Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
For years, lovers have chosen to spend their honeymoon at majestic Niagara Falls. Located on the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, The United States, the gigantic mesmerizing falls that face the Canadian shore, has inspired artists, authors and has been seen by millions.
Different sections have different names such as “Horseshoe Falls” on the Canadian side, which is the largest section, where the water drops 173 feet (53 m), about the height of a 16-story building. Over the years, the crest has eroded some 6.8 miles (11km) and changed shape from a small arch to what it is today.
No one is quite certain where the name “Niagara” came from only that records show mention of the falls by French explorers as early as 1604. By the 1700s people began coming from all over to see this natural wonder, including Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother. However, until both Canada and the United States established restrictions, sightseers were charged excessive fees by adjoining landowners and got only limited glimpses of the falls for their money.
Of course, some people simply must attempt impossible feats. The first man to jump at Niagara Falls only tried it from a tower, but since then others have tried much more dangerous accomplishments such as going over the falls in a barrel. A 63-year-old woman tried it and survived but did not recommend it. Crossing the gigantic waterway has been a challenge as well. In 1859 tightrope walkers took up the quest although their wires were not over the river above but the gorge below. Other attempts have been disastrous causing serious injury and even death. Today such is illegal on both sides of the border.
Accidents include a ship that lost its mooring and unintentional human plunges into the water. However, some plunges are suspected suicide attempts. Once, stunned onlookers reported seeing a bulldog go over the edge, hit the water and survive.
Niagara Falls is also a power plant and the water is diverted during non-tourist seasons. That makes it important to plan your visit sometime between April and October. However, you will not be disappointed with summertime viewing especially in the evening when floodlights on both sides of the border shine on the tumbling water.
There is much to see and do while you are there. Plan to board a tour boat or one of the cruise boats. If that does not interest you, try a hot-air balloon ride, a trolley or even a helicopter. There are ample walkways, observation towers, boat docks and an island from which to see the falls. An elevator takes tourists up to the Cave of the Winds. Other things to see include Three Sisters Island, Bridal Veil Falls, manicured gardens, and the view from observation towers.
Both countries offer hotels, restaurants and casinos. Bridges and walkways across the Niagara River carry travelers between the two countries.
If you love natural wonders, you will want to visit Niagara Falls.
By Marti Talbott Marti Talbott’s Highlander Stories
*
*
