Travel: Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, wow what a trip. I loved every second of it.

I chose to travel up to the falls on a guided bus tour from New York. My Dad had previously been on the trip on an occasion he was visiting me in New York and had nothing but good things to say about it, not to mention it is so reasonably priced. I loved travelling up by bus also, as we made little stops along the way and drove through little towns allowing us to see and learn more about upstate New York. We visited places such as Geneva, known as a University town, walked through Watkins Glen State Park and saw vineyards where they produce ice wine, while travelling along Seneca Lake.

We spent the night on the Canadian side of the falls, which meant a cross over the boarder and a new stamp in our passports, not to mention another country I can claim as visited. We got to Canada and saw our first glimpse of the falls around 4:45pm. First impressions were that they were not as big as expected but after staring at the water continuously fall they became more and more mesmerizing.

After checking into our hotel, which is included as part of the tour package, we had our own time to go out for dinner and do what we wish. The main road where all the restaurants and such are located was quite surreal, it is known as a mini Las Vegas as it is all lit up with various games and activities such as a Speedway go-kart track, Dinosaur putt-putt golf and spooky houses. All restaurant's appeared to be more than likely on par with one another quality and taste wise. We chose to eat at Montana's BBQ & Bar which served general American food and a very enthusiastic waitress.

We finished the night off with one last look at the falls, as in the evenings as the sun goes down they illuminate them with colorful lights, as well as a firework display which we were too tired to wait around for.

The next day started bright and early. We cross back over to the American side of the falls and made a few stops at different vantage points to see them from all different angles. We were then first in line to take the first Maid of Mist boat out to get an up close and personal experience. This was by far the highlight. It did start to rain just as we were heading out so we have no idea what got us more wet the rain or the falls. The boat trip took about 20 minutes all up, we first stopped in front of the American and Bridal Veil falls and then proceeded to go right up close to the Canadian/Horse Shoe falls and this was just incredible, I don't know how else to describe it. As the boat turned to head back we were generously sprayed by the water coming off the Canadian/Horse Shoe falls and it gave the illusion of being inside the waterfall!

After the boat trip we had time to look through the souvenir shop which I had no plans on buying anything but had a last minute change of mind and purchased a Niagara Falls branded jumper (sweatshirt) to change into so I could be dry and warm. After this we began the journey back to New York City, with a lunch stop and a stop at the Crossings Premium Outlets. Again, I had no plans to buy anything at the outlets, if it were not part of the tour I would have been happy to by-pass this part but being the shopaholic that I am, I ended up making a few purchases, such as a Tommy Hilfiger tee and jumper (sweatshirt), Calvin Klein tee and I got a Coach coin purse for a steal $17 down from $75. Luckily our time here was limited, otherwise who knows what else I would have bought.

We arrived back in New York City around 7:30pm very tired from a big two days but also on a high from such an amazing experience.

Bus Tour Details:
Viator 2-Day Niagara Falls Tour