The breathless sight of the Niagara Falls is only to be experienced first-hand. Read on about the sights and sounds that makes this journey unforgettable
It's almost an impudence to write a travelogue about theNiagara Falls, there's already so much written about it. Yet, no matter howmany movies or pictures you've seen, actual sight of the falls is breathtaking.So this is more a eulogy, than a travelogue.
Being famous makes Niagara easily accessible. Five airports,several highways and two railways will get you there easily from anywhere inthe world. The falls are present between two cities (both called – no surprises- Niagara Falls, one Canadian, one American), so you'll have no trouble withfood or accommodation either. Driving up from New Jersey takes about 9 hours.
There is actually no waterfall by the name Niagara. Instead,the name applies collectively to three falls – the Horseshoe Falls (the onethat figures in most pictures and movies), the American Falls, and theseductively named Bridal Veil Falls.
The best way to see the falls is from Canada, but thatrequires a $100 visa. You can see them instead from prospect Point, suspendedover the river. It makes you feel a bit giddy. Otherwise get to Terrapin Pointon Goat Island, which takes you to the brink of the falls. This you access by apretty stone bridge that's been around since 1818.
Next, head down to the Cave of the Winds, where you can hearthe fury of nature. The cave no longer exists, due to erosion. Instead, go tothe Three Sisters Islands, where you can apparently hear the voices of theancient Indian spirits. (If only the tourists would keep quiet!) This is also aplace to see the river just before it plunges 170 feet at the Horseshoe Falls.
Other sights include the Skylon Tower (which looks like areplica of the CN Tower), the Robert Moses Power Plant and the Welland Canal,if you can tear yourself away from the falls. One thing we missed was the boatto the Maid of the Mist, a pool at the base of the falls which is, well, misty.They say you can see Toronto, 30 miles away, on a clear day, but who'd want todo that?
Instead, you can linger and see the falls lit at night inseveral gaudy colours. You can gaze at the Rainbow bridge. Watch the gulls, thefirst natives of the area. You listen to the eternal roar of the falls, whichapparently fell silent only once (in 1848 when the river froze completely). Butthere's always, always the rainbow over the mist that entrances all who comehere.
