My fianc'and I took a quick trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario
arriving around Midnight in April 2003. We checked into the quaint Blackstone
Inn which is within walking distance of the falls, unloaded and set off
for a walk down Clifton Hill ( the main street in Niagara Falls) toward
Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls. The excitement of finally being in Niagara
Falls was overwhelming.
When we reached the Falls, we could hear the sound of
the water hitting the pool below, however we could not see them because
of the foggy like mist they created. Deciding that tomorrow would be a better
time, we went to check out the night life. Clifton Hill was full of excitement
with people having fun talking and laughing along the streets where the
patrons were flowing in and out of the bars and caf'.
While strolling along we met a local, who gave us information
on what we should not want to miss, particularly the Secret Garden and directed
us to it.
The Secret Garden was absolutely beautiful! The Garden
is completely enclosed by either a wall or a wrought iron fence. Although
my fianc'had been to Niagara Falls numerous times before, he never visited
the Secret Garden. The garden was filled with yellow and red tulips (mostly
yellow). We were happy to have experienced such beauty together. From the
Garden you can see the Casino Niagara, it was big and very bright, we agreed
we needed to check it out the next day.
The following day we awoke full of anticipation, and
headed out immediately to see the Falls. Clifton Hill looked completely
different in daylight. It had a classy look and feel to it, filled with
families, locals, and visitors. Definitely not the same place we experienced
the night before. The tulips in the Secret Garden were even lovelier in
the daylight.
Finally, we made it to what we had come to see. Bridal
Veil Falls was the first one I saw. It was one of the most beautiful sights
I had ever seen. It is located at the end of Clifton Hills. It had huge
rocks at the bottom that looked as though they were painted white. The white
color was actually ice (gives you an idea of how cold the water was!).
Horseshoe Falls was incredibly big and beautiful. We
walked down to get a better view. The water was completely clear and moving
very fast as it was going over the fall. The spray from the Falls was going
everywhere so having a rain coat on helped because the spray was freezing
cold.
After spending time admiring the Falls we went to Casino
Niagara. We didn't gamble but we did go back to the lounge on the other
side of the Baccarat room. The lounge was extremely nice. They served food
and drinks. The table of people next to us was eating fresh Dungeness crab.
The crab was as big as our heads, the size was unbelievable! We had a drink
and chatted with some of the fellow visitors before heading back up Clifton
Hill stopping at a few shops along the way.
Although the time we spent was short it was one of the
most fulfilling trips I had ever experienced. Niagara Falls in Ontario is
definitely worth visiting at least once in your life time.
Here are some helpful travel tips for your trip to Niagara
Falls.
Border Crossing:
There are three International Bridges between the U.S.
and Canada within six miles of the Falls. 500yards from the American Falls
is the 'Rainbow Bridge' which offers a great view of the Falls. There is
no commercial traffic allowed. You can walk, bike, or ride across. 5.6 miles
North of the Falls is the 'Lewiston-Queenston Bridge'. This bridge is for
all types of vehicles. Bicycles are allowed but not recommended. You can
also take the 'Peace Bridge' from Buffalo, New York to Fort Erie, Ontario.
Identification:
When crossing the international border be sure to bring
either a birth certificate or a valid passport in addition to your driver's
license. If you are bringing children with you, birth certificates are still
required. If the children are not yours, you must provide a signed hand
written note by the parent indicating how long the child will be in the
country you are visiting along with the telephone number for the parents
as well. You may be denied entry if you are lacking the proper documentation.
Purchases and Exchange:
If you make purchases and travel between Niagara Falls,
Ontario and New York, save your receipts. When crossing the International
border you will be required to declare all purchases.
You can visit the duty free stores that are located upon
entering and leaving the U.S. and Canada. There you can get currency exchange
and purchase items duty free. You can also do a currency exchange in Canada
at Casino Niagara. The Casino has to give the exact exchange rates so that
is an ideal place to go.
