"Niagra Falls, a US & Canadian Jewel" - Time Out #85

Spectacular Niagra Falls is a case study on international cooperation and agreement between two nations.

Of course, those 2 countries are Canada, and our good ol' U.S. of A.

As the mighty Niagra River flows from the Great Lakes of Erie to Ontario, the incredible falls are created. The title Niagra Falls is actually a collective name for 3 separate waterfalls in the same general area. American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are both located in New York state on the U.S. side, while massive Horseshoe Falls is located almost entirely in the Canadian province of Ontario. Even with 2 huge countries involved, both governments have interacted with each other on excellent terms over many, many years, and there is no reason to believe this mutual cooperation will not continue well into the future.

The falls area is relatively isolated in North America, but not too difficult to visit. Major airports exist in Buffalo, NY (17 miles away) and Toronto, Ontario (75 miles away). Both Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada provide train service, and small commercial cruise ships are able to use the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Welland Canal to get in close proximity to the site. Of course, major highways are excellent in both countries, providing good car, truck, van and bus service.

Fortunately, my bride, Debbie, and I have been thrilled with visiting the area 3 separate times over the years, and my wonderful father, Col. C.H. Breedlove, who instilled the travel bug in me at a very early age, took me there once during my youth.

Niagra Falls certainly makes our short list of magical places to enjoy on our big planet earth. We would absolutely visit there again.

We have stayed on both sides of the river, but, like most tourists, in my opinion, prefer the Canadian side. Recently, the New York side has been improved with landscaping and other noticeable additions. The Native American Seneca tribe have opened a new hotel and casino in a former convention center, too.

The Canadian side has some truly magnificent, high-rise hotels on the river/falls edge. Both times we stayed on that side, we had high-floor rooms that directly overlooked Horseshoe Falls. In fact, I vividly remember, in my mind's eye today, opening our room's large drapes, exposing our floor-to-ceiling windows, and sitting in room chairs thoroughly enjoying the falls. I would sit for long periods of time, just enjoying the ultimate Mother Nature beauty and power. After dark, Horseshoe Falls is illuminated with powerful, various colored lights. The effect is striking!

The activities surrounding the falls are numerous. The immediate area has a theme park atmosphere, with the falls being the central feature.

First and foremost is the legendary Maid of the Mist boat trip, dating all the way back to 1848. Today, their company operates 2 different vessels, the VI built in 1990 and the VII in 1997. The 600 ship riders put on issued raincoats, since the memorable ride takes all-aboard by the 3 waterfalls. The ultimate thrill is when the vessel takes the riders very close to thundering Horseshoe Falls; then its two, 350-horsepower engines bring riders out of the water heavy spray zone. It is REALLY an exhilarating boat trip, and highly recommended by me if you make this site visit.

Another "must do" as far as we are concerned is a little down river from the falls, the whirlpool aero car experience.

This feature began in 1916, and today has a 35-passenger (all standing) metal cable car that starts from the Canadian side, and carries tourists 1/4th mile above the incredibility torrid Niagra River. It stops directly in the middle of the river, 200' above the 40-acre whirlpool below. The car sways in the river gorge winds as you watch the angry water activity in the massive whirlpool far below.

Other notable activities include the "Journey Behind the Falls" on the Canadian side, which takes visitors to various platform levels and tunnels to eventually end near the bottom of Horseshoe Falls. Participants put on full raincoats for this attraction, too, for obvious reasons. There is a similar attraction to this one, "Cave of the Winds" on the American side.

There is an interesting museum on the Canadian side, displaying the area's long history. The highlights of this attraction are photos, props, etc of all the people who have attempted (some made it, many did not) to go over the falls. Also displayed are the incredible gadgets the daredevils used in their dangerous journeys.

Also. one of my favorite things to do during each visit is actually free. I really enjoy just standing on the Canadian side of 1/2-mile-wide Horseshoe Falls as close as the viewing public is allowed to witness the roaring Niagra River. I then watched the roaring water fall 188' to the misty rocky river below. Again, Mother Nature at her absolute best!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention the unique town of Niagra-on-the-Lake, Ontario, a community of 17,500, where the mighty Niagra River meets Lake Ontario. We have visited this lovely town twice, and have been totally enchanted with it both times. It has flower-pot filled, tree-lined streets, and the area is full of wineries. It also showcases the George Bernard Shaw Annual Theatre Series in 3 downtown venues, from April-November each year. It really is a little piece of paradise located less than 15 miles from the falls, and well worth the short drive.

Since recorded time began, the Niagra River has been flowing from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Enroute, the water magnificently plummets over Niagra Falls.

Don't miss it in your lifetime......