Craig and I have seen no shortage of waterfalls on this trip. Whether tall and skinny, short and cascading, loud and roaring, or barely trickling, they have all been beautiful. However, none could measure up to the “mack daddy” of waterfalls: Niagara Falls. We decided to head there after Chicago and on our way into New York. Niagara Falls sits on the U.S./Canadian border with towns on either side named after the falls. The American side holds many touristy-like shops and restaurants, and the Canadian side appears to be yet another mini-Vegas (that place just keeps coming back to haunt us).
What I didn’t know before arriving was that Niagara Falls is actually split into two main sections: The American Falls/Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls. What I also didn’t know is that the views from the American side are not as spectacular as those from the Canadian side. Here are the views from the American side:
American Falls from the east side
American Falls from the west side
Horseshoe Falls
Although we did have our passports with us, we decided against heading to the Canadian side in order to avoid waiting in lines for the international customs security checks while crossing the border. We just didn’t have enough time. If you ever decide to head to Niagara Falls, I recommend bringing your passports and planning to spend a full day. I would first head to the Canadian side to snap some pics, and maybe take advantage of a few other attractions, such as “Maid of the Mist,” a passenger boat that floats right up into the mist of Horseshoe Falls, or the “Journey Behind the Falls” tour which descends 150 feet through rock leading to a series of man-made tunnels that give visitors a look behind the water. On the American side, there is a “Cave of the Winds” tour that leads people to the base of the American Falls, and even a “Flight of the Angels” passenger helium balloon that takes people up and hovers about 400 feet above the falls.
Or if you’re like us and are okay with just seeing the natural beauty of the almost-mile-wide falls from above, you can check it out for free. Just remember some cash for parking.
Next Stop: Saratoga Springs, NY
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