I was a little scared going to the Niagara falls as the weather is cold and the season is not what the people recommend. But I’m so surprised how beautiful it is with snow and its crystal clear waterfalls.
Niagara Falls comprises two waterfalls on the Niagara River which marks the border between New York and Ontario, Canada.
Based from the World Waterfall Database, Horseshoe Falls (which is on the Canadian side) has a height of about 167 Feet (51m) and stretches over 2,700 (823m) across at its crest; while American Falls ( New York side) drops between 90 and 120 feet (27.5 to 36.5 m) and spans about 940 feet (286.5 m) at its crest.
HOW TO GO TO NIAGARA?
Depending on the place where you will come from, Niagara is 1 and half drive away from the main city of New York and 2-hour drive from Toronto in Canada. Buses from New York and Toronto such as Megabus, Greyhound and Go would cost you around $49-$85 to reach Niagara. I also heard that Go Train is available when you are coming from Canada.
For my trip to Niagara, I booked a tour with Queen, a travel company that will take you around Niagara and will show you places near Queen, USA and Ontario Canada.
My experience was fun and exciting, as I never thought that Niagara would be that beautiful during winter time. Some of the water dropped from the falls have frozen and looking at it, you’ll feel like you are in a wonderland. A fantasy place which I always dream of.
THINGS TO DO IN NIAGARA
Primarily on both sides of New York and Ontario, you will enjoy the magnificent drop of water from Niagara River but apart from that, you will have the chance to try some local restaurants and souvenir shopping.
There is also Niagara City Cruises boat tour which is available during summer (June – August).
Journey behind the falls is also an exciting activity. For around $18, I enjoyed the sound of the falls dropping near my ears and I do have the closer look of it while sipping my hot turned cold coffee.
You could also enjoy the Bird Kingdom, Skylon Tower Observation Deck, Niagara Falls Helicopter Ride and when you visit the side of Canada, you’ll see the heavens for kids, the Clifton Hill which I also cover in my article here.
MORE ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE
Aside from enjoying the picturesque Niagara, I am joyous that I also learned a little history about New York and how Canada maintain the beauty of the place.
Unknown to many, Niagara is not only showing us the marvelous waterfalls but also it provides power and electricity within the city of New York. Through the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant and Lewiston Pump Generating Plant, Niagara generates clean energy.
On the other side, structures and houses within the place are built years ago and most of them are still maintained by the owners and the government.
Between New York and Ontario, there is this bridge that connects the two cities and where the trade between the US and Canada transpires. So, within the place, you could visit two countries as long as you have the visa.
Moreover, what I enjoyed about Niagara is the serenity and peacefulness of the environment. You will feel the true beauty of the place from the ice formation, the waterfalls and the heritage structures. I could stay here long while enjoying a cup of coffee which turned cold easily during snow.
And yes, this is a new experience to me and I’m fortunate to have this journey.
During my visit by the way, the sole of my shoes was surprisingly removed but since I’m a wonderful place, I have to think positively and just have fun with it.
Always remember to enjoy and create great memories.
