Detailed review by bwanamdevu
bwanamdevu(61)
Mansfield, United Kingdom93%
There can be few people who view this natural wonder and are not be awed and impressed by the scale and majesty of it.
Niagara Falls is truly one of the wonders of the world and if you ever get to see it, the sight will remain in your memory for ever. It is very hard to forget the instant shock that your senses get from the sight, the size, the spray and the noise!
Niagara Falls is not all that old - geologically speaking, that is - formed between5,500 and 12,000 years ago, a mere blink in the age of the earth and in all that time, the flow of water has stopped only once. In 1848, during a very severe winter, the river froze and was blocked upstream, cutting off the current to the falls. At the moment, not all the water in the river goes over the falls due to diversions through hydro-electric power stations but you can rest assured that what is left will create a pretty good show! Incidentally, more is diverted during the night-time and in September to May, so most will flow over the falls during the day-light hours of the tourist season.
Niagara Falls is really a very extensive area, not restricted to just the falls themselves. It straddles the border between the USA and Canada and comprises the set of three falls that make up the main show, the river gorge that goes many miles down-river and then the 90 turn that the river makes at the Whirlpool Rapids. We also have the twin cities of Niagara Falls, one on each side of the border joined by the Rainbow Bridge each with many attractions and as the border itself lies in the middle of the river, if you are to get the most out of your visit you will need to visit both sides.
The falls are really 3 falls in one.The much bigger Canadian Horseshoe Falls are what most of us picture in our minds when we think of Niagara. The Americans have to make do with the smaller and much less spectacular American Falls and the tiny Bridal Veil Falls. The total width of the falls is about 870m and their height 56m. Each year they are visited by over 12 million people, some coming back to view the amazing sight at night when the Canadian side is illuminated by multi-coloured spot-lights.
There are lots of attractions close by. On the Canadian side you can take a trip in one of the Maid of the Mists boats that power their way right up the turbulent river to almost disappear under the edge of the falling water. You will get soaked despite the waterproof clothing they give you but nobody seems to mind! These boats can be taken from either side of the river, leaving every 30 miutes from April to October. Expect to pay about C$13 for an adult. Also on the Canadian side there is the White River Walk, taking a drenching trek down the side of the gorge and a variety of ways to experience the falls, by jet-boat, helicopter and even hot-air balloons. Further down, past the Rainbow Bridge at the Whirlpool Rapids there is the Whirlpool Aero Car, a large bus-sized container to transport you, hanging from cables, over the swirling rapids and to the other side.This costs about C$8 for adults.
Another attraction on the Canadian side is the IMAX theatre, where a film show will educate you as to the history of the formation of Niagara and also notable events and people concerned with it over the last few hundred years. You might also want to take a trip up the Skylon Tower. Its about 173m high affording you excellent views of the falls, the gorge and Niagara in general. You can have a very nice meal there after taking all your photos! The city of Niagara Falls also has many other facilities like hotels and resturaunts to suit all pockets and plenty of other places, parks and gardens, to while away the time.
On the American side you may find things are looking a bit more dowdy and run-down, especially close to the Rainbow Bridge crossing, we certainly did. The town itself is nothing like the Canadian side but what of the attractions for visitors?
There is Goat Island. This is the island that divides the falls into the Canadian and American parts. Evidently it gets its name from the goats that used to be reared there in the 17th and 18th centuries, with some of them freezing to death in a very cold winter. From the island you can get some fantastic views of both parts and it is the only place to get down close to the Bridal Veil Falls. You can actually walk beneath its flimsy cascade, into what is called "The Cave of Winds". There is a geological musuem where the history of the area and falls can be seen and also casinos, golf, wineries, fishing and nature treks are available.
We did not spend long on the U.S. side as we were staying in Toronto, having driven down from there on the Queen Elizabeth Expressway so most of our knowledge is about the attractions of Canadian Niagara.
I have included some photographs taken during our visit that you might care to look at.
Niagara Falls10
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