|
|
|
| The Niagara Falls |
|
| | | |
History
The Niagara Falls are located at a distance of 17 miles or 27 kms from the city of Buffalo and separate the Canadian and the American province. The falls are about 12,000 years old and were formed during the Glacial Age around 2 million years ago. The glaciers melted to form lakes and the rushing water carved out a channel which is now called the Niagara River. The falling of the riverbed gave rise to the Niagara Falls. A year round destination, you can hear the roar of the Niagara waters and the crashing sounds made by the four lakes joining the falls of Niagara.
The Niagara Falls State Park is open year round (from 7 am til midnight) for sightseeing. The most amazing feature of the Niagara is that the water flows continually and does not freeze, even in the winters. Established in the year 1885, the Niagara Falls State Park is America’s oldest state park. The park houses some amazing attractions-
A half an hour ride in the Niagara Falls Trolley in the State Park provides you with a scenic view of the falls. All the vintage-style trolleys are equipped with modern comforts and run on environmentally friendly natural. While you sightsee, relax and unwind the three mile park route in the trolley.
Be ready to get face-to-face with the waters of Niagara Falls at the Cave of the winds in the Niagara Falls State Park. Take a stupendous journey deep into the gorges and under the Falls and get soaked on the Hurricane Deck where you will be merely a feet away from the thundering waters. The night time is will be good to plan a visit tto the cave of the winds as the Falls are colourfull! The admission in the cave of the winds is seasonal and is only open between May and October.
Goat Island is located between the American and Canadian Falls and makes a popular spot for the travellers visiting the falls from the U.S side. The island is densely forested with many exciting walking trails. The Luna Island in the Niagara Falls State Park serves as a small island between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and provides breathtaking views of both the Falls.
Maid of the Mist is the well knownn boat that takes on a half hour tour to the Niagara Falls. The access to the boat is from the Observation Tower which is located in the park itself. It is well advised to dress up in waterproof clothes. The Maid of the Mist operates from early May till late October. Keep yourself well informed about the weather conditions before you set out on a boat tour in the falls. All age groups can goon a ride on the boat. Pets are not allowed on the boat.
The Niagara Adventure Theatre showcases the historic events of how storm and thunder were discovered in the Niagara. The screen is 45 foot and the shows are repeated on hourly basis in 6 different languages. There is a separate entry chrge where you will have to buy the tickets for the show.
The Terrapin Point and Prospect Point are the perfect spots to get close to the Niagara Falls. One can even walk across the Rainbow Bridge to the Canadian side (provided you have ID or a Canadian visa, as the case may be) and see the Horseshoe Falls .
The Niagara Falls are visited by more than 20 million tourists every year and it stands out as a famous landmark in the United States of America.
|
Best time to visit
Niagara Falls is a year round destination. However the months between May and September are the busiest with hordes of tourists. If you like to visit the place when it is not overcrowded then October and November are the best months for sightseeing. The falls are spectacular during the winter.
|
Trivia
There are more than 45 Golf Courses in the Niagara Falls region!
The word Niagara has originated from the word "onguiaahra" which means "a thundering noise".
While in Niagara, do not miss out on the exciting Niagara Wine Trails which is located along the lower river bed of the falls. The excellent wine trails offer selection for all tastes. With fertile soil and adequate rainfall, the vineyards grow in perfect conditions. Take a limo or a bus tour to the delightful wineries of the Niagara Falls.
|
Timing
You can visit the Niagara at any time of the day. The entry to the spot is absolutely free. However, for attractions within the Niagara like Cave of the Winds, Goat and Luna Island, Maid of the Mist, State Park, Niagara Theatre, Terrapin and Prospect Point, you will have to pay the required admission charges. All the attractions are open year round, except the Maid of the Mist and Whirlpool Jetboat and Cave of the Winds. They operate only in the months between May and October. The Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley is operational in the months of May, June, September and October.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Travel Tools
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |