Our 141 mile route from Erie to Niagara Falls. This also shows how Niagara Falls is situated between the two smallest of the 5 'Great Lakes' - Erie and Ontario.
Our visit to Niagara Falls has certainly been beyond expectation. Many people told us that the ‘Canadian side’ gives the best view of the Falls, so we booked a Canadian morning tour with Bedore Tours. We were not disappointed; the ‘Maid of the Mist ‘ ferry ride and the journey ‘Behind the Falls’ gave us opportunities to feel the falls and get wet!
Our guide was informative and it was interesting to learn that nowadays 50% of the water from the Niagara River is held back from the falls for hydro-electricity generation and at night the % increases to 75% being held back by both the Canadians and the Americans. This has decreased the amount of erosion caused by the falls; erosion over the last 12,000 years has caused the location of the falls to move about 7 miles south from Lewiston to where they are now in Niagara Falls.
We also enjoyed the American side of the falls. Niagara State Park is home to the American Falls, Bridalveil Falls and views of Horseshoe Falls; we explored the park with its observation tower, islands, trails and views of the rapids as they rush towards the falls.
The rapids moving towards the American Falls in Niagara State Park, New York.
Bridalveil Fall
American Falls
American Falls from Niagara State Park, New York.
The top of the American Falls from Luna Island, Niagara State Park, New York
Ready to board 'Maid of the Mist'
'Maid of the Mist'
The mist in front of Horseshoe Falls
Horseshoe Falls from Canada
'Journey Behind the Falls'
'Journey behind the Falls'
'Horseshoe Falls' as seen from 'Journey behind the Falls' viewing point.