Wednesday, 31 May. Niagara Falls

It was about a 2 hour bus ride to Niagara Falls, passing some of the satellite suburbs with their huge tower blocks of apartments. There were roadworks going on and they are definitely much needed. I suspect that I’ve lost a centimetre in height from having my spine pounded by the bumps we hit.

You definitely get a better view of the falls from the Canadian side but as we came into the town I was horrified by the horrible sideshow type buildings like ghost trains, Ripley’s Believe it or Not and many many more. And then there’s a couple of casinos too. Once you’re past all that stuff there are the falls and they’re magnificent, awe inspiring, and every other superlative. 

I went on the Hornblower boat, the Canadian version of the Maid of the Mist, even though I didn’t particularly want to. But it was part of the deal so I put on my red plastic poncho along with everyone else and off we sailed, too close to the waterfall! This time I didn’t get soaked to the skin as I did at the Iguasu Falls, and the hot day dried off my feet pretty quickly. 

My bus tour had 7 people. There was an Irish mother and daughter on their way to a wedding in Montreal so we had a laugh about that coincidence. Lunch at a restaurant overlooking the falls was included in the tour but it was a pretty ordinary meal with a grumpy waitress. I dare say she was hot, and sick of running around after tourists.

After crossing the road for a last look at the falls we went about 7 km down the road to where they believe the falls originally were before erosion moved them further and further back. They now limit the amount of water going over (at night) and that has slowed the erosion considerably as well as providing more hydro electricity.

A little further along we stopped to see the whirlpools where the river makes a sharp turn to the right. There are definitely no boats going through that part of the river, it was really wild. There is a cable car that crosses the river there.

Our last stop for the day was in Niagara on the Lake, a very quaint little town full of historic buildings which are now mostly tourist shops. It was all very pretty and the plantings along the street were colourful and impressive. I had an ice cream from the Cows shop, which was recommended by our courier, and found a seat in the shade to eat it. Just right on a hot day. And then I broke my vow not to buy anything in Canada because I’ll have to carry it - and bought a hat. I was actually looking for a new sun hat last summer but couldn’t find anything I liked so I hope I’ll still like this one when I get home. Also hope it isn’t squashed beyond redemption.

A bone-shaking drive back to Toronto - only some of the way - arriving around 6.30. I couldn’t be bothered going out for a meal, especially after 3 courses at lunchtime, so I’ve tucked into a nutty assortment I bought back in Banff. Am now waiting till 9.50 so I can check in to tomorrow’s flight. Forgot to say that the hotel alarm went off about 5.30 this morning and I thought I might have to run out to the street in my nightie. Fortunately they very quickly solved the problem and we were able to go back to sleep.