Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls globally, with an incredible 2.6 million liters of water falling every second. Let’s talk about the most famous part, Horseshoe Falls.
How to Get There
You can reach Niagara Falls in a few ways. My family and I drove there from Toronto eight years ago. If you’re in Toronto, you can take a bus for about 10 Euros. There’s also something called FlixBus that operates outside Europe now.
If you’re coming from New York City, you can take a bus for about 60 Euros, but it’s a long 13-hour ride. It might be better to stop in Buffalo for a rest before reaching the falls. You can also catch a FlixBus here.
For the adventurous types, hitchhiking is also an option, and it seems to work well in both countries.
What Makes Horseshoe Falls Special
Horseshoe Falls, or Canadian Falls, marks the border between Canada and the USA. It’s huge, at 670 meters long, 57 meters high, and a whopping 90% of the Niagara River flows through it. This waterfall is famous not just for its size but because many people have tried to survive its drop. Some made it, but others didn’t.
In the past, people tried crazy things like going over the falls in barrels or boats, but you can’t do that now because it’s illegal and very dangerous. Many movies have been shot here, and people from all over the world visit. You can watch it from a distance or get up close on a boat, but be ready to get wet.
More Than Just Waterfalls
Along the Niagara River, you can learn about the history of the USA and Canada. There was a war in 1812 when the USA tried to invade Canada, which was under British control back then. Battles happened along the Niagara River, and even the White House got burned down in 1814. If you want to know more, look up the War of 1812, which lasted until 1815.
In the city of Niagara Falls (home to almost 100,000 people) on the Canadian side, you’ll find lots to do, like casinos, restaurants, and great viewpoints. It’s a fun escape from your usual routine. But the main attraction is still the amazing Canadian Falls, as the view from here is the best.
Is It Worth a Visit?
I’ve seen many waterfalls, like Victoria Falls (Devils pool Victoria Falls) and less-known ones in beautiful places like Venezuela (Chorro el Indio). Niagara Falls definitely lives up to the hype. They are huge, and seeing them up close is even more incredible. It can get crowded with tourists, so try to go early or during less busy times, like in the cold winter.
While photos are nice, the real thing is even more impressive. In my opinion, they are more spectacular than Victoria Falls. Remember, it’s hard to compare waterfalls because each one is unique. However, you can skip the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and head to the Canadian side for the best experience.
