When visiting the world-famous Niagara Falls that straddle the Canadian-United States border, you’re faced with a decision: what is the best way to experience this wonder of the world?
It’s an invigorating feeling to witness 567,811 litres of water per second crash down from heights of over 50 metres.
During my day trip to the falls from the Canadain side, I experienced the second largest waterfall in the world from the unique perspective of a chopper and then from the up close and personal perspective of a boat tour. So which did I prefer?
By Helicopter
Knowing I’m about to take off in a helicopter is thrilling in itself, but it is made even more adrenaline pumping, knowing that I am about to see of the most talked about waterfalls in the world from the sky.
I am experiencing the adventure with Niagara Helicopters where 12-minute sightseeing flights depart daily from 9am until sunset.
The helicopter has large, clear windows which certainly made the photo-lover in me very happy to know I could snap clear pictures and videos for the whole ride.
Seeing the thundering horseshoe shaped waterfall from above was nothing short of breathtaking. It’s a great way to see the magnitude of all three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls.
The pilot did a figure of eight over the falls to ensure everyone on board saw the incredible views from every angle.
It’s not just the falls you’ll get to see, on a clear day you will see the outline of Toronto to the north and the shores of Lake Erie to the south.
For something extra special Niagara Helicopters also offers a tour that showcases two of Canada’s greatest treasures – Niagara Falls and Niagara Wineries.
This tour takes you over the falls then continues on to fly over the wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, landing among the vineyards where you can then enjoy a gourmet meal and wine tasting in style.
By Boat
If you want to get CLOSE to these thundering falls, like as in so close you’re going to get drenched, then a boat tour to the face of the falls is a must.
I took Hornblower Niagara Cruise’s Voyage to the Falls boat ride.
You’re handed a red poncho on the way down to the boat – a sure sign that you’re about to get very close to the falls indeed.
The 20-minute boat ride gets you SO close to all three falls including the famous, thundering Horseshoe Falls.
You can’t help but break out into a grin when you’re being sprayed with the mist of such a powerful waterfall.
The boat is full of people screaming “wow” and “I can’t believe I’m here”. It’s one of those moments where time freezes and people are truly having the experience of a lifetime.
Seeing the falls in all their glory by day was incredible, but if I was overnighting in Niagara I would totally jump on board the after sunset cruise for a “light-mist experience” to the illuminated falls.
So which experience did I prefer? That’s like picking a favourite child. I just couldn’t. Both were equally breathtaking. If you get a chance to do both, you might as well because these fantastic falls are worth seeing from every angle that you can.
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