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An Attraction to Fall For
Discover Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
By Sue Marquette Poremba
There are a few different ways to view the Falls. The most popular attraction (and perhaps most famous) is the Maid of the Mist. This is the boat ride that takes you to the foot of the Horseshoe Falls. The $14 (Canadian) ride includes a souvenir poncho. The poncho is essential when you get close to the Horseshoe Falls. Be prepared to get wet and windblown. But also have the camera ready, especially when going past the American Falls, where you are likely to see perfect rainbows. On the Canadian side, the Maid of the Mist includes only the boat ride. On the American side, however, you are able to walk up alongside the American Falls.
The Journey Behind the Falls takes visitors behind the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. From that view, you see the Falls as a wall of water. On the American side, there is the Cave of the Winds, where you are able to walk near the American Falls. There is an area that takes you right up to the Bridal Veil Falls. The strength of the wind and water feels like a hurricane. A few miles down the Niagara River is the whirlpool, Spanish aerocars that travel on cables high above the river and the whitewater walk that allows you to hike close to the rapids.
These attractions are open from late spring to early fall. At the winter holiday season, there is a holiday light display in the park and other seasonal events. If you don't mind the cold weather, the Falls themselves are a fabulous sight, as the cliffs and the river are frozen, and the mist creates mini snow showers.