Niagara Falls and Maid of the Mist

There is one word to describe Niagara Falls: Epic. The water that produces this spectacular sight is delivered by former glaciers which happens to be four of the five Great Lakes: Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior. After the water plunges down the falls it makes it way down Niagara River to Lake Ontario to the St. Lawrence River to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a long but spectacular journey.

I’m not sure what triggered my fascination with Niagara Falls, but this has always been one destination I was determined to visit, including a ride on Maid of the Mist. This week I was able to cross them both off my list while my children get to add it to their list of things they’ve seen. I can tell you it was a memorable experience for us all.

As we pulled into town we could see a huge cloud of mist marking the falls and our excitement began to build. We parked the car and after a short walk we could hear the rush of the river and the crashing of water hitting the rocks long before we saw the plunge. We took a quick glance at the site, then picked up our tickets and went straight to the Maid of the Mist alongside many visitors whom were running with excitement. We took an elevator ride down to the dock and in exchange of for our tickets we received plastic blue ponchos which come in adult and children sizes. Then, the scurry was on. Our fellow passengers began frantically putting their arms and heads in the holes and snapping photos. We did the same. Moments later it was time to board. The Maid of the Mist tour boat has quite a seamless system: passengers off, passengers on.

The next thing we knew we were sailing past the stunning American Falls and Bridal Falls, both on the American side. The one thing the Falls does for visitors is show how powerful Mother Nature is and I will tell you now that photos don’t do this wonder justice. Before long we were looking up at the Canadian-side Horseshoe Falls. The mist is strong, so expect your camera to get damp or at least drizzled on. Tip: It’s best to keep your cameras beneath your poncho and pull it out as you use it, but most likely your lens will still be spotted with water. Regardless, my husband managed to get some decent photos. Really, it’s the experience that will remain in your memory forever, as everyone on board squeals in delight. It’s one of those moments in travel when everyone surrounding you is in the moment – and that’s what travel experiences are all about.

Thank you Buffalo CVB and Maid of the Mist for sponsoring our Maid of the Mist boat ride.

I thought we would get wetter than we did while on the boat but we left with dry shoes and only lightly misted hair. Then we decided to hike up the stairs next to the falls. That’s when we got wet – no drenched. The only thing comparable would be standing next to an ocean during a storm. From head to toe, with our ponchos on, we were drenched (we were glad we left extra shoes in the car – just in case). What I loved most though was when we turned around there were vibrant rainbows everywhere we looked. Niagara Falls and Maid of the Mist are both everything they’re supposed to be. Be sure to add this New York trip to your travel list; you won’t be sorry.