Niagara Falls Ontario ~ Canada Travel Pictures

Niagara River near Fort Erie ON

From Fort Erie, the Niagara Parkway closely follows the river to the Falls and beyond; the rising mist telegraphs the location of the Falls. The landmark Skylon Tower, some 236 metres (775 feet) above Niagara gorge offers amazing views from its revolving dining room.

Canadian Waterfalls at Niagara Busy in Summer

Directly in front of the Skylon Tower, there's an extended promenade and a large building with gift shops and a restaurant. One section of the promenade is bathed in perpetual mist; you *will* get damp. This is welcomed in summer's heat, but not in winter. Head to the right (just out of view in the photo) to get very close to the water, and see the incredible power of the current.

American Falls at Niagara

Turn to the left from the view above, and the American Falls command the view. They appear deceptively near. Peer over the side and take a closer look at the steep banks on the Canadian side. Just when you think you are finally at the rail, with nothing between you and the river, you'll see people in yellow slickers a few feet below. For just below this promenade, there's a network of tunnels to explore Behind the Falls.

Maid of the Mist Tour Boats

The constant mists make for wonderful rainbows, like this one that separates the American Falls (left) and Canadian Falls.
Maid of the Mist is the company that sends hundreds of visitors up the river to get a closer look. From this view, you can see the rubble at the base of the American Falls. A few years ago, the flow was diverted to allow removal of accumulated debris.

Two ships passing below Niagara Falls

I took this shot with a telephoto lens; this closer look gives an idea of the number of passengers that each boat carries. To 'hear' the roar of the falls, go to the Maid of the Mist website.

Niagara Falls view eastern end of the promenade

Just above the dock area for Maid of the Mist, a lookout offers this view of the Canadian Falls.

The months of May and June are especially favored by bus loads of field-tripping school groups. A rainy summer day is not the best time to visit, but we take what we can get.

Above the Maid of the Mist docks

Near the Maid of the Mist ticket booth, there's a clear look at the American Falls and the water eroded crumbled rocks from its crown. Follow the crowds down the a series of ramps and stairs to the boarding area.

Soaking wet close to the Falls

From river level, you get a true feeling of the power of the current, and the height of the falls. Even though you've just come from the promenade above, and know there were hoards of other visitors, from down here, they are barely visible.

The ponchos are included with the tour.

Caves of the Winds Niagara USA

From the U.S. side, the boats head close to shore, near these visitors heading in and around the Cave of the Winds.

This tour is on my 'To do' list :: They seem to be surprisingly close to the base, and this looks like fun!

A note on the Maid of the Mist site mentions the boats are wheelchair accessible.

Whirlpool Aerocar Across the Niagara River Gorge

From Niagara Falls, continue east on Niagara Parkway towards Niagara-on-the-Lake. There are a number of areas to pull over and get a closer look of the gorge and power plants. Where the river widens into the whirlpool, there's a tourist area with amentities, and the Whirlpool Aerocar that takes up to 35 passengers at a time across the gorge and back.

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