Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada

For the past two days we've traveled from our Lakeside Campground base in Ripley, New York to Niagara Falls, Ontario. We had been advised by the local folks we've met to go over to Canada for the best views of the falls. They were right. On the American side the view of Horseshoe falls is limited by the angle of the river. You have a good view of the American and Bridal Vail falls.

Monday morning we left about 7am and went up to Buffalo.
We crossed into Canada on the Rainbow bridge. It was about mid-morning and the border crossing was quiet. Something triggered the guards and our truck was searched inside out. Don't have a clue as to why this happened, but it made for an interesting way to start our visit to Canada. Maybe the guards were bored and wanted something to do since we were the only vehicle there at that time.
We next went to the Welcome Center. We'd also been advised to get a visit package that included the Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, the White Water Walk, the Butterfly Conservatory and all day rides on the People Mover(bus). Parking was $18.00 for the day. (I thought Disney was expensive...)



We went on the Maid of the Mist boat first. The boat travels right next to the American and Horseshoe falls. We were given plastic rain ponchos and these were definitely needed.


Even having them we still got pretty wet. Hair, shirt, and shoes/socks soaked. IT WAS GREAT!!! The power of these falls is awesome.

After lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe (expensive!!!), we went on to the Journey behind the Falls. This tour takes you down an elevator behind the falls. We went down some tunnels to get to the back of the water fall. There was also an outside platform that was RIGHT BESIDE the falls. We got wet again but not as much.
We also went to the Butterfly Conservatory. This reminds me of the one in Durham at the Museum of Life and Science. However, this one is quite a bit larger. Many different types of butterflys flying free in the atrium. The atrium is surrounded by beautiful gardens.



On Tuesday we went back via the Peace bridge. This brings you into Canada near Fort Erie. Very scenic route down the river. Looked quite like rural North Carolina. Lots of trees and other greenery. Gary thought it was a boring route to take. Same thing for several miles.


We went to the White Water Walk when we arrived. Again down an elevator to the river level.

At this point of the river the rapids start. They are listed as Class 6 the most extreme in the world. The pictures don't do justice to this. Imagine trying to go down these rapids in a raft. Do you have good life insurance?? Currently it isn't legal to try. $10,000. fine when you are caught.



Since we had kept our truck handy in the Walk's parking lot (free) we spent a hour or so just driving around the town. We stopped at the Whirlpool Aero Car ride. This ride takes you over the river in a cable car. But, it was closed for orientation safety training of new student workers.
Oh well..might have been a little bit scary anyway.

We also stopped at the Rossi Glass Blowing shop. The shop offers demonstrations of glass blowing. Very interesting and HOT!.. Beautiful and bizarre glass for sale also.

Dinner tonight was at a Perkins (yes, almost just like the US). Same menu but higher prices. Over $40.00 for dinner. Baloney sandwiches are on tonight's menu. What would we do without baloney and PB&J?

We stayed until dark so we could see the falls lite up. Most of time we were there the lights they were using were green. I was hoping for pink or blue. My camera just couldn't get great pictures using the ambient light. Maybe I need a new one??? :)