Birdseye view of Niagara Falls
[A]t 165 vertical feet, they aren't the world's tallest, but the three waterfalls which make up Niagara Falls have the highest flow rate in the world.
In the high water season, we're talking more than 6 million cubic feet of water flowing over the edge, per minute.
After wrapping up this year's North American TBEX conference in Toronto, I took a day trip to Niagara Falls.
The tour is extremely efficient, and includes:
- Roundtrip bus transport with guide
- Wine tasting on the ride out of Toronto
- Optional helicopter rides ($104 extra, highly recommended)
- Lunch overlooking the Falls
- A ride on a Maid of the Mist boat
- Visit to a scenic outlook point
- Stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake, a cute town with awesome ice cream
Overall, I felt like I saw Niagara Falls from every possible angle.
One of the safe and comfortable Bell 407 helicopters used for the 10-minute scenic flights over Niagara Falls
During the scenic flight, an audio recording cites information about the Falls, but I was too busy taking photos to hear a word that was said
As we flew clockwise over the Falls, a rainbow appeared
If you look left of center, under the rainbow, you can see one of the “Maids of the Mist” tourist boats
The American Falls as viewed from a park across the river
You haven't been to Niagara Falls until you've taken a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat which travels past all three waterfalls. In this photo, we're getting wet under the Horseshoe Falls.
By foot, you can get extremely close to the edge of the Horseshoe Falls. It's hard to believe anyone could survive a drop over the falls, but many people have lived to tell the tale.
Horseshoe Falls lookout point on the Canadian side. This scene reminds me of the scene in Superman II where the boy falls over the edge.
Full rainbows make regular appearances at the Falls
A double rainbow. I like how the bridge in the background arches in the same way as the two rainbows.
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This tour was provided in partnership with Viator (minus the helicopter ride).
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio, a food blog. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Read the complete story of how he became a pro travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
Tom
Friday 13th of September 2013
Amazing photos was at the Iguazu Falls last year which was amazing will defiantly be making of visit here and trip to Canada next year, we got a great package with Tour America something I have been planning for a while now.
LuizzeOliveira
Monday 1st of July 2013
Wow Its such beautiful and eye catching photography of Niagara fall as well as specially I like the viewed from a park across the river. Its too good.
chinamatt
Friday 21st of June 2013
Those are some impressive shots. I haven't been to Niagara since I was 8; think it's about time to head back.
Arun
Wednesday 19th of June 2013
Beautiful images. Especially loved the aerial shots. The helicopter ride indeed seems to be worth it.
Sam
Tuesday 18th of June 2013
I found Niagra falls to be slightly disappointing. Sure, the waterfall itself is quite magnificent, but the setting is just awful. The tacky hotels looming over the falls, all vying for the best spot along the shore line. It took the specialness out of it for me.
Dave
Thursday 20th of June 2013
Did you view it from the US or Canadian side? The development is very kitschy, but it didn't take anything away from my experience in and around the Falls themselves.
If I was viewing from the US side, and saw the buildings in the background, I might've felt the same. From the Canadian side, you have your back to them the whole time.