Canada, eh? Yes, we just got back from our anniversary trip to Niagara Falls! If you’re going to the falls, definitely do the Canadian side. You have a much better view and a better chance to see a rainbow.
Canada’s 150th anniversary
We flew (first class for the first time ever) into the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and rented a car to drive over the border. Our map said it was going to take over an hour to cross the border, but there was no line and we were across within minutes. All you need is a passport. They ask how long you’ll be staying and where you’re headed so it’s good to have a printed copy of those things just in case.
Rainbow over the Skylon Tower
Niagara Falls
Of course, the most amazing thing to see is the falls. I’ve seen them in photos a million times, but there’s nothing like being there and seeing them in person. The Canadian side gives you an amazing up close look.
Horseshoe Falls
Our first day there, we had lunch at Elements on the Falls, with a view of the Horseshoe Falls. I had the delicious “special” of the day, a prime rib sandwich! The food was great, a little pricey, but it was the perfect place to dry off and warm up. It was freezing the first day we visited the falls.
Top of Horseshoe Falls
The mist coming off the Horseshoe Falls was overwhelming and the wind was strong. Without warning you would get blasted with freezing rain and ice whenever the wind would blow in your direction. And I’m not just talking about a little water, Niagara Falls was throwing buckets of freezing water at us. Two gusts of wind and we were drenched. I immediately bought gloves and a poncho.
One of the many ponchos
We flew the drone over the Horseshoe Falls on Monday and it survived. Everyone kept saying how brave we were. I was NOT brave. My husband was controlling it and I was just trying not to lose sight of it. We did lose it for a few minutes while we flew it up stream but luckily we spotted it again before the battery died!
Journey Behind the Falls
We bought the Adventure Pass that came with tickets for Niagara’s Fury, the Falls Incline Railway, the Butterfly Conservatory, WEGO bus passes and tickets for Journey Behind the Falls. There’s not much to it, just some tunnels and a view of the water from behind.
Observation deck after you walk through the tunnels behind the falls
View from the tunnels
Hornblower Niagara Cruise
We did the Hornblower Cruise (aka Maid of the Mist if you’re on the US side) on a Monday afternoon. Hardly any wait, there was only one person in front of us.
We look good in ponchos
They provide the poncho for you and take you up close to both the American falls and Canadian falls.
American Falls
The ride doesn’t last very long, but it’s a great view of the falls from the river.
Hornblower in front of the American Falls
Skylon Tower
We had dinner at the Skylon Tower for our 9 year anniversary!
Anniversary cheesecake at the Revolving Dining Room
The revolving dinning room spins around once an hour. The falls were lit up red for Veterans Day (Remembrance Day) while we were there.
The tower and view from the top
Even if you’re not having dinner, you can ride the elevator to the top for a view from the observation deck. They even take your picture before you head up the elevator.
Skylon Tower Photo
Niagara-On-The-Lake
On Sunday we drove out to Niagara On The Lake which is a small little town on Lake Ontario. We found a gorgeous park to fly our drone! The whole town was gorgeous!
It was sooo cold
It was too cold for us to rent bikes, but there is a very nice trail that runs all the way from Niagara Falls to Niagara-On-The-Lake. The trail follows the river and has some beautiful spots to stop and take in the view.
Gorgeous views of Lake Ontario
Fort George National Historic Site
Fort George was the headquarters of the British Army during the War of 1812
Fort George is just outside downtown Niagara On The Lake. We spent about two hours checking out the buildings and learning about the history. Admission was free since Parks Canada is celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary. All national parks and national historic sites have free admission during 2017.
Blockhouses (Sleeping Quarters) for the soldiers and their families
Fort George was destroyed and captured by the Americans during the Battle of Fort George, and was reclaimed by the British seven months later.
Food Storage
In May 1813 after a two-day bombardment by cannon from Fort Niagara, most of the buildings were destroyed.
British Red Coat Uniform
The power magazine was the only building that survived and is the oldest military building in Ontario today!
Built in 1796
Across the Niagara River you can see Fort Niagara in Youngstown, New York.
Officers’ dinner table
Fort George was reconstructed in the 1930s and is now staffed by costumed interpreters. We got to see the musket demonstration while we were there!
Musket Demonstration
Li Li Bed and Breakfast
I had to mention our little slice of heaven at Niagara Falls. We were in the best location. I’m so glad we didn’t stay in a hotel. The area around the falls is all part of the national park so even the hotels near the falls are a good walk from the actual falls.
The house was very clean and the enormous hot tub was amazing! It used to be a bed and breakfast with five bedrooms, but now they rent out the whole house. We got a great deal on HomeAway. They even had little slippers for you to use and a bag of cat food so you could feed the random cats.
Drone Video
Check out the drone footage of Niagara Falls below and see the drone footage of Niagara-On-The-Lake HERE.
Sounds like you guys had a great trip! Isn’t Niagara-on-the-Lake so charming? We loved it there too!
The town was so cute, kinda like Helen but better! The views were incredible! It was like the sky and the lake blended together. I really wanted to ride bikes there but it was too cold. I was glad we had a car with heat after standing out by the lake for a few minutes! 🙂
We have never been to Canada, but your photos definitely make me want to visit. I like the outdoorsy adventure ideas. And, of course, the food excursions never hurt!
I really had no idea there was so much to do at Niagara Falls! I LOVE the observation deck behind the tunnels! I would love to go there! My husband has been a couple times when young maybe we can go there together.
I always find it quite comical that I have NEVER been to Canada and it’s “RIGHT THERE” – hahaha! I have been to so many FAR OFF countries but Canada (or Mexico for the matter)… NEVER!
So many congratulations on your nine year wedding anniversary. I can’t think of a better way to spend it. I went to Niagra Falls, probably ten years ago now (on the U.S. side) and it truly is a sight to behold. While we didn’t take the boat tour, I remember seeing everybody in their cute ponchos. Also, I love the rainbows. I can never get enough of them. x
Thank you Ali! You need to visit again on the Canadian side and do the cruise this time! 😉
We have never been to Niagria Falls but have always wanted to. Since my kids are older we may make the trip now. We also have nkt been to Canada which is on the visit list. Beautiful pictures.
My husband and I made the trip to Niagara Falls about ten years ago. I have been really wanting to go back. It’s such a fun place to visit. There is so much to do.
Yes, my husband and I were talking about going back and taking our girls. There’s so many other things I’d like to do and see there!
Oh wow! I just love your photos. It looks like it was an amazing trip. I want to take my son.
I have never been to Niagara Falls. My husband and I were making a list of places we want to take our kids on vacation and seeing Niagara Falls is one of them. I am going to share your post with him. It looks really fun and so beautiful.
What a wonderful anniversary trip and your photos are gorgeous!!! What a cool way to take photos with a drone. I’ve never been to that part of Canada, but I have visited Victoria and it was just as beautiful. I would love to go to Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls is seriously on my bucket list. I would love to take a family homeschool adventure there. It is stunning.I’ve heard my brother (who worked in Pennsylvania and lived in upstate New York for about 3 years for work) talk about how gorgeous it is. Your photos are stunning.
Crazy tidbit… we are learning about the war of 1812 in our American History homeschool lessons right now. What an awesome trip you were a part of!!
Hahaha, well, right now would be the perfect time for a trip to Canada then! I love old historical sites. We have done the Smithsonian Museums in DC, and we did the Vanderbilt mansion in Rhode Island this past summer.
Looks beautiful! Great photos!