CATARACT CITY

Niagara Falls - In Latin cataracta means waterfall

Since 1830 Niagara Falls, has been known as one of the biggest tourist attractions of the world, as well as the "honeymoon capital of the world".  Some of the statistics say more than 8 million people visit Niagara Falls each year.  At one point in time there was so much industry and mills using Niagara Falls the flow of the water over the falls was physically affected. Niagara Falls, New York, is across the Niagara River from the city of Niagara Falls, Ontaio.

Since our campground in Grand Island was convenient to Niagara Falls in we devoted a couple of days to visit the Canadian side first, and then the American side.  American Falls lies far left of the Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, in the US State territory, New York, between Prospect Point and Luna Island.

View of Niagara Falls from Canadian Side

Several comparisons can be made.  The Canadian side shows the view of the falls from a busy street close to chain restaurants, hotels, casinos, souvenir and tour operators.

View of Niagara Falls from American Side

From Canada the views are spectacular and you want to try to see the falls from both sides if possible.  If you've come to see the waterfalls, the Canadian side is the place to do it, but you'll notice it is crowded all the time.  Fifty to seventy-five percent of the water flowing along the Niagara River is diverted from going over the Falls to hydroelectric power generating stations.

Niagara Falls from American Side

To see Niagara Falls from the U.S. side is more natural.  Niagara Falls is not a part of the U.S. national park system but it is a state park in New York, created in 1885, and designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, who incorporated more trees, more meandering paths and more scenic landscaping.

  The Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest continuing operating state park in the United States.

Maid Of The Mist that originates in Ontario, Canada 

This a picture of us getting "wetter than wet" on the
Maid Of The Mist that originated in Niagara Falls, NY

The Maid of the Mist boat tour (under the waterfalls boat) operates on both sides.  The Maid of the Mist has been in existence since 1846 when it was started as a ferry service to carry people across the river.  When a suspension bridge was built over the river the ferry was no longer needed so the boat tour came into existence.

Bridge that connects Canada and U.S. at Niagara Falls

The main highlight in the U.S. which is not found in Canada is the Prospect Point Observation Tower which peeks out over the falls with a 230' overlook and view of American Falls and Horseshoe Falls.  A very fast elevator delivers you to and from the observation area... little did I know all those people were out there!

Prospect Point Observation Tower

You actually feel the thunder at the adventurous Cave of the Winds and descend 175' to the Hurricane Deck at the base of Bridal Veil Falls.  The Cave Of The Winds is torn down and rebuilt every year.

Cave Of The Winds - an opportunity to get
up close and personal with Niagara Falls

The sheer power of the water is amazing and frightening
at the same time!

One of the many opportunities to get soaking wet at
Cave of the Winds - Niagara Falls

One of the last areas to visit while you are at Niagara Falls is the Niagara River Gorge to see churning waters of the Niagara Falls carved out to be an unforgettable spectacle.  Four of the five Great Lakes drain into the Niagara River (Superior, Michigan, Huron and Erie), before emptying into Lake Ontario.

After seeing all of this, it is unimaginable that someone would ever want to take part in some of the many daredevil stunts that have originated in Niagara Falls.

A bunch of daredevils who haven't considered what's going
to happen if that zip line breaks!

Zip Line over Niagara Falls

Yes, you can even go on a zip line over the Falls near the Gorge area.  In the photo it appears there are a few too many daredevils in the cabin of the zip line?   We were content to be spectators of this joy ride!  We enjoyed this part of northern New York State; however, there was one other area we were told to visit before we left this region.  Although it is in Canada, we will spend the day in Niagara-On-The Lake and our adventure will be chronicled in our next post.