The Magic of Niagara Falls

          The most memorable trip my family and I shared was our adventure to Niagara Falls, Canada. We arrived in Buffalo, New York via airplane on July 4, 2007 and drove the rest of the way to Canada. My eyes widened with delight as we approached the Rainbow Bridge, the “lifeline” between the United States and Canada. In the distance, I gazed at the amazing waterfalls and was anxious to begin my tour.

            The car ride over the bridge seemed forever. However, as soon as we cleared customs, our cab took us downtown to Clifton Hill where all of the attractions, souvenir stores and hotels were located.

            We lodged at Comfort Inn. We unpacked, washed up and ventured out deciding what we should do first. We took the People Mover bus and drove along the Niagara Parks. Cameras clicking and flashing, the view was breathtaking. My family and I decided to do the Maid of the Mist tour. The tour was a boat ride which gave everyone a spectacular view of the mighty and powerful waterfalls that made Niagara famous. Each patron received and wore a plastic blue poncho to protect their clothing from the spraying mist as the boat journeyed back and forth from the falls. To be so close and hear the thunderous sound of the water cascading fiercely against the boulders was simply nature’s grandest act.

            Full of energy from the boat ride, I persuaded my family to walk back to Clifton Hill. We walked along the side of the river and the falls. We stopped every few yards leaning against the fence as we took turn posing for mom’s camera and dad’s camcorder, trying to capture our faces with the falls behind us. Working up an appetite, we all went to Wendy’s for dinner and later that evening as nightfall blanketed the skies we watched the firework display from atop Clifton Hill.

            The next three days we did a combination of local attractions and took a bus ride to Marineland. We visited the Criminals Hall of Fame – figurines made of wax posing with blank stares; reincarnated in their famous crime scenes and Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum – stories and objects that will keep you wondering for a long time is it real or not? We also partook in Dino Golf (miniature golf), Movieland, and Ghost Blasters. Even did a daring act entering Dracula’s Haunted Castle which left me squeamish the rest of the evening.

Each night we rode the Skywheel. The ride was a walking distance from the hotel. It reminded me so much of the Wonder Wheel in Coney Island amusement park back in Brooklyn, New York. As the Skywheel paused on its highest point, we would look in awe at the illuminating lights that reflected off of the waterfalls. I was able to see the entire city as I swayed gently in mid-air and appreciate the beauty from another angle. Afterwards, my mom and I would go and get a slice of fudge from the Fantasy Fudge Factory.

            Niagara Falls, Canada is a beautiful place to visit. It is enriched with history, memorable sceneries and is very family oriented. The five days my family and I spent together without the hectic schedule of every day life back in New York created a special bond. A bond that brings family closer and memories that will be cherished for years to come. Someday, I will bring the next generation to Niagara Falls, a magical place where rainbows are frequent and the never ending waterfalls run freely.