Get Sprayed at Niagara Falls
Tourists have been flocking to North America’s most powerful and striking waterfall since the 1850’s, and each year around 28 million people will visit the Canadian/US border holiday town. Casinos, resorts and theme park attractions have cascaded around the Falls, but there’s no denying the sheer power and beauty of Niagara, along with its value as a source of hydroelectric energy. Don a plastic poncho for a boat ride to get baptized beneath the falls. Hear the roar, scream with delight, and wave to the jealous tourists on the US side!
Length of Trip : Budget about 90 minutes for the boat ride. A weekend is plenty for Niagara Falls, unless you have kids, who will want to stay forever. Boats depart every 15 minutes.
Cost :
Cost for the Hornblower Cruise beneath Horseshoe Falls: Adult: $19.95 | Child (5-12 yrs): $12.25 | Child (4 yrs and under): FREE
Best time to go : June, July and August, when the spray is refreshing!
Wheelchair friendly : Yes
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat :
Windows by Jamie Kennedy
The Keg - Located in the Embassy Suites with a great view.
The Rainbow Room
Local favourite: Betty’s
Official Site :
Niagara Falls Tourism
Learn more about Canada.
Discover the Niagara Peninsula by Bike with Great Canadian Trails
Where to Stay :
The Sheraton Hotel has a fantastic view of Falls. Just make sure you ask for a room facing them!
When staying in Toronto, we recommend the Fairmont Royal York.
Getting There :
Toronto's Pearson International Airport is about a 90 minute drive away, depending on traffic. There are ample bus and shuttle services as well. The entrance for Canadian departures for the Hornblower Cruise is along the Niagara Parkway, This is at the north end of Queen Victoria Park, close to the Rainbow Bridge and Oakes Garden Theatre at the foot of the Clifton Hill tourist area.
Note from Robin :
The lines can be intimidating but years of heavy patronage has created an efficient system that does move pretty smoothly. Both the US and Canadian boats visit the same spot beneath Horseshoe Falls, although the Canadian boats are bigger. Stand on the upper deck if you want to really feel the spray. Early mornings are less crowded, but can also be more chilly. Walking to the illuminated Falls on a hot summer evening is quite lovely. The Canadian side’s Horseshoe Falls has attracted daredevils since the early 1900’s, many of whom have climbed into a barrel and gone over the edge. If Superman really existed, he might have been able to rescue them, as he did for Lois Lane, tumbling over the falls in the 1978 hit movie.
