Monday, October 15, 2012

Niagara Falls

I was looking back at my summer photos and realized I never showed you our trip to Niagara Falls.  We go almost every year as there is lots to see and do and it is so pretty.  Just in case you are planning a trip to Niagara Falls I wanted to show you the things we like to do in the area.


Of course, the falls are the star attraction and really are amazing.  Even though I've seen them many, many times, I never get tired of them.  There is a walkway along the river starting well above the falls and going along past the falls so you can get many different views.  


As you walk near the falls you always get wet from the mist.



And then along further you can get a view of the entire Horseshoe Falls.  


Looking downriver you can see the American Falls in the distance.


Apart from the falls themselves there are lots of other sites.  Niagara Falls is home to the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture so there are gardens and flowers everywhere.



Many people go for a ride on the Maid of the Mist, a boat which travels up the river to the base of the falls.  We have never done it, but it is on my wish list.



One of the things we enjoy is Journey Behind the Falls where you go down a tunnel to two viewing platforms behind the falls.  The sound of the water rushing by so near you is amazing and you can actually feel the power of the falls when you are that close.  In the photo below you can see the people on one of the platforms.


You can also go up the Skylon Tower to get a different view of the falls.  It has a revolving restaurant at the top along with viewing decks.


When you have had enough of the falls you can drive along the Niagara Parkway toward the pretty town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.  It is a beautiful drive through parkland and past gorgeous historic homes and vineyards.

Along the way you can stop and see the whirlpool formed where the Niagara River turns. If you like to live on the wild side you can cross the river in a cable car or go up the river in a speed boat.  We prefer to just look from the viewing platforms on either side at the top.


In a little town called Queenston partway to Niagara-on-the-Lake, you can visit the historic home of Laura Secord.  She was one of the heroines of the War of 1812.  She overhead the American's plans for a battle the following day, so she walked thirty kilometers (nineteen miles) through the forest to warn the British troops.  


In Niagara-on-the-Lake you can visit Fort George




and explore the beautiful historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake itself.



And in case you are wondering what Niagara Falls looks like in the winter, you can see this post.  You can also read more about Niargara-on-the-Lake and a wine tour here.

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7 comments:

  1. I have been to Niagara a few times, but I long to visit Niagara on the Lake, it looks like such a charming town! Thanks for the quick tour of this beautiful area.

    Kat

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  2. Lovely photos, Grace. We go to Niagara Falls at least once a year. Our favourite part is the drive from the Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake, past the wineries and fruit markets. We usually stop at the park and let the kids and their cousins (now teens) stretch their legs and run around the park near the quaint shops. Now that the kids are older, I keep saying we should leave them home and try a wine tour. Love all the destinations you pointed out and we enjoy the Journey behind the Falls, but no way am I getting on the Maid of the Mist.

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  3. I also went to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-lake and wrote a post about it. I have seen the Falls, many, many times and just love it, it's magnificent!

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  4. Great photos! I have always been fascinated by the falls ever since I saw a movie as a girl called Niagra with Marilyn Monroe. :) Kit

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  5. Nice post! Love Niagara Falls and Niagara on the lake has to be one of my favorite places.

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  6. A couple of years ago we went to Niagara Falls and loved it! And Niagara-On-The-Lake was such a charming and beautiful town! Thanks for renewing this memory for me!

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  7. Niagara Falls is definitely on my travel wishlist. With my daughter going to live in Canada next year I may just make it!

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