Niagara Falls is located between the United States and Canada and as a world-renowned tourist attraction, Niagara Falls attracts millions of tourists and visitors each year. People flock to see one of the world's most wonderful natural attractions. Before leaving on a trip to Niagara Falls, figure out how to get there, transportation upon arrival and key things to see and do while at Niagara Falls.
Get to Niagara Falls by automobile, charter bus or airplane. The falls are just over 210 miles from Detroit Michigan and about 400 miles from New York City. Make reservations at any of the 4- or 5-star hotels on either side that have a falls view. There are also many bed and breakfasts with affordable rates year round that provide a resting point after a day of traveling around the falls. Dressing for Niagara Falls should always be done in layers, even in the cooler months. A raincoat and umbrella are recommended for the falls area as they give off a mist and spray water onto the sidewalk and viewing areas.
The geography of Niagara Falls is referred to as a gorge, where the water overflows in two locations, the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. Traveling around the outside of the falls is most beneficial by foot so you can explore the edges of the falls as well as experience the different view points. The Canadian Falls drops its rush of water from Lake Niagara and Lake Erie 170 feet down. The American Falls is a bit tamer than the Canadian Falls with a drop of only 110 feet. Niagara Falls was formed by a glacier over 10,000 years ago. As the ice from the glacier melted, the water drained from the Great Lakes over an escarpment from the Niagara River cutting through and making a gorge, producing what is known as Niagara Falls today. The many tours that Niagara area businesses have to offer, such as the Whirlpool Jets, Journey behind the Falls and even a helicopter ride over the falls with Niagara Helicopters, create a spellbinding experience to see the falls up close and personal and shouldn't be missed. For the falls itself, a boat is a great way to travel around and through the falls.
Plan out the best time to visit. Niagara Falls is open to the public year round in any weather condition. In the winter, when the temperature reaches below 32 degrees, the falls are filled with ice and flowing water, creating a mystical look that is unique to this waterfall in the winter months. In the spring, the flowers and trees are in bloom, creating a colorful display for viewing from park area overlooking the falls on both sides of the falls. Packing a picnic lunch in the spring, summer and fall months is a great way to enjoy the falls and the scenery surrounding the falls, especially when traveling on foot or bike.
When visiting Niagara Falls it is essential to see some of the important attractions that Niagara is famous for. Traveling within the city of Niagara can be accomplished by hailing a taxi, riding a people mover, or utilizing the tour buses that transport hotel and casino guests to and from the falls. Bikes are also a popular way to get around the edge of the falls as well as the downtown area, bikes can be rented from many downtown locations including zoomleisure.com which allows you to pre- register for your bike rentals before you arrive. The Skylon Tower is a must visit attraction when visiting the falls. The Skylon slowly rotates and climbs 775 feet above the falls offering guests an observation deck to see 80 miles on a clear day as well a restaurant offering fine dining and cuisine that is open year round. Be sure to obtain tickets in advance to gain money saving coupons that will help curb the cost of the attractions. Infoniagara.com offers a wealth of coupons that pass along money saving coupons and attraction discount times that can be used year round.
Niagara is a wonderful place to take children and young adults to visit. Traveling throughout the city of Niagara by foot is an intimate way to experience all that Niagara has to offer. There is a lot of history and science involved with the falls and the historical landmarks surrounding the falls will leave a lasting impression on any child. Stop by the information pavilion on the Canadian side of the falls to watch informative movies and gather brochures that can serve as educational pieces to the history of the falls. Browse the gift shop attached to the information pavilion to take home keepsakes and souvenirs of Niagara Falls.
