Travel Notes. The Niagara Falls

I also felt happiness and was amazed by the amount of water in Niagara Falls during my three day stay there. It was awfully fast to get the visa to Canada in order to visit the Falls. Although I was at that time in Michigan, USA, I still needed to get the visa. So I filled out very simple application and off I went on the interview at the Canadian Consulate. "Why do you want to go to Niagara Falls?" this question asked by the employer of the consulate just stroke me alive. Well, first, there is no need to explain how beautiful the Niagara Falls are; second, it was my lifelong dream to see them. And 10 minutes later I had a passport in my hands with Canadian visa in it. Because we went there in April the weather was cool and very fresh. So all the exchange students from all over the world including me had to put on warm clothes.

If you look on the map or just smart enough to know that Michigan borders with Canada, then you would probably guess that we went on the trip by bus. After several hours of riding in the bus there we were in Canada and we stopped at Koa Camp Grounds. Actually if you are planning to go to Canada you should stay at this place. Then you will have a chance to live in wooden type houses, very warm and cozy. There you will feel really close to the Canadian nature. So, during my stay in Ontario I was able to find out a lot about the power and mystery of the falls from Canadians, books, tours, films etc. with purpose to tell this someday to my grandchildren when commenting my pictures from the falls. But now I will share my knowledge with you.

It may seem to you that there is only one fall and then why do everyone around call it Niagara Falls? The reason for this is that the Falls consist of Canadian Horseshoe Falls (the biggest ofothers),the American Falls, which are situated on the American border, and Bridal Veil Falls. You may also consider that Niagara Falls might be the highest falls in the world. I thought so too. Unfortunately, no. There are about 50 other waterfalls in the world that are taller than Niagara Falls. Angel Falls in Venezuela ranks first in height at 979 meters (3.212 feet). But what makes Niagara Falls so extraordinary is its combined height and volume.

When I saw the beauty, power and mystery of the falls I thought it was a fairy tale and had no doubt that it was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But that was my wish, because Niagara Falls is not included in the list. (I wonder who makes this list and what the criteria are.) But in order not to fool you I found out what are the Seven Wonders of Nature. Here they are: Mount Everest in Asia, Victoria Falls in Africa, Grand Canyon in Arizona, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Natural Caves in France and Spain, Paricutin Volcano in Mexico, Harbour at Rio de Janeiro. But still in my heart the Niagara Falls is the eighth.

You might also wonder why these falls have that strange name "Niagara". What I found out from the movie watched at the IMAX theatre it is believed that Niagara is a derivative of the Iroquoian word "onguiaahra" which was anglicized by missionaries. The meaning of this word is "the strait". Many believe that the name was derived from the narrow waterway connecting Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. And the first person to document the Falls was a Recollet priest, Father Louis Hennepin. He accompanied French explorer Robert Cavelier on his expedition to the Niagara area in 1678 and was the first European credited with writing about and drawing the cataracts.

Now after you have found out about historical roots of the falls you want to get closer to this magic and think it's impossible. You are wrong. It's possible if you go on Maid of the Mist Boat Ride. Since 1846, millions of visitors have enjoyed the Maid of the Mist boat tours. The powerful diesel-engined boats take visitors to the base of the American Falls and then on to the basin of the magnificent Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Water rushes all around as you "soak" in the excitement and feel the thunder of the fall. Standing at the bow, you feel the mist lightly spray your face. You hear the rumble of the water. You sense the vast power of it all. It's the only way to feel the magic in the mist. It's a half hour, thrill of a lifetime!

Moreover, if you would like to see falls extremely close then "Journey behind the Falls" is for you. This year-round attraction is self-guided and affords thrilling views from below and beneath the Falls. You descend 38 m by elevator, where a short tunnel (46 m) gives access to two outdoor observation decks and two portals located directly behind the Falls. From my experience I can tell you that it was very soaking, although they give you yellow raincoats to wear, but the view is worth it, and you will have a chance to take the "Niagara shower". Where else can you take it?

If you just felt in love with Niagara Falls then there is no need to go to the hotel or campgrounds at night. You can watch at Niagara Falls illuminated. Believe me, night times are particularly breathtaking when dazzling illumination begins. Since 1925, this light show has been delighting visitors year round. Beginning at various times throughout the year, the Falls are transformed by twenty-one colored xenon lights. Eighteen lights are located at the illumination Tower beside Queen Victoria Park Restaurant and another three are located near the base of the American Falls.

All the greatness and the volume of water in Niagara Falls always amazed me and I would think that human being once he is in the waters of the falls, there is no chance for him to get out. It's tragedy. But as I found out I was so wrong and it turned that there were several attempts to go over the Falls in barrels, boats or balls. Here is what I found out. Between October 24, 1901 and October 1, 1995, fifteen different people have intentionally plunged over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls in some type of device. Five of these people lost their lives as a result! But, please, don't dare! It is against the law to go over Niagara Falls intentionally in a barrel without permission from The Niagara Parks Commission. Of course, no permission has ever been granted and the maximum fine is $10,000.00.

There is also a story that travels around the tourists at Niagara Falls about the little boy who went over the Falls and lived. It was seven year old Roger Woodward, who went over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls wearing only a life-jacket on July 9, 1960. The accident occurred when the small boat he was in capsized above the Falls. Thrown clear of the rocks, Roger was successfully rescued by the crew of one of the "Maid of the Mist" boats and was unharmed. You are amazed, aren't you? Yes, and moreover there were even braver people-tightrope walkers, who walked on the rope across the lower Niagara river at Niagara falls. They were called funambalists. The first to walk across the Niagara Gorge was Francois Gravelet, known professionally as Blondin. He performed several times during the summer of 1859, carrying out a variety of stunts. His most dramatic acts included carrying his manager on his back as he crossed the gorge, and pushing a small cock stove across the wire, and lowering it to passengers on the Maid of the Mist!

I wouldn't advice you to try to do the same! Because from the 15 attempts to sail over the falls 5 resulted in peoples death. For example, Annie Edson-Taylor sailed in wooden oak barrel on October 24, 1901 and survived. But the last person from the list Robert Overacker went on Jet Ski on October 1, 1995 and died. But I won't continue, because you probably have understood how dangerous it is.

So many lessons learnt. And our trip had to be finished. But it was a very romantic end. We all took a group picture near the Floral Clock. Yes, believe me and this magic mix of flowers you can see north of the Falls. The floral Clock was built by Ontario Hydro in 1950. Inspired by a similar clock in Edinburgh, Scotland, the clock face is now maintained by gardeners of The Niagara Parks Commission. Approximately 19,000 plants are required to cover the 12.2 metres diameter face. The design is changed twice a year. It also has Westminster chimes. If you tossed a coin in the water pool in front of the clock, then it will be donated to various charities. I hope this article has brought you closer to the myth and splendor of the Niagara Falls. I hope you will be fascinated by the beauty and mystery of the falls one day too. Have a wonderful visit.

P.S. Some factual material in this article was used from "The Niagara Falls: Question and Answer book" by George Bailey.