Wow! What an awesome sight that we experienced in viewing the Niagara Falls. It is difficult to really prepare for the massive size, the roar of the sound, and incredible water volume of the falls. When you are walking the path up to the falls you begin to see the top of the water, but cannot see the entire falls until you walk right up to the steep ledge and then it is almost more than you can comprehend.
I had actually seen the falls as a child, maybe 8 years old, on a family vacation. My memory of it was kind of like looking at a postcard, not the 3 dimensional (with sound) view while standing along the rail. On this visit we accomplished all of the major excursions while there, including the Maid of the Mist boat ride right up to the falls and we climbed the wooden stairs up to the Hurricane Deck on the Cave of the Winds tour. To see the falls itself is free, but all of the extra tours include a charge. These two paid excursions were most definitely worth it.
The falls are 176 feet tall and consist of three falls, from largest to smallest, the Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls), American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. During the summer, the flow rate is over 700,000 gallons per second pouring over the falls. That is 2.5 billion gallons per hour! Hard to even imagine something that massive.
More amazing facts about the falls can be found here.
The Maid of the Mist boat ride has been transporting people to the falls and back since 1846 in a very similar fashion as today. After donning raincoats, the boat navigates up river, against the flow, to the Canadian side of the falls. There it hovers for about 10 minutes at the very bottom of the falls while trying to remain in one spot in the turbulent waters. It is very difficult to take a photo because of the heavy mist spray and the wild turbulence of the boat. We enjoyed this excursion (priced at $18.25 per person).
The Cave of the Winds tour was equally impressive! First you take an elevator down the 20 stories or so to the wooden stairs and walkways. They tear down the stairs every November and then rebuild them in the spring. The series of stairs and walkways go to the falls and then you climb up right along side the water rushing down. Once up a couple a 100 feet or so, the walk takes you to a platform near where the water is crashing down upon the rocks. It feels like you are standing in the middle of a hurricane, hence the name Hurricane Deck. This one was $17 per person.
On the third day of our visit to the falls area, we walked across the bridge to explore Toronto on the Canadian side of the falls. The view over there is actually better as you can see the falls from the front instead of the side. The border crossing was quite easy earlier in the morning with minimal wait and just a few questions, such as how long were we staying and if I was carrying a firearm. Canada has some very restrictive views on self defense it seems.
With our short time in Toronto we just walked along a few city streets and into a huge mall/casino to browse. The casino was as large as a super Walmart with special tables set up for Japanese guests only. I thought that kind of strange. We did not play any of the games. The border crossing back to the US went even quicker with just a welcome back and if we bought anything for excise tax purposes, I guess. Nothing bought but a Tim Horton’s donut and coffee!
The photos below are decent, but something like the Niagara Falls really needs to be seen in person. I hope you all get to see the falls if you have not already.
Have a great day.
We are currently in Indiana and plan to see several of our family members while here until Sept 1st when we move on to the Prairie State or is it known as the Land of Lincoln. Not sure exactly, but I bet Heather knows.
Well, as a matter of fact, I do! “Land of Lincoln” IS the official slogan of Illinois, even though Abe was born in Kentucky, and he and his family even lived in Indiana for a period of time. The reason for the slogan – he started his law/political career in Illinois, representing the people of Illinois, and then eventually becoming president from Illinois. Wait, that sounds familiar….
Hi Heather! I thought that would get a response. 🙂 Thanks for the clarification.
Sherris and I were there in the early 90’s. We stayed on the Canadian side. It’s interesting the amount of water diverted to make energy. It would be neat to see the full flow. When we were there they had actually diverted all of the water from the American side falls and were securinging the face of the falls to slow the erosion. They are trying to keep the falls in one place.
It is very interesting in how they can control the water flow. We also toured the power plant and saw how they have underground water inlets a few miles upstream and divert two 6-lane highway size water ducts that flow under the city. Once at the power plant the water falls 20 stories, all inside a concrete form, to spin up the turbines.
Spectacular pictures! I was there when I was about 6 yrs old and I remember the sound, the mist and walking along a swiftly moving river on a board walk near some shops/food places. What a privilege it is to drive around freely and visit all the wonderful places you two have seen so far. We have an amazing country! Enjoy time with your family in IN. 🙂
Thanks Janet! Yes, it is an amazing country and a great opportunity to explore.
Official motto is Land of Lincoln! Even though Abe was born in Kentucky, he started his law/politcal career in Illinois.
I posted a second reply because my first one from the day before wasn’t showing up! Must be a 24 hour delay or something.