by Irene Preklet

Created on: April 05, 2009   Last Updated: November 20, 2010

You can see the mist ahead of you, and you can hear the sound of water crashing onto the rocks below; you have arrived at Niagara Falls and realize it is as magnificent as you have been hearing.

The falls stretch out before you, the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side, with the falls continuing on the American side. On both sides of the water you will find acres of parkland just waiting to be explored. It is a trip millions of people take every year.

Water flow at Niagara Falls is at its peak in the warmer months of the year, but anytime is a great time to visit. In the autumn you have the beautiful colors of the trees, in the winter you have the formation of ice, and if it is really cold an ice bridge will form. You will want to see the falls during the day and at night when they are lit up and look spectacular.

A boat ride on the Maid of the Mist is a must while in Niagara Falls. The boat trip gets you up close and personal with the falls and all of that water, but not to worry, rain gear is provided. The boat leaves from both the Canadian and American sides and you can find out more by visiting their website which is www.maidofthemist.com/en.

Another way to see the falls up close and personal is the "Journey Behind the Falls" which actually takes you behind the falls. You will descend 150 feet by elevator through bedrock tunnels and will be able to see Horseshoe Falls 13 stories above you, feel the mist on your face and hear the loud thunder of the water. You can find out more at www.niagaraparks.com which has information on the trip behind the falls as well as many other attractions along with places to eat and stay.

Another great way to see Niagara Falls is from the air, and for that you have a couple of options. You can take a glass elevator up 775 feet at The Skylon Tower, letting you see thousands of square miles in both Canada and the U.S. The tower features a revolving restaurant that gives you 360 degree view. You can find out more at www.skylon.com. Another option to get an aerial view is by helicopter with several companies offering tours.

Of course there is more to Niagara Falls then just the falls, including great restaurants, fabulous hotels, terrific shopping, a wide range of outdoor activities and hotels catering to every traveler. There is entertainment for both the kids, including water parks and a theme park and for the adults there is a casino as well as wineries that are close by. A great place to start researching your trip is at www.niagarafallstourism.com.

Getting to Niagara Falls is easy by road with highways on both sides of the border getting you there. If you are flying you have a couple of options. You can fly into the Buffalo Niagara International Airport in the United States, which is only about a 30 minute drive from the falls or you can fly into Toronto's Pearson International Airport in Canada. Pearson Airport is about a 90 minute drive from Niagara Falls.

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