Niagara Falls is simply one of the must-see destinations not only in Ontario, but throughout the whole country of Canada. Here is my story on my short getaway trip and a guide in planning your very own trip to Niagara Falls.
At a Glance
What a Soaking Experience!
Early in the morning, my Ninang Gina (my Filipina godparent who has been a resident here in Ontario, Canada for more than 30 years) and I went apple-picking at Downey's Strawberry and Apple Farm in Caledon, which delighted my inner child and asked for more. So, we further drove to Niagara Falls City to see the breathtaking view of the infamous falls the city is named after. After walking around and taking a bunch of scenic photos from the viewing deck, we decided to take a closer look via boat and experience the power of this amazing waterfall.
Priced at 33.50 CAD, the Hornblower boat brought us to the stunning views of the Niagara Gorge, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. This 20-minute boat tour, known as Voyage to the Falls, is a thrilling and soaking experience. Recyclable raincoats were provided but the raging waters and mist still managed to soak our sneakers and trousers when we came close to the Canadian Falls. It's a good thing I did not bring my camera on board!
Our visit was during September which marked the start of autumn. The weather was perfect but since we got wet at the Voyage to the Falls, it's a bit freezing. We sipped some warm coffee, grabbed quick bites in a nearby cafe, and drove back to Brampton. This trip left me in awe of the beauty of this waterfall and how it is indeed a blessing to this region of North America.
Here's a video of my Niagara Falls experience.
Do you have an upcoming trip to Ontario, Canada? Niagara Falls should be at the top of your destinations list! Here are some guidelines for your next Niagara Falls Trip.
Guide to Your Next Niagara Falls Trip
In this section, get to know the activities to do, the available transfers, and the best time to visit this destination. But first, let me introduce you to Niagara Falls. Undoubtedly, it's one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Here are 5 interesting facts regarding this waterfall.
5 Interesting Facts about Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls spans the border between the province of Ontario Canada, and the state of New York, USA. It is a collection of three waterfalls - Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil, and American Falls. Horseshoe Falls, a.k.a Canadian Falls, lies on the international border of the Canadian side, while the smaller American and Bridal Veil Falls straddle within the United States. The US side offers awesome natural areas while the Canadian side boasts the best view of the waterfalls.
Niagara Falls is also the name of the Canadian city where the Horseshoe Falls reside. It is linked with the US by the Rainbow Bridge.
The kinetic energy produced by the falling water of Niagara Falls serves as a source of electricity for both Ontario and New York. In Ontario, Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Generating Stations has two 2 stations built in 1922 and 1954 respectively, which are both still operational today. In New York, the current major US hydroelectric powerplant is Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station which opened in 1961. Hydroelectric power energy is the most widely used renewable energy in the world.
Niagara Falls was envisioned by Nikola Tesla as a powerful energy source. He collaborated with industrialist George Westinghouse to create the world's first hydroelectric power plant. Built in 1895, his system allowed the transmission of electric power over great distances and marked the turning point of AC power adoption worldwide.
But where does all this water come from? Niagara takes around 2.6 million liters of fresh water from the four great lakes of North America and plunges it to its waterfalls. The four great lakes are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Eerie. Together, these lakes make up 1/5 of the world's fresh water.
Things to do in Niagara Falls
Aside from viewing the falls from the deck and taking numerous selfies with the Canadian Falls in the background, there are a lot of activities to do in the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
Ride the Hornblower to experience the Canadian Falls up close.
Traverse the 130-year-old tunnels behind the falls.
Get a bird's eye view of the waterfalls by riding a helicopter.
Visit the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory.
Zipline over the rapids
Take a tour of the Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Generating Stations.
Take the white water walk if the weather permits.
See this page for more on the activities to do on the Canadian border of Niagara Falls.
How to get to Niagara Falls
Coming from Toronto Pearson International Airport, here are ways to get to Niagara Falls.
Bus Take Go Transit Buses that are available at Pearson International Airport Terminal 1 with routes leading to Dundas St. @ Hwy. 407 Park & Ride. From there, transfer to another bus heading to Niagara Falls Bus Terminal. Price (One-way): 21.20 CAD Journey Length: 3 hours
Train Trains from the airport do not operate directly to Niagara Falls. Located at Terminal 1, right next to the Terminal LINK Station, hop on the UP Express Station which will head to downtown Toronto. Once reaching Union Station, transfer to a train headed to Niagara Falls. Price (One-way): 12.35 CAD Journey Length: 25 minutes
The Go train has two available routes - 10:07 am and 05:07 pm. It runs only on weekends and Monday holidays. Price (One-way): 21.15 CAD, GO/WEGO Roundtrip - 25 CAD Journey Length: 2 hours and 7 minutes
The VIA Rail Line also departs from Union Station at 08:20 am, once a day. Price (One-way): 30 CAD Journey Length: 2 hours
Shuttle Buses Every 2 hours, a fleet leaves from the lower level of T1 (Area P) to Niagara Falls Price (One-way): 105 CAD Journey Length: 1 and 1/2 hours
Airport Taxis Taxis are lined up at the airport and will drive you to your destination. Price (One-way): 105 CAD Journey Length: 1 and 1/2 hours
Tour This is the most convenient option. Click here to book a tour.
Rent a car Alternatively, you can drive a car to Niagara Falls and rent it here.
Check out this page for more info on how to get to Niagara Falls from the airport.
When is the Best Month to Visit Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls can be visited all year round. To determine the best month to experience it, one has to define his/her preferences and priorities. Please see the table below.
In summary, late summer and early fall months offer balance: you’ll experience the falls’ beauty, with the weather still on the warmer side, without the extensive crowds, with accommodation and travel prices being more reasonable.
With everything that can be done here, I'll surely return to this majestic falls on my next trip to Ontario, Canada. I want to experience walking through those tunnels and tour through the century-old power plants in the area. Can't wait! See you again Niagara!
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