Canada #24 Niagara Falls
The mighty Niagara River flows for just 58 kilometres, between Lake Erie in the south northwards to Lake Ontario. In that short distance it moves at an average rate of 2,400 cubic metres per second. Several islands interrupt the course of the river while churning rapids and whirlpools are visible evidence of the water’s power.
Forming part of the international border between Canada and the United States of America, the Niagara River is visited each year by more than 30 million people. They all come to see its world famous falls.
Niagara Falls, at the southern end of the Niagara Gorge, consists of three waterfalls – the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. Water moving at a speed of up to 65 kilometres an hour flows over the falls at a rate of 168,000 cubic metres per minute. A veil of mist constantly shrouds the falls and on sunny days brilliant rainbows enhance the spectacle.
Getting up close to the falls means getting wet. At the Journey Behind the Falls, yellow ponchos are handed out before visitors descend 150 metres in an elevator to a tunnel at the base of Horseshoe Falls.
Two portals are located directly behind the falls; the water roars as it rushes by on its downward course.
At two more observation platforms right at the base of the falls, the thundering water crashes down before continuing on its way through the gorge.
Tourist boats dwarfed by the massive gorge sail in a circuit past all three falls, sometimes almost hidden in the spray. From the American side comes the Maid of the Mist, her passengers bedecked in blue ponchos, while on the Canadian side passengers on the Hornblower catamarans wear red.
Even with ponchos on everyone is damp, but no one minds as exhilaration and excitement overtake all other feelings.
When daylight fades, the falls take on a different personality. Illuminated in a parade of colours, the water glows in an intensity which deepens as the sky darkens.
Later in the night fireworks play over the falls in celebration of this masterpiece of nature. The brilliant bursts of light are the perfect finale to a day spent visiting the Niagara River.
You made some beautiful photos Carol – especially when you caught the rainbows. I didn’t know about the lights at night and the fireworks display. They do that every night?
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The falls are illuminated every night and the fireworks are most nights in summer as well as special occasions. The rainbows were stunning over the water.
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Absolutely gorgeous. Do yo know if the Fire works set off every night?
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The fireworks are most nights in summer, weather permitting and on special occasions. There is a timetable on the Niagara website.
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Awesome. We’ve been to the Falls twice but neither time long enough to take one of the boats. I’d love to some day!
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We only had one day and I would love to go back and spend several days in this area. There is so much to see. The boat ride was a highlight in what was a wonderful day.
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Wow! What a day, Carol! And what a night 🙂 🙂 I’d love to have been there.
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It was one of those “I can’t believe I’m actually here” days, and my birthday as well. What a way to celebrate! We had a special dinner up on the 26th floor of the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, hence the amazing photos of the fireworks. So lucky!
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Fantastic! 🙂 🙂
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It really was! 😀
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Wow. Just wow! How amazing, and what an experience to see this wonderful place. Your photos tell the story to perfection.
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Thank you Jane. It was one of those days when I was amazed that I was there.
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Ooh this brought back such memories! I went there during the day. It was amazing!
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The sheer volume of water was enough to leave us speechless. We had a fabulous day too.
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Love this post. I’m embarrassed to admit I have never been to Niagra Falls. Your Canadian trip will have me exploring and enjoying both sides of the long international border. Thanks for the wonderful photos and narrative.
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You’re a lot closer to Canada than we are, so I definitely recommend that you go for a visit. In the meantime, I’m pleased you’re enjoying my stories.
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Wow, that fireworks display is awesome, what an experience Carol. Definitely one for the bucket list. 🙂
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Yes, I would recommend making sure you are there for at least one night because the illumination and fireworks are wonderful.
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👍🏼😊
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I saw the Falls when we first came to Canada, and then again last year. I’d forgotten how awesome the volume of water is. I’d love to see it when it’s frozen! Great photos – as always!
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Winter would be a fabulous time to visit. We couldn’t believe how much water there was, not just here but everywhere in Canada.
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Loved your pictures. I never get tired of seeing the falls and remembering our trips there when our children were young. We kept those ponchos for 20+ years!!!
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We didn’t keep our ponchos, but now I wish we did. I hope we get to go again one day.
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One of my favorite places on the planet! Great post – thanks!
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We had a great day and would love to go back and stay for a few days. There is so much more to see than just the falls.
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Steven and Annie asked the question that was on my mind. And, it must be so noisy when you’re down there in the tunnel, watching the water rush past you.
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Did we keep our ponchos?? We didn’t really have anywhere to put them that day but I kind of wish we had now. The sound of the water was incredible. Coming from the driest place on Earth, we were constantly in awe of how much water there is in Canada.
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I’ve been there a couple of times, but never even came remotely close to capturing photos like these. You did good! The rainbow shots are amazing.
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Thank you Judy. I bought a new camera before this trip and it’s pretty great for a compact.
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well I never knew I had been to the source of the Niagara. one of these days I will make it to the falls!!
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For a short river, it sure packs a punch. I hope you do get to the falls, because it’s a wonderful experience. Another reason for you and Mr B to return! Are you still working on him?
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I am!!!!
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Your photos are amazing! It looks like an absolutely wonderful place to visit.
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Thanks, Elaine. We had a great day and there is so much more to see than the falls. I hope we get back there for a few days next time.
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I can see how it would really need more than one day to do it justice.
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Niagara is one of those iconic places that you just have to visit isn’t it? Great photos that reminded me of our trip a while back. and you’re so right, we were more than happy to get soaked in our ponchos!
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It’s one of those places you always know about but never quite imagine you’ll actually see. We went on my birthday so the day was extra special. We had a marvellous time.
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Awesome set of photos! Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks!
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Spectacular photos Carol. You’re giving me a severe case of wonderlust!
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Miriam, you would enjoy Canada for sure. The scenery is amazing.
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I can imagine. It’s been on my bucket list for years. One day …
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