Niagara Falls is a feast for the senses. The 167-high torrent of water that plunges with thundering impact into the Niagara River is a spectacle of sight and sound. The fall’s mist is thick enough to drench visitors who get close, a visceral reminder of the sheer force of the roaring cascade.
Although the spectacle has adorned countless postcards and starred in scores of nature documentaries, Niagara Falls must be experienced to be believed. Fortunately, the attraction, which straddles the border between Canada and the United States, is accessible in a number of compelling ways. Visit from the Ontario side to see the falls in their fullest.
Niagara Falls Adrenaline Rush
Niagara Falls aerial view from the Skylon Tower.
Niagara Falls, Ontario, has been drawing tourists to its doorstep since the early 1800s. All come to see the trio of waterfalls that comprise this natural wonder: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three and adjacent to the Ontario side. Throughout the early days of the falls, daredevils from around the world found it hard to resist the adrenalin rush of the vertiginous drop and water rushing at 32-feet per second, with the force of 280 tons. Many lost their lives in the attempt.
Today, daredevil stunts are banned at the Falls with few exceptions; namely, the 2012 high-wire walk over the falls by tightrope artist Nick Wallenda. If you’d like to feel the thrill of the falls without the danger, visit Skylon Tower, which rises 775 feet in height with indoor and outdoor viewing areas. A pair of restaurants, one of which revolves, offers guests an unforgettable culinary experience. Even its elevators provide a fun mode of transportation to the observatory. At the base of Skylon Tower is Skylon Fun Center, Niagara’s largest indoor amusement area, which also has a food court, specialty shops and a 4D theater.
Another sure way to get your adrenalin going is to take a ride down the Niagara River on an open-air jet boat tour through the rambunctious waters of the Niagara Whirlpool. Guests receive a history lesson re-tracing the journey of soldiers who traveled these waters in the War of 1812.
Getting up close and personal to the falls is a job made easy by two attractions—Hornblower Niagara Cruises and Journey Behind the Falls. The first is a boat tour that transports its passengers close to the Falls. And because of the intensity of the falls, you’ll need a poncho to avoid getting drenched. Journey Behind the Falls takes its guests down 150 feet by elevator to a tunnel that opens onto two outdoor observations decks and two portals directly behind the falls. You can actually see the water from the falls cascading endlessly. And, yes, this attraction also requires a poncho.
Camp in Comfort After Visiting Niagara Falls
After a day of exploring this natural wonder, Campark Resorts Family Camping & RV Resorts welcomes guests to relax in comfort. Located just 10 minutes west of the falls, the park boasts roomy, 30/50-amp sites. Relax in the heated pool or whirlpool, and let the kids cut loose at the Splash pad. A game room and rec hall also will keep the young ones occupied. Hit balls at the park’s driving range, and get moving on bikes and pedal cars for rent. Planned activities help keep the fun going.
