Last Updated on May 10, 2024
Hello from Niagara Falls! If you read my latest life & travel update, you already know that I left New York for a change of scenery and I returned to Niagara Falls this weekend. When I was standing on the crest line of the Falls today, watching the water spurt over the cliffs and crash down onto the rocks at the bottom, I thought to myself how lucky I was to see such a magnificent place not only once, but twice in my life.
It was exactly three years ago when I visited Niagara Falls for the first time – back then I only made it to the Canadian side though. This time, I visited the American Falls, which left me just as awe-inspired as my first visit in 2011 did. I have to admit – now that I’ve seen both Iguazu Falls and Niagara Falls, at first I thought what Eleanor Roosevelt said when she saw Iguazu Falls – ‘Poor Niagara’ – but then I got up close and personal with the Falls on the American side and was left in awe once again.
The Cave of the Wind walkways bring you right next to the Bridal Veil Falls, and nobody who walks the wooden catwalks stays dry – especially on the Hurricane Deck. The water rushes right towards the viewing platforms right at the bottom and at the sides of the falls, evoking a feel as if you were going to be washed away by the giant water masses any second. Within minutes I was wet from the mist that was spraying everywhere and from the waves that kept crushing onto the walkways with a scary force.
There is just no better way than going almost under the falls to get a feel for the true power of this natural wonder of the world – more than six million cubic feet (168,000 m3) of water rush down the 167 ft (51 m) tall Falls every minute! The roaring sound of the falls drowns out every word, and you have to scream at each other to make yourself heard. Once you reach the Hurricane Deck, which truly lives up to its name, you get completely drenched – almost as if you were standing right underneath the Falls. Niagara might be smaller than Iguazu, but it is still an impressive and unforgettable experience.
Maya
Tuesday 5th of August 2014
I've only seen Iguazu and thought of the same quote, but it's nice to know that the beauty of one didn't diminish the experience at Niagra.
Ryan
Sunday 3rd of August 2014
Awesome! I love Niagara, though usually so packed with tons of tourists, it's still so beautiful.
Dany
Monday 4th of August 2014
You're right that it can be quite packed but I managed to find some less crowded spots, even on a Sunday in July :) I have to say though that I like to see so many people from so many different countries! I thought to myself that this must be one of the biggest congregations of international tourists anywhere in the world - the Asian groups, the Indian families, the German families, the American honeymooners, European backpackers and British road trippers. Great spot for people watching :D
Gabriel
Wednesday 30th of July 2014
I've never been but form the pictures that I See everywhere it looks so awesome. One day =D
Dany
Thursday 31st of July 2014
Gabriel - I hope you'll make it to Niagara Falls one day! They'll leave you in awe, I promise :)
Raymond
Monday 28th of July 2014
They are all great sights, but of course I feel Iguazu has the edge. :-) The fact that it is on a border, like so many great falls it seems, and with the facilities of Paraguay also close by, makes it hard to see a whole picture sometimes. I've tried to write a site about it to bring the three parts together, but not got very far yet! Another project on the back-burner for now.
Dany
Thursday 31st of July 2014
Considering that the Iguazu Falls are about three times as tall and I don't know how many times larger in width, I can't deny that they're a tad more impressive than Niagara, Raymond.. I still think they're spectacular waterfalls; and most people who come to Niagara just won't ever get to see (and compare!) Iguazu Falls :D
Katie @ The World on my Necklace
Monday 28th of July 2014
I have visited Niagara twice too and it is impressive but I have to say that I did find Iguazu a lot more so. I am dying to visit Victoria Falls and swim in the Devils swimming pool!
Dany
Thursday 31st of July 2014
Katie - Iguazu Falls have been the most impressive waterfalls I've ever seen, no doubt! I think only Victoria Falls can wow me more .. I am also dying to visit them!!