Niagara Falls: An Abundance of Adventure

Horseshoe Falls at Niagara

Niagara Falls is, undoubtedly, one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. It receives 20 million visitors annually. More camera film is sold here than anywhere else in the world. Niagara Falls is a natural phenomenon but its commercial attractions make it much more than that. It is a unique combination of nature at its finest and intriguing man-made creations. It caters to all tastes, and that is the key to its success as a tourist attraction.

CLIMATE

Niagara Falls is a great place to visit for all seasons. Although the winter is cold, it has a special magic of its own and the landscape is totally transformed. Spring brings thousands of tulips and daffodils. Summers are mainly warm and sunny, and fall brings a magnificent array of colours along the banks of the river and in the many parks.

TRANSPORTATION

Niagara Falls is easy to reach by all modes of transportation. When transportation is being considered it should be noted that there is Niagara Falls, Ontario, on the Canadian side, and Niagara Falls, New York, on the American side. Both sides are linked to the highway system of Canada and the United States. There is rail service from Toronto and New York City, which enables continent-wide connections. Long-distance buses serve from both countries. There is an international airport at Buffalo, New York, which is linked by frequent bus connection to both sides. The other airports serving Niagara Falls, Ontario, are at Hamilton, Ontario, and Pearson International Airport at Toronto. Toronto airport is linked by direct bus to Niagara Falls (For more transportation information click here)

FEATURED ATTRACTIONS

The Falls

Think of the actual attraction of Niagara Falls and most people think of visitors in yellow-hooded raincoats viewing the falls up-close from the 'Maid of the Mist' boat. This is the classical Niagara Falls attraction, and is a phenomenal experience. The boat departs every 15 minutes and takes visitors in front of the American Falls and into the Horseshoe of the Canadian Falls. You will soon understand the reason behind the raincoats, which are included in the price of the ticket.

The other activity at the actual falls that is in the 'must do' category is the Journey Behind the Falls. This entails descending in an elevator to three tunnels that provide excellent and close vantage points from behind the Horseshoe Falls, and of the Niagara River. This is the way to really observe the true force of the falls. Another fantastic way of seeing the falls is by air. This gives an incredible view of the falls and the surrounding area, weather permitting.

Butterfly resting

Niagara Parks

The falls themselves bring thousands of migratory birds through the region. Nineteen different species of gulls have been identified along the Niagara River. As well, the falls area is home to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. Over 50 butterfly species from around the world live in the controlled, rainforest environment. The Niagara Parks Commission maintains the nature areas of the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve and the Dufferin Islands. Parks Commission guides lead hiking tours of the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve throughout the summer months (June to September) for a small fee, or you can wander the reserve on your own at no cost.

Mackenzie Heritage Printery Museum

In nearby Queenston, the restored home of William Lyon Mackenzie, a 19^th-century political reformist, is now the Mackenzie Heritage Printery Museum. This museum exhibits the oldest printing press in Canada. Hands-on learning of the printing process is encouraged.

Fort Erie and Fort George

South of Niagara Falls along the Niagara Parkway is Old Fort Erie, to the north on the same parkway is Fort George, both reconstructed. These historical sites provide a look at life and the events that shaped the border between Canada and the United States of America in the early 19^th century.

The Welland Canal

Another side trip from Niagara Falls is to the Welland Canal Centre. The Welland Canal lies some 13 km (8 mi) west of the falls. It provides passage for shipping between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, as ships obviously cannot navigate the Niagara River because of the falls. Visit the Welland Canal Centre for a first rate view of the ships as they transfer the many lock systems of the canal. The centre has an observation platform and also houses the St. Catharines Museum. Ships navigate the canal from April to December.