises). They stick to you when it’s hot out and don’t do much to cover your face or below the waist, but without them you would come back totally drenched. As you board the boat (about 1/4 mile from the Falls), you can already feel the mist. They first take you to the bottom of the American Falls. There is so much current and wind from the Falls that the boat is rocking and it feels like you’re in a rainstorm. But then comes The Horseshoe Falls. The power of the water is immense. The wind produced from it whips the pocho every which way. The “mist” is more like drops of rain in a severe thunderstorm. And the sound is undescribable. It was a truly amazing experience. And yes, we got wet (make that soaked).
We also went up in The Skylon Tower, a round tower rising 775 feet above the Falls. To get to the top, you take an elevator which is on the outside of the tower. At the top is an observatory that you can see 360 degrees in all directions. Of course, the area facing the Falls was where most people were, and provided the best views. Seeing both sets of Falls from that height and distance was something to behold.
The Journey Behind The Falls was unique and interesting, but quite honestly, not worth the money. The attraction takes you down an elevator and through some carved tunnels to the side of The Horshoe Falls near the bottom. It was neat seeing these Falls from this perspective, however it was simply too crowded to get close enough to enjoy. You did get to wear some pretty cool yellow ponchos, so that made it worthwhile. There were also 2 other tunnels that led to openings directly behind the falls. They were gated back 50 feet or so for safety, and had a line of people leading to the gates, but we were eventually able to make our way to the front to see them. Pretty neat experience, but just not worth $20 per person.
Each attraction was quite a walk from the other. We probably walked a total of 5+ miles just getting to all of the various attractions (but it was still worth the walk). And we laughed at how every attraction, once you paid, took you first to a “photo shoot”, then to the “event”, and then exited you to the photo pickup station and then to one (or more) souvenir shops.
We can certainly see why everyone says the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is “better” than the American side. From the American side, you are always viewing the American Falls from the top or the side, but never from the front (and we didn’t see how you could see The Horseshoe Falls at all, which are much larger and more impressive). But on the Canadian side, you see both sets of Falls in their entirety. They are truly breathtaking.
It was a long day, but a day in which we created many good memories.
Pics of Niagara Falls
