In our last post, we talked about ways to see Niagara Falls from above. Now it’s time to get up close and personal with North America’s Natural, roaring wonder with views from below, behind and beside. Visitors beware : You ARE going to get soaked!

Maid of the Mist

As the most popular tourist attraction in Niagara Falls, and at a cost of only $16.50, you have no excuse not to take a ride on the Maid of the Mist. Equipped with the provided blue poncho, your water proof camera, and an optimistic sense of adventure, you make your way through the churning waters toward the mist that lies ahead.

Approaching the American Falls, you get your first view rising mist as is encloses around the boat. Suddenly, in one sharp wall of liquid, it slams the side of the ferry with a force that only the Niagara Falls could supply. Those without ponchos are soaked from head to toe, and water drips from everyone’s nose. Camera lenses are speckled with water drops, and everyone is still screaming in excitement. After a short jaunt through the American zone, the boat continues over to the main attraction.

This time, the mist looms above the boat, almost taunting those on the top deck. It seems to hover in the air before unleashing itself entirely like a torrential downpour of the Amazon jungle. The wind blows and splashes passengers for a second time, with wave after wave of mist and river water. The boat chugs against the strong waterfall current, seemingly moving at high speeds, but not actually going anywhere. Like a localized storm, Niagara’s fury is unleashed upon the Maid of the Mist like an island in a tropical storm.

The boat turns back and it’s all over, with a scenic ride back to the dock. Millions of passengers experience the Falls from below each year, and you could be next!

Journey Behind the Falls

Photo.With over 2800 cubic meters of water thundering over its edge at 68 km/hour, every second, how could you not want to journey behind the Falls? Take an elevator down through 150 feet of solid bedrock and arrive to the Cataract Portal that lies behind the waterfall. Walk through the dripping tunnels, or stand out on the two observation decks that lie at the very foot of the Falls. This is another amazing photo opportunity of the falls from an absolutely unique angle.

With a price of $11.25, it’s affordable for your whole group, or family.

Top of the FallsTake a leisurely stroll along Niagara Parkway, from Clifton Hill to the edge of Horseshoe Falls. The walk provides panoramic views of the river below, where you can spot the newest passengers of the Maid of the Mist getting pummelled in mist clouds. As you get closer to the Falls, you begin to feel the moisture in the air and spot a few puddles on the cement. Crowds grow larger, as everyone wants a peek, but make your way over to the rails near the dropping point. Directly above the break of the Falls you can watch the clear, blue liquid spill over edge, into the misty abyss.

There’s really no view quite like this one. Niagara Falls has amazing views from all angles, but you cannot get any closer than this when it comes to the actual falling point of the water. It’s pretty breathtaking.

 

American Side

If you can manage to make it over to the American side of the Falls, there are a few things that you can do over there. For starters, make your way over to Goat Island, for a view from the top from the opposite side. A bridge will take you over the mouth of the American Falls, and the island provides a good view of the Niagara skyline.

Another version of the Maid of the Mist departs from this side, as well as a slightly different Journey Behind the Falls. One of the great reasons to head over here is the Cave of the Winds tour that takes you down a collection of staircases and inside some scenic fall-caves.