I’ve been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to see many amazing sites over the years – natural wonders, great works of art, and man-made structures of historical significance. Many have inspired genuine awe, but only a few have brought me to tears; bowled over by their impact deep inside of me. The Statue of David, the Grand Canyon, and Mount Rushmore are a few that come to mind. The Niagara Falls is another. I’m not sure where the heightened emotional response comes from, but it’s powerful when it hits.
We arrived in Niagara Falls well after dark but, thankfully, not too late to see the 10pm fireworks display. Our Airbnb was located down-river and as we hurried towards the main observation area, we started to hear the relentless pounding of the water before we could see the falls. When they came into view, my eyes immediately welled up and my heart started to beat with what felt like the force of the falls. Their incredible beauty and power stopped me in my tracks.
My husband and I were back in Canada after spending almost half of our month-long road trip in the U.S. (Vermont and Upstate New York). On the other side of the Gorge from us was Niagara Falls State Park – America’s oldest state park – but we had read that the Canadian side has the better views and accommodations. Our Airbnb – it actually turned out to be a B&B (Lion’s Head http://www.lionsheadbb.com/) – was nicely situated and the delightful owner, Helena, a trained chef, provided incredible breakfasts for her guests each morning.
After a restful night’s sleep and sumptuous strata for breakfast, we headed off to see the sites. In order to get the most out of our one full day in Niagara Falls, we decided to purchase an Adventure Pass which allowed us to visited four main attractions (White Water Walk, Journey Behind the Falls, Hornblower Niagara Cruise, and the 4D film, Niagara’s Fury). The pass also included bus transportation.
The Niagara Falls were formed at the end of the last Ice Age when the glaciers receded and the water from the newly formed Great Lakes began to carve a path towards the Atlantic Ocean. The three waterfalls – Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls – are geological wonders estimated to be about 12,000 years old. Millions of gallons of water spill over the falls every minute – about 750,000 gallons each second. The water’s force has been producing hydroelectric power since the first generating station was built in 1881.
I read recently that New York State is planning to divert the water from the American Falls sometime in the next few years so they can replace two 115-year-old stone arch bridges. If this happens, it will be the first time since 1969 that the water flow has stopped. The American Falls was slowed to a trickle in 1969 to study the effects of erosion and buildup of rock at the base of the falls. When that happened, people came from all over the world to see the falls turned off.
If they do in fact divert the water – a once (or twice) in a lifetime event – it could be a perfect excuse for us to visit Niagara Falls again.
Retirementally Challenged 
I’ve been to the Falls several times. Seeing them turned off might be a reason to go again.
I think that would be an amazing sight to see. I’m going to follow the story to see if they actually do it.
Gorgeous captures and I have never been here!
We did all the touristy things, but we really enjoyed ourselves. You should definitely put Niagara Falls on your to-do list!
Awesome! The beauty of nature.
The strength of the falling water was amazing. We also loved seeing the Class-6 rapids on the white water walk.
I saw them when I was a teenager but haven’t been back since.
I have been thoroughly enjoying the posts of your recent travels. Exceptional photos too! Thanks for sharing.
Donna
http://www.retirementreflections.com
It has been fun re-living our adventure. It makes me want to get on the road again!
I’ve been to Niagara Falls several times over the years and I never cease to be amazed by them. As beautiful as photos are, they simply don’t capture the roar of the water that seems to reverberate through your bones. I agree that it is emotionally moving!
I am one of those people waiting for the American Falls to be “turned off”. It will definitely be something worth seeing.
You are so right about the pounding reaching into your bones. You are lucky to live close enough that a trip to the falls isn’t a major undertaking. If you get word about the scheduled diversion, please let me know, I’d love to witness that.
Will do 🙂
I could feel that thudding power of the falls with your descriptions and photos! What a place 🙂
The amount of water that spills over the falls was amazing. I think we were there at the peak flow.
So, apparently this is more than honeymoon destination ? You have piqued my interest – I did not realize the breadth and width of the Niagara Falls. Thank you for the peek into your unexpected response. It made me as a reader realize how truly powerful and moving the experience was for you.
Oh, much more than a honeymoon destination! I was amazed at how close you could get to the falls and how memorizing it was to watch the water spill over the brink.
Your words captured the beauty and power of this natural masterpiece.
Thank you! It truly is a masterpiece of nature.
That is an incredible sight! I’ve never been to the falls yet, but hope to in the near future. Maybe when they are turned off? But, I’m afraid it will be even busier then than it already is. I agree that the view from the Canadian side is better. I have those emotional, indescribable moments sometimes as well, so I’m curious whether it would happen at the Niagara Falls…
Even though we were there in early July, we didn’t find it overly crowded. There were lots of people for sure but we weren’t shoulder to shoulder. Even if a look-out point had a lot of people along the edges, they moved out of the way fairly quickly. I agree that when the American Falls are turned off it will probably be a pretty popular destination.
Beautiful pictures, and you two make a really handsome couple. I visited the falls back in the 90’s and would love to return someday.
I was five the last time I visited and I know that I didn’t have the same visceral reaction back then. I definitely encourage you to go back… I bet it is beautiful in the fall.
Amazing pictures! I plan to go there someday for sure. Great post.
I hope you can make it there! It really is beautiful.
I’ve been several times and loved every minute. The last trip was years ago with one of my then teen-age sons who convinced me to go jet-boating on the river rapids below the falls. What an experience!
I didn’t know they allowed you to do that! The rapids we saw looked pretty daunting.
I grew up near Buffalo NY and have been there many times. I actually went there with friends on high school prom night since we didn’t go to the prom. It’s awesome in the old-fashioned sense of the word. It also makes me a bit sad for some reason.
As magnificent as the falls were, I was a little sad at the over-the-top touristy area just a few streets away. My husband and I avoided the area, but were surprised at how trashy it looked. Not sure why they felt the need to have that area when the natural attraction is so beautiful.
Great photos, Janis! It’s incredible how big they.are! You’re so lucky to see these sights, thanks for sharing!
I do feel lucky to be able to travel like we are. I’d love to go to Europe again one of these days but there is so much to see on this continent first!
Although I lived (relatively) close to the Falls, I never went there. They look glorious in your pics. How cool would it be to be there and film when they turn them off (if they do this second time.)
I’m sure there are plenty of things in my “backyard” that I’ve never seen too. I’d love to see the American Falls turned off (although it is so magnificent with them both flowing).