“At Last, Fortissimo!”

I know this is a blog primarily about our national park experiences (let’s be real, it’s about our dog), but Niagara deserves its own post. I thought we would only spend 1-2 hours here on our way from Fort Ticonderoga to Cuyahoga Valley. Try 8. There are only 2 things in the U.S. that I’ve wanted to see since I was in gradeschool, Niagara Falls and Old Faithful. Hopefully I’ll get to see both this year! Earlier this year I was able to see a lot of magnificent waterfalls with my April trip to Iceland but the power of these falls is unparalleled.

We parked in the RV lot at Niagara State Park, which I found out is the oldest state park in America. We planned to walk across Rainbow Bridge to the Canadian side so we could give Rocky some exercise before boarding the “Maid of the Mist” to see the falls up close.

The walk to the bridge was beautiful and below are some shots of the rushing rapids that run 1 mile before the falls. I imagined being put in a barrel and the trip to the falls might be just as terrifying as going over the falls. It was amazing how loud the falls were from even the parking lot.

Here’s my first glimpse of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls with part of Horseshoe Falls in the distance.

The views off Rainbow Bridge.

Passports in hand, we crossed the boarder without difficulty into Canada and there was no line. We showed proof of vaccination for Rocky with no further questions or delay. We stopped quick for some water and maple ice cream and chatted with some locals as some Canadian kids swooned over Rocky.

Then we made our way, about 1 mile, down to Queen Victoria Park which is just adjacent to Horseshoe Falls. The view was spectacular.

We got some good steps in and enjoyed the view the whole way there and back. On our way back across Rainbow Bridge we were glad that we crossed when we did as there was a line of about 50 people backed up to get into Canada. There was a line to get into the U.S. too but we waited only about 15 minutes or so. I’m glad we didn’t drive over as the cars were moving so slowly to get into the U.S.

After dropping Rocky off in the air-conditioned camper we purchased our $18.95 tickets to board “Maid of the Mist” and it was well worth the ride. Admission tickets also includes the price of going out on the observation deck. My husband had gone once before when he was in gradeschool but he said he wasn’t as awestruck by the power then as he was this time. The boat takes you so close to the falls you feel as if you could stretch your hand out to touch them. They give you a bright blue poncho before the ride and you would get quite soaked if you didn’t wear it.

By this time I’m putting my phone away but I did get a couple extra shots getting close to Horseshoe Falls. Everyone is yelling/squealing with delight and the captain gets so close that you begin to think, would I rather go under the falls with the boat or jump first into the tumultuous swirling water below. Fortunately the engine didn’t give up and we made an about turn at what seemed like just the last second and safely made our way back to shore.

We did hike up the walkway when you exit the boat to get closer to the American Falls and then decided to go to the visitor center to watch the film there which I thought would give more history. I don’t recommend that you pay for it as it just turned out to be cheesy re-enactments of people going over the falls. Best to stay outdoors when you visit.

All in all I’m so glad we made this small detour and my 8-year-old self was reeling with delight at the chance to finally get to see this natural wonder.