The Falls and Related Attractions

Niagara Falls is really three falls in one. The Niagara River drops 185 feet into a pool below. The three falls are American, Bridal Veil (also called Luna) and Horseshoe (also called Canadian Falls). Goat Island separated the American/ Luna Falls from Horseshoe Falls.  As you can assume American Falls is entirely in the US as is Goat Island. The Canadian border begins where Horseshoe Falls meets Goat Island.

Horseshoe is by far the largest falls. It has a crestline of 2500 feet compared to the American Falls which still an impressive 1100 feet across. During the day, over 600,000 gallons dump over the falls EACH SECOND! More water is diverted for hydroelectric power at night so less water goes over the falls.

On the Ontario side, the views to the falls are directly in front of you. You look across the Niagara

Terrapin Point

River to see American and Luna Falls. Horseshoe Falls begins almost at your feet on the walking path and extends like a horseshoe to Goat Island directly across the river.

On the New York side, tourists are standing at the top of the falls at either Prospect Point (near American Falls, or Terrapin Point (Horseshoe Falls).  You can stand next to them and feel the power of the falls. However being so close, you really don’t get the big picture except at the Tower.

Both New York and Ontario have rides and attractions that will take you to the falls. The famous Maid of the Mist is on both sides. Both America and Canada have launches. However word of warning. It is five dollars cheaper in America. Here is a rundown of some of the Falls based attractions and my opinions.

1.      Maid of the Mist

This boat will bring you right to the base of Horseshoe Falls. A rain poncho is provided with purchase of a ticket. The prices were 15.50 for a ticket at Niagara Falls State Park, NY and 19.75 in Canada.  You will get wet. The boat passes American Falls and travels to Horseshoe. I was told the trip is about 30 minutes but I’m sure it’s more like 20. None the less, it’s pretty awesome. Being that close is an adrenaline rush. I would suggest you go near closing time. It seems there are far less people during the last couple of trips than during the rest of the day. We went late and everyone had a spot along the rail. On other boats earlier in the day passengers were lined up 4 deep.

2.      Cave of the Winds

This is also on the American side. There is an elevator that goes down near the water. Then you walk to a series of stairs and decks. The stairs lead to Luna Falls. You walk along the edge of the falls to the “Hurricane Deck”. This a spot at the bottom of Luna Falls that water crashes near. The water crashes so hard that it creates wind and serious mist. It is fun to stand there and take the force of it.  Sandals and rain ponchos are provided. A plastic bag is also provided to put your shoes in. You get to keep the sandals and poncho after the tour. You will get wet.

3.      Journey behind the falls  ($15.95 person)  

   This is the first thing we did Monday. It is on the Canadian side under a giant visitor center. Like Cave of the Winds you take an elevator down. A visitor walks through tunnels to a tunnel directly under the falls. This sounds awesome but all you see is a wall of white.  You can also walk out onto a deck and stand near Horseshoe Falls, it is doubtful you will be able to take any pictures because it is so misty. This was a waste of money. I would not do it again.

On the Ontario side there is also a white water walk just past Rainbow Bridge ( the main bridge between  the U.S. and Canada) I could not justify paying money to stand near rapids when I could do it for free on the American side.

There are also discounts if you buy passes that combine attractions. For example in the state park you can buy a pass for $33. It includes the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, The Aquarium, Discovery Center, and a Movie about the history of the falls. The pass also allows for free admission and unlimited rides on the trolley. The trolley will take you to all of the spots I just listed.

Canada has a similar pass for $46. Their pass includes a a Maid ride, Whitewater Walk, Niagara’s Fury and Journey behind the Falls We chose the American pass and were very happy. A word of note, the Discovery Center is only open on weekends.

Walking trails.

On the Canadian side there is an asphalt path from Maid of the Mist well past Horseshoe Falls. It is easy and wide. At almost any point you can take a picture. The views as mentioned are great.

      On the American side, there is a trial from Prospect Point up the American rapids to a footbridge to Goat Island. There is also a short trail to three little islands in the Canadian Rapids called Three Sisters. They are worth checking out