I finally did it - a day trip!! My first time since July 2020 being anywhere other than Toronto or Bayfield!! I went to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
It wasn’t anxiety producing (good thing) but I have to say it did still feel a bit weird…trying to figure out how to be out in public in a new place and working through what are comfort levels…when do I feel more or less safe in public places etc.. And then there’s always that question in the back of your mind - how friendly and how much do you interact with other people?
Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls at the southern end of the Niagara Gorge, spanning the border between Ontario and New York State. The largest of the three is Horseshoe Falls, also known as the Canadian Falls. The smaller American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls lie within the United States. Flowing north as part of the Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, the combined falls have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in North America that has a vertical drop of more than 50m. During peak hours more than 168,000 m3 of water goes over the crest of the falls every minute. Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America, as measured by flow rate. Niagara Falls is famed for its beauty and is a valuable source of hydroelectric power.
Horseshoe Falls / the Canadian Falls
The American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls to the right - the two are separated Luna Island
The Rainbow Bridge - one of many border crossings between Ontario and New York State.
Zip Lining to the falls - a new attraction in Niagara Falls. And yes, I absolutely had to give it a try!
One of the reasons why I chose to go to Niagara Falls right now is because the border with the United States is still closed. I know it’s really hard for tourism…but it was lovely to be at ‘The Falls’ right now.
The parking lot at the Duty Free Store - empty except for one car.
And very little happening at the actual border crossing - with COVID testing happening (the white tents) immediately for those who do need to cross.
If you’re cardboard don’t park here - but okay for everything else (lol)!
Clifton Hill is the major tourist promenade in Niagara Falls. The street contains a number of gift shops, wax museums, haunted houses, video arcades, restaurants, hotels and themed attractions and of course - the SkyWheel Ferris wheel.
Lots of room to view the falls when the border is closed!
Looking out over the Niagara River.
Not far away from Niagara Falls is the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL). NOTL is important in the history of Canada: it served as the first capital of the province of Upper Canada, the predecessor of Ontario, and during the War of 1812 it, and surrounding areas, were the sites of numerous battles following the American invasion of Upper Canada. In addition to its many historic buildings it is also home to the oldest surviving golf course in North America still in use.
Built in 1864, the Prince of Wales Hotel is a historic Victorian hotel. Queen Elizabeth II stayed here during her visit to the area in 1973.
Cenotaph and clock tower
Niagara District Court House, built in 1846
In this house, built in 1818, William Kirby, F.R.S.C., historian, novelist, poet and editor of the Niagara Mail, lived from 1857 to 1906.
Here is where the Niagara River opens up into Lake Ontario.
Niagara Lodge, erected in 1816, built from the rubble following the War of 1812.
St. Mark’s (1805)- the oldest Anglican Church in Ontario. As I’ve said before, I can’t show the beautiful interior because it’s unfortunately not open right now.
A very popular, unique, and interesting way to see the town.
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