Niagara Falls

travel wonder shared by Canada & the USA

Why Niagara Falls

is special

It is one of the mightiest falls on earth. Although Niagara Falls is smaller and less breathtaking than Iguazu Falls in South America and Victoria Falls in Africa, it is awe-inspiring in its own right.

Niagara Falls

is the collective

name of three 

separate nearby falls

Horseshoe Falls - By far the most spectacular of the three falls. Its shape gives it its name (see photo). Horseshoe Falls is also known as Canadian Falls because it is situated entirely on the Canadian side.

American Falls - Less grand than Horseshoe Falls because nine times less water flows over it. Also, its brink is linear, not curved, thus less visually striking.

Bridal Veil Falls - Tinier and less remarkable than the Horseshoe and American Falls.  Like the latter, it's on the American side.

Niagara Falls

sightseeing

There is no shortage of organized Niagara Falls tourist attractions. Many are not worth the time or money. These are some of the worthy attractions:

Maid of the Mist - For a close look at the falls, take the 15 minute Maid of the Mist tour boat ride. If you look hard, you will see the boat in the photo above. Boats leave frequently from both the Canadian and American sides. You disembark where you embarked.

Journey Behind the Falls - This walking tour takes you behind the plunging Horseshoe Falls. It literally gives you an insider's perspective.

Illumination of the Falls - Niagara Falls on both sides of the border are lit at night. The colors change during the presentation.

Observation tours - Both the Canadian and American sides have tall observation towers provide a bird's eye view of the Niagara Falls.

IMAX - The IMAX theatre presents an awesome yet educational cinematic perspective of Niagara Falls on a super-sized screen.

Note: I did not include the Cavern in the Wind tour because the somewhat similar Journey Behind the Falls tour is much more interesting.

Best and

worst times to

visit Niagara Falls

Summer is best in terms of water fall strength. The greater the volume, the more spectacular the viewing experience.

Unfortunately, summer is also the season when the lion's share of the 15 million annual visitors come. Crowds can be overwhelming and line waits unbearable.

Winter is the least desirable time to visit. It can be bitterly cold, a major factor considering that watching the falls is primarily an outdoor standing activity.

Moreover, in deep winter, layers of ice can hide the falling water.


The two best compromise times are early May and late September.

Other Niagara Falls

tips & insights

Book a hotel on the Canadian side. It offers better views of the falls.

During the peak tourist periods, avoid long lines by scheduling your visits to the popular attractions in the morning (before 10:30 a.m.) or late afternoon (after 4:00 p.m.).  And, if possible, avoid weekends.

Niagara Falls was once grander. Since the middle of the last century, about half of the upstream Niagara River water is diverted for use by two hydroelectric plants. That water bypasses Niagara Falls by being channeled underground directly into the Niagara River downstream of Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls is renowned for daredevil exploits. Over the past 100 years, 15 people have gone over the falls for fame or fortune in or on a device like a barrel, kayak or ski jet. Scorecard: 10 survived, 5 died.

In 1960, a seven year old boy accidentally went over the falls. Happily, he lived.

Niagara Falls is famous as a honeymoon destination for amorous Americans and canoodling Canadians.

   

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in the USA

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in Canada

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I hope your Canada and America travel dreams come true - and that 

my Niagara Falls page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications