Canada

Falling for Niagara

by Anne-Marie Macloughlin

A mere 45 miles from Toronto, the Niagara region is host to one of the most visited attractions in Canada – the eponymous falls. Although not an official wonder of the world, the height and sheer volume of water thundering over the Horseshoe Falls places it firmly in the record books. More than 168,000 cubic metres of water flow over the falls per minute during the peak hours, plunging into a 167 foot deep pool. As tourism figures slowly recover there is much to behold in the more than 3000 acres that is Niagara parks.

Established in 1927, the park’s mission is to conserve and promote the natural beauty of the region. And what beauty abounds, from the awe-inspiring falls themselves (in actuality 3 in total with the American and Bridal Veil falls on the US side) to the magnificent Niagara Parkway, 34 miles of splendour hugging the river from Fort Erie to Niagara on the Lake (NOTL to the locals!) And there is something for every travel-starved visitor.

It’s been a minute since my last visit, fond memories becoming reality as we entered the main drag on our way to pick up the Hornblower Cruise for the ultimate in photo opps. Even on a weekday, Clifton Hill is a vibrant and colorful welcome. As we make our way down to the dock, the arcades soon give way to our first glimpse of the falls themselves. With our plastic ponchos securely fastened, cellphones at the ready, the boat carries us to the edge of all three waterfalls, the showstopper the 188 feet tall Horseshoe. And at 2200 feet wide the thundering wall of water dwarfs the not so little boat, those of us at the front enjoying an impromptu shower. A short trip from the dock lies the busy hub of Table Rock centre where the edge of the falls are so close you could almost reach out and touch them. This was our lucky day with not one but TWO rainbows forming in front of the bridge that’s named for this natural phenomenon!

Next on the agenda, a leisurely drive along the parkway with its many points of interest. Between the falls to their point of origin in Queenston lies 7 miles of pristine parkland where you can golf, hike and see an actual whirlpool! The latter is a result of a 90 degree bend in the Niagara River; not for the faint-hearted, the Spanish Aero Car provides an aerial view 250 feet above the rapids. Not overly fond of heights, I chose to take pictures from the safety of the observation deck, the fall colors providing a warm contrast to the icy cold rapids.

As a year round destination, Niagara Falls is a must-see. Hiking on a summer day, leaf-peeping in the fall or a wintry wander around the Festival of Lights, you’ll be falling for Niagara too.

https://www.niagaraparks.com