Cave of the Winds

Goat Island is the only place on the Niagara Falls where you can really feel the force and power of the millions of gallons of water that flow over the edge every day. It is the home of the Cave of the Winds tour. You can also get mere feet from the edge of the falls and realize the true height of this wonder of Nature.

Take the tour and then walk the Island. The parking fee is nominal and allows you the full range of the island.

Quick Tips:

Wear comfortable shoes. The paths are paved and are easy to walk, even on the hills.

Don't be embarrassed by the sandals. Everyone who wants to take the tour must wear them - it is a safety factor - albeit an unfashionable one.

Keep your camera under your poncho when on the tour unless you are actively taking a photo. The water from the falls is very powerful and can wrench the camera right out of your hand. Use the camera tether strap if you have one and cinch it to your wrist or put it in your pocket.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walk all over the Island. There are bridges to get you across the water to Luna Island and other picnic areas. Walkways are paved and easy to maneuver around. There are many photo op points so take advantage of them.

Where can you stand under a huge waterfall? At the Cave of the Winds on Goat Island in the middle of the Niagara River.

Before you enter the tour you are given a pair of sandals, a plastic poncho and a plastic bag. The poncho will keep you dry when you are at the base of Bridal Veil Falls. The sandals will help you keep your grip on the slippery decking and the plastic bag will keep your shoes and socks dry (especially if you tie it to your belt loops and keep it under your poncho.

The tour of the Cave of the Winds no longer takes you through the cave that originally gave the tour it's name. That cave collapsed many years ago. Today's tour is entered by taking an elevator through the rock to a long hallway that leads to a series of decks. These decks are replaced every year since the water and tred of tourist feet make them unsafe by the following year.

The Hurricane Deck is the one where you can actually stand under the pounding water of Bridal Veil Falls. Be sure to have someone take your photo so that you have proof of your insaneness.

This was the BEST of the tours in the area. It gave me the total experience of the power of the water without the having the associated danger.