We're back in North America for this leg of our trip, so we've used this as an opportunity to see lots of folks that we never had time to visit when we lived full-time in Chicago. Aside from visiting friends and family, it's been really fun to stop and see many important sites that I'd never had the chance to see before.
When planning a trip from Toronto, Ontario to Ann Arbor, Michigan, I realized that making a pit stop in Niagara Falls only added an hour and a half to our total drive time. Since I'm not a huge fan of driving, I was a little on the fence about making the stop or not, but figured this was an opportunity that just shouldn't be passed up.
And boy, did I make the right decision! There is a reason why so many of us flock to this natural beauty. You can hear the falls from miles down the road (note to city folk: it's not highway noise!). When approaching the falls, you're covered with a fine mist that is so incredibly refreshing on a warm June afternoon that you understand why you can hear languages from all over the world and see tourists of all stripes. There's something so incredibly moving and innately human about watching and feeling massive amounts of water pour down a cliff that I couldn't believe I'd waited this long to see it. A definite must-stop if you're planning a road trip anywhere near Niagara this summer.
(Images: Smith Schwartz)
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The Maid of the Mist is pretty cool, but I always recommend the Cave of the Winds as the number one thing to do. You get a poncho and non-slip sandals, and you get to walk down decks that bring you near the base of the falls. It is amazing!
I've learned that I never regret making side trips; I only ever regret not doing it.
Planning a trip to Niagara? Don't miss the incredible architecture of the City of Buffalo, a mere fifteen-minute drive south of the beautiful falls and part of the gorgeous Niagara River region. Buffalo is hosting America's largest Garden Walk festival in July.....the tours are worth the architecture alone.
Other great attractions include the Whirlpool Jet Boats that depart from their docks in Lewiston (USA) and Queenston (CAN.) The river gorge itself is a haven for hikers and nature lovers alike.
Springtime and summer are the best time of year to visit Western New York and Southern Ontario.....if you've never visited, you'll be amazed by the natural beauty, the lush foliage and the friendliness of the people.
Just this morning I heard a Niagara Falls town representative on the radio here in Chicago making a pitch for people to move there -- the town itself is in tough times and they're mounting a campaign for an influx of creative and professional people to buid it back up. So if you visit, think about staying?
And also, isn't it this weekend that Nick Wallenda is going to tightrope walk over the falls?
I did the Maid of the Mist when I was a kid at camp, and it was great. I would go back and try the Cave of the Winds that was mentioned. And the Garden Walk festival. My boyfriend mentioned wanting to go to Buffalo recently...
I always thought of Niagara Falls as cliched, but when we went to Canada two years ago we went to Niagara, and loved it. Had a great time on the Maid of the Mist---it's pretty exciting to be that close to the falling water!
This is making me homesick - everyone thinks the Maid of the Mist is cliche & on their first visit? I've been 50+ times at this point from going whenever someone visited from out of town. While it's not always my favourite, it's still amazing to be that close to so much water. I also recommend checking out the photos of when they 'turned the falls off' in the 50s/60s - it's really weird especially having just been.
Also, I hope you went to Niagara-on-the-Lake - if you're going to the Canadian side of the falls, you have to venture a bit further and visit the vineyards and wineries for wine tours and make your way to the charming little town on Lake Ontario. It's gorgeous - in the summer there are always weddings going on, horse-drawn carriages and it's really just a gorgeous little treat.
@Eliz - Niagara Falls, NY is definitely depressing (the Canadian side is and will always be a huge tourist draw w/ all the local haunts - Ripley's, wax museum, haunted houses, etc.) - there's a massive history of corruption in local government, plus there's still the history of the Love Canal disaster - a highly recommended but sad read: http://www.businessweek.com/print/magazine/content/10_50/b4207078529793.htm
And Wallenda will indeed be tight-rope walking (with a harness).
I DO agree with @LITTLESTFINCH!! If you like wine, go to Canadian side and visit Niagara-on-the-Lake! I rented bike and visited 8 wineries a day with my friend. It was so great!! I enjoyed tasty ice wines.