Road Trip to Niagara Falls

A couple of years ago we took a road trip to Niagara Falls. I was surprised at how close it is to our home in North Carolina! It is only about a 10 1/2 hour drive(681 miles). We took 2 days to get there. The first day we drove North through West Virginia into Pennsylvania. We spent one night in Washington, Pennsylvania(418 miles).

Washington, PA

Washington, PA is located in the Greater Pittsburgh Region in the southwestern part of the state. The population is about 14,000. We didn’t spend much time there, just had dinner and found our hotel. Here are some points of interest;

• Pennyslvania Trolley Museum
• LeMoyne House, museum and history
• Bradford House Museum
• Duncan Miller Glass Museum
• The Washington Winery

The next day, we bypassed Pittsburgh, headed toward Erie, Pennsylvania, and then to Buffalo, New York, and Niagara Falls.

Erie, PA

Erie, PA gets its name from Great Lake Erie. It is located on the shores of Lake Erie and has a population of about 97,000. We didn’t spend much time here but we did see many things that would be fun to explore! At the top of the list is Presque Isle State Park, where you can find beaches, lagoons, a lighthouse, and more! Here is a list of other fun things to do in Erie;

• Erie Zoo
• Erie Art Museum
• Erie Maritime Museum
• Erie Land Lighthouse
• Lake Erie Arboretum
• Bicentennial Tower
• Waldameer & Water World

Buffalo, NY

Buffalo was the last city we went through before we hit the Canadian border. I had heard good things about Buffalo but had never been there. It looks like an amazing city! I love the architecture of the buildings. Buffalo is the second-largest city in the state of New York, with a population of nearly 257,000. It sits on Great Lake Erie. I would love to go back someday and spend some time there! We hit the Canadian border at Buffalo. It only took minutes to cross the border.

Crossing into Canada

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It’s a little bit strange and intimidating waiting in line to enter Canada. They asked us a few questions, I wonder if they ever turn anyone away? After we crossed the border, it was about a 30–minute drive to the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario. We checked in to the Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls. It was a very nice hotel and reasonably priced(I had gotten a good deal on Groupon). Our view was of the city, the hotel is on Fallsview Blvd. Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Fallsview Blvd is a main street and tourist area in Niagara Falls. The location had easy access to many attractions and fine hotels.

• Niagara Falls Adventure Theatre
• Legends of Niagara 3D/4D Movie
• Niagara Falls Fun Zone
• Fallsview Casino Resort
• Embassy Suites Hotel
• Marriotts’
• Wyndham Garden
• Holiday Inn
• Skylon Tower with “Yellow Bug Elevator”
• Falls Incline Railway

The Skylon Tower has 2 levels of revolving dining and an observation deck which are 775 feet above the falls. Ride to the top aboard their exterior glass-enclosed “Yellow Bug Elevators” in just 52 seconds.

Falls Incline Railway

We didn’t waste much time walking down the street to see Niagara Falls. We found that, for a small fee, the Falls Incline Railway will take you from the Fallsview Tourist Area down to the Falls and the Table Rock Welcome Centre,

At the bottom of the incline railway, it is a small walk to Table Rock Welcome Centre. The Welcome Centre has lots of good information about the Falls as well as gift shops and dining options. You can purchase tickets there to some of Niagara Falls attractions;

• Niagara’s Fury
• Journey Behind the Falls

We did not take part in either of these Adventures but I wish we had!

I’m sure most of you have heard of the Niagara Falls Maid of the Mist boat tour. These boats are packed with people! Here are a few photos;

3 Waterfalls!

This is where we got our first glimpse of Horseshoe Falls. Once at the bottom, you will see amazing views of the Falls. Nothing prepared me for how Amazingly Beautiful Niagara falls is! No photo on the internet compares to seeing it in person!

There are actually 3 falls; Horseshoe Falls(the largest), American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Horseshoe Falls

American Falls & Bridal Veil Falls

The photos below are the American Falls and smaller Bridal Veil Falls. Both Falls are entirely on the American side, in the state of New York.

International Rainbow Bridge

This photo is of the International Rainbow Bridge over the Niagara River gorge, which connects Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada, and Niagara Falls, New York, United States.

American Falls at night

Just when I thought the views couldn’t be any more beautiful, Niagara Falls lights up at night! All 3 Falls light up with a series of rotating colors.

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In Conclusion…

The only thing I will caution you about is the prices in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The restaurant prices were probably double what you would expect to pay, even at an IHOP. The attraction costs are also quite high. I will say, though, if you have a chance to go there, you will not regret it! I think we might stay in New York the next time.

Niagara Falls is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen! If you have the chance, would you take a road trip to Niagara Falls?

Have you been there? Where did you go that you were in awe of the Natural Beauty? I would love to hear from you, please leave a comment. Don’t forget to share on social media!

You may also enjoy reading A travel wish list for 2020

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