There’s something wonderful about waterfalls that turns tourists into tiny tots, squealing with happiness and in awe of the natural world. Here’s a guide to experiencing one of the world’s most famous falls in multiple ways on your next journey there.
You may fall in love with them or fall into clichés describing them, but the Niagara Falls from the Canadian side in Ontario spell pulsating power and breathtaking beauty like you’ve probably never experienced before. And, as I discovered on my extraordinary journey around the region, there are many ways to appreciate the cascading water than merely watching it spellbound or getting drenched by it. And I’m not even suggesting going over them in a barrel as many people did before it was banned in the late 1800s!
Falling for the falls at first sight
Now, most Indians have heard of seeing the falls from the Maid of the Mist on the American side of Niagara River, which flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, separating Canada and the USA. But there’s a much richer wealth of experiences if you choose to visit from Niagara Falls City in Canada, which is built along the western bank of the river, the Great Gorge, and the Falls.
Wherever you are on Niagara Fallsview Boulevard, you’re bound to have a fantastic view of the falls even as you just walk or drive along, wine and dine, ride the world-famous Yellow Bug elevator to the Revolving Dining Room at the top of Skylon Tower, or go indoor skydiving at Niagara Freefall, or pick from many other activities. And yes, almost every room and suite in every hotel here will give you glimpses of the majestic falls if not a full-on 24/7 view that you just will not tire of.
My take: For me, the omnipresent thundering roar of the falls was a big plus too. It inspires awe even while you’re bingeing on breakfast or soaking in the bathtub with a glass of wine at night.
Cruising to the falls
The most essential Niagara experience would be to do the 20-minute Niagara City Cruise by Hornblower called Voyage to the Falls. The giant catamaran that fits 700 waterfall enthusiasts takes you around all three parts of the Falls — the American Falls, the Bridal Veil, and the Horseshoe Falls. Slip on your ‘mist gear’ — a fuchsia poncho that’s just a colour variant of the blue one that the Maid of the Misters on the American side of the falls don — and head to the top deck and wait to be wowed.
First, there’s the large sweep of the American falls cascading onto the mammoth boulders below and a glimpse of the viewing platform that juts out from the USA side. Then, the Bridal Veil, a shy, delicate stream in comparison. There’s a few minutes respite from the spray after that. The splendid Horseshoe part of the falls is the money shot, though. Compared to this riot of water just pouring down from the top of the cliff into the continual churn below, the others seem really tepid and tame. It’s a formidable wall of water.
My take: I wasn’t only threatened by its thunder and overwhelmed by its size but perhaps also intimidated by the sheer power of nature that veritably vibrated around me. And that’s the crux of why I’d want to get so up close and personal with these falls, I think. Just to experience that sensation of knowing my place in the universe when thus exposed and juxtaposed.
Trip the night fantastic
Twice as long as the daytime ride, this post-dinner treat lets you see the illuminated falls up close. It’s also very party boat like, with music and cocktails to go with a spectacular fireworks display (at 10 pm daily, May to October). Alternatively, head to Queen Victoria Park at eight pm, to party with the best views and free live concerts on firework nights.
My take: While I was skeptical about coloured lights and fireworks taking away from the natural beauty, at first, I discovered that it was a fun way to interact with the falls in a more relaxed way.
Zipping into the mist
Also on the grounds of Queen Victoria Park, overlooking both the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls, is the aptly named MistRider Zipline, a2,200-foot long zipline that is a thrilling way to view the falls and get an adrenalin rush too. Four parallel lines stretch down towards the fury of the cascades from the top of a high platform.
My take: Dangling 220 feet up in the air, I rushed towards the falls for a thrilling minute at approximately 70 kmph, while seated in the secure harness of the MistRider. It seems fast when you’re watching others have a go. But when you’re hurtling towards the falls yourself, it’s as though time slows down and you can appreciate every spume and feel the roar in your ears. Definitely a bucket-list experience that would be even better with a Go Pro!
