by Cameron Scott

Created on: April 30, 2008   Last Updated: June 02, 2011

Halfway between Chicago and New York lies the twin city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Niagara Falls, New York, gateway to the Great White North and Honeymoon Capital of the World.

The Niagara River connects Lake Erie and Lake Ontario to form the Niagara Peninsula. The waterfalls themselves consist of three separate falls of water almost 200 feet high: American Falls, Bridal Falls, and finally Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side of the border, the largest of the three, which spans a third of a mile along its length.

Along the Canadian side, beautifully manicured park walkways run alongside the full length of the falls and the Niagara River. Other ways of viewing the falls are from a tunnel which runs behind the falls, from one of many observatory towers, from a revolving dining room, from a helicopter, from a cable car, and from the Maid of the Mist, an 80-foot boat which takes passengers right up to the foot of the falls. (Do wear the raincoat they give you!) At night, a light show lights up the spectacle of falling water. In the winter, the surface of the water sheets into hundreds of gleaming icicles.

Every Friday, Sunday, and holiday between mid-May and the end of August, Niagara Parks offers free concerts and fireworks starting at 8 pm, weather permitting. Additional fireworks are also set off on Wednesdays at 10 pm during July and August only.

The delights of the region extend far beyond the falls. For those who crave a little slots action, Casino Niagara aims to please. For a more laid-back pace, take a tour of one of the area's many prize-winning vineyards, and sample some of the world-famous ice wine. On a cool day, step into the tropical Butterfly Conservatory, and watch in delight as thousands of exotic butterflies settle on nearby flowers and even on your clothing. Around the 'corner' of the Niagara peninsula can be found the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which offers historical reenactments at Fort George, as well as excellent theatre at the summer Shaw Festival.

Tours are offered to Niagara Falls from most of the upper states as well as from Toronto and most parts of Southwestern Ontario. For crossing the border, the Rainbow Bridge is far less busy than most, but you are still likely to have a short to moderate wait depending upon traffic. The Rainbow Bridge is also one of the few border crossings which still allows pedestrians to cross. Alternate border crossings in the area are available at Buffalo or at Lewston Bridge. While United States residents still need only photo identification proving place of residence to enter Canada, a valid passport is highly recommended and will soon be required to enter the United States. Border traffic tends to be less busy during off-peak weekday traffic times.

Learn more about this author, Cameron Scott.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.