Niagara Falls

Just the name evokes vivid images, as well as emotions.

Thundering falls. Ethereal mist. Awe. Romance.

I now wish to submit an additional entry to that list: People.

Lots and lots of people.

We knew Niagara Falls was a popular tourist destination, but that still did not prepare us for the mass of humanity swarming over every square inch of viewing space. But you can't really blame them...it's a mighty impressive sight. And we were also impressed with how international the crowd was...we heard so many different languages, we lost count.

Niagara Falls is actually composed of three separate waterfalls on the Niagara River, which separates the United States (specifically, the state of New York) from Canada (specifically, the province of Ontario). The 36-mile Niagara River is the natural outlet from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and is split by an island above the falls. One half of the river flows over Horseshoe Falls (on the Canadian side) and the other half over American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls (on the American side).

When compared to other well known waterfalls, none of the three on the Niagara River are very high. The highest is roughly 170 feet, but it's tough to say which one of the three wins the prize because American and Canadian sources disagree. However, it's the width of the falls and the volume of falling water that make Niagara Falls so spectacular. For some fascinating facts and figures about the falls, and for a great explanation on how they were formed, check out this link.

If you plan a visit to Niagara Falls, be aware that the American and Bridal Veil Falls directly face the Canadian shore, and that the majority of Horseshoe Falls does, as well. So the most complete views of the falls are from the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario (the twin city of Niagara Falls, New York).

Niagara Falls Fun Fact #1: Erosion of the crest of the falls has caused them to retreat seven miles in the past 12,500 years. Scientists predict that the falls will eventually recede far enough to drain Lake Erie!

Niagara Falls Fun Fact #2: The falls actually stopped falling for 30 hours in 1848 due to an ice jam in the upper river!

I have a confession to make at this point. As a waterfall fanatic, I am so glad that we visited Niagara Falls...it should be on every waterfall enthusiast's "To See" list. However, I was pretty disappointed with the urban and touristy setting (not to mention the $20 fee for parking). And having to jostle one's way to a viewing spot on the railing while hearing folks shouting back and forth to each other above the roar of the falls...well, let's just say that I prefer my waterfalls in a more natural setting.

However, it is still most definitely an incredible natural wonder. And one simply must take pictures of incredible natural wonders. Here are a few of ours...

A few folks taking in the falls.

The American Falls and the aptly named Bridal Veil Falls,
with one of the famous Maids of the Mist tour boats

Horseshoe Falls...check out the Maid of the Mist tour boat for a bit of perspective!

Hey, this guy looks familiar!

A toast to Niagara Falls!

I would like to take this opportunity to give thanks and credit to my personal photographer, Art Berggreen, for most of the photographs in our blog. I suppose I could be a wee bit biased, but I do think he has taken some great photos. I hope you've enjoyed them, too.

---Barbara
Day 54 (in Saint Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick)
Total miles: 6,156