Return to the falls

The first time I saw Niagara Falls was back in 2004 when I was studying in upstate New York and then I only saw it from the US side. My hostel where I was staying this time was around a half hour walk to the falls, so after my bus from Toronto arrived around lunchtime, I dropped my bag off and ventured down, three times being asked for directions by other tourists! I would’ve thought it was obvious - follow the river!? 

I reached the friendship bridge first, then the American falls, but the real ‘wow’ moment was standing at the top of the Canadian Horseshoe falls where the water cascades down - it’s mesmerising and a true display of the power and beauty of nature.  I stood in the sun with a coffee watching all the people board boats to sail into the mist of the falls (something I had done in 2004.) This time I opted for the ‘journey behind the falls’ and sporting a yellow poncho (reckon the colour suits me,) you descend down in a lift and then walk along tunnels to get soaked by the power of the water - it’s brilliant!

I had three days in Niagara and as well as seeing the falls, I cycled to Niagara on the Lake; a charming town with the most stunning houses, quaint shops and cherry blossom filled parks, and also visited the botanical gardens and walked in Niagara glen.  On my final evening as I walked down to the falls to see it lit up at night and to get something for dinner, the town had appeared to have been taken over by thousands of people visiting from Korea for a conference. All in matching coats and with matching backpacks, it was quite a sight! However it did mean that a special fireworks display was put on over the falls - love when unexpected things happen when you’re travelling!