Niagara Falls

American Falls

With only a few days left in America before I have to leave, Evan and I decided to take the 7 hour drive to Niagara Falls. I have been told numerous times that the Canadian side is much better than the American but due to Visa problems, if I left the country I wouldn't be allowed back in so we'd have to make do with the American side.

The drive was dead simple, but as with our trip to the south as soon as we left Connecticut any radio station in the 80's early 90's on the FM radio wave was preachy stuff. I don't know what it is about Connecticut but they don't seem to have any radio stations like this that I'm aware of, although I'm pretty sure that they will exist.

Evan At The Foot Of The American
Falls

As we hit the area we were greeted with little stalls and car park attendants left, right, and centre. The smell of Indian restaurants wafted through the air making everything feel a little bit like home. As we entered the Falls area we came in contact with the Amish, they were everywhere. Now I don't know what was going through the women's minds, but they couldn't keep their eyes off Evan and I. One girl looked over her shoulder at us that much she might as well have been walking backwards. They either have never seen blond hair on guys before, or they have abnormally low standards.

Whenever you look up information about the Falls, you will find that they say a picture does not do it justice; I've never read a truer statement. A picture cannot put across the shear volume of water, nor the speed at which it travels as you stand alongside it. Even the noise that it creates batters your eardrums.

Wandering around the area it became apparent to Evan that the American side has a lot more on offer than the Canadian. Yes, the Canadian side does offer a better view of the falls as you're looking directly at the American Falls, and into the centre of the Horseshoe Falls. But other than that there is very little to do, all they offer is a short walk behind the Horseshoe Falls, and a boat ride which you can also take from the American side.

One Side Of The Rapids

After walking along the observation points we made our way towards the American Falls. Taking an elevator down to the base we were given a plastic poncho and made our way along the walkway to the base. As soon as you exit the cave in which the elevator lives, the noise of the water hits you along with the water mist.  As you walk towards the base you can see multiple rainbows along the floor and over the rapids. For the first time in my life, I saw a full circular rainbow on the floor. I think the closest I've ever seen is from an oil spill. As you get closer to the base the water hitting you becomes stronger and stronger with children being pushed by the falls. To stand and stare up at the water is something spectacular as the noise and smell surrounds you, and the weight of the water hitting you shocks you.

Evan A Mere Hundred Yards From The Edge Of The
Horseshoe Falls

Before taking the boat to get a closer look at the Horseshoe Falls we made our way to the rapids. Not only was this one of the best parts of the trip, but I was surprised to find that we were able to do what we did. Firstly there are no rails to keep you out of the water, and second, there were no guards to yell at you. With the current of the water obviously strong and the edge of the falls only a couple hundred yards away, Evan and I decided to go paddling. Even on the edges of the rapids it was obvious how strong the current was as our feet would be pushed along with the water. You could see back on land little kids watching us with envy as their parents watched us with anger as their children pulled on their sleeves yelling, "But they're doing it"

Rainbow

Having had a drink from the rapids we made our way to the Maid Of The Mist boat ride to the foot of the falls. As we rode past the American falls we got a close up view of what you would see from the Canadian side complete with rainbow. The closer we got to the Horseshoe falls, the less we could see as the mist became heavier and heavier. It was also difficult to keep your eyes open at times due to the amount of water splashing you in the face. It was nice to notice that a couple were getting married on the boat at the foot of the falls. It appears that romance isn't dead.

Leaving The Horseshoe Falls On The Boat

Throwing our plastic ponchos away as we stepped off the boat, we had a wander along the coast of the water. Big mistake as we were very close to the American Falls and got absolutely drenched. A nice way to end the day and start the 7 hour drive home.

Evan had previously been to the Canadian side and didn't think too much about it. He would recommend going to the American side. Having not been to the Canadian side I can only say that I thoroughly enjoyed the American side and would go again. If you ever have the chance - GO!