Niagara Falls, Canada
Water, water and more water – one of the largest waterfalls in the world, as in the one with the largest volume of water passing through it. Niagara Falls are a true world class site to see. Take the boat out to the thunderous falls, get soaked from the spray, get scared and return, satisfied you survived – its a thrilling boat trip like no other! Take a trip to old colonial style Niagara-on-the-lake with weather-boarded houses, artisan shops and carriage rides and don’t miss a trip to any one of the fine wineries in the area. Wanna know more about this? …. read it here!
Cheaper Niagara Falls visit with Citysightseeing Pass.
(This trip was part of a Canadian 5 city tour of Toronto, Niagara, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec before I flew to a friends wedding in Chicago. Click on links for reviews on these locations).
I took my trip to Niagara Falls and the surrounding area by buying a tour ticket that came with a discount when I bought my Toronto citysightseeing pass, (click here for info). It was good value with the discount and started with an easy pick up in central Toronto although they will pick up from central hotels as well. Nice comfy air con coach and a great guide who explained to us the features on the way through the windows and told us of the history of the region.
I could have driven this by car but the journey would have been 2 hours each way and this ticket included a local winery tour, visit to Niagara-on-the-lake (a pretty town full of colonial style houses) and attractions in the surrounding area (zip wire over the river, views of the Seaway etc) and of course tickets for the boat ride up to the waterfalls of Niagara – which was just what I wanted.
Niagara College Vineyard
Our first stop was at a winery. I never knew that wine was produced in this part of the world but apparently there are quite a few vineyards here. The climate and latitude is the same as southern France, with ideal growing and earth conditions.
We stopped at Niagara College Vineyard which has a programme of teaching students viniculture and wine processing. We were taken around the planted vineyard area by a knowledgeable student who explained the grape types, growing season, labour needed and the processing of the grapes.
There was the usual visit to the stylish gift shop and the opportunity to buy wine or even mead and other types of drinks. It had a modern café with views over the vineyards and a great outside seating-area as well.
We even felt we were in good company as at the entrance was a picture of Charles, Prince of Wales who visited this winery not long before!
We were encouraged to wander among the vines and see the grapes growing for ourselves and take as many memo-photos as we like. I really enjoyed the explanations, as trainer was well versed in her work and actually very entertaining as well.
Back on the coach and we were off to see the main event – Niagara Falls. The Falls are actually two seperate waterfalls next to each other. One is on the American side of the border and one on the Canadian side. They however both flow into the same river that forms the border between the two countries.
Niagara Falls
The first view you have of them is at the level of the top of the waterfall and the tall buildings running along the wide terrace. To go onto the river you have to descend down the walkways onto the boats at the bottom – be it in Canada or USA.
First sight is breath-taking at how huge they are and the fact that the water hitting the base causes a constant water mist to rise up – hence the American boat being called “Maid of the Mist, (the Canadian one is called “Hornblower”).
On the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls everyone is given a free plastic waterproof poncho to wear (and you will need it!).
We were hilariously told (or maybe it is true), that the Canadians issue red ponchos but the Americans on their boat issue blue ones, So that if you fall out of the boat they know which side of the river to return you to!
Get wet at Niagara Falls !
The two boats, at intervals, ply the waters to take you right up close to the water, as it cascades down both waterfalls.
The Canadian side – Horseshoe falls – has to be the most exciting though. When you get up close, the thundering roar of the water, the heavy mist, the spray from the water and the boat navigating the scary water, is a world-beating experience.
Prepare to get wet and keep that poncho hood up ! The trip lasts about 30 mins but it goes so fast and the adrenaline is still pumping on the trip back to the dock!
After the boat trip I walked up along the long terrace that overlooks the gorge across to the American side and down the length of the river. I took many longview shots into the gorge and saw the boats approach, get covered in mist and then retreat back to the docks. There was even a rainbow that appeared and I managed to get a shot of it.
The speed of the water is amazing and you can go right to the edge and stand just where the water tips over and see through the cascade – wonderous.
We were warned not to try to go over the international border bridge, over the waterway, that connects Canada to the USA. Apparently the formalities to get across and back can take time and we would thus miss the coach back to Toronto.
