Niagara Falls: Tourist Trap or Natural Beauty?

Niagara Falls, Ontario is one of the most visited places in North America. That is evidenced by the crowds at the waterfalls, or the Falls for short. But, there is just as big, probably bigger, of a crowd at Clifton Hill, the main street of attractions only a block away from the Falls or at Skylon Tower, overlooking Horseshoe Falls, with its 360 degree revolving restaurant. Which begs the question, is Niagara Falls a tourist trap, or is it an unmissable piece of natural beauty?

The Falls are the most powerful falls in North America and are a breathtaking sight to see. The torrents of water falling over the Niagara Escarpment, coupled with the thunderous roar and the mist are simply stunning. Also, the city of Niagara Falls has plentiful parks near the Falls full of greenery and picnickers. A short drive downriver from the Falls leads to a swirling and raging whirpool. Upriver of the falls, there are campsites with views of islands in the river. The natural beauty is considered spectacular.

On the flip side, the campsites are next to a sprawling amusement park named Marineland, the whirlpool can be crossed via a cable car, and a boat named the Maid of the Mist goes up to the bottom of Horseshoe Falls. Niagara Falls also has many visitors come to gamble at the Casino Niagara. On the main tourist street, Clifton Hill, and the adjoining Falls Avenue Complex, visitors can shop at souvenir stores, eat at restaurants such as Hard Rock Cafe and Burger King, sleep at hotels such as the Sheraton Fallsview and the Travelodge. But, the main draw on Clifton Hill is undeniably the attractions. There is the SkyWheel, an observation wheel to view the falls, the Great Canadian Midway, an arcade, many haunted houses, the Guinness World Records & Ripley's Believe it or Not! musems and even a mirrored maze. At the end of Clifton Hill, there is a cluster of wax museums. The area is considered a huge tourist trap.

All together, I believe that Niagara Falls is a natural beauty but the traveler should make sure that they aren't drawn in by all the attractions. Niagara Falls should be visited, but with a wary eye about what your money is being spent on.

• Author: Aleem Damji
• All content is out of personal experience at Niagara Falls.