We touched down in what felt like our hub city, Toronto, around 7.15. By the time we made it to our hotel, time was ticking on and Helen had already done the research for food. It just had to be pizza and apparently, you’ll struggle to get a better pizza in Toronto than J’Zs, which was conveniently across the road.
The reason for the swift eat was the need to hit the sack, as we were heading to Niagara first thing in the morning.
With a sound breakfast on board, backpacks on and we headed back to Union Station. James was delighted by the size of the trains, for anyone who doesn’t know James, he loves trains!
Two hours later, one train ride and two buses, and we were checking into our Niagara hotel.
OMG, a room with a view, and what an incredible view. Water, water everywhere.
It would be wrong to suggest there wasn’t a tad of emotion felt as we took in our first view of the 8th wonder of the world!
Whitewater Walk was our first stop. The water enters the Niagara River from Lake Erie, carrying a total of 5,664m³ per second through the river rapids. Watching the water race through them, it was hard to think how anyone could possibly navigate them in a canoe.
Apparently, they’re the most difficult in the world and, to be fair, you can see why.
We then took a high-level view of the rapids, although from a distance, in a century-plus, old cable car which was open air. Apparently, at least 12 ‘cells’ were dropped over the edge each week… thank goodness we have mobiles!
Below was the whirlpool, or so we were told. It didn’t look quite like the water swirling down a plug hole, but we wouldn’t want to be in it, that’s for sure!
The boat trip to the falls was full of excitement, so much so that it brought out the best in people’s queueing ability, as some unreservedly failed to demonstrate much patience.
All aboard, all dressed in red. The seagulls swirled and the water roared as we passed the American Falls and headed towards the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
It’s at this point you really become aware of the scale, the volume of water and the never-ending flow.
One fifth of the world’s fresh water travels through this point and then onwards to the St Lawrence river and eventually the Atlantic Ocean.
The boat turned 180 degrees and we were soaked. Without our red ponchos it would have been far worse!
Later in the evening we were treated to Niagara by lights and fireworks, the scene was spectacular.
The following morning, Helen opened the curtains to what looked like sea fret passing by our 21st-floor viewing point, but this time it was Niagara spray. The sun caressed the clouds above and attempted to burn through the mist from the falls, while the breeze gently shifted the view of the landscape below.
It looked wet from rain, but we knew this was simply Niagara saying, “I’m still here!”
The constant roar, the sound was unmistakable; it was like an ocean in a storm crashing against the shore. A sound and a view that was unmistakably special.
To locals, perhaps the norm, but to us, for one morning only, “This is NIAGARA FALLS!”
Without doubt, a wonder of nature, a vision, a sound and, a memory I’m so grateful to have experienced and to hold forever.
Walking behind the falls gave us a real clarity of the force of nature once more. To think this tap was never turned off was a little difficult to comprehend. It was like some great power, a machine or living creature that simply ploughed on and on and on…
Our final adventures were a simulation and a visit to the power station and tunnel. Both were informative and gave us an insight into how humans had tried their best to use, control and harness the falls. Finally, one last look close up at the beast that is Niagara.
We’d had an incredible time in Niagara and, as further “attractions” are to be installed, built or designed for our human indulgence and to add to the money-making machines, we should never lose sight of the fact that it is Niagara that is the main attraction.
Simply to see it, appreciate it, take the image and memory home is the most important part of what Niagara gives us.
In the words of… Charles Dickens
“Niagara was at once stamped upon my heart, an Image of Beauty; to remain there, changeless and indelible.”
On reflection, from the moment we arrived to the moment we left Niagara, we’d experienced… A view like no other!
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