Niagara Falls Canada

This is my second trip to Niagara Falls. Although it's already April, the weather is still in winter temperatures. My first trip here was during summer last year and it's definitely a better time to visit in a hot and sunny weather.


Canada city on the right and Horseshoe Falls in the far end.


Above American Falls, all the tree branches are bare during winter, giving a gloomy feel.


However, nearer the Horseshoe Falls, bunches of little yellow flowers are growing on the ground.



Close-up on a bunch of the yellow flowers.


After walking through an underground tunnel, the Journey Behind the Falls offers a view of Horseshoe Falls while standing almost right next to it.


Looking to the left of the tunnel opening, the American Falls and the Rainbow Bridge can be seen.

Watkins Glen State Park

Watkins Glen State Park is located south of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes Region. This place was first opened to public as a private scenic attraction in 1863. Then in 1906, it was bought over by the state. Afterwhich, tunnels were dug and wooden staircases were replaced with concrete ones. However, most of these structures did not survive the flood of 1935. This was when the crew from Civilian Conservation Corps constructed beautiful stone stairs, bridges and walls to blend these artificially built structures into the natural scenery. Over many years, the walking trails have changed dramatically as the terrain continues to be deepen and widen by ice during winter. It is said that this park is charmingly decorated with 19 waterfalls.

I first saw a picture of this park in one of the Finger Lakes Region travel magazines. For a long time, I wanted to visit this place. After months of procrastination, I finally made my trip. Even though I had to drive four hours to get here, it's definitely worth the journey.

Niagara Falls USA

I actually drove 7 hours from Albany to Niagara Falls! (That's, of course, with breaks in between.) Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States. Geographically, part of the waterfalls is in the US territory, while the other part is in Canada.


We arrived by evening and this is our first view of the American Falls from the US side.


View of the American Falls at night. The light shining on the waterfall changes colour continuously.


We stood by the coastline and waited for sunset to watch the 4th July fireworks. If you ask me, it wasn't as spectacular as I had imagined.


Early next morning, we rushed to the Maid of the Mist before opening hours, but we were still not the first in line. So, here we are, dressed in the poncho provided and waiting for our turn to get onto the boat.


The place to board the boat is right below the Observation Deck.


The boat is approaching the American Falls.


The boat is approaching the Horseshoe Falls.


After getting off the boat, we continue on the path leading to the American Falls.


The mist from the waterfall causes double rainbow to form.


Then, we journey back up to Prospect Point and this is the path that we just walked after getting off the boat.


Our next stop is at the Observation Deck.


Here, we can see the Maid of the Mist departing the dock from the deck above.


View of the Rainbow Bridge from the Observation Deck. The bridge serves as a link between the United Stated and Canada.


At the US side, the Observation Deck offers the best view of the waterfalls.


Next, we walked to Goat Island, in the direction towards the Horseshoe Falls. We changed to the sandals provided and we're ready for the Cave of the Winds! The sandals can be dropped off at a collection bin for donation after we're out of this attraction.


At the Cave of the Winds, we are closest to the Bridal Veil Falls, which is the smallest waterfall located in between American Falls and Horseshoe Falls.


View of the Cave of the Winds from above.


The northeast view from Luna Island.


Finally, at Terrapin Point, we are now next to the Horseshoe Falls.


After relaxing on the grassy field at Terrapin Point, we hop onto one of these vehicles and head back to the American Falls.


At dusk, we crossed the Rainbow Bridge to Canada.


View of American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls from the Canadian coast.


View of Horseshoe Falls from the Canadian coast.