For the past few years, Niagara Falls was on my wish list to see. I’m a big fan of waterfalls and although I’ve seen a fair share, especially in Hawaii and New Zealand, I still wanted to bask in the glory of the largest waterfall in North America. There’s something magical about the thunderous vibrations reverberating in your chest, the spray of mist in your face, and the beauty of the cheap, Vegas like strip, glitzing in the background. Ok that sounded a bit harsh, the waterfalls, both the American and Canadian side were awesome. I especially enjoyed the well maintained, freshly renovated, American Park. What I didn’t like was how many places cheapened the area with glitzy, wanna-be Vegas style buildings, and horrible wax museums with figurines that appeared to have been made by a one year old.
I knew Niagara was a very popular destination and so I figured prices would be bit extreme closer to the falls. Instead of staying right at the source we booked a one nighter at motel deep out on Lundy’s Lane. It ended up being a perfect spot because not too far from our motel was a damn good, all you can eat, Sushi Restaurant called “Wind Sushi”. I think we spent 30 CAD per person. After gorging ourselves and sharing some hot Saki, we made our way down to the falls and as we drove further from the center, meaning we would have to walk more, we found free parking at the Floral Showhouse.
It was dark, so my first impression of the falls were “Damn that’s powerfully loud”. The thunder the Horseshoe falls create, only magnetized its lure. I was like a little kid dragging Dominic by his arms to the candy section and boy did my eyes feast on an arrangement of colors. It was a relatively quiet night with very few other tourists. It felt like a personal light show for Dominic and myself. As we were leaving more people started to show for the firework spectacle, which I wasn’t too hard pressed to watch. I was satisfied enough with the falls.
I knew Niagara was a very popular destination and so I figured prices would be bit extreme closer to the falls. Instead of staying right at the source we booked a one nighter at motel deep out on Lundy’s Lane. It ended up being a perfect spot because not too far from our motel was a damn good, all you can eat, Sushi Restaurant called “Wind Sushi”. I think we spent 30 CAD per person. After gorging ourselves and sharing some hot Saki, we made our way down to the falls and as we drove further from the center, meaning we would have to walk more, we found free parking at the Floral Showhouse.
It was dark, so my first impression of the falls were “Damn that’s powerfully loud”. The thunder the Horseshoe falls create, only magnetized its lure. I was like a little kid dragging Dominic by his arms to the candy section and boy did my eyes feast on an arrangement of colors. It was a relatively quiet night with very few other tourists. It felt like a personal light show for Dominic and myself. As we were leaving more people started to show for the firework spectacle, which I wasn’t too hard pressed to watch. I was satisfied enough with the falls.
As we drove through the main strip, my once amazed eyes were assaulted by hideously tacky signs, and horribly kitchy shops. I don’t understand why natural wonders draw attention of such cheapness. Now the American side wasn’t as bad as the Canadian side but still had it’s negative points, which I learned the following day.
After an early start, we parked in the same place, and maneuvered our way through the thick mist and fog. I was a little worried I would get to see the falls through the clouds, but as the day carried on, it cleared. I opted to do the journey behind the falls and forgo Maiden of the Mist. The good thing about journey behind the falls, was we could go at our own pace, and we were able to avoid areas that had too many people.
After an early start, we parked in the same place, and maneuvered our way through the thick mist and fog. I was a little worried I would get to see the falls through the clouds, but as the day carried on, it cleared. I opted to do the journey behind the falls and forgo Maiden of the Mist. The good thing about journey behind the falls, was we could go at our own pace, and we were able to avoid areas that had too many people.
The Canadian side of the falls due to the better view, was more spectacular, but the area around the horse shoe also felt cheap and like some second hand tourist trap from the 80s. The American side had a wonderful park, but one is also bombarded with “Murica, fuck yeah”. Also Parking on the American side was a nightmare at first. They would post one price for a stall, and then when we go to park they doubled the charge. We refused to pay the thieves for a few hours parking. After driving a block, we found free parking which was limited to two hours, but that was enough for us. So looking into it before hand or driving an extra five minutes can pay of in the end.
Recap:
1. One can find free parking, if they are ok to walk a bit
2. Early May was a good time to travel, less tourists
3. The Canadian side has a better view of the falls, but also a cheaper, sleazy feel to it
4. The American side was very patriotic, but also had a great park, for free, to walk in
This being my thrid visit to the falls, i was actually excited to find out, how much had changed since my last stop here and i also wondered if the falls would leave a different impression this time around. Already knowing what to expect from the towns around the falls, i did my best to ignore all the glitter and light-traps which worked out better for me then for Fanchon. But we both did wonder why one would need a Casino or a wax museum when visiting the Niagaras... Still doesn´t make any sense to us but anyways....
The falls were great again and thankfully not to many other visitors, so we all ended up having plenty of good spots to take pictues. Even the numerous amount of selfie-sticks didn´t post an imminent threat to our heads and lifes.
1. One can find free parking, if they are ok to walk a bit
2. Early May was a good time to travel, less tourists
3. The Canadian side has a better view of the falls, but also a cheaper, sleazy feel to it
4. The American side was very patriotic, but also had a great park, for free, to walk in
This being my thrid visit to the falls, i was actually excited to find out, how much had changed since my last stop here and i also wondered if the falls would leave a different impression this time around. Already knowing what to expect from the towns around the falls, i did my best to ignore all the glitter and light-traps which worked out better for me then for Fanchon. But we both did wonder why one would need a Casino or a wax museum when visiting the Niagaras... Still doesn´t make any sense to us but anyways....
The falls were great again and thankfully not to many other visitors, so we all ended up having plenty of good spots to take pictues. Even the numerous amount of selfie-sticks didn´t post an imminent threat to our heads and lifes.