If you’ve never done it, a trip here is a world must. Just make sure you have planned the trip, boat etc in advance and got all the tickets as it does get busy in Summer.
Niagara Park and river route.
There are buildings along the side and some modern tall hotels and viewing towers that obviously sell themselves for the view. I felt this over-commercialised the area but there are also pretty gardens and a park nearby to wander through.
The coach now takes us along the gorge road with the Niagara River below us, to the right, the entire length. We stop at the famous floral clock in Niagara Park. It is a mechanical clock on a large raised circle on the ground and filled twice a year by a different pretty flower arrangement
Later we stop to see the antique Aero car that crosses the river gorge suspended from cables and travels over the rapids and whirlpool below.
Niagara on the Lake
We next stop in a town called Niagara-on-the-lake, (click for info), which is a throw back to the past. In many places it feels like you are walking onto a scene from the TV series of The Waltons, with its weatherboard and timber framed residential buildings.
Yes, some aspects are there for tourists (the cafes, souvenir shops etc) and their spending power but it is really well presented.
I simply walked around the residential area and looked at the lovely old houses so immaculately maintained and with my map took a walk down to the lakeshore. There were very few people doing this and why, I don’t know, as I found it enchanting – maybe they preferred the shopping.
Here were views across the lake and if you looked hard enough you could make out the line of the skyscrapers and the CN Tower of Toronto in the distance.
I ended up at the town bandstand in a lakeside park and just took in the views of the river and lake. On the opposite riverbank, defending the entrance to the lake, the Old Fort Niagara (in USA) stands, dating from 1679.
Sept 2016.
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Wow! It looks absolutely amazing Barry!
We have never been, but your explanations and the pictures sure make it move up our list!
This is a really helpful article which we will safe for later when we are so lucky as to go see this wonder!
Thanks for the read and feedback – very motivating that you guys found it helpful. It is defo a wonderous natural phenomena. I know you guys love your countryside and the nearby St Lawrence River, lakes and general wilderness of the area will amaze you. I noticed that my stats said someone had visited the Niagara blog but couldn’t work out who or why given the present disruptions with Covid19. Hope you have more to post on the NZ part of your trip “down under”. I’ve been following your adventures in preparation for one day following in your footsteps!
Sounds like some good tips for when we are able to head there ? And don’t worry we have plenty more to share, we are just following up on all the stuff we didn’t have time to while on the road, but we promise to share all the goodies.
The falls are very spectacular. Your post is very helpful. It looks like you did most of the fun things there.
Just saw that you were there too. Your article is so much more informative than mine – such a lot of things to do that I missed as I was only there for a day for the basics. I will keep it as a reference for the things I missed if ever I get back there again.
I am pretty convinced that one day I will settle in Canada. I don’t know for sure but I can just feel it somehow and I see some vineyards, so definitely pretty convinced.
Canada would definitely be somewhere that I would consider retiring to. Lovely people, beautifull scenery and a really enjoyable atmosphere.
This is my second favourite adult playground after las Vegas. So much to see and do. Those city passes really save money.
I never thought of it as an adult playground but after seeing the casinos and malls i guess you have a point.
Niagara Falls is such a beautiful and iconic place to visit! The views of the falls are stunning and there’s so much to do in the area! I went there back in 2018 and we did lots of stuff, my favorite (besides going on the boat near the falls) was going underground in tunnels that were underneath the falls.
I thought about going into the tunnels but we had limited time on the trip, so skipped it. Glad you enjoyed Niagara as much as I did.
These two waterfalls are the topmost priority of mine. I wonder when I will get to experience the surreal sight of Niagara Falls. I wish I can make it this year.
I hope you can get there one day, they are spectacular.
I grew up not far from the falls and have always enjoyed seeing them. Did you visit much of the rest of the city? I’m curious to know what you thought of it!
I visited Niagara-on-the-Lake as in the post and it was beautiful. If you mean Toronto, then yes, I visited it and it was again a great city visit. I have a separate post on Toronto if you want to read it.
I agree that niagara falls hasn’t gotten way to commercialized. I much prefer Niagara on the Lake. Most people go there for the wineries. There are over 100 wineries there.
