Niagara Falls is a world famous natural wonder. It is the most powerful falls in the United States and perhaps the best known. It is also relatively close to where I grew up west of Rochester, NY. We have been there many times and always are amazed at the sheer power of the water. The falls generates a huge amount of electrical power and has played an important role in the development of the area. It also played a major role in the westward expansion of the United States. In this case, it was a major barrier to that progress. In the late 1600’s and early 1700’s, in order to travel west, you mainly traveled by water. The upper Midwest could be reached by the St Lawrence River, Lakes Ontario, Erie, Michigan and Superior. But first you had to get by these gigantic falls and the rushing river above and below the falls. This resulted in, what would today be an unbelievable portage around the falls.
The falls and the development of the area have a fascinating history for those interested in such things, but if not, they are still a thrill just to watch.
We have not as yet, viewed the falls from the Canadian side, as the wait time for returning to the USA side can be many hours long. Having stayed on the Canadian side in the past, there is a good argument that that side has a much better view of the falls.
The area around the falls, as I remember it, has always been a bit seedy. Regretfully, I have to say that is seems to be getting a lot worse. The big mall in the city of Niagara Falls is closed; there are only sad looking gift shops and mostly Middle Eastern restaurants to choose from. In driving around the city caused by a detour, we saw so many stores closed, houses abandoned, and houses and other buildings that look to be only one big storm from falling down. Not a pretty sight after visiting the falls.
Niagara Falls is a must see on anyone’s list!
14 comments:
thanks for the tour of Niagra Falls..we also have heard that the view is better from the Canadian side!
We have visited the 'Falls' many times mostly from the Canadian side cause folks told us that's where the best views were. Two years ago we visited the US side with our grand daughter who was without a passport. The experience was great, the strength and power of the falls and the river before it was awe inspiring. We should have visited the US side earlier. A great experience.
We thoroughly enjoyed the falls when we were there last month. They really are spectacular.
one trip to the falls with a tour over to the Canadian side was enough for us!!! the US side is definitely "rough"; our tour guide took us through "crack alley" to get to the bridge. and the Canadian side is mini Las Vegas; especially after dark when the lights come on the falls!
nothing we'd want to see again on either side of the water!
It's true, the falls are better viewed from the Canadian side. It's been over 25 years since I've been to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. I remember the Canadian side was always really neat & well kept with large green parks & lots of flowers. Don't know about now. Kelly is from west of Rochester as well...Spencerport. Her Mother still lives there.
Really neat, we have to add this to our list, both from the American side and the Canadian side.
What a shame that it has become so seedy on our side. :(
Great pics of the falls! I've only visited Niagara Falls once but I can still remember the power of water as it tumbles over the falls. It's very entrancing to just stand and watch it.
I have not been there in a long, long time, so I really appreciated your photos and info. Great shots!
Yes, we were there 95 or 100 years ago, more or less, got to see the falls from both sides. Thanks for the re-visit!
Thanks for sharing this with us. Would love to see them, but after your post, may wait to see them from the Canadian side. Stay safe.
When we went, we did the under the falls walk and the Maid of the Mist boat ride.
I'm still not sure if I got all the water out of my ear...
It's hard to take a bad picture of Niagara Falls, even I got a couple of good shots (after I took off the lens cap!).
I'm behind on my blog reading. If I had known you were at the Falls I would have asked you to stop in at the Casino and get the $20 I left there.
I love those falls - just beautiful.
I'll put in my two cents and agree that the views are indeed better from the Canadian side. It's been years since we were last there, but each time, we stayed in Canada and walked across the bridge to the US.
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