{"id":33914,"date":"2014-07-24T07:58:35","date_gmt":"2014-07-23T21:58:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/blog\/?p=33914"},"modified":"2018-05-14T08:23:38","modified_gmt":"2018-05-13T22:23:38","slug":"top-5-things-to-do-in-niagara-falls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/top-5-things-to-do-in-niagara-falls\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 things to do in Niagara Falls"},"content":{"rendered":"

First you\u2019ll hear it, then your eyes will catch the limestone gorge. Then your mind will be blown.\u00a0Niagara Falls<\/a> is one of the most powerful travel experiences I\u2019ve ever had…<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It\u2019s so totally cool, especially if you\u2019re 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\u2019t enough to get you here, maybe my top 5 things to do in Niagara Falls will.<\/p>\n

Luna Island<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are actually three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

The platform is totally safe and really exhilarating. It\u2019s a great place to take a few snapshots and you\u2019ll be so close to the falls you\u2019ll wet yourself. Seriously \u2013 wear a poncho and be careful with your camera.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/a>

View of Luna Island from Goat Island<\/p><\/div>\n

\"On<\/a>

On Luna Island close to American Falls<\/p><\/div>\n

Cross the border <\/strong><\/p>\n

Niagara Falls<\/a> is smack bang on the USA\/Canada border and no matter which side you\u2019re coming from \u2013 don\u2019t forget to bring your Passport. Even if you\u2019re not planning to cross, just trust me on this one.<\/p>\n

Both sides have incredible views and different experiences. The Americans have protected the area as a national park. Niagara Falls State Park<\/a> is actually America\u2019s oldest national park, which is cool in itself, but it\u2019s 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\u2019ll find most of the attractions, shopping and good restaurants.<\/p>\n

The best part is that most merchants at Niagara Falls accept both USD and CAD, so you don\u2019t have to worry about exchanging your cash. And if you cross the border, you\u2019ll also be eligible for Duty Free \u2013 you\u2019re welcome.<\/p>\n

\"Old<\/a>

Old Hydro Power Station Canadian Side<\/p><\/div>\n

See the falls at night<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve ever wondered what 168,000 cubic meters of water looks like lit up at night, stick around to see the falls after dark; it\u2019s a totally different experience to the day time. There\u2019s 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, \u201cDude? How good is this?!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Niagara<\/a>
\nSkylon Tower<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2026 I can\u2019t even.<\/p>\n

\"American<\/a>

American Falls from the Observation Deck at Skylon Tower<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u2019re there, try the noms at their revolving dining room. I had the Atlantic Salmon.<\/p>\n

\"View<\/a>

View from the revolving dining room at Skylon Tower<\/p><\/div>\n

Maid of the Mist<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

\"Maid<\/a>

Maid of the Mist entering the Horseshoe Falls Mist<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cMist pist\u201d 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\u2019s only a thin blue poncho between you and it. This is the adventure you don\u2019t have to work for I mentioned earlier. It was one of the most exhilarating moments I\u2019ve ever had IN MY LIFE and it was so hard to get in a selfie.<\/p>\n

\"Selfie!\"<\/a>

Selfie!<\/p><\/div>\n

How to get to Niagara Falls?<\/strong><\/p>\n

OK, so here\u2019s the deal. Niagara Falls is easily accessed from both Toronto\u2019s Pearson International Airport<\/a> (YYZ) or Buffalo\u2019s Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). You can check out some flights here.
\nIf you\u2019re coming from Toronto<\/a>: Rent a car<\/a>, catch the train<\/a> for $35 each way, or a cab<\/a> will set you back around $80 each way.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re coming from Buffalo: Rent a car<\/a> or grab a cab or shuttle<\/a> (around $80 each way for a cab or $100 return for the shuttle).<\/p>\n

To get the full experience, you should definitely stay the night. Here are some sweet lastminute deals for Niagara Falls<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Have you seen the mighty Niagara Falls? Share your experience here.<\/strong><\/p>\n