Niagara Falls, Ontario is Mother Nature's dramatic gift to mankind. The roar of the gorge can sometimes be heard at a distance of fifteen miles. Niagara Falls - the most beautiful falls has more than 14 million year-round visitors. You just don't need a reason to visit the gorgeous falls. Yes, it is an enchanting wedding destination, world's most romantic honeymoon destination and a perfect tourist spot to gaze and wonder at nature's bounty.
Join us in our tour of the Niagara Falls Canada and get a bird's eye view of this spectacular sight. The Niagara Falls offers different facets during various seasons of the year and times of the day. Its beauty remains unchanged, be it in the morning or at night when it is colorfully illuminated.
Niagara Falls Ontario
Niagara Falls is located on the Niagara River, in eastern North America. Niagara River connects Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and lies on the border between United States and Canada. Niagara means 'Thunder of Waters', it originates from the neutral Indian name 'Onguiaahra', description of the earliest native tribes of the area. Members of Samuel de Champlain's group, as early as 1604, first noticed the spectacular waterfall.
Two cities namely, Niagara Falls, New York, USA and Niagara Falls, Ontario, represent the American and Canadian side. Each side promises a different perspective to visitors. The Rainbow Bridge and the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge connect the cities. Niagara Falls consists of three sections - the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls (center), and Horseshoe Falls.
Tourists throng the Canadian side as it offers best views of the falls from every conceivable vantage point. Besides, the Canadian side has more to do, in terms of activities, exciting diversions and excellent hotel accommodation facilities most needed for tourists. The horseshoe-shaped falls on the Canadian side drop 173 feet and are closer to 2,200 feet in width. It is the largest among the three falls and carries about nine times more water than the American Falls.
By car, it takes an hour from Toronto (Canada) and half-an-hour from Buffalo (New York). Numerous bus services operate to and from Niagara Falls, Ontario. Buffalo, Hamilton and Toronto airports are within 2 hours driving distance.
Niagara Falls attractions
Maid of mist: Open April - October
Boat rides take visitors to the base of the American Falls and then to the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. These rides are available every 15 minutes. You will be given reusable, souvenir raincoat that is a must-wear for all the boat riders. Within a couple of minutes, you will find yourself in the midst of the cascade of the mighty falls. To get the best of the ½ hour thrill, ensure place in the front of the boat. You will feel engulfed in the gushing waters from the giant falls.
Butterfly conservatory: Open January - December
As you go into the dome-roofed butterfly conservatory building, you will be enveloped in a magical environment aptly termed 'wings of paradise'. Hundreds of different exquisite butterflies are trapped and they float in the warm, moist air, an appropriate rainforest setting.
The colorful butterflies that are part of the conservatory represent different species from around the world. The conservatory has a 20-feet waterfall and lots of greenery. You may get to see proboscis of butterfly seeking nectar, mating of butterflies or perhaps the emergence of a butterfly from its cocoon.
Marine land: Open: May - mid-October
Marine land is recognized as one of Niagara's most popular family attractions. It is indeed a unique place to watch magnificent creatures from land and sea. Visit the deer petting park, walk among 500 deer and feed them. You can view both above water and underwater movements of marine creatures.
Observe unique behavior of killer whale from close proximity. If you are bold enough, touch and feed the beluga and killer whales. Apart from spectacular marine shows, dolphins, walrus and sea lion shows entertain tourists young and old alike. Other attractions for children include amusement rides, games et al.
Great gorge adventure: Open April - October
As you stroll along a scenic boardwalk, you will marvel at the relentless power and beauty of nature. An observation platform presents the most awesome spectacle of Niagara River.
Whirlpool Aero Car: Open May - October
Take a fantastic view of the lower Niagara River suspended in space. Seated in a suspended cable car that is 4.5 kilometers down the river, a round trip covers one kilometer. It takes about 10 minutes to navigate. You can see the gorge and the hydroelectric plant seated at an elevated point of 3,600 feet.
Journey behind the falls: Open daily except December 25th
Just besides the Horseshoe falls, check out the observation platform and series of tunnels. You can complete the journey in 30 to 45 minutes. From the observation desk that is located behind the falls, you can take enjoy the breathtaking view of water crashing down 13 stories to the lower Niagara River. The tunnel view especially in winter months is an exhibit of nature at its marvelous best.
Golf at Niagara
For golf lovers, Niagara golf course provides ample excitement. Thundering waters, Niagara Falls Golf Club, Whirlpool golf course and rolling golf course are located in and around Ontario, Canada. Every year, in September the Niagara Classic golf tournament is held.
Niagara Falls Canada hotel
As the place thrives on tourism, considerable effort is taken to provide cheap, affordable accommodation for its visitors. Close to 12,000 hotels cater to the needs of uninterrupted entry of visitors throughout the year. You can choose to dine at any of the 500 restaurants, be it fast food, ethnic food or select winery restaurants. You can find two casinos at walking distance with a buffet and pub.
A true break away from the routine, the beauty of Niagara Falls provides you with rejuvenated energy. Use your imagination and create an itinerary that suits your convenience. You will come back with memories that will haunt you with the beauty of this majestic and awesome sight.