I still go speechless when I think about the beautiful Niagara. I’m still wrapped in the mist of the pure white falls and the sight of the seagulls do not leave me. Niagara Falls is one lifetime experience that must be a part of your Bucket List. And I’m lucky to see it from both the sides- Canada as well as New York, USA. Which ever side you may see it from, the vastness of the falls will enthral you for the rest of your life and that’s guaranteed. So pick up your vacation schedules, sort out your finances, save to splurge or cut down on your luxuries, but you must visit this gigantic phenomenon once in your lifetime.
If you’re visiting from the US Side, there is a separate article on Must do things at the Niagara Falls from the US side. And if you’re visiting from the Canada side, scroll below. Niagara Falls is an hour and a half from the city of Toronto on the Canada-US border. And if you have visa for both the countries, bring it on from both the sides. Like me, more the merrier.
From Post cards to reality, here are Must Do 7 things at the Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada.
1. Stay a night at a Fall Facing Hotel.
This is the ‘icing on the cake’ only from the Canada side. So first of all you have to stay a night at a Fall facing Hotel to see the falls from a top view. Stay by the fall, relax by the fall, coffee by the fall and sleep by the fall :). We stayed at the ‘Marriott by the Falls‘ and the view from the 15th floor of our room was just spectacular. We saw a thunderstorm over the falls, lightening over the fall for it was a stormy night. And the way Niagara came alive at 1’o clock night under a lightening spell, it still resonates in my mind. Like a movie scene from a sci-fi thriller, it was just spectacular. Canada has that advantage of staying by the falls and make full use of it.
2. The Spectacular view of the 3 falls.
Niagara falls is a combination of the 3 falls: The American Falls, The Bridal Veil and the HorseShoe Falls. The whole view of all the 3 falls is complete from the Canada side. Just stand at the edge of the road facing the fall and marvel at the landmark. Just be mesmerised. Don’t move, don’t talk and for a while don’t take pictures. Just breathe through and accept the fact that you are alive. And trust me, nothing else will matter. And then roll on for your pictures and take them till infinity :). Sigh Sigh Sigh!
3. Journey Behind the Falls.
The sight is just awe-inspiring. Feel the thunder when you take a journey behind the Horse Shoe Fall at the heart of Niagara. Stand in the mist where the fall drops from 13 storeys above. This marvel is available from the Canadian side. Walk on the Observation deck at the foot of the falls and the see the wonder up-close and personal. A biodegradable rain poncho is provided for protection against the mist of the Falls.
4. Hornblower Niagara Cruises Boat Tour.
If you don’t do this, you might as well not go there. No words here can justify the feeling this boat tour provides. From WOW to speechless, from ecstasy to a feeling of accomplishment, the experience is Surreal.
The Hornblower Niagara Cruises take you as close as possible to the breathtaking flow of the Falls. This is an intimate tour to feel the water, power and mist of the enchanting Niagara Falls. You will journey through the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the famous Horseshoe Falls. This will be the thrill of a lifetime. Flow in the energy and experience the thundering roar of the Niagara Falls.
Forget the rain poncho for protection, let it be. Take it off your head. Get wet, hold your heart and shout out loud- it will all happen so naturally. Just keep your eyes wide open, this is a lifetime thrill. Oh My God, I so want to go back and experience it again!
5. Niagara Downtown.
The downtown of Niagara is full of fun activities. From Ripley’s to casinos to shopping to restaurants, there is enough to please all age groups. The souvenir shops are a must to go to buy a little remembrance from the place. My favourite are fridge magnets- small, unbreakable and easy to carry back. Just walk through the downtown for a fun time. Coffee’ing around is a must :).
6. Light work during the evening.
Niagara lits up at night for a few hours. You can see the falls tantalising under a high beam of falling lights. The hue of the water changes under the effect. The blue, yellow, orange, red effect is another experience altogether. Do see the falls in the evening and at night and have the best view at all times of the day.
7. Fireworks at Night.
There is a spectacular firework in the sky every Friday and Sunday at 10 pm sharp. SEE IT. I SAW IT on a Sunday night and I was spell bound for the entire 10-15 minutes duration. The whole crowd dropped their jaws during the time. Adjust your visit in a way that you stay on these days. You can thank me later!
If you’ve been to Niagara then you can understand my emotion. If you haven’t, then I urge you to plan it. Till then, see the falls through my eyes. I fell indebted to you for reading this and living it with me. Thank you once again for stopping by!
Have I been able to mesmerise you by the beauty of the Niagara falls? What do you think about this article? Do share in the comments below.