Trip To Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls was truly an awe-inspiring sight, the memories of which are going to be with us for the rest of our lives. We had a first hand experience of "Forces of Nature" in a true sense. Getting on the world renowned "Maid of the Mist" boat and viewing the falls in its full flow from such a close proximity was the highlight of our trip. We visited the falls from the American side. The five must do things, we believe, in the Niagara Falls region are:

1) Maid of the Mist Boat ride
2) Cave of the Winds tour
3) Falls Illumination
4) Niagara Scenic Trolley
5) Tour of Goat Island

I have explained more about each of them in various articles in the journal.

Quick Tips:

I would very strongly suggest purchasing a "Passport to the Falls" ticket. It costs 24.50 per head for an adult and it covers the Cave of the Winds tour, Maid of the Mist boat ride, Niagara Scenic Trolley, Aquarium of Niagara, Discovery center, Niagara Festival Theater. Moreover it also gets you discounts at other places like Old Fort Niagara etc. If the Passport is purchased for Saturday, it is valid for Sunday too.

Best Way To Get Around:

Most of the hotels & Inns are either located near the Niagara Falls State park (NFSP) or on the Niagara Falls Blvd. There are lot of metro buses from Niagara Falls Blvd to NFSP. Once you reach NFSP you can cover all the places by walk or by getting on the Niagara Scenic Trolley. Walking by the side of the Niagara river rapids is a wonderful experience.

For people who come by car, there are three big parking lots in the NFSP(2 on Goat island and one near the visitor center). Charge is 8 per day for a car.

Some stats on the Falls:
Niagara Falls consists of two waterfalls, side by side. The Canadian or Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side of the Niagara River is 2592 feet wide and 161 feet high. The American Falls on the US side is 1001 feet wide and 167 feet high. The two waterfalls are separated by Goat Island which lies in the American side. The Canadian Falls carry about nine times as much water as the American Falls. Over 5 billion gallons of water rushes over the Niagara Falls EVERY HOUR!!!

The sight of the water gushing down is unequaled. I have never seen such power and furiousness. If you are anywhere in the American continent do not miss visiting the falls.

Goat Island is easily accessible by foot or vehicular bridge, this wooded island has paved drives and walks that offer spectacular views of both falls. Some of the points on Goat island from where the rapids and the falls can be best viewed are:
1. Prospect Point: The prime viewing area for the American Falls and upper rapids. See the Falls illuminated in colored lights every night.
2. Terrapin Point on Goat Island: Viewing area for Horseshoe Falls. Thundering water over the wide expanse and sweeping curve of the Horseshoe.
3. Three Sisters Islands: Access via Goat Island. Offers a unique view of the upper rapids and the river as it races to the falls.
4. Luna Island: Small island at the edge between the American and Bridal Veil Falls. Fantastic close-up view of both.

Access to Goat Island and the view points is FREE. Give a full, relaxed 3-4 hours for a leisurely walk around the area.

The world famousMaid of the Mist cruises right to the base of the American Falls, then to the basin of the magnificent Horseshoe Falls. The boat almost stops at the base of Horseshoe falls for a few minutes and gives us time to admire the mighty falls plunging down with full power. It's a fantastic journey through crashing waters, surrounded by massive rock formations that have tamed the raging rapids for millions of years.

An elevator ride to the bottom of the Observation Tower takes you to the Maid of the Mist dock, where you will be provided with a souvenir rain poncho. You will then board the boat for an unforgettable 30-minute tour. A guide accompanies the tour describing the falls and various adventures that have taken place over the falls.

It is worth spending some time on the Observation tower and catch a glimpse of both the falls. One can also get a good view of the Canadian side Hotels & casinos from this place.

Open Mid-May until late Oct.
Handicapped accessible.
This tour is included in the "Passport to the Falls".

The Cave of the Winds trip takes you closer to the waters of American Falls than you might think is possible. You ride an elevator 175 feet (53 meters) deep into the Niagara Gorge. Then, clad in a bright yellow raincoat and wearing the special footwear provided, you follow a tour guide over a series of wooden walkways to the famous "Hurricane Deck". As you stand at the railing, you are a mere 20 feet (6 meters) from the billowing torrents of Bridal Veil Falls. The rushing waters loom above you, dousing you with a generous spray as you face the thundering Falls head-on. Rainbows are usually visible day and night. Everyone can experience the sights of Niagara Falls. A deck has been built 150 feet from the base of the Falls especially designed for handicapped and adults with children in arms.

Other Details:
Allow about 1hour for the entire trip.
Handicapped Accessible.
Hours: Daily 9-8, mid-May through Labor Day; 9-5 day after Labor Day-late Oct. though schedule may vary.
This tour is included in the "Passport to the Falls".

Get onto the Niagara Scenic Trolley and you will see it all and still have a chance to relax. The Trolley is heated in the winter and air conditioned in the summer months. The Trolley provides forward priority seating for handicap. A knowledgeable guide shares the history of the park as the scenic trolley follows a three-mile route through Niagara Falls State Park.

The Trolley stops at six locations near major park attractions, giving a chance to explore Niagara Falls State Park at our own pace. One can board at a parking lot and stay on for the entire route to take in the scope of the park in half an hour. Or, one can get on and off at different stops as they wish and re-board at your convenience.

Handicapped accessible.
It is included in the "Passport to the Falls".

If you plan on doing several of the Falls attractions, I strongly recommend you consider buying the Passport to the Falls pass. On the American side, the Niagra Falls State Park Service's Passport to the Falls (tel. 716/278-1796), will gain admission to Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, the trolley, the Aquarium, Discovery Center, etc along with tons of discounts. You will almost save 30% on all the above attractions when you buy the pass. The pass can be purchased at the Visitors center.

If you purchase the ticket on Saturday it is valid on Sunday too. The Passport to the Falls also offers discounted admissions at nearby attractions such as Artpark, Old Fort Niagara, and the Historical Wax Museum. Discounts at snack centers and gift shops are also included.

An adult Passport to the Falls is US$24.50. For a child 6-12 years old, the cost is US$17.50.