As you are probably aware, I went to a summer camp in New York State this year. A theme which runs through the entire camp session was that it didn’t feel like we were just a source of cheap labour. One perk was that camp organised a cultural trip for all staff to Niagara Falls. This is one reason I loved camp, and would recommend it to others. It always felt like the camp went the extra mile to ensure we got something out of the entire experience too. With regards to Niagara Falls, all expenses were paid, and we finished the day on a beach close to Lake Eerie, with a tasty cook-out! It was an awesome day, seeing a beautiful part of New York and getting a lot closer to the 90-odd staff at camp.
Moving on to look at Niagara Falls.
Firstly, it has earned its reputation as a ‘must-see sight’. The Falls, made up of three separate waterfalls, on the USA and Canadian border, gushing with over 44 million gallons of water a minute is really an impressive spectacle; even from a long distance away, you can see the mist rising! Clearly, such a sight is going to be busy, and Niagara Falls is no exception. There is much aimed at tourists here but don’t let that deter you.
I’ve heard, and read that many believe it best viewed from the Canadian side, however I can’t comment on that (yet). Having looked at pictures, it is clear there is a good view of the falls, especially the Canadian Falls, or Horseshoe Falls. However, I can tell you that the view from the American side is epic!
Walking around, there is the option to get extremely close to the falls. To put it into perspective, one of my friends from camp, accidentally managed to kick his shoe into the Falls! Walking around gives you a good opportunity to explore the waterfalls from a variety of different angles.
Make sure to check out the angle from the observatory deck. The elevated deck provides one of the best opportunities to see all three waterfalls, with a fantastic view looking down the gorge. It is well worth the small fee to get access!
Another great way to see the waterfalls is from the Maid of the Mist. This boat drives right up into the horseshoe falls, providing an awesome view from a completely new perspective. It feels amazing as the boat moves into the centre of the horseshoe falls and
visibility is massively reduced from the huge amount of mist. There are a number of opportunities at the fall which may not be worth the money, but in my mind, and the mind of many others I’ve spoken to, the Maid of the Mist is a must! For only $14 for an adult, it is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry!
Finally, don’t forget to check out the Cave of the Winds. This adventure starts off with you
going down around 175 feet in a lift, all fully kitted out in your new sandals included with your ticket. When you get to the bottom, you’ll receive a poncho and follow the path which leads you to a wooden walkway with a variety of decks given different vantage points of the falls. You can work your way along in your own time, taking it as slow as you want, progressing your way along the decks until you face the might Hurricane Deck. With the ferocity of a tropical storm, the water from Bridal Falls pounds directly onto you, and is truly exhilarating! Let’s face it… claiming to have showered in Niagara Falls is pretty rad!
If you can, it is worth visiting Niagara Falls at night. They look spectacular lit up, their colours changing every few minute. It is a nice setting just to relax, and slow life down, and I’m sure you could find yourself looking at them for ages. If you’re lucky enough to visit at the right time (as I was), you may witness a firework display: something which will top off any day perfectly.
I’d better head out now. Catch up with you later!