When we were in Buffalo, New York recently for a wedding, Niagara Falls was one of our first locations to visit. The famous Niagara Falls are a combination of three incredible waterfalls that sit at the American-Canadian border. While you can see the waterfalls from America, it’s worth bringing your passport and viewing from the Canadian side. You can visualize the waterfalls better and get very close to the Niagara Falls.

Upon arriving we were all hungry, so we grabbed a delicious lunch at The Keg Steakhouse overlooking the falls. The food was good but the view was breathtaking.

From the restaurants, you have the option to walk down a path or take a short ride down on the Falls Incline Railway, which drops you off near the top of the falls. We walked through the small store and museum, learning about the history. Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North American and you experience its power as you get about 5 feet away from the rushing water!

With my brother at the lookout.

Don’t make the mistake I did:  bring walking shoes. There is a long path on the Canadian side that stretches high above the river to view the three waterfalls, and you definitely want walking shoes to go chasing waterfalls! Depending on the wind, the mist sprays you and creates beautiful rainbows.

We only had a quick visit but if we had more time we would have loved to go on Maid of the Mist, a quick boat tour that gets really close to the waterfall base! My brother has visited a few times and recommends watching the Niagara Falls Fireworks Show. Between the view, fireworks and lighting displayed on the falls it sounds like an impressive show. Bring the kids, bring a date or just go by yourself – Niagara Falls is truly a natural beauty! Locals recommend visiting during the fall while the leaves are changing for incredible scenery.

If you go, bring:  Camera, walking shoes, rain jacket (it’s wet and cold by the falls), passport to visit Canadian side

Time:  Approximately 3 hours

Other notable stops in and around Niagara Falls:

• White Water Walk – Get up close and personal to the river, as the water flows past at about 30 mph, creating Class 6 rapids
• Cave-of-the-Winds Tour – take an elevator down 175 feet to experience being near the base of one of the falls
• Niagara Wine Trail – several local wineries nestled in an area with incredible scenery, visit one or do a chauffeured tour

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley