25 Places to visit before you die: No. 22 Niagara Falls

The flow of water over the Falls is controlled in order to power the Hydro-electric facilities completed in 1961. Currently between 50% and 75% of the Niagara River's flow is diverted via four huge tunnels that arise far upstream from the waterfalls. The water then passes through hydroelectric turbines that supply power to nearby areas of the Canada and the USA before returning to the river well past the Falls. During tourist season, water usage by the power plant is limited to preserve the Falls as a tourist natural attraction.

Niagara Falls is a truly romantic setting for lovers and, perhaps because of its proximity to large population centres in the US and Canada, became the self styled, 'Honeymoon capital of the world'. Visitor numbers rose sharply after the release of the 1953 film 'Niagara', starring Marilyn Monroe. Today, popularity has reduced amongst the local market but visitor numbers are still more than two million a month.  

You cannot possibly visit Niagara Falls without a trip on the 'Maid of The Mist' cruise boat, the oldest and best known tourist attraction at Niagara Falls. The cruise boats operate from docks on both sides of the Falls, take our word for it, the Canadian side is the best. If you are at all vain and bothered about ruining your hair or looking like a complete Muppet in a long plastic raincoat with hood and stepping off the boat like a drowned rat then this is not the place for you.

From the U.S. side the American Falls can be viewed from walkways along Prospect Point Park where you can find the boat dock for the Maid of the Mist. Goat Island offers more views of the falls and is accessible by car and foot by a bridge above the American Falls. The Niagara Scenic Trolley offers guided trips along the American Falls and around Goat Island.

Panoramic and aerial views of the falls can also be viewed from the Flight of Angels helium balloon ride, or by helicopter; relatively expensive, but well worth it. The Niagara Gorge Discovery Centre showcases the natural and local history of Niagara Falls and the Niagara Gorge.

On the Canadian side of the Falls Queen Victoria Park have stunning manicured gardens with platforms offering spectacular views of both the American and Horseshoe Falls. There are also underground walkways leading into observation rooms which give the illusion of being within the falling waters.

There are of course other ways to see the Falls close up, as we know there have been many attempts over the years by people like Bobby Leach and his barrel trip over Niagara Falls in 1911, In 1829, Sam Patch, who called himself "the Yankee Leapster", jumped from a high tower into the gorge below the falls and survived; so this began a long tradition of complete nutters attempting stunts to go over the Falls.   So unless you are Superman, take it from us, the safest way is the Maid of the Mist.

Talking of Superman, the Superman II movie was filmed at the Falls in 1980, and in 1987 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon series took place near the Niagara Falls and its hydroelectric plant. Illusionist David Copperfield performed a trick in which he appeared to travel over the Horseshoe Falls in 1990 and more recently location footage of the Falls was shot in October 2006 to portray "World's End" of the movie Pirates of the Caribbean.

There are far more places to stay on the Canadian side - regrettably many of the hostelries on the US side are quite ugly fringe hotels.  The restaurants, in the main, are disappointing, and this is not a place to visit for high culture. However, don't let that put you off visiting the Niagara Falls, they are fabulous and the poor food will soon be forgotten, unlike the cascades of water or the drowned rat look getting off the Maid of the Mist.

January 30, 2010  |  Article Posted By: afterabc admin , London
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