Top 5 things to do in Niagara Falls
First you’ll hear it, then your eyes will catch the limestone gorge. Then your mind will be blown. Niagara Falls is one of the most powerful travel experiences I’ve ever had…
It’s so totally cool, especially if you’re like me and love adventure but hate having to work for it. If simply scratching this profile-picture-waiting-to-happen off your bucket list isn’t enough to get you here, maybe my top 5 things to do in Niagara Falls will.
Luna Island
There are actually three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. Luna Island sits in between the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls on the USA side. You can access Luna Island via walk ways from Goat Island, the main viewing point from the US side, which will take you over the Bridal Veil Falls through to a platform next to the American Falls.
The platform is totally safe and really exhilarating. It’s a great place to take a few snapshots and you’ll be so close to the falls you’ll wet yourself. Seriously – wear a poncho and be careful with your camera.
View of Luna Island from Goat Island
On Luna Island close to American Falls
Cross the border
Niagara Falls is smack bang on the USA/Canada border and no matter which side you’re coming from – don’t forget to bring your Passport. Even if you’re not planning to cross, just trust me on this one.
Both sides have incredible views and different experiences. The Americans have protected the area as a national park. Niagara Falls State Park is actually America’s oldest national park, which is cool in itself, but it’s also where you can get really close to the Bridal Veil and American Falls. The Canadians have put together a well-planned and accessible tourism hub where you’ll find most of the attractions, shopping and good restaurants.
The best part is that most merchants at Niagara Falls accept both USD and CAD, so you don’t have to worry about exchanging your cash. And if you cross the border, you’ll also be eligible for Duty Free – you’re welcome.
Old Hydro Power Station Canadian Side
See the falls at night
If you’ve ever wondered what 168,000 cubic meters of water looks like lit up at night, stick around to see the falls after dark; it’s a totally different experience to the day time. There’s something about the roaring crash of the falls combined with the steady change of coloured lights that creates a hypnotic experience. I spent hours there, just staring, like, “Dude? How good is this?!”
Niagara Falls serves up a pretty amazing view no matter where you are, but to experience its enormity you need to see it from above. Just go into Canada and take the speedy glass elevator up the Skylon Tower to the observation deck. The views are… I can’t even.
American Falls from the Observation Deck at Skylon Tower
From the observation deck you can take in the breadth of the Niagara River emptying into the Niagara Gorge and see both the Buffalo (New York, USA) and Toronto (Ontario, Canada) skylines in the distance. While you’re there, try the noms at their revolving dining room. I had the Atlantic Salmon.
View from the revolving dining room at Skylon Tower
This is my final and absolutely-must-do-if-noting-else recommendation. The Maid of the Mist is a boat ride that cruises down the southern end of the Niagara Gorge right past the falls and straight through the mist!
Maid of the Mist entering the Horseshoe Falls Mist
“Mist pist” I thought in the beginning. It turns out the mist at the bottom of the Horseshoe Falls is actually like a thunderous rain storm and there’s only a thin blue poncho between you and it. This is the adventure you don’t have to work for I mentioned earlier. It was one of the most exhilarating moments I’ve ever had IN MY LIFE and it was so hard to get in a selfie.
Selfie!
How to get to Niagara Falls?
OK, so here’s the deal. Niagara Falls is easily accessed from both Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Buffalo’s Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). You can check out some flights here.
If you’re coming from Toronto: Rent a car, catch the train for $35 each way, or a cab will set you back around $80 each way.
If you’re coming from Buffalo: Rent a car or grab a cab or shuttle (around $80 each way for a cab or $100 return for the shuttle).
To get the full experience, you should definitely stay the night. Here are some sweet lastminute deals for Niagara Falls.
Have you seen the mighty Niagara Falls? Share your experience here.
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