Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls the town blew my mind. I know that I read that it is the Canadian Las Vegas, but driving up Clifton Hill was crazy! Thousands of people and every restaurant chain I’ve come to associate with North America.

It was definitely like Vegas – but squished into two streets! Lots of people crowding around the waxworks, mini theme parks and the all-Canadian Timmy’s. But as with most touristy places, it’s paid parking until you drive a little ways away and it’s free. So that’s what we did. And in true Vegas style, we visited one of the buffets for a brunch/lunch session - $6.99 for all you can eat breakfast. The catch was buying a drink, but we enjoyed the fruit juice from the tinned fruit they had on offer. And I’d sneaked in a water bottle as well J. It was a regular breakfast, but definitely filling, including a Greek rice pudding and Greek fried pastries. Something a little more than just bacon and eggs! (and French toast, and regular toast and baked beans...etc.)

Then it was time to wander over to the promenade that overlooks the Falls. There were lots of people and food stands (including kosher! I did have a Jewish student write me a composition about how he enjoyed his trip there) and finally we could actually see the Falls themselves. First we could see the American side of the Falls and then further along, the Canadian side. The Canadian side was much more impressive! And there sure was a lot of water coming over! Apparently it’s a million bathtubs a day (or is that an hour?) and it did look pretty impressive.

We walked along the promenade and took pictures as we went along. Then I convinced Will that since we’d come all this way and we HAD to go on the Maid of the Mist.  The ultimate in Niagara Falls touristy-ness. So we did. We filed along like sheep down the ramps, talking to the only Australians we’d met in almost  year. They put the rope barrier up just as we got the boat and Will was about say ‘oh what the’, and complain but then we realised we’d be first on the next one!  We discussed with the Quebec family next to us whether it was better to be up the front at the top or the bottom. I wanted to be at the top! It was well worth it and despite our blue ponchos we were absolutely drenched. It was awesome! So refreshing after the hot sun and the roar of the Falls was incredible. We’d watched from up high how the boats struggle against the current and then it was our turn! (and I was wearing the same top as yesterday, so my blueberry stain washed out haha). It was well worth it to get so close to the Falls!

Interesting random facts about the Falls – not many people have survived going over them and lived. Apparently it was cool to go over in a barrel at the one stage, so a few people did that. Even two people did it in the same barrel. A 7-year old kid also went over and survived as well as a 65-year old teacher! Not sure why she did that!

Niagara Falls, tick. 

This pic doesn't really capture the craziness of Clifton Hill!