[Video] Niagara Falls by land, water & air

Niagara Falls by Mike Shubic of MikesRoadTrip.comNiagara Falls is one of those iconic natural wonder sights that nearly all of us have on our  bucket list, including myself. This past summer I was finally able to check it off during my time on the Rand McNally and USA Today’s, “Best of the Road.” The nearby town of Lewiston was vying for “Best Food” in small town America. We arrived in the area a day early so we could do a bit of exploring around the famed Niagara Falls—let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I do, however, have to leave Niagara on my bucket list because I want to go again…next time it will be in the winter.  From the pictures I’ve seen, it looks completely transformed from the summer months, giving visitors a whole new experience.

Niagara Falls State Park is quite expansive, so if you go, be sure to bring your walking shoes as there are more than 400 acres to explore. Niagara is the nation’s oldest state park (1885), and while scores of visitors will enjoy the powerful and awe-inspiring sight of the Falls, that’s just part of he experience. Niagara Falls State Park is home to lush terrain and protected wildlife with over 15 miles of hiking trails to explore, as well as a host of attractions.

Here are some of the my Niagara Falls highlights:

  • Niagara Scenic Trolley Rides – Tired of walking, hop on the trolley for a wonderful tour of the park.
  • Niagara Cave of the Winds Tour – Take an elevator ride to the bottom of the falls for a whole new vantage point. Don’t miss “hurricane ridge” while you’re there.
  • Maid of the Mist – This boat ride will get you up-close and personal with the falls…an unforgettable experience.
  • Niagara Discovery Center Hiking Trails – The Discovery Center features miles of Niagara Falls hiking trails, plus hands-on interactive displays and a 180° multi-screen theater experience.
  • Niagara Whirlpool Jet-Boat Ride – This is an activity that will get the adrenaline going!  Niagara Falls aerial view by MikesRoadTrip.comTravel up the Niagara River in a custom built jet-boat and experience the excitement of going through class 5 rapids—then, gain speeds up to 60mph while doing a 360 turn in the middle of the river.

Niagara Falls is actually a series of three waterfalls that straddle the international border between Canada and the U.S.  Before visiting, I had no idea there was more than a single waterfall.  As a matter of fact, it wasn’t until I took a Rainbow Air helicopter ride and got a bird’s eye view that I learned of the other falls. Getting an aerial view of Niagara really puts the grandeur into perspective.

If you’ve been to Niagara Falls before, please leave a comment below and share your experiences.

Mike Shubic

Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure.
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11 Comments

  1. Excellent work Mike! Only time we visited Niagara was in winter and it was freeeeeezing. Didn’t get to do any of this cool stuff. Thanks for sharing!

    1. Hey Dusty! How are ya? Thanks for stopping by and sharing. I bet is is damn cold in the winter, but I would still like to go to see how different the area looks. Cheers, Mike

  2. Mike, The Falls in winter isn’t much different than in the summer. The only changes are the trees have no leaves and you hate yourself for going outside after about 20 minutes. The real treats of the American side setup is the ability to get close to the cataract. In the winter time, that means you get soaking wet from the mist in freezing temperatures. Uncomfortable doesn’t begin to describe it. The summer is where it’s at. You’ve got the Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist and the helicopter tour you took. Plus, when the mist hits you at the observatories, it cools you off not freeze you solid.

  3. Great video–enjoyed it! It would be so fun to go on a helicopter ride there. Winter would be fun to visit too! Hope you get to check it out again!

  4. Hi All,

    My wife and I are planning a trip to Niagra Falls, Ontario to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We both have passport cards (not the full passport) but are assuming this is enough to cross the border by land. We’re flying into Buffalo and are having trouble finding an inexpensive way to get from the airport to our hotel (no shuttle service provided) on the Canadian side.

    Any suggestions would be highly valued!!!

    Thanks!!

    1. Hey Scott…Yes, I do believe you’ll be find crossing the border. Oh, boy, that is a long trip. I might have been easier to stay on the US side and walk across the bridge to the Canadian side. Have you contacted Niagara Tourism? http://www.niagarafalls.ca They may have some suggestions. When will you be there? I’m heading back in just a few days…however I’ll be on the US side.

      Hope you have a blast. If you get a chance, stop by this post and let me know how you enjoyed it. BTW, Happy Anniversary! Cheers, Mike

  5. Thanks for the link, Mike.

    We’ll be there June 17-20.

    Thanks for the Anniversary cheers! We’re looking forward to the break.

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