Exploring the Roar–Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, NY (82 degrees, bright blue skies)

We made a very quick decision and decided to spend a couple of days in Niagara Falls.  The weather was perfect and we had a couple of days off.  It’s been crazy, hectic, and  somewhat stressful recently working at the campground.  July is a busy time for any workamper and with just a little planning and a few phone calls we were off to see the magnificent waterfalls. 

It’s about a three hour drive from Watkins Glen and since we had such a short amount of time off we decided to stay at a bed and breakfast rather than take the motorhome.  The Rainbow House B&B is located on the American side and was highly recommended in our Frommers guidebook.  They had only one room left - the honeymoon suite.  Hmnnnn…sounds perfect and it was reasonably priced.  My parents  spent their honeymoon in Niagara Falls in the early 50’s. 

Rainbow House B&B

The B&B was very nice and the owner has been actively involved with welcoming guests since the early 70’s.  She even has a small wedding chapel. 

Our parents took us here as kids but neither of us remembered much about it.  We had the best time exploring both sides (American and Canadian).  The highlight for us was the Cave of the Winds tour ($11/person) offered by the State Park on the American side.  After putting on a provided raincoat and sandals we were whisked down a elevator to the base of the Bridal Veil Falls.  We walked out onto the Hurricane Deck and were pelted with water and thunderous sound of the falls crashing all around us. 

I loved it! 

We explored the State Park (oldest in the country) and there is a  trolley ($2/per person) that takes you all around with unlimited stops.  It’s a big park and admission is free. 

We saw where the crazy Nik Wallenda crossed directly over the falls on a tight rope from the American to the Canadian side.  The Horseshoe falls is huge and over 675,000 gallons of water go over it every second. 

Horseshow Falls

Later in the day we walked across the Rainbow Bridge and crossed the border into Canada.  This side offers the best views of the falls. 

View of both falls from the Rainbow Bridge

Horseshoe Falls

American Falls

We stayed late in the evening to see the falls illuminated at night. 

Horseshoe Falls

American Falls

The next morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the B&B and went back to the State Park to ride the Maid of the Mist ($14/person).  We had both taken this boat trip as children but it  was fun to go again.  The boat takes you by the American Falls and then heads right for the center of the Horseshoe Falls and stays there for what seems like forever.  What a thrill to see the falls from the base. 

American Falls (view from Maid of the Mist)

Heading to Horseshoe Falls

Afterwards John got a cool picture of me with a rainbow and said that I was his “pot of gold”.  He is my #1 fan.  :)

The owner of the B&B encouraged us to also stop at the Three Sisters Islands.  There are bridges crossing over to each island.  The upper rapids rush quickly past on their way to the Horseshoe Falls.   It would be a great place for a picnic.  

Our visit was refresing in so many ways.  Be sure to add this location to your "to do" list.