Niagara Falls

No visit to the Niagara Region would be complete without a trip to Niagara Falls, which is a place that we have often visited in the past.  We were last there when I attended a conference in 2014, so it had been a while.  On this occasion, our first view of the mighty Niagara River was from high above where we parked our car.

We used the Falls' Incline Railway to save our legs, as it was an extremely hot and humid afternoon.  This glides down and drops visitors close to the observation points. 

The first view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls is at street level.  I remember many years ago when I had my first sighting of them and I was slightly underwhelmed because there is no sense of perspective when viewed from this level.

 Below is a photo of the American Falls.  Niagara Falls form part of the Canada-US Border.

A view looking downstream towards the Rainbow Bridge, which connects the cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario on the Canadian side to Niagara Falls, New York on the United States' side.

 I photo-bombed this picture, as Mr Candytuft seemed more interested in the view!

 Down in the rapids at the base of the Falls was one of the newer tourist boats.  Now that is the best way to get a perspective of the mighty Niagara River!

 The boats approach the foot of the Falls.  At this point, Mr Candytuft suggested that we should go for a boat ride.  We have done this a few times in the past, but it was some years since our last trip.

A long walk took us to the boats and we lined up with hundreds of tourists with our red raincoats.  The problem with these is that they are similar to wearing a plastic bag, so you end up feeling as wet on the inside as you do on the outside.  We both waited until we got closer to the action before donning our raingear!

Looking across to the American Falls (above) and to the tourist boats from the US side.  The old, world-famous Maid-of-the-Mist tour boat is the white one in the background, which no longer sails from the Canadian side. 

Sailing up-river, we get a commentary informing us about the history of the Falls, which used to be 11 kilometres further downstream.  The Falls are 53.6 Metres (176 feet) high and carry 150,000 gallons of water per second.  

Approaching the action, it is necessary to don our raincoats, as the spray starts to come over the boat.  The wind picks up and the only way that I can show my face for a photo is by holding my hair back.

We pass the American Falls, which are actually two waterfalls.  Our boat is the Hornblower, which has a tiered top deck to maximise viewing for the passengers.

 

And onto the Horseshoe Falls, so named for their world-famous shape.  It is impossible to get a shot of them directly, as there is just too much water coming down on the boat.  Now we have a true perspective of the force and noise of the water, as well as a thorough soaking with cold water, which was very refreshing after the heat and humidity of the day.  It is possible to be a tourist and walk near the Falls, but nothing compares with the thrill and the experience of that boat trip.  The perfect ending to our visit.