There is so much more to see in Niagara Falls than just the water. It is a major tourist destination and has been for many many years. Some streets look like the 1950s with store after store selling souvenirs. You will find a Ripley’s Beleive It or Not in one building and a Castle Dracula Wax Museum farther down the street. Restaurants are everywhere but there seems to be a shortage of parking spaces.
Maybe you could park in the United States and take a cable car across the river to the Canadian side. This year you may need a certificate of vaccination in addition to your passport. I have not checked to see if there is a border crossing office at each end of this ride. I have seen an ad that there is a zip line across the river too. A few years ago someone walked across on a high wire. The high wire has been removed since the last person crossed that way, in case you thought you could walk across. You have probably heard of people going over the falls in a barrel. Not recommended and you will be welcomed back to dry land by a police officer or two and a fine for your trouble.
I have seen an ad recently that there is a zip line ride operating as well.
In the picture above, you will see a hot air balloon in the sky. Rainbow Air operates a helicopter tour of the falls.
You might think that this floral clock would be in the Botanical garden but is actually closer to the hydro generating station. The lines across the picture are not the zip lines but are more likely electric wires delivering power to the electric grid. Notice the power towers in the background. A search on Google will show images of how the clock has looked over the years. The clock is working and like the sun verifies the sun is setting. After dark, the colourful lights flood the falls and its mist so you might want to stay awhile. There is so much to see within an hours drive of this centre that you may want to stay for a few days. In the summer, Marineland is a well-visited place. Niagara on the Lake is a wonderful peaceful community and a local B&B is an excellent alternative to staying in one of the hotels around the falls. Winter is another option to see the falls when it is shrouded in ice. Some years, in the coldest week of winter, the falls are completely covered in ice. However, because of the tremendous flow of water, it does not freeze solid.
If you like to visit cities, Toronto is only a two-hour drive away. There you will find Ripley’s Aquarium, the CN Tower, Casa Loma, and a friendly multicultural city.
Doug, what uplifting pictures, and strangely calming. ( I am stuck on the subject of CALM this week.) I am fascinated to hear about all the attractions and shopping near The Falls. Perhaps I will get there some day !
Hi Kebba, Thanks for the comment. Niagara on the Lake is the place for you if you prefer calm. You will find the Shaw Festival there where you can enjoy live theatre. Niagara Falls is full of so much energy that it is hard to be calm when you can feel the thunder of the water crashing on the rocks below as it resonates in your chest. Then there is the excitement of the crowds in the busy streets, the frustration of trying to find a parking spot. However, when you do find a quiet spot, it feels so much more refreshing.
We did check out some of these ‘plus’ spots when we visited the falls in summer 2019… and there were a few we could not complete so another time for those.. but for now, I am enjoying and reliving those memories through your post.