It’s hard to believe sometimes that an incredible natural phenomenon exists only 1 hour away from a major metropolitan area like Toronto.

Despite the later start to summer this year in Calgary, Alberta, I had the opportunity to escape the rain and temporary water shortage (due to a pipe break) to Toronto, Ontario.  This time I had the opportunity to visit Canada’s natural wonder, Niagra Falls.  Personally, I never venture outside of Toronto since it has most of my favorite activities: eating, eating and more eating!

Niagra falls consists of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.  Something I didn’t realize was that Niagra Falls actually straddle the Canadian and American border.  Many visitors prefer the Canadian side because it has a full-frontal view of Horseshoe Falls, the largest and most powerful of three waterfalls.  It is a famous site for visitors every year and the majority of the falls lies on the Canadian side, with a height of 167 feet (51 meters) and spanning 2700 feet (820 meters).  This is also the location my family and I visited.  The vantage point has a stunning panoramic view and a lot of water that is enough to moisturize your whole face.

The other half of the falls is in New York, with a more natural and less touristy experience.  The American and Bridal Veil Falls have more walking trails, picnic and park areas that are less touristy and more understated.

Despite having seen photos of the Falls, it was quite different being there in person.  The best part of the trip was anticipating the Falls and hearing the roar of the water as we got closer to our destination.

When we arrived, it was a cloudy day, which still gave stunning, although less impressive, views.  On a sunny day, you can sometimes see rainbows above the falls.  Summer season in Toronto boasts average temperatures of 20+ degrees which made the experience much more enjoyable.  I could not experience being near the water if it was colder since approaching the water made the temperatures drop significantly.

Here are some suggestions I have if you’re looking to book your next trip to Niagra Falls:

Accommodations

Consider booking your hotel or AirBnB stays early, since summer is a peak season for many tourists.  Both the Canadian and American sides offer a range of hotels and lodgings suitable for different budgets.

Outdoor Activities

Due to the short span of this trip for my family we did not get to engage in some of the unique activities such as ziplining or cycling through the recreation trails.  If you’re planning for a few days’ stay, be sure to check out these scenic activities yourself.  There is also a butterfly conservatory nearby that houses over 2,000 butterflies, making it a unique and peaceful area to meditate.

Local Cuisine

Although this was outside of our budget, there are various fine dining options that overlook the falls.  Make sure to book in advance as these areas are extremely crowded during the summer.