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Niagara Falls

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Fantastic Falls

Niagara Falls

Formed millions of years ago, from receding glaciers – Niagara Falls, honeymoon destination, famous film backdrop and a valuable source of hydroelectric – power still has the wow factor for a weary world traveller. Formed from three waterfalls (the Horseshoe, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls if you’re interested) that straddle the border between Canada and the USA, the Falls are unusually wide and are a beautiful technicolour green. Tourists can get up close to the thundering water, and taking pictures of yourself with the Falls as a backdrop is compulsory. The ‘Maid of the Mist’ boats set off every hour or so under the Bridal Veil Falls with hundreds of plastic ponchoed passengers preparing to brave the spray.


Misty Maid


Danger at the Falls

Now, If something’s big and dangerous people always want to tangle with it. 
We’ve all heard of the great Blondin. He crossed the Falls on a tightrope in 1859, sporting a magnificent moustache. The actual outfit he wore on that day can still be seen in the history of Niagara museum.
Blondin and friend

 

What is less known is that the first person to go over the falls in a barrel and survive unharmed was a school teacher named Annie Edison in 190. Her successful attempt was actually preceded by domestic cat who had the hapless task of testing the barrel’s strength! After exiting her vessel, somewhat bruised and bleeding, apparently Annie ( a master of understatement no doubt) said “No one ought ever to do that again!” Of course Annie’s sage advice was duly ignored.  Acrobat Nick Wallenda crossed the falls at its most dangerous point on a skywire a few years ago..

Visits to Niagara Falls rose sharply in 1953 after the release of the film Niagara.  This dramatic tale of forbidden love gave Marilyn Monroe her first star billing. 

 

Wat -er Woman!


Niagara falls in the 70’s

In the seventies and eighties it became a less glamorous destination and its seaside tackiness with fast food outlets, slot machines and souvenir shops gave it more kitsch than culture. In the past few year’s giant casinos have revived the fortunes of the town of Niagara. The money they’ve brought in has led to a revival of its fortunes with fancy upscale restaurants and trendy clubs opening in an attempt to attract a more upmarket crowd.

 

People – yum!



However, kitsch is also back in vogue and Americana is pretty retro chic in my view. What’s wrong with a giant dinosaur crazy golf – fantastic! I love it that an enormous Frankenstein can be seen eating a Burger King and that you can still be totalling unamazed by a visit to Ripley’s Believe it or Not!


Low blood sugar was Frank’s downfall

The drive to Niagara along the river was said to be the prettiest in the world by Winston Churchill. It is still quite gorgeous. The microclimate of Niagara means that vineyards and peach trees abound in the surrounding countryside. When we were there it was the cherry season. We also tried some Saskatoon berries which I have never heard of before. They were sort of dry but still delicious!

Sweet Saskatoons


Niagara is a fascinating place, surprising and still beautiful. Not to mention the most fun you can have crossing the border anywhere in the world.

Cherries ‘R’ Us!




 

 

 

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