A DAY AT NIAGARA FALLS
Niagara Falls has always been right up there on our nature bucket list (yes we have so many lists we have had to sort theme into topics).
When City Sightseeing Toronto invited us on a day trip to Niagara we could not refuse! It's only 1.5 hours from Toronto to the falls, an easy day trip from the city to see one of North America's largest waterfalls - something we definitely did not want to miss.
Niagara Falls
Running late, we ran from our taxi to the meeting place in Yonge-Dundas Square worried that we had missed the bus. Luckily we had quite a few joining us on todays tour which had slowed down the boarding process. We arrived just in time!
First stop for the day was a beautiful winery just outside of Niagara Falls. This wasn't your typical winery, as here they make Icewine - a dessert style wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. It was sweet, delicious and just what we needed after a rushed morning.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
After trying some delicious wine we jumped back on the bus and headed to the main event - Niagara! Once we arrived we were given 3 hours to roam around Clifton Hill and the Falls what ever way we pleased. Before we get into what we thought of Niagara Falls we wanted to share we you our thoughts on the town, Clifton Hill, located along side the Falls.
Visiting a place that encompasses natural beauty, you expect to see just that, right? While the Falls are truly beautiful, they are dwarfed by the overwhelming commercialism of the surrounding area. Guinness Book of Records and Ripley's museums, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, a ferris wheel, cheesy gift shops and very overpriced chain restaurants make up this town we felt it quite tacky and gimmicky.
You can see our reaction and what we thought of the falls in our daily video here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-NyZPkvkNo
The falls on the other hand were absolutely breath taking. The amount of water that passes over the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls is incomprehensible, 6 million cubic feet of water every minute goes over the crestline and with the three waterfalls combined, it has the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world!
We felt the Canadian side was a much better way to experience the falls. Horseshoe Falls is on the Canadian side and by far the most impressive of the three waterfalls. We highly recommend making the trip over to the Canadian side if you are visiting from the US.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls
Our last stop of the day was Niagara on the Lake, a well-preserved 19th century village. Only about 30 minutes drive from the Falls, we wish this cute, quaint town was located beside the Falls, rather then Clifton Hill.
We spent the next hour taking a stroll along Queen Street, enjoying the well preserved heritage buildings, stunning flower displays and specialty boutiques lining the streets before making our way back to Toronto.
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After experiencing this natural wonder we think it's best enjoyed on the Canadian side, where you really get to experience the falls in full force. If you are planning a day trip from Toronto to see the spectacular Niagara Falls City Sightseeing Toronto has day tours available for CAD$38.00.
Niagara Falls
Thanks to City Sightseeing Toronto for taking us out to experience Niagara Falls. As always, all opinions are our own.
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