Niagara Falls

July 5, 2019

We had a long drive to get from Mackinaw City to Fonthill, ON, which is about 20 miles west of Niagara Falls. We crossed into Canada at Port Huron. We arrived late afternoon, got into our campsite, and had time to go shopping to get some water, ice, etc.  The campground was also very large with all kinds of activities like a rock climbing wall, multiple pools, etc. It seems to be a destination vacation for some folks.  Fortunately, we were located away from all the activity in a quiet, wooded corner of the site.

Chilling in Canada

July 6, 2019

We headed out to the Canadian side of the falls. We believe the Canadian side offers a better view of the major waterfall, Horseshoe Falls. I also has a very nice developed waterfront with a visitor center, restaurants, and activities.   It also offers a unique attraction called Journey behind the Falls. Back in the early 1900's, they dug a shaft and tunnels that go behind Horseshoe Falls.  There is also a viewing landing on the outside, right next to the water fall.

Horseshoe Falls from the top

Going behind the falls. They provide plastic rain slickers

Behind the falls. Just a lot water

Forgot to turn on the flash

Outside viewing area next to the falls, lots of mist and spray.

Our next attraction was taking a boat ride into the bottom of the falls.  The picture below is the Maid of the Mist which you launch from the US side of the river. The rain slickers provided by the US side are blue.  Since we launched from the Canadian side, our slickers for this ride were red.  The ride is short. You cruise to the turbulent whirlpool at the bottom of Horseshoe Falls, sit there for a while and then return. It is very wet due to the mist and spray.  It was, however, a very cool experience (no pun intended).

Maid of the Mist from the US side

Boarding our boat on the Canadian side. Note red rain slickers

At the falls. Very misty and wet so picture taking a challenge.

We had a very nice lunch at the visitor center. It is right at the top of Horseshoe Falls with a great view.

Having a beer and wine, eh.

There are two other falls, both on the US side, called American and Bridal. Not as impressive as Horseshoe.  The US side is a NY state park so it is not as developed. It also is harder to view the falls from the US side.

Ameican Falls (left) and Bridal Falls.

After a day of exciting activities and walking, we returned to our campground to rest up for the trip home.

July 7/8
We headed east and south in Ontario and crossed into the US at Buffalo, headed south to I-86 to avoid tolls on NY I-90.  Connected with I-90 in Pennsylvania and into Ohio, then headed SW on I-71 to Columbus, OH. where we spent the night.  Cruised home the next day.