Rhod and Anna's World Adventure

Crazy! Someone has gone and built a really nice waterfall but they've chosen a location next to countless casinos, high rise hotels, a giant ferris wheel, an IMAX theatre and a Guiness Book of Records museum. And that's only the Canadian side!
Welcome to Niagara falls. The first picture is of the Horseshoe/Canadian Falls. The second picture is of the American falls. It was taken from one of the other tourist traps at the falls, The Maid of the Mist boat tour. On this tour the boat drives up to the base of the Horseshoe/Canadian Falls and stays there for a while whilst all of the occupants get soaked and try to work out how to take a picture without ruining their cameras. Answer: It would be impossible to take a picture unless you had a waterproof/splashproof camera.

But compared to the Iguazu falls on the Argentine/Brazilian border, Niagara is a tourist circus. The hotels, casinos and attractions are close enough that some offer views of the falls. The place is packed and to ensure the tourists stay as long as possible and spend their money they illuminate the falls at night in constantly changing colours. It's very spectacular but the natural spectacle is a little spoilt by the craziness behind.

I never thought I would say this but the American side is a calm tranquil place in comparison. It's a bit of a circus trying to cross the border to get in, especially if you are British and are missing a vital piece of white card in your passport. Their side of the falls is surrounded by parks and the hotels are a little further away. I think most Americans pop over to Canada to have their fun. After all, you can drink at 19 in Canada!