Brilliant behind the scenes
Speaking of the brink, another way to be awestruck by the power of, what they say is one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashing past you in swathes at 65 kmph, is the fascinating Journey Behind the Falls. A lift zips you down into bedrock from where you walk through dank tunnels to come out to two different portals where you are just a few feet away from the thundering water. Two very wet observation decks offer great vantage points too.
My take: I thought it was totally worth donning another poncho, a yellow one this time, and traipsing through the tunnels for this really unique perspective on the falls. It’s not every day that you can actually reach out and touch the water from inside falls of this magnitude and magnificence.
Fabulous fly by
Twenty minutes in a high-tech helicopter with huge wraparound windows above the falls is literally like being in heaven. You suddenly find that you can see the entire Niagara River and realise how little this scene has changed since the beginning of time. The chopper company also offers tours that combine local wine sampling as you soar, to take you even higher.
My take: When you see the falls, they’re mostly all white. But when I got a birds-eye view of the river riding over the edge to form them, its mystic green flecked with white and the way it winds through the gorge ahead was a once-in-a-lifetime sight that I will treasure forever.
Dining by the falls
Every hotel worth its salt offers a fallsview dining experience. Be it touristy casual at Edgewaters, bingeing on a buffet in the Fallsview Dining Room at Sheraton on the Falls, eating at the Keg Steakhouse & Bar, Skylon Tower’s Revolving Dining Room, or the Watermark restaurant, or indulging in more formal fine-dining at The Rainbow Room by celebrity chef Massimo Capra at Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview, the falls are never far away. Book ahead at the fine dines, as they are usually sold out much ahead.
My take: Dining with that view, elevates the culinary experience to an extraordinary level.
Turning water into wine
The Niagara-On-The-Lake area has both, cultural and kerb appeal, with everything from gloriously restored 19th century homes, to hipster cafes and craft breweries. Try some excellent local wine (I recommend the sweet but sensational Ice Wine at Peller Estates Winery), craft beer (I enjoyed an excellent beer flight at The Exchange Brewery), and high-end culinary tours.
The Niagara River Recreation Trail is a beautiful walking trail that will appeal to lovers of history and nature. This paved path starts from Fort George at Niagara on the Lake and stretches for 53 kilometers along the Canadian side of the Niagara River until Fort Erie. The trail divides nicely into four scenic sections. They say each section will take approximately one or two hours at a leisurely pace. It was down this route that Canadian troops once rushed to fend off the invading American army!
My take: It’s wonderful to visit a vineyard, check out their cellars, do a red wine and artisanal chocolate pairing, and more. And just walking around the elegant homes in this neighbourhood gives you a local and historical perspective rather than just the touristy, scenic side of Niagara.
More ways to max that Niagara Falls magic
These are things I didn’t try myself but could see why they’re such popular attractions…
- Clifton Hill Skywheel: In a neighbourhood that screams Vegas, this wheel offers approximately 10-minute-long rides in climate-controlled gondolas that give you a grand view of — what else? — the falls!
- Niagara Fury: They may have designed it for kids, but this show is fun for all ages. You hear the ancient history about how the falls were formed and get to experience it in real life.
- Whirlpool Jet Boat, Whirlpool Aero Car and White-Water Walk: They allow you to experience the raging waters of the gorge, the Devil’s Hole rapids and the massive whirlpool at the pace of your choice although they’re away from the falls.
My take: You may not be able to go over the falls in a barrel or walk a tightrope across them as so many people have done in the past (mainly because it’s illegal now, else I know you may have wanted to try!), but, while you’re here, you keep encountering fascinating snippets of its history.
I’ll leave you with this one that I read in the lobby of the Hilton Niagara Falls-Fallsview I was staying in: Funambulist Jean-François Gravelet walked across the falls balanced on a tightrope in 17 minutes in 1859 for the first time, and then again and again on multiple occasions using stilts and even pushing a wheelbarrow! He would surely have approved of all these options on offer today.
Read more.
The most majestic waterfalls in India to check out during monsoon
Think beyond the sun, sand, and surf. Go for the top monsoon activities in Goa!
Review: An immersive nature experience at Niraamaya Retreats Samroha, Athirappilly