Oh, who am I kidding, today was all about Niagara Falls and very little else, in the end.
Eight hours of driving, 425 miles, and totally worth it. If you have never been here, put it on your bucket list NOW. Seriously. Forget all the tourist crap and just stand at the edge of the falls and feel the power of water. It’s mesmerizing. And completely and totally awesome.
In reverse order, then, here are the five coolest photos from today:
5. I’m a serious fangirl of Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, and even met him at a book signing last year in Seattle. So to see this as my first “I’m really in Canada” moment was so much fun!
4. The American Falls. Well done, Canada, you definitely have the better falls.
3. Horseshoe Falls, on the Canadian side. Yep, Canada definitely wins the Falls.
2. And because it’s Canada, you can stand right at the edge of the falls without a big stupid ugly 10-foot high fence blocking your view. I’m sure there is a lawyer-instigated fence and restricted access for security reasons or something like that at the American Falls. In Canada, they don’t care. Stand next to the falls, enjoy it! I love Canada.
1. The lights at night are like those crazy underwater lights in your parent’s backyard jacuzzi. Only these are on the FALLS and so they totally rock.
I love the Falls so much that I’m going to have to work up an actual photo album of my favorite shots, and that might be a few days because I’ve got something else going on. Hmm, what was that? Oh, right, something about a trailer pickup. In two more days! And, no, I’m not excited about that at all. TWO MORE DAYS!
Today’s quotation:
Today’s Stats
- Miles Driven: 425 (2805 overall)
- MPG: 27.5 (26.0 overall)
- Side trips: None, unless you count looking at Flint, Michigan as I drove through…
- States/Provinces: Michigan, Ontario
- Map
The Falls just always take my breath away. I went there as a kid a few times with various school clubs, and twice now as an adult w/the family. It was worth the time, each time.
It has been nicer to visit as an adult, as each time, we stayed at Niagra-on-the-Lake, a gorgeous town north of the falls. Each time, we stayed at the steller Prince of Wales hotel, where you feel like royalty the whole time you’re there. Priceline found us a super deal on a room the 2nd time! We saved up for meals in the area so we could continue the “royalty” fantasy, and always have fun.
The kitchy part of Niagra Falls is fun for an hour or so. The botanical gardens are gorgeous, and just walking along the Niagra River, reading about and enjoying the history of Fort George, and feeling the power of the Falls makes for a memorable visit.
So glad you got to feel the Falls! That last photo and quote were great, btw. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your great pics. I can almost feel power and the sounds!
Very nice. I’ve been to the falls a number of times, once with a high school sweetheart and once in a massive RV with my 4 kids and parents on our way to a week on Cape Cod. Thanks for kicking up the memories. I’ll remember to go Canada next time.
I’m was awed by the fact that all that water keeps pouring over the falls and never stops. Awesome!
Make sure you drive through the vineyards at Niagara on the Lake. They are beautiful, offer tastings (and lovely lunches too). It’s a beautiful place to meander – tucked in between Niagara Falls and St Catharines.
And after that, cruise on down the 401, which becomes the 40 in Quebec. You are nearly there Annie !!!
Half an hour from Niagara Falls is my childhood home. I saw the Falls often as a child and youth and never, ever found them anything less than awe-inspiring. Yup they should be on everyone’s bucket list. So glad you enjoyed them.
Enjoy the mounting excitement as you approach Quebec City. Can’t wait to read about the meeting with your very own Alto.
I’m envious, Donna! I had no idea they were this fantastic, and I lived on the east coast of the US for 20 years!
Actually, you can get much the same view of the other side of the Canadian Falls from the American side. I agree that the Canadian side is better overall, though.
I was born in Niagara Falls and grew up 10 miles away. I never get tired of seeing the Falls.
Wow, I did not know you were a local boy, Marc! I don’t think I’d ever get tired of seeing them, but if I lived here it might be the only thing I did on weekends, go stare at the water!