Niagara Falls
Why
Niagara Falls
is specialIt 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.
Seasons
The time of the year makes a big difference in what you'll experience
-
Summer - Positive points
Summer is best in terms of water fall strength. The greater the volume, the more spectacular the viewing experience.
- Summer - Negative points
Unfortunately, summer is 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
Winter 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.
- Compromises
The two best compromise times are early May and late September.
During the peak summer period
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.
Five don't miss attractions of Niagara Falls
There is no shortage of organized Niagara Falls tourist attractions. Many are not worth the time or money. Most visitors will appreciate these attractions:
Note: I did not include the Cavern in the Wind tour because the somewhat similar Journey Behind the Falls tour is much more interesting.
-
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
Niagara Falls on both sides of the border are lit at night. The colors change during the presentation.
- Observation towers
Both the Canadian and American sides have tall observation towers that provide bird's eye views of the Niagara Falls.
- IMAX
The IMAX theatre presents an awesome yet educational cinematic perspective of Niagara Falls on a super-sized screen.
Book a hotel on the Canadian side
It offers better views of the falls. And the overall ambiance is not as garish.
More tips and insights
Honeymooners
Niagara Falls is famous as a honeymoon destination for amorous Americans and canoodling Canadians.
Less majestic than before
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 the collective name of three separate falls
- Horseshoe Falls
It is 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 mainly on the Canadian side.
- American Falls
It's less grand than Horseshoe Falls because nine times less water flows over it. Also, its brink is linear, not curved, thus not as visually striking.
- Bridal Veil Falls
These falls are tinier and less remarkable than the Horseshoe and American Falls. Likethe latter, it's on the American side.
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 2013, Nik Wallenda tightroped successfully across Niagara Falls without a safety harness. He is a seventh-generation member of the famous daredevil Wallenda family circus troupe.
Lucky kid
In 1960, a seven-year-old boy accidentally went over the falls. Happily, he lived.
Location on America/Canada border
