Becks and the Cities

Welcome to the last post of my Summer 2017 throwback series. I’ve documented our journey from NYC to this final destination: Niagara Falls. If you’ve even seen the Falls in person, you know how magnificent they are! If you haven’t been yet, I’ve broken down the main aspects to the falls in the following post.

So there are two sides to this, quite literally: American Falls vs Canadian Falls. Niagara Falls are roughly 20 minutes north of Buffalo, NY (USA side) and 90 minutes south of Toronto, Ontario (CANADA side). The Falls are situated on the Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie with Lake Ontario (remember those 5 Great Lakes?). 

Three falls make up Niagara: Horseshoe Falls (CANADA), Bridal Veil Falls (USA), and American Falls (USA). The falls act as a hydroelectric powerhouse- an enormous energy source that dates back as early as 1759!  With this said, both the USA and Canada signed a treaty in 1950 to preserve the fall’s beauty by limiting power plants control over the water.

While the falls are tremendous on either side, the surrounding commercial areas are not.  Although Canada’s side is geared towards the spending tourist, it has a nice layout with attention to manicured landscaping.  It does get a little overwhelming with the museums, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, and haunted houses (yes, plural haunted houses).  Other than that, I enjoyed this side and view of the falls in comparison to the USA’s side. 

On the American side, there’s really not much there and what does pop up, is usually a bit tacky (to put it nicely).  I liked that there were less people populating the streets, but I didn’t want to stay long after the Maid of the Mist tour concluded.  Several buildings appeared abandoned.  Since the area is considered a state park, there is less commercial land compared to the Canadian side (although commercial property continually pressures for real estate). While Canada’s side has the view, the USA side allows you to get close to the falls. Both sides share history of the famous falls, with attention drawn to those who went over in barrels and survived!  With all of this said, I really did think both sides had a special quality the other side lacked, I’m just providing my observation (lovely or not). 

Tristan and I took the opportunity to suit-up in our glamorous, not-so-waterproof ponchos and head to the Maid of the Mist boat ride.  This 30-minute excursion takes you up close and personal with the falls. Not only do you see the waterfalls from a different angle, you are doused with their fishy smells.  Still, it’s amazing and you should do it! If this doesn’t satisfy your craving, you have the option to explore a set of waterways by the falls before going back up to Prospect Point Observation Tower.  I choose to walk to the different viewpoints, as I was pretty soaked at this point and you don’t get this opportunity every day!  

After we took the tour, we checked into our Airbnb just long enough to use the shower.  We decided to drive 6+ hours home that same day instead of staying the full night in our Airbnb.  We were exhausted and ready to be home.

And that’s how we conclude a trip! In just two weeks, Tristan and I covered 3,003.2 miles with 50 hours of travel time. Talk about a busy trip! We saw everything from traveling street artists to Gothic architecture.  I had so much fun sharing my adventures with you and hope you find a time to venture out to these spectacular cities!