It’s no secret that the weather rules the land and daily life in Canada. We have to adapt to huge temperature differences and deal with interesting meteorological phenomena such as blizzards, ice rain, ice pellets, hail, flash floods, etc.
Niagara Falls. This amazing natural wonder of the world is on the bucket list of most travellers—everyone wants to see them at least once.
But how many people come back for a second, a third or a fourth visit?
Well, more than you’d think. The falls are spectacular year-round but can look very different depending on the season—and yes, depending on the weather.
My first visit to Niagara Falls was in 2005. We were eloping and we had thought we may as well get married in a picturesque location. Not that we actually took any classic wedding pictures by the falls (trust me, it was not your typical wedding—it was just the two of us at the local chapel!), but I had yet to see this Canadian landmark.
Like most first-time visitors, I was in awe. I stood right at the brink, the closest I could get to the famous Horseshoe Falls, and stared at the thundering rush, mesmerized. It was early April, the weather was sunny and the air crisp. Blue sky, a couple of rainbows… Niagara Falls was rolling out the red carpet for me!
The second time I visited was on January 1, 2010. We drove all the way from Toronto—a strange idea, you may think, considering it was bitterly cold that day. The falls have had a history of freezing over in the coldest days and I really wanted to see what they looked like in the dead of the winter. I wasn’t disappointed: the juxtaposition of water and snow was beautiful.
The last time we were in Niagara Falls was with my mother and my brother when they came to visit in the summer of 2011. It was nice and sunny that day, with barely a cloud in the sky. The view of the falls was amazing and very picturesque.
This time, we discovered how misty Niagara Falls can be. Usually, there is a lot of mist around the end of the Niagara Parkway, right beside the Visitor Centre. This time, the mist hit us much earlier—the sidewalk was flooded and we were soaked by the time we reach the Horseshoe Falls! Oh, we soaked up the atmosphere alright! We could barely spot the Maid of the Mist boat down there or the American falls.
It was, of course, Mark’s first visit to the falls. I’m happy to report that my son, who is terrified of sitting in the bathtub, was mesmerized by the falls (and quite annoyed by the mist after a while!).
I only went once, when I was 9, and I would love to go back with my husband.
I remember being in awe of the place; I went at the best possible time, mid-May, and there were tulips everywhere, the weather was great and there was even a fireworks show.
I’d love to go during the wintertime, though!
I think all seasons are good, really. Wintertime is pretty unique but not so cool if you want to enjoy the region (i.e. the wineries).
I never get tired of Niagara!
Same here 😉
I don’t even remember how many times I’ve been to Niagara Falls. Of course, whenever I had visitors, I always took them there. And sometimes, I even crossed to Canada to have lunch, or watch the free New Year’s Concert!
I have been there four or five times, mostly on the Canadian side though. The US side offers another perspective but the town isn’t as fun I find!
I grew up 10 minutes away from there, but never get tired of visiting. I’ve made so many wonderful memories there (first dates, showing out of town visitors the Falls and seeing their reaction, driving up and down Clifton Hill with girlfriends in high school…).
Your blog makes me decidely homesick.
No, no, don’t be homesick! Remember how cold Canada can be… 😉
Having first dates in Niagara Falls? That’s super cool! Lucky you!
Did you find Niagara Falls changed over the years?
I’ve seen them a couple of times, but my favourite was during the winter even though the humid cold was almost unbearable!
I know, it’s so picturesque in the winter!
J’ai de bons souvenirs de Niagara Falls, on y allait souvent vu que j’avais une de mes tantes qui habitait pas loin 🙂 Y’avait tu encore Shaun au magasin de crème glacée? 😀 A chaque fois que j’y allais on le prenait en photo parce que je le trouvais beau! 😀
Mark a l’air d’être super content d’y être allé! 🙂 Par contre, y’avait pas l’air sûr avec le Blue Horse! 😀
Bisous à la petite famille! 🙂
Pas vu Shaun mais c’est peut-être moi! Il y tellement de monde devant les magasins que des fois, on voit pas tout! Moi j’adore m’arrêter à Herseys 😉
Mark looks so cute and happy – I can’t even imagine how impressed he was to see these!
I thought he might be scared… but no!
Lovely photos Zhu, my favourite one is Marks mesmerized one, it’s so cute!
We’ve been to the Falls about 10 times in all different weather conditions and seasons and every time it looks different but just as spectacular. I never tire of looking at that stunning view.
Same here! They look different each time, don’t they?
Nigara Falls is on my bucket list! I didn’t know a boat could take people around the waterfalls. Cool !
Yes, the Maid of the Mist. Never tried though!