I enjoyed the nearby winery visit. Something I never really associated with this part of the country.
I would love to visit Niagara Falls. The thought of the water and mist covering me is great! It seems to be very popular and the winery would certainly be a nice stop too. Which city in the 5 was your favourite?
That’s a difficult question – Toronto would probably win because of the sheer diversity of the city but Quebec would come a close second because of its historical buildings and ambience.
Sometimes organised tours may be the best option as booking and sorting out individual turns out to be more efforts for little ROI. Not sure if so would have liked the vineyard tour but who knows what their deal is with the tour operator. The main event we’re the Niagara Falls and I feel you got enough time to see and experience those. OMG I’m dead reading about the coloured ponchos. That is too funny 😂 They advised you to not cross over to the American side for potentially long admin reasons. Have you done the American side of the waterfalls on another trip?
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
This was a great option given the time constraints and I found it to be good value. As tourists we felt no pressure from the vineyard or guides to buy or otherwise and the wine area tour was very interesting. I’ve never been to teh American side of the falls. We could however see the long line of cars hoping to cross over so their comment felt reasonable.
Niagara Falls is among the iconic places I want to visit one day. It must be an incredible experience!
All that boat ride is capable of scaring the less keen in water sports ahahah from the pictures the turbulence of the water can be scary.
I love that the ponchos are different colors depending on which side you are on! It certainly won’t be a comfort knowing that there is a possibility of falling into the water, but it is comforting to know that they deliver us to the right side in case it happens ahahahh
The experience is a once in a lifetime thing so well worth it. The ponchos are primarily to protect you from the immense spray to stop you getting soaked (your hair can get soaked however). Just in case you fall in they know where to return you to!
I was also just in awe the first time I saw the falls as we rounded the corner on the road. Just breathtaking. Going behind the falls is really fun, also getting a little soaked at times. That’s funny about the ponchos. I never heard that before about the colors. I also loved just looking at the nice houses around Niagara on the Lake. Such a pretty town. I need to get back here on my next Ontario visit
I was considering doing the trail behind the Falls but just didn’t have enough time on a day trip. I adored the weather boarded houses and quaintness of Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is worth adding this in on a trip as it is quite unique, especially if you walk down the residential streets and get away from the town centre. I walked down to the lake itself as was quite alone in a beautiful picturesque setting.
I really loved Niagara-on-the-Lake – the charm the views, the wine, all of it was just so peaceful compared to the crowds of Niagara Falls. Don’t get me wrong – the waterfall was impressive and gorgeous – just a lot of people! Haha I do like that you highlighted this peaceful gem alongside the tourist attraction. I always recommend staying there and then visiting the falls instead of staying by the falls.
I would agree – Niagara-on-the-lake should not be missed. Good suggestion about staying there to see the Falls instead of at the Falls themselves. As you say, the whole area has so much more than just the Falls so I’d definitely encourage anyone to make the most of the day (or two) and see everything else as well.
The Niagara Falls are a place that we would dearly love to visit. Great tip about getting the tour ticket with the Toronto sightseeing pass. The falls look absolutely spectacular. We’d definitely want to get up close – and very wet! – on the boat. Love the anecdote about the coloured ponchos! Also – a bonus vineyard sounds right up our street. What a great experience.
It really was a spectacular day out and so affordable when used with the Toronto City Pass. It’s one of those iconic, must be world sights and I’m so glad I finally got there after waiting so long. There were many, many vineyards in the area and I was quite surprised at the number – I never associated the Niagara area with wine, but there you have it!
What a spectacular location, your photos are amazing, the falls looks fantastic from every angle but I particularly love the ones with the rainbows. I did hear that the Canadian side looks better and your article confirms that so i’ll make sure not to miss them when I visit Canada. The ponchos could be a bit more glamorous haha but I can see why they’re brightly coloured although i think the blue American ones would probably blend better with the scenery around 🙂
Yes, I’ve heard also that the Canadian view of the Falls is more picturesque, but then I’ve never been on the American side to compare. Everyone seems to love the story of the coloured ponchos and the sight of these colours on the boats does look somewhat strange.