Visitor's Guide to the Beautiful Niagara Falls, New York

If you've ever talked to anyone about going to Niagara Falls for a family vacation or honeymoon retreat, don't be fooled if you are told the Canadian side is the best. It is true, however, that there is more to see and do, but what the New York side has to offer can not go unseen! My family and I have visited the falls one weekend many years ago, both sides, on our way up to Toronto. We started out on the NY side for the day, then crossed the bridge to the Canadian side and stayed over night there.

Niagara Reservation State Park is the oldest state park in the United States. Within this park, Goat Island, which has become part of the tourist attractions, is a must see! Tips for visiting Niagara Falls - wear comfortable shoes! There is a lot of walking, and stairs to climb (if you choose certain attractions). Park your car for the day and you are well on your way to a great experience!

Tips for hikers, stop by the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center where you'll learn about the history of the gorge itself. For a very nominal fee per person, starting at $2.00, there are several hiking trails you can take, starting from easy up to a 3 hour more aggressive hike which includes some boulder hopping for $7.00 per person.

Heading over to Goat Island is accessible via car ($8.00 per vehicle to park) or take the foot bridge along the rapids atop the falls. At Goat Island you can stand at the top of the Bridal Veil Falls, have a beautiful view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls as well. You may even feel the mist of spray from the falls themselves! The best tip I can give you for visiting Goat Island is visiting Cave of the Winds. This attraction was my absolute best to experience while vising Niagara Falls. For $10.00 per adult and $7.00 for children 6-12, it is well worth the money. Children must be at least 42" to participate in the full adventure. There is one level where parents with small children can wait. Admission is free for all children 5 and under. You will enter a small elevator, which takes you down 175 feet into the Niagara Gorge. At this level you will be given a yellow poncho and special footwear to wear. And now the fun begins!! TIP: YOU WILL GET WET!!! Just how wet is up to you! Your guided tour will take you to various levels up the side of the falls via wooden walkways. You will step over flowing water below you, the sound of the falls hammering down in front of you will get your Adrenalin pumping! For those of you who do not wish to venture up the walkways, a special deck built 150 feet from the falls is available for anyone with small children or handicapped persons, all with a breathtaking view! This attraction is famous for its rainbows, which are usually visible day and nite. If you are adventurous, continue up the walkways to Hurricane Deck, where you will be only 20 feel away from the Bridal Veil Falls. YOU WILL GET WET!!! It may be a bit scary, but to look up and just see water cascading down from the sky only a few feet away from you is a once in a life time experience! YOU WILL GET WET! There is a railing to hold on to, it can be a tad windy, but the spray, ok, GENEROUS spray from the falls will leave you laughing! The picture here of Hurricane Deck does not do justice! My Tip for visiting Niagara Falls - do not pass up this attraction!

If you would like to visit the Canadian side, you can take the Rainbow Bridge. Cost is $.50 for pedestrians and bicyclists each way, and $3.25 round trip for automobiles. This bridge is 202 feet above the water and 950 feet across. The waters flow 26-30 miles per hour below with an incredible depth of 175 feet!

Visit the Observation Tower at Prospect Point where you will be within inches of the American falls and have a great view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, too!

Be sure and purchase your tickets for the Maid of the Mist boat ride! $12.50 per adult and $7.50 per child (5 and under free of charge) will get you a boat ride you're going to love! A 600 passenger boat will take you against the raging current deep into the base of the falls. YOU WILL GET WET! Maybe just a mist, but stand out front and you WILL GET WET! At the ride's furthest point to the falls you will look up and see an incredible wall of water rushing down around you from every side of the Horseshoe Falls as if water is just pouring down from heaven above!

Tips for visiting Niagara Falls, bring a camera! But beware, water sprays everywhere if you are on the Maid of the Mist, the Hurricane Deck of the Cave of the Winds or along side the Bridal Falls atop at Goat Island. Use your judgment. I constantly wiped my lens to my camera. All was good! If its just a day trip to Niagara Falls I encourage you to see every "falls" attraction there is. Most open May 2, 2008. For further information on these attractions and other nearby things to do and see, please visit this site: http://www.niagarafallslive.com/attractions_in_Niagara_Falls.htm.

If you have the time I also encourage you to visit the Canadian side of the Falls. From there you can ride the Maid of the Mist, visit the Behind the Falls attraction, which allows you to view the falls thru an opening in the walls behind the falls in front of you!, see the colored lights on the falls at night, ride to the top of the Skylon Tower for a breathtaking view of both sides of the Falls and other non-related Falls sites, such as the beautiful Butterfly Exhibit and Botanical Gardens.

Enjoy your Niagara Falls Adventure! and wear comfortable walking shoes!