Standing under a waterfall is what is actually on my bucket list, not standing behind one. But, the original goal probably would not be the wisest choice when we are talking about the mighty Niagara Falls. Standing behind it would surely be a much safer option.
Niagara Falls is a set of three powerful waterfalls, located between Ontario and New York, that gushes 34 million gallons of water per minute. I definitely don’t want to get sucked into that.
Though you can see the waterfall perfectly well from New York, on the Canadian side you can get a spectacular glimpse of this forceful wonder by just a simple walk along a paved path. You can also stand right next to the waterfall by taking the Journey Behind the Falls tour. This excursion will get you up close and personal with one of America’s most captivating attractions.
We arrived and were given a plastic, yellow rain poncho to use as water protection. And though it had limited fashion sense, I am grateful to have put it on, even if I looked like a latex duck.
We descended 150 feet in an elevator which led us to an outdoor observation deck where it was as if we had just entered a monsoon. The water from the 167 foot Horseshoe Falls pelted us, then subsided, then pelted us all over again. Did we just pay money for this?
In between shielding the waterworks, we were able to take note of exactly how close to Niagara Falls we actually were. The power was even more undeniable with only a few feet between us.
There were also two portals to be visited on this self-guided tour. A crowded tunnel leads you to each and gives you a quick peak right behind the falls.
As the line of tourists grew behind me, I felt pressure to take it all in and take photos…very quickly.
The massive amounts of people were worth pushing our way through for a glimpse of the water that was forcefully pouring down about a dozen feet in front of us
We walked back through the dark tunnel soaked everywhere that the canary jacket did not cover. It wasn’t “standing under a waterfall”, but it was totally bucket list worthy.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
More About Canada
Tidal Bore Rafting Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy Tides
Nova Scotia Bucket List: 20 of the Best Things To Do When You Visit
Canada: Kayaking with Beluga Whales in Manitoba
Canada’s Cape Breton Island: 9 Best Stops While Driving the Cabot Trail
Stand Behind Niagara Falls on the Canada Side
There are higher waterfalls than Niagara Falls, sure. But the width and incredible volume of the waterfall that straddles the border of Canada and the US is a bucket-list-worthy sight to behold. And when it comes to actually doing that beholding, there are almost as many options for travelers as there are gallons of rushing water careening over the cliffs.
This is on my list too! I grew up on the East Coast and am sad to say I’ve never been to the Falls. Hope to change that soon!
I suffer from “taking for granted what’s in my own backyard” syndrome too! The falls are amazingly powerful, so I hope you make it there one day.
I’d imagine all that water falling down is quite loud as well. Am amazing experience to say the least.
Yes it was!