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Adventures

Niagara Falls State Park

This is a heavily touristed area so parking will be your first challenge. We parked at the Aquarium of Niagara which has a large, free parking lot. From there you can catch the USA Niagara Link Trolley but we opted to walk along the rim of the river to the falls (about 1/4 mile). Not only was it a nice walk with good views out over the river but there were interpretive signs along the pathway. We heard the Falls long before we saw them. The Falls aren’t the tallest in the world but the amount of water roaring over them is enormous, at least during the day. Late at night the Falls slow to a trickle as several hydroelectric plants use the water to generate electricity.

Stop in at the Visitor Center to learn more about the area. The elevator ride down to the Observation Tower is free and worth a ride as it provides good views of the American and Bridal Veil sections of the Falls. Be sure to take the path across the islands to Terrapin Point for a great view of the Horseshoe section of the Falls. It is not necessary to cross into Canada for good views of the Falls but if you go, be sure to have your passport with you. The Niagara Scenic Trolley offers rides within the park for a small fee and the USA Niagara Link Trolley connects the Falls area to other points around town.

Phone: (716) 278-1796

Maid of the Mist

Boats leave every 15 minutes from both the U.S. and Canadian side of the river and they run roughly the same route. The boats offer great views of American Falls and a loud, wet experience in the thundering mist of Horseshoe Falls. They provide a thin plastic raincoat but you will still get wet. Be careful with your camera equipment.

After the boat ride you can walk under a small portion of the falls on the American side if you choose, you will get soaked. The boat ride is short but fun. They do not accept reservations, so arrive early to purchase tickets or prepare for a wait. There is no need to cross the border for this but if you must, be sure to have your passport with you and on busy days prepare for a wait at the border. Caution: When we took our ride they required us to have our driver’s licenses with us.

Phone: (716) 284-8897