My wife and I recently embarked on an exhilarating journey to Niagara Falls, a trip that blended stunning natural beauty with a touch of logistical adventure. Our exploration of this iconic landmark was filled with impressive statistics, fascinating facts, and memorable experiences.

Preparing for the Journey

Before heading into Canada, we made a quick stop at Blue Beacon Truck Wash to give our MB Sprinter van a thorough wash. With the van gleaming, we crossed the border smoothly. The customs process involved a few questions, but there were no issues with our belongings. While firearms require a lengthy application process, we were only carrying an approved can of bear spray, a bottle of wine, and some food. A new law had just been enacted requiring a health certificate for pets crossing the border. This was a bit of a hassle as we brought our dog, Rocco. The certificate, costing around $500, felt like an unnecessary expense, especially since we weren’t even asked to show it at the border. We hoped the return process would be smoother.

Van Weigh-In

Curious about our van’s weight, I decided to weigh it on the truck scales. Our van came in at 10,600 pounds, which was a bit of a revelation. It was interesting to see how the van’s weight compared to what we had estimated.

Navigating Canadian Terrain

Once across the border, we stopped at a Walmart to pick up some supplies. With the dash settings changed to kilometers, our MB Sprinter van’s technology showcased its versatility. It displayed speed in kilometers per hour (kph) and fuel consumption in liters per 100 kilometers. It was a bit of a learning curve, as Google Maps switched its audible directions to “turn right in 3 kilometers,” and we noted that the fuel gauge now read in liters.

We fueled up with diesel, which was priced at 175.8 Canadian cents per liter. With the currency conversion rate at approximately $1.00 USD to $1.60 CAD, and 3.8 liters in a gallon, the cost per gallon was roughly $4.25. This was comparable to prices we had seen in Pennsylvania and New York.

Checking into Campark Resort

We spent the night at Campark Resort, a spot offering a mix of long-term campers and short-term guests like us. The resort was home to some well-landscaped sites that added a touch of charm to our stay. The next morning, we took an Uber to the Niagara Falls City Cruise, eager to experience the breathtaking views.

Exploring Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls City Cruise

We purchased our tickets for the Niagara Falls City Cruise, each costing 33 Canadian dollars. The Hornblower boat, a two-story vessel, was ready for us. Before boarding, we were handed light rain ponchos to protect us from the mist. As the boat approached the falls, the thunderous roar of millions of gallons of water rushing over the edge was overpowering. This awe-inspiring sound drowned out any conversation, making it an immersive experience.

The boat ride lasted about 30 minutes and took us close enough to the falls to get thoroughly soaked. Despite the rain, the views were spectacular. We could see the massive volume of water cascading over the cliffs and felt the sheer power of nature up close. The experience was unforgettable, blending exhilarating sights with the sensory impact of being in the heart of one of the world’s most famous waterfalls.

Lunch with a View

After disembarking, we enjoyed a meal of fish and chips while overlooking the majestic Niagara Falls. From our vantage point, we could see both the American and Canadian sides of the falls, the lookout platform jutting out from the cliffs, and the Rainbow Bridge connecting the US and Canadian sides. The panoramic views were simply stunning, enhancing our dining experience.

Exploring the Tourist Town

Following lunch, we explored the touristy part of town. We wandered into the Hershey’s store, where we were treated to a fascinating sight: the largest Hershey’s Chocolate bar ever, weighing in at a whopping 5 pounds and priced at $79. While we waited for our ice cream, we marveled at this colossal confectionery.

The town was bustling with tourists, and we indulged in an ice cream cone as we continued to explore. The vibrant atmosphere provided a fun contrast to the natural grandeur of the falls, adding a lighthearted touch to our visit. After our excursion, we took an Uber back to Campark Resort to rest up for the next leg of our journey.

Interesting Facts About Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, straddles the border between Canada and the United States. Here are some fascinating statistics and facts about the falls:

• Height and Volume: The Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three waterfalls, stands approximately 167 feet (51 meters) high. The combined flow rate of the falls is about 85,000 cubic feet per second (2,400 cubic meters per second).
• Geological Formation: The falls were formed around 12,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. The Niagara River, which drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, created the falls as it cut through the Niagara Escarpment.
• Tourist Attraction: Niagara Falls attracts approximately 30 million visitors annually, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
• Power Generation: The falls are a significant source of hydroelectric power. The Niagara Power Project harnesses the energy of the falls to generate electricity for both the US and Canada.
• Unique Viewpoints: The falls can be viewed from several unique perspectives, including the observation decks, boat tours, and the Skylon Tower, which offers panoramic views of the entire region.

Onward to Toronto

With our Niagara Falls adventure behind us, we were ready to continue our journey to Toronto. The trip had been filled with awe-inspiring moments, from the overwhelming power of the falls to the delightful experiences in the surrounding town. As we drove away from Niagara Falls, we carried with us the memories of a truly spectacular visit to one of the natural wonders of the world.

In summary, our trip to Niagara Falls was a blend of breathtaking natural beauty, interesting logistics, and memorable experiences. From the impressive statistics of the falls to the practicalities of crossing the border, every aspect of the trip contributed to an unforgettable adventure.

To see more pictures and video, visit our Niagara Falls album.