Niagara Falls was on our must-see list of destinations during our time workamping in upstate New York. This is definitely a place where a picture cannot do justice to the majestic beauty of the rushing waterfalls.
We learned that Niagara Falls is actually three separate waterfalls. Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three and forms a semi-circle (horseshoe shape) between the US and Canada. The other two falls are right next to each other on the US side–the American Falls and the smaller Bridal Veil Falls.
Niagara Falls State Park:
Our friends Steve and Joan joined us on this fun trip. We were all pleasantly surprised that navigating around the area was pretty easy. Most of the main sights can be found within Niagara Falls State Park which is proud to be the oldest state park in the United States. The big attractions are obviously the three waterfalls, but also the Cave of the Winds and the Maid of the Mist boat tour. We began at the main parking area on Goat Island.
From the moment we first saw Horseshoe Falls from Terrapin Point, we were amazed at the awe-inspiring scenery. We have been to other waterfalls before, but this experience was truly breathtaking. In the morning hours the sun created a rainbow over Horseshoe Falls as 600,000 gallons of beautiful blue-green water thundered over the edge … each second! Just the sheer volume kicks up a mist that covers much of the area.
Cave of the Winds:
Next up was the Cave of the Winds. This attraction was originally an actual cave that allowed visitors to go behind the falls until a collapse made it unsafe. Today, you ride an elevator down 180 feet to the base of Bridal Falls where you then walk along a series of wooden walkways, stairs, and decks. It’s a good thing they issue you a yellow poncho because you are about to get up close and personal with a lot of rushing water!
It is super loud here and you get really wet, especially if you stand on the Hurricane Deck. This spot is just 15 feet in front of the falls where winds can be whirling up to 68 miles per hour. Talk about raw power!
Amazingly, all the wood decking is taken down each autumn and rebuilt each spring because the winter ice would tear the deck apart (and no one stops the waterflow while they are working in cold and wet conditions!).
The Niagara Falls Trolley provides an easy way to get around the park. We took it to Three Sisters Island for a look at the Canadian Rapids where the water rushes toward Horseshoe Falls. A hop back on the trolley took us off Goat Island and over to the other side of the park. Here we got a look at the American Rapids where the water races toward the American Falls. The trolley guide said they are Class 6 unsurvivable rapids.
Interestingly, Nikola Tesla harnessed the great power of the falls to create alternating current, allowing power to be transmitted over long distances. He designed the first hydroelectric power plant here and, even today, Niagara Falls is New York state’s largest electricity producer.
Maid of the Mist:
After a quick lunch at Hard Rock Cafe we went over to Prospect Point. An elevator ride down 200 feet took us to the Maid of the Mist entrance. This crowd-favorite attraction goes up Niagara Gorge right to the base of Horseshoe Falls.
We got another poncho—this time it was blue. Everyone waved at the Canadians with their red ponchos across the river. I was amazed to learn that the boats are all electric and can recharge in 7 minutes between rides.
The boat first took us past the American Falls and Bridal Falls area. We had a great view from the water and didn’t get too wet here. Look at that smaller falls on the right–that’s what Mike was standing near at Cave of the Winds.
As we continued up to the brink of Horseshoe Falls, the mist increased and the water got pretty choppy. The boat does a 360 degree turn so that everyone gets a good view. The massive roar of the water is spectacular and you will definitely get soaked here!
Observation Tower:
After disembarking from the Maid of the Mist, we rode back up to the Observation Tower. This is the best spot to get a panoramic view of all three waterfalls from the US side.
Canada:
Having seen the main sights on the US side, we couldn’t pass up the chance to go across the International Rainbow Bridge to see a bit of Canada. We visited the charming northern town of Niagara-on-the-Lake which was full of flowers, beautiful views of Lake Ontario, and cute shops. The horse drawn carriage ride was a relaxing way to learn about the town.
In Canada we also had delicious homemade ice cream at Avondale Dairy Bar (thanks to the recommendation of the border guard) and enjoyed the drive past many orchards. We stopped for a wine tasting at Two Sisters Vineyards where we learned all about the shape of wine glasses and then ate a lovely dinner at the Sandstone Grillhouse. The grand finale was seeing the lights and fireworks over the falls from the 525 foot tall Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
This was one long day … we left the room at 8:00 am and got home at 10:30 pm. But we got to see all of Niagara Falls and some of Canada too! My only complaint is that customs doesn’t actually stamp your passport anymore– it was all done electronically.😔
Even so, the trip was lots of fun and definitely a place I highly recommend. Niagara Falls is not the tallest or largest waterfall in the world, but the volume is massive and will definitely thrill visitors of all ages.
Wow! You guys really saw and did it all! Isn’t it great? We really loved it too – much more so than we anticipated. And I’m with you on the passport thing – if there’s no stamp in your passport, did you even really go?? LOL.
Safe travels!
Yes, it was a marathon day for sure but we got our money’s worth! My only regret is that we should have taken daytime pictures from the Canada side. While you are farther away from the falls, you can get a good panoramic view of them all from that side. Still, being near all that water was amazing no matter where you looked.
Good luck on your adventures in Portugal! I will be interested in learning if they stil stamp passports in Europe.🤔
WOW! What a thrill indeed and you detailed very informative things about the Falls too. What a fabulous place to visit and you took very amazing pictures. This is absolutely a worthy bucket list addition. Spectacular post and thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks Sandi! I was so glad we got to see Niagara Falls. It’s hard to imagine the power of so much water unless you see it in person. I agree, it certainly was worthy of the bucket list.