Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, the number one honeymoon spot in the USA. The Falls is a stunning 167-foot drop between Lakes Erie and Ontario, on the United States-Canada border.

There’s something here for every member of the family, young and old. In some respects it’s vastly commercialized and the kids will want to hog up the souvenirs’ so be strong.

At times, I wondered how this area might be different if it were a national park. The Falls themselves are some 12,000 years old, and we certainly have national parks dedicated to less impressive natural wonders. But I suspect the key economic developments began before we even had national parks in the United States.

In September 1615, the first European in the area was Etienne Brulé. Brulé was an agent for Samuel de Champlain and this was the beginning of the many European explorers coming to the "New World" (North America) including Niagara. Brulé is recorded to have been the first of the white missionaries to visit the Neutral Indians along the banks of the Niagara River. That’s probably when the first trading stands went up hence the many souvenir stands of today you will have to maneuver around.

Truly a breathtaking place; it is stunning to stand close to edge (there’s a rail there) to hear the roar of the water, notwithstanding a soaking every now and then, you will come away very impressed. Your eyes are glued to the edge where the water is falling at 150,000 American gallons per second.

Can you hear the roar?

In the 1620s, Father Gabriel Lalemant recorded the Iroquois name for the river Onguiaahra — meaning "the Strait" — which later evolved into "Niagara."

A rainbow in the mist

Somewhere inside the mist is the tour boat, Maid of the Mist

The huge falls which flows into the Niagara River are divided by Goat Island into the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. Although they aren't the highest waterfalls in the world, the volume of the water that flows over the falls combine with their height to make Niagara Falls exceptionally spectacular.

More spectacular rainbows

Maid of the Mist, more paying customers: American Falls in the background.

Maid of the Mist boat ride does a great business, don’t get on if you just had your hair done.

American Falls and Horseshoe Falls

Skylon Tower at 520 ft/160 m from street level and 775 ft/236 m from the bottom of the falls, this is the tallest structure in Niagara. On a clear day, one can see more than 80 mi/129 km from the observation deck or revolving restaurant at the top of the tower.

Today, hydroelectricity is one of Niagara Falls' most important products. The falls are capable of producing over 4 million kilowatts of electricity, which is shared by the United States and Canada.

Looking across from the New York side to the Canadian side

The brave souls at Caves of the Wind, as a special incentive they give you special sandals, to help you keep your footing on the slippery walkway. No thanks, my parents didn’t raise any dummies.

The lone survivor of 150,000 gallons per second

Sheraton Hotel (dark building) on the Canadian side

This is the Canadian side, don't forget that Niagara Falls may require you to cross an international border. You should have with you a birth certificate or a passport, as well as your driver's license or other photo ID.

The hustle and bustle of tourist on the Canadian side. Even though we experience crowds, it is exciting to see these places. This is our second time at the "falls".

Lots of places to relax and eat (the American pastime)

There’s always music where ever you go

Rainbow Bridge— This steel arch bridge connects the US to Canada through the towns of Niagara Falls, NY, and Niagara Falls, Ont. Don’t forget to take a few quarters with you as you need to deposit 50 cents in the turnstile before you can cross back to the USA. Don’t worry about the quarters if you plan to stay in Canada.

This is the just about the right size for a chocolate fix