My husband and I took a Fall Foliage Bus Tour late September through mid October. I’ll cover a few of the highlights beginning with Niagara Falls.
We observed the falls from the Canadian side. An estimated 600,000 gallons of water per second tumbles over them. Two ways to experience the power of that amount of water:
• Stand as close to the edge of the falls as possible
• Ride the Maid of the Mist close enough to feel the spray
We did both.
Niagara Falls from Below
First we rode the Maid of the Mist. We waited our turn in line for at least 70 minutes, but who’s counting. Part of the ticket price included a plastic hooded rain slicker. We needed it.
Once aboard our very full tour boat, we slowly bobbed across the rough water. The captain steered close enough for us all to get a shower as the water droplets attest on the featured photo (top). I think he enjoyed getting tourists wet.
Aside from the majesty of the view, the roar of the water impressed our eardrums. It blotted out all sound except the excited shouts of spectators.
Niagara Falls from Beside the Edge
If you’ve been following this blog for long, you know I avoid crowds whenever possible. No doubt, that added to my enjoyment of viewing the falls from the upper edge. Very few people gathered in the small park beside it. I was rather surprised. We were quite safe.
Niagara Falls from Above
We rode to the top of Skylon Tower at night. Far below us the falls were lit with colored lights. To me, those impressive roaring waters lost something of their majesty. Lit up, they became just another tourist trap.
I might have appreciated the panorama more during the daylight. I was extremely tired that night. It may have influenced my opinion of the experience.
Up close, the Niagara Falls were breathtaking. Observed from the tower’s height, the falls changed from a giant’s shower to a child’s play thing.
Travel Tips:
• The foliage has already peaked in the Niagara Falls area. Go now—it won’t be as crowded.
• Maid of the Mist season ends November 6.
• Tickets for Maid of the Mist: $18.25/adult; $10.65/6-12 year-old child
Website warns: ticket prices subject to change without notice
Maid of the Mist Link
• Skylon Tower provides a bird’s eye view of Niagara Falls.
Website advertises: elevators travel 775 feet in 52 seconds
If that height and speed impresses you—go for it.
Skylon Tower Link
Which view would you prefer, close-up or far away? Tell me in the comments section below.
Until next time…Travel Light,
SuZan
© 2016 SuZan Klassen
SuZan Klassen 
I loved being by the edge of the upper end of the Falls on the Canadian side. I was 8 years old and we arrived in the middle of the night. The consuming mist took me by surprise and I never forgot it. Repeared the sensation 40 years later with my husband. Powerfully awesome!
All that water power is absolutely amazing. I can well imagine how and eight-year-old would feel. Glad to have you join me. We’ll talk more soon.
I’ve seen it from the close-to-the top with our youngest son who we found out later that week was allergic to mold. With that much water, mold was abundant. We stopped later that evening for dinner and he fell asleep at the table while we waited for our food. (Mold made him lethargic.) The falls were very impressive. Come to think of it, I saw it when I was ten also. Don’t remember much of that time, though.
Thank you for sharing that info. I’m glad you found out he was allergic and the effects it had on him–poor guy. Mold can be deadly to many.