Niagara Falls

August, 2014.

Embassy Suites – Fallview hotel

When we first arrived at our hotel and got out of the car to hand our keys over to the valet parking, we could feel rain. It was a slight drizzle, yet the sun was cracking the flags! Guess what it was…water spray from the Niagara Falls! We were definitely a few hundred meters away from  the falls, yet we could feel it – it was a great feeling!

We arrived at our hotel, The Embassy Suites, which is part of the Hilton Hotel chain – it had a luxurious lobby with high ceilings – however the rooms weren’t up to much – pretty bland and basic, which I have no issue with as we were hardly in our room so literally needed a room to sleep in. But when you know they are part of the Hilton Hotel group you expect a little something extra. Our room had a spectacular view though, I mean, the falls were right there! I couldn’t believe it!

Breakfast the next day was lovely – it was a huge continental spread which had everything you could think of, from a full English breakfast to pancakes and waffles to fruit –it filled us up for the day. It was quite crowded but there were a lot of tables so you weren’t left standing – the key is always to get there as early as you can.

Niagara Falls

Most people probably won’t realise this, but Niagara Falls actually consists of three waterfalls that lie between the United States (New York) and Canada borders (Ontario): The Horseshoe Falls (Canadian), the American Falls and the Bridal Viel Falls (both are American).

When you are walking along the water front to get onto the boats to go to the falls, you can’t help but go photo crazy – the views are unbelievable.

When we walked down along the front it was pretty early in the morning (which I definitely recommend if you visit), it was so relaxing. The only people out are early birds, like people going for a morning run, so it’s very peaceful. You can sit down and listen to the sound of the falls while being soothed by the drizzle from the crashing waves.

Looking toward the falls is picturesque, it does take your breath away.

Hornblower boat

Probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The Hornblower is Canada’s boat on its side of the falls, just like Maid of the Mist is on the American side. When you arrive at the boat terminal you are given a red poncho (which I have totally kept in my memory box!) and then you make your way down to the boat. Before boarding the boat there are plenty of photo opportunities.

We got in a great place on the boat – right at the front but in a place so we could all hold onto something, because we were no doubt going to get blow about. We were so right!

WOW. As the boat gets closer and closer to the horse shoe water fall you get soaked to the point where you just can’t help but laugh and squint your eyes because you don’t want to miss anything. And then it gets windy –the whole experience is breathtaking.

After the boat ride we got to get up close and personal with the beautiful waterfall. You get to walk behind it and stand alongside the gushing water. We were given another poncho and had to walk through a few tunnels to view the falls from the inside looking out – we were all a little disappointed because you literally can’t see anything, due to the water being so powerful. All you see is white. However, step outside and you can look right up.

There are some fact boards dotted around to educate you on the falls while you are there. For example *cough, cough* The water is drained from Lake Erie and Lake Ontario which combines the falls to form the highest flow rate in the world, with a vertical drop of 165 feet!

Firework display

We didn’t know about the firework display until arriving at our hotel, finding out that they run from 10pm every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday – bonus for us as we were staying on a Sunday evening. And it was free to watch.

The firework display on Niagara Falls was insane! The water falls were lit up in all different colours which then reflected onto the fireworks. Thousands of people gathered on Queen Victoria Park to watch the magnificent event.

Applebees

If there is an Applebees – we always go (kind of like Hard Rock Cafe). There is just something comforting about this sports bar. It’s so relaxed, yet busy all of the time.

If you ever see an Applebee’s its definitely worth a visit. They have the most comforting, typical American meals. So far, all staff that we have come across have been spot on in terms of their service. You’ll find most of the time they sit down at your table to have a chat!

Crazy golf

While my Mum and Dad went for a little shop – me, Rich and my brother Matty went to play mini-golf. I love mini-golf in the US because, as we all know, they go above and beyond. So their crazy golf is just incredible!

This crazy golf set up was a bit different – we are used to it being all outdoor, however this one was indoor and used ultraviolet lights to give a vibrant Tron-like atmosphere. Weird… but fun.

Hard Rock Cafe – Niagara Falls Canadian side

We called into Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls, on the Canadian side, for a quick drink and to pick up a badge – my Mum and Dad collect them. It’s in a great location – it runs parallel to the main road you walk down to see the falls.

We didn’t really see much of the restaurant as we were visiting Hard Rock Cafe – Niagara Falls (America) later on for dinner. This Hard Rock reminded me of Hard Rock Cafe Orlando (HO) a bit.

Rainbow Bridge – Crossing the borders

When you walk over Rainbow Bridge you are crossing the border from Canada to America – it feels weird as you have to show your passport to walk across and pay $0.50.

Crossing the bridge, you have spectacular views as you can see both falls on the Canadian side and American.

Hard Rock Cafe – Niagara Falls American side

We basically crossed the border so we could visit Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls USA. Looking back over to the Canadian side of the falls is absolutely incredible because when you look from the Canadian side to the American side, the shop fronts are quite an eye-saw as they look cheap and tacky, which is a shame when you consider how magnificent the falls are.

We all ordered our usual – I had the Chicken Club Sandwich, which is a toasted sandwich with mayonnaise, iceberg lettuce, tomato, smoked bacon and thinly sliced grilled chicken with their incredibly tasty fries. I can NEVER finish this for some reason. I always end up taking half of the sandwich home.

This Hard Rock had a lovely set up – it had the main bar area all Hard Rocks seem to have, but most seating areas went off into other rooms.

Niagara Falls – Overall

I think staying for one night at Niagara Falls was perfect. There isn’t that much to do in this area, but the falls alone are worth the visit. If you spend more than one night here I think you would be trying to find things to do.

Everyone needs to see the Niagara Falls – it’s pretty special.