Niagara Falls

If you’re traveling near western New York, visit Niagara Falls to see spectacular waterfalls. Water flows at a rate of 150,000 gallons per second (568,000 liters) on the U.S. side. See plunging water, hear the roaring falls and feel mist swirling up from the gorge.

The Niagara River, which separates the U.S. and Canada, flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Watch the water curve dramatically, then drop up to 110 feet (33 meters) in American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side.

Three state parks offer vistas of the falls and river. Niagara Falls State Park is the launch point for activities at the falls itself. Don a yellow poncho and walk to Cave of the Winds below Bridal Veil Falls. Ride on the Maid of the Mist boat that has brought tourists in raingear near the falls for nearly 170 years. Hike along gorge trails to Goat Island to view Canada’s Horseshoe Falls.

Whirlpool State Park juts into the gorge overlooking a giant whirlpool and water rapids downstream of the falls. At Devil’s Hole State Park, take the stone stairs to the base of the gorge to see rushing rapids. Walk upstream along the river toward the whirlpool.

Consider beginning your marriage here. The area has multiple wedding chapels along with honeymoon suites with beds and Jacuzzis in heart shapes. Your guests will enjoy many activities in the area when not engaged in wedding events. Try your luck at the casino, shop at Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA and explore the Aquarium of Niagara. Gaze at the falls illuminated at night.

The falls are glorious in summer with light mist cooling a hot day. Bundle up in winter to enjoy a frosty wonderland. Ice forms over the base of the falls, creating a bridge up to 50 feet (15 meters) thick.

If you have time and your passport, after enjoying Niagara Falls in the U.S., cross the Rainbow Bridge to Canada to see Horseshoe Falls, another portion of the river’s amazing drop.