Niagara Falls

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Geo: 43.083, -79.0577

Today we drove the 90min to Niagara Falls. The Niagara River drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, and like all the Great Lakes (except Lake Michigan) it includes the border between Canada and USA. Shipping uses Ontario's Welland Canal which is to the west of the Niagara River. The 43km canal has eight locks which cater for the 100m height difference.

Apart from the falls, tourists can also visit over 80 vineyards on the pretty southern shores of Lake Ontario.

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Photos

Niagara Helicopters
We took a 20min ride from Niagara-on-the-Lake (a Canadian town at the mouth of the Niagara River) along the river and circled the falls. It was a clear day and we got a great overview of the terrain.

The Falls
USA on the left and Canada along the other bank. The Rainbow Bridge in the foreground is one of two vehicle crossings over the river.
Canada's Horseshoe Falls are at the end, and the American Falls are on the left. The (much) smaller Bridal Veil Falls can just be seen at the far end of the American Falls.
The American Falls discharge about 10% of the river's flow and are 300m long with a drop of 21-34m onto large boulders along the base. The Horseshoe Falls are 760m long with a drop of about 57m. The river's average flow is about 5.8 million litres per second. For comparison, the flow over the mighty Iguazu Falls is about 300 times greater.

Looking downstream
Goat Island is to the right side of Horseshoe Falls, with the American Falls beyond. Erosion has moved the waterfall rapidly upstream and there have been border disputes between the countries over the shifting topography.

Maid-of-the-Mist boat ride
We passed on the various falls attractions. The boat ride looked a little tame compared to the drenching we got at Iguazu. The "Journey Behind the Falls" was in a tunnel behind the water, emerging onto a platform beside the curtain of water.

View from Skylon Tower
We went up to have a drink at the bar while waiting for the 10pm fireworks. Drinks were surprisingly inexpensive - $7 for standard cocktails and the same for a beer! The coloured floodlights on the falls were illuminating.
We had mistakenly booked a hotel on the USA side and were a little unsure about the border crossings and distance to the falls. Turned out to be no issue. Immigration was painless and the 40min walk each way was useful exercise.

Vineland Estates Winery
Reputably one of the best dining experiences in Ontario. We enjoyed a set three-course lunch and it was terrific.

Comments

[Marlene Artzemis]

George and I went to Niagara Falls on our honeymoon sounds like you guys are having a great time. Enjoy

[Marlene Artzemis]

Great photo

[Steve Corcoran]

Great way to the falls

[Morag]

Geat idea doing the helicopter flight and worth it all for the great pics you've taken and for your own experience of enjoying the view. Your whole account with pictures is wonderful and so informative.

[Morag]

This is incredible being displayed like this to reflect the erosion.