We left Ohio behind, skimmed the edge of Pennsylvania along Lake Erie, and finally rolled into Niagara Falls by late afternoon. Our first stop was the AirBnB, a beautiful spot right on Riverside Drive, just a short walk from the falls. It was a shame we were only staying one night; the place was fantastic. Then again, I’d already seen the falls three times, twice from the Canadian side, once from the American, so this visit wasn’t really for me. It was for everyone else on the trip.
AirBnB @Niagara Falls
After settling in, we headed out to find something to eat and waited for nightfall. The falls are always illuminated after dark, and we wanted to see them in all their glory. It was only a short walk to Niagara Falls Park and we found that the place was packed. Finding a clear view of the falls proved harder than expected, especially since they’re located on the American side, and the best vantage point is actually from across the border in Canada.
Crossing the Rainbow Bridge wasn’t an option, unfortunately. One of the teens only had a single-entry visa, and the other didn’t have a passport at all. Years ago, back when everything felt simpler, crossing over was just something you did when you visited Niagara Falls. Now, it’s a whole ordeal.
To make things more difficult, or at least to further obstruct the view, there was also some construction underway. It looked like they were building a new viewing platform, and part of the walkway next to the falls was closed off because of it.
above the falls and with Canada in front @Niagara Falls
The only spot with a somewhat clear view, or as clear as it gets on the American side, was completely packed. People had claimed their places along the railing and weren’t moving. After waiting in line for at least ten minutes, I asked if I could step in just briefly to take a few photos. Some space was made for me, but not without commentary. An Indian gentleman called me out, reminding me that it takes ‘dedication’ to get a front-row view.
I mean, I do like the falls. They’re impressive, no question. But who really wants to stand there and stare at them for more than ten minutes? It’s always the same scene. Water falling down. Beautiful, sure, but not exactly a show with new acts.
the falls bathed in red light @Niagara Falls
What I hadn’t realized until just about now, while looking up the illumination schedule, is that during the summer months there’s also a fireworks show above the falls. I knew about the lights, of course, but not the fireworks. We actually caught the show after we had left the state park, wondering what was happening. If you’re planning a visit and want to time it right, you can check the full schedule online.
The next morning, we were much better prepared. We left the house at exactly 8 a.m., drove to Niagara Falls State Park, and were among the first to arrive at the railing. This time, there was no problem at all getting the pictures I wanted.
water leading up to the falls @Niagara Falls
at the same spot as the night before with the lights @Niagara Falls
viewing platform and Rainbow Bridge @Niagara Falls
The plan was to catch the first Maid of the Mist boat of the day and get an up-close look at the falls. It turned out to be a great decision, even if the teenagers weren’t exactly thrilled about the early start. Still, we made it onto the very first boat, and I was genuinely ecstatic as the line behind us kept growing longer by the minute.
Outfitted in our blue rain ponchos, we all looked like a group of oversized smurfs. Not that it mattered much, those flimsy ponchos didn’t offer much protection. There’s a reason they call it Maid of the Mist. Once you’re out there, there’s no escaping the soaking spray.
waiting to get on the first boat @Maid of the Mist
Too bad the sun wasn’t cooperating. The sky stayed stubbornly overcast, which made everything look a little dull. But at least we had an unobstructed view of the falls, with no other boats out on the water at that time. It felt like we had the place to ourselves, just the roar of the water and the mist soaking through everything.
American Falls @Niagara Falls
We passed the stairs leading to the Cave of the Winds, an attraction right next to the American Falls. Originally, we had planned to experience that thrill as well. But after getting thoroughly soaked on the Maid of the Mist, we decided once was enough.
Cave of the Winds @Niagara Falls
Once we were in the middle of Horseshoe Falls, the view became limited by the constant spray. Up until then, I had still hoped for a blue sky, but once we were inside the mist, that didn’t matter anymore. Taking pictures in that part of the falls was clearly out of the question. I did manage to grab one photo and one video though, which you can see here.
my only picture from inside the Horseshoe Falls @Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s no surprise the falls have held deep meaning for the Indigenous people of the region for thousands of years. You definitely need to plan your visit carefully, and maybe even bring a bit of ‘dedication’ to get the most out of it. All in all, I’m pretty happy with how we organized our trip. Yours, Pollybert
