Niagara Falls, which straddles the border of New York and Ontario, Canada, is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
It's breathtaking. Yet just a few minute walk from the falls in Niagara Falls, Canada is a few square blocks of non-stop tacky tourist stuff. Oh, it's fun! But the contrast to the magnificence of the falls is dramatic and I suspect a surprise to a lot of first-time visitors. Here's a quick look at both "Beautiful Niagara Falls" and "Tacky Niagara Falls."
While we were there in August, 2015 Gail and I stayed at Scott's Tent and Trailer Park in Niagara Falls, Ontario (A KOA is just a hundred yards away but costs quite a bit more). An shuttle bus picks you up right in front of the campground for a few dollars and takes you to the heart of the falls area in about 20 minutes and returns you back to your RV when you are done for the day. (I believe it runs every half hour).
Loved the the video. You have the same kind of thing accross from The Alamo in San Antonio. Too bad such inspiring places are also home to the tacky, tourist traps.
ReplyDeleteVery sad. We visited Mt Rushmore this summer and just a little beyond is Keystone -- totally tourist. We were not impressed.
ReplyDeleteWe just returned from the Falls ,both sides. Was always told the Canada side was where to go, the New York side was fantastic. Parking on the Canada side was $20.00 but for under $40.00 the New York side got us a pass to an ALL DAY event. This includes free parking, shuttle to each site, over four paid attractions( no tacky sites ) and the WATER OF THE FALLS hitting you on your back. Just north of the Falls was Fort Niagara, a true piece of HISTORY no tacky here. A reenactment of an 1800'S Battle was on the weekend we were there with over 50 men and women reenacting in full dress uniforms. We spent a week and did not do any TACKY Sites. We stayed at a KOA in Youngstown NY , quiet setting and minutes from everything. Please do not sell the FALLS short, TACKY is there if you want it but a TRUE ENJOYABLE VACATION is also available.
ReplyDeleteThe "Falls" are made up of both the horseshoe and American falls. The Niagara River flows around Goat Island (US) making the American Falls. The viewing of which is more easily seen from the Canadian side. However, because Goat Island is a state park, the setting is completely different than the more manicured touristy Canadian side. Terapin point (US) is currently being renovated which is located on the US side of the horseshoe falls (Sept. '15). However, walking Goat Island State Park allows the most unfettered access to the brink of the American Falls. And in my view, much more natural. Like others have said, Fort Niagara (US), which is located at the mouth of the Niagara and Lake Ontario is one of the most period pristine forts in existance. The Town of Lewiston (US) has excellent restaurants in a very quaint setting. Also, crossing the Lewiston US) Queenston (CA) bridge, brings you over to Canada onto the Niagars Senenic Parkway. Taking that north to Niagara on the Lake (CA) gets you to a nice little town Some of the wineries along the parkway heading to Niagara on the Lake rival sanoma valley in their winery buildings and grounds/vineyards. I suggest you bring a picnic lunch and head to the park (CA) at the mouth of the Niagara, overlooking Fort Niagara. You will not be dissapointed.
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