E phatlaladitšwe: 08.12.2017
On November 28th, we took the bus from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The journey takes about two hours, and after a short walk from the bus station along the Niagara River, you are standing in front of the 57-meter high Niagara Falls.
From the Canadian side, you have a wonderful view of the three waterfalls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. So first, we strolled along the long promenade and took five photos every ten meters. The sun was shining and there were hardly any tourists. Cheers to the off-season at tourist attractions!
Yes, Niagara Falls is one of the top attractions in North America. That's why there is corresponding entertainment on the Canadian side: zip line, IMAX, casinos, boat tours, helicopter rides, a carnival-like street that bombards you with flashing lights, sounds, and announcements, and offers spooky cabins, a Ferris wheel, and a Jurassic Park-style mini golf course. The ordinary tourist should not get bored in the face of such awe-inspiring nature.
The American side offers a nature park and a platform right between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. However, to get there, you first have to enter the USA.
So let's go.
You walk from Canada to the USA via the Rainbow Bridge, which is quite funny. There you show your passport, give your fingerprints, have your photo taken (if you haven't entered before), confirm that you have an ESTA, explain the purpose of your visit, pay six dollars, get a stamp and the I-94 form in your passport, and that's it. Neither me nor my backpack had to go through a security check.
After ten minutes, I am standing on US American soil somewhat unbelievably. And there is also wifi in the nature park.
From a platform, you also have a nice view of the waterfalls here. Apart from that, you can walk through the park and onto the islands, right up to the edge, standing right next to the waterfall. It is quieter on this side, and you can simply enjoy the natural spectacle.
From November to January, the 'Winter Festival of Lights' takes place on the Canadian side, where Christmas lights are set up and trees are illuminated along a length of 36 kilometers. There are also various events such as fireworks, concerts, and a cheerleading championship.
After sunset, it became quite cool and uncomfortable, but the Christmas-lighted city is worth a walk. And to wrap it up, the view of the illuminated Niagara Falls, which you can hardly get enough of.
Niagara Falls may not be the highest and personally not the most impressive waterfalls for me (those who have been to Iceland will understand), but they are still impressive and worth seeing.