Visit to Niagara Falls, Canada and Niagara Falls, New York
While the destination was Niagara Falls, starting on the Canada side, we were surprised to see this pyramid just steps away from our destination. It goes to show that tastefulness and scenic attractions do not always closely track. For those seeking an IMAX theater experience within a squat pyramid, this surely is bliss. Not what we can for though.
Instead, we headed straight up the observation tower to get a view from the Canadian side. The tower and viewing platform did not disappoint.
The large white arch bridge on the right is the Rainbow Bridge that crosses the Niagara River gorge, connecting Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada) to Niagara Falls, New York (USA). The tall green-roofed building and tower complex near the center of the cityscape is the Casino Niagara. The expansive green parklands and winding roads in the foreground that line the Canadian side of the Niagara River, is the Queen Victoria Park.
The Niagara River splits and Bridal Veil Falls are the smaller of the two falls, closesest to the bridge. They are separated from the Canadian Horshoe Falls by Goat Island. The approaching Niagara River in the background goes across land that is relatively flat and the waters are calm, until the moment they reach the falls.
The same Bridal Falls are visible from the ground. Clearly the viewing platform gives a superior sense of the setting and landscape of the waters as they approach the falls.
The Horseshoe Falls (Canadian Falls) are the largest and most powerful of the three waterfalls that collectively make up Niagara Falls. The immense crescent-shaped brink spans approximately 2,600 feet (790 meters), with most of the water volume plunging over this curve. The viewing platform visible on the left edge of the waterfall’s brink, located on the tip of Goat Island (USA). The complex situated right at the edge of the brink on the right side of the image (Canada), offering prime views and indoor viewing areas. A Maid of the Mist tour boat can be seen navigating the turbulent, turquoise waters right at the base of the falls amid the dense mist.
The view and the sound of the falls at ground level are impressive.
One can come within feet of where the waters plunge over the edge.
A plaque near the edge of the falls recognizes a historic event that happened near this spot:
On June 15, 2012, the world watched as professional tightrope walker Nik Wallenda crossed the Niagara Gorge on a wire. Table Rock complex marked the Canadian end point for this high wire walk, which began at Terrapin Point, directly across the Gorge at the Niagara Falls State Park, in New York. The Niagara Parks Commission granted one-time permission for this event in order to recognize the role that daredevil performances and stunting have played in the rich history and promotion of Niagara Falls. Under the motion approved by the Commission, examination of a proposal submitted by a stunting professional will be considered no more than once in a generation, or approximately every 20 years, as a way to pay tribute to the history of stunting. The establishment of The Niagara Parks Commission in 1885 and the focus on the natural wonder of the Falls, has been a catalyst for the growth of Niagara Falls as a global tourism destination.
An incline allows visitors to go further up in elevation from the viewing area beside the falls. We took the incline as we made our way back towards the observation power and area where we parked. The vantage of the falls from atop the incline is probably the least remarkable of all we saw.
While a slight detour from the falls, the planters on the Canadian side are particularly impressive and overflowing.
Ferry Street is an overly touristy area in the Clifton Hill District of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. The prominent brown brick hotel building visible on the left side of the street is the Howard Johnson Hotel. The orange and blue Clifton Hill District banner hanging from the lamppost on the right formally identifies this vibrant tourist corridor.
The exterior patio of Kelseys Original Roadhouse located on Clifton Hill is a refreshing departure from the lack of design sensitivity in the surrounding area. This location features a large, covered outdoor patio string-lit with warm festoon lights, making it a highly popular spot for open-air dining right on the main tourist strip.
After crossing the international border, we arrived at Niagara Falls, New York.
The Hotel Niagara is a large, curved facade brick building. Built in 1924, this 12-story hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It famously hosted celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio during the filming of the movie Niagara in 1952. The tall, narrow skyscraper on the left is the United Office Building. Completed in 1929, it stands 20 stories tall and features a distinct Art Deco design with Mayan Revival terra-cotta motifs near its crown. It has since been renovated into The Giacomo Boutique Hotel. The large teal and red abstract steel sculpture rising 33 feet in the middle of the roundabout is “Untroubled Waters” Sculpture, a piece by artist Jeff Laramore. Installed at Centennial Circle, it is meant to visually represent the rushing waters of the Niagara River alongside stylized nods to the American and Canadian flags.
This photo-op area at Honeymoon Capital Souvenirs is located in downtown Niagara Falls, New York (USA). The large novelty sign on the left reads “Greetings from Niagara Falls USA – Honeymoon Capital of the World” and provides a cutout frame for tourists to snap photos. This shop sits on Old Falls Street, a pedestrian-friendly walkway filled with food vendors, street games, and seating that connects downtown hotels directly to the entrance of Niagara Falls State Park.