With the combined highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world (64,750 cu ft/s), the 3 falls that make up Niagara Falls are a big attraction, and are located less than 2 hours drive from the city of Toronto.
The three waterfalls that comprise Niagara Falls are Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. The biggest, Horseshoe falls, sits on the Canadian side of the border while the other two falls lie on the American side of the border. Canada totally lucked out on this deal. Although their are some disputes of where the lines should be, there is no doubt that the views we get without crossing the border trump the alternative.
The drive was about an hour and a half for me, driving along the Gardiner before hitting the QEW towards Hamilton and then Niagara Falls. It is a very easy drive, and when you arrive you can find all-day parking for about $20. The main parking lots provide a great starting point for a walk along the falls and into the casino/town areas.
I got to try out the Acura MDX for the week which really made the trip very comfortable. This vehicle is the ultimate family vehicle. It seats 7 people with the backseats being able to be tucked away very easily for more storage. Everything from a drop down widescreen TV, sensors that beep when you cross the road lines, remote hatchback, and front and rear separate sound and air, complete with wireless headphone for the back seats, made this vehicle the most tech and family considerate ride I have tested to date.
The first site you come across is Horseshoe Falls. The Maid of the Mist ferry ride takes you to the centre of the swirling chaos that resides at the bottom. Passengers don rain jackets and board the ferry on the Canadian side of the border. The trip is short and passes by Cave of the Winds at the American Falls before arriving at the Horseshoe Falls dead-end and returning back.
Cave of the Winds is only accessible from the US side where one can take a trip down some stairs to get close to the bottom of the falls and view the caves inside. (pictured above)
Being such a strong tourist destination, developers have created many ways to keep people visiting with families of all ages and interests. Amusement parks, Casinos, restaurants, water parks, wax museums, arcades, and sporting attractions are all found in abundance throughout the towns streets.
If you want to get a good bird’s eye view of the falls, the Skylon tower can be visited. If you eat at the restaurant it is free to go up, otherwise you have to pay.
In the year 1901, disturbed (speculating) 63-year-old Michigan school teacher Annie Edson Taylor got into a barrel and went over the falls as a publicity stunt. She lived to tell the world, “No one ought ever do that again.”.
Although Annie warned of the dangers of going over the falls, 14 people have gone over since then with varied results. To read about those attempts check out the wiki page.
Check out some of our pics below as well as the full album on our FACEBOOK PAGE.
