Niagara Falls

For generations, the majestic Niagara Falls have evoked a sense of awe and admiration. This major tourist attraction offers spectacular scenery's, throbbing night life and miles of hiking opportunities. This is certainly a vacation destination that everyone can enjoy. The Niagara Falls are best viewed from the city of Ontario in Canada. The closest airports to the Falls are Toronto in Canada and Buffalo in the US. As we were travelling from New York city, we flew in to Buffalo and travelled by road ( a short 2 hour drive ) to Ontario. If possible, choose a hotel which offers rooms with a view of the the falls . Stayed at the Marriott which has some spectacular views of both American as well as the Canadian Horseshoe Falls

 The Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian Side

The Niagara falls are actually 3 falls – the main Canadian Horseshoe Falls falling on the Canadian side  and the adjacent American Falls falling on the American side along with the comparatively smaller Bridal Veils Falls .

View of the Horseshoe Falls

The Horseshoe Falls (right) and American Falls (left)

The Niagara Falls are believed to have been formed when glaciers receded at the end of the last ice age about 10,000 years ago resulting in the formation of the Great Lakes. The water from these lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. The Niagara Falls are very wide with more than 6 million cubic feet of water falling over the crest every minute The  Falls form the highest flow rate on any waterfall in the world and has a vertical drop of 165 feet. Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall  in North America. The width of the Horseshoe Falls is about 790 mtrs while the smaller American Falls is 320 mtrs wide. The Falls are located on the Niagara River draining Lake Erie into Lake Ontario.

                          Another  Views of the Falls

Rainbow over the Horseshoe Falls

 These pictures were taken from our room which overlooked the Falls. Sunrise is a sight to be

experienced.

Sunrise at Niagara

Table Rock Welcome Centre

Ontario Skyline as seen from the Niagara Parks

The action at the Niagara Falls starts from the Table Rock welcome centre from where you get an awesome view of the majestic falls. This is the heart of the Niagara Parks where over 8 million visitors come during the year and experience the thundering water flowing over the brink of the Horseshoe falls. Be sure to experience 'Niagara Fury' - a show replicating the creation of the Niagara Falls. This is a show that will immerse you in a 4D style experience where standing on a large platform that will sway and roll,  you will experience water that will spray down and snow fall all around. This is Niagara's fury.

The Table Rock Centre has a well stocked food court with Tim Horton's, Niagara Pizza Co., Ah-So Sushi, Burger Town and other favourite options for a light meal or beverage.  The centre also has shops offering Canadian gifts and souvenirs. Be sure to pick yours from here.

Anita after a hectic day of sightseeing

Ontario is a true tourist spot and a very popular holiday destination. Accommodation options are many catering to the budget traveller as well as the well heeled ones. After a day of sightseeing, evenings can be enjoyable with a variety of dining choices and cuisines on offer. Night life too has much to offer - both for grown-ups as well as children. During the summer months, there is a spectacular fireworks display over the falls. Don't miss it if you are visiting in summer.

If you want to try your luck, visit the Casino Niagara with 1700 slot machines or the Fallsview Casino resort. For the die hard rock fan, there is the Hard Rock Club which has a dance floor with a view of the falls.

There is much to discover at Niagara Falls. You will enjoy this break.