The Legendary Splendor of Niagara Falls!

The world is covered with enchanting natural sceneries!

From the gorgeous mountains, rolling hills and breezy regions, to the allures of pristine lakes, waterfalls, stunning beaches and sun-kissed shorelines, the thrill of adventure has never been so captivating under the vibrant atmosphere of the mother earth! 

When talking about extraordinary mountains and waterfalls, there's only one landmark that easily comes to mind, Niagara Falls. Its legendary splendor attracted visitors from all walks of life, from ordinary folks to privilege individuals. King Edward VIII of Britain (who would become the Duke of Windsor after his abdication in 1936) while still the Prince of Wales had once visited Niagara (in Ontario) in the early part of the 20th century and so the late Diana, Princess of Wales, and her sons, William and Harry, in the early 1990s. 

No, I haven’t been into this stunning natural wonder and quite never expect I could visit it in my lifetime, but who would never want to hear stories about the gorgeous beauty of this spectacular gift of nature?  Its majestic appeal is similar to a fairytale story that has been told for ages - a tale that never grows old. 

Okay, here, I'll talk about the magnificence of Niagara Falls based on my quick research around the web and through the photos lent to me by Arman Esmas. Quite seems like a fairytale isn't it? Something I haven't seen but already heard/read a thousand times. 

I cannot recall when was the first time I heard/learned about Niagara but I am pretty certain I grew up believing that this attraction is entirely located in Ontario, Canada, just in Ontario alone. Ohhh! Didn't know that part of it abundantly flows around the vibrant mountain side of the state of New York! 

The majestic appeal of Niagara Falls on the New York side.

Geographically, Niagara Falls runs through a frontier that divides two great North American nations, straddling between the international border 

of the United States of America and Canada.

Photo courtesy of Arman Esmas

Simply bewitching!! Photo courtesy of Arman Esmas

Niagara Falls straddles between the international border of the United States and Canada. Ahhh! It's good to know that it runs through a frontier that divides two great North American nations. What a splendid sight to behold when crossing the border en-route to this location!

According to one source, the Ontario side drew more tourists annually compared to the New York side due to its lovely position across the Niagara River. Tourists can see the panoramic view of all three of the falls - American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Horseshoe Falls - from the Canadian side but not so much on the American side, but the most awesome thing when tourists are on the New York side is the proximity of the location, you'll just be standing next to a curtain of waterfalls!

Just imagine the roaring gush of the gorgeous waterfalls

plunging a thousand feet to the base of the rugged cliff.

Photo courtesy of Arman Esmas

Breathtaking curtain of waterfalls cascading through a rocky crest!

Photo courtesy of Arman Esmas

Now, let’s concentrate on the American side of the falls which is accessible through the Niagara Falls State Park (touted as the oldest state park in America), in the state of New York. According to one blogger, the American side is a lot lovelier (though I don’t know why hehe!). I assumed the "loveliness" she referred is due to proximity. Spectators can view the falls at a close range, as if experiencing the thrill of touching the snow-like drops of water curtains, the delight of being squirted with water and the fun it gives when you hear its thunderous plunging from atop! Ahhh, cannot describe it vividly as I haven't been there. :-D

Attractions within this state park include:

• Maid of the Mist
• Cave of the Winds
• Prospect Point and its Observation Tower
• Aquarium of Niagara
• Niagara Discovery Center

Maid of the Mist is offered on both sides of the border, but the Cave of the Winds is only offered on the New York side. Again, I am not quite sure why, one blogger joked that maybe it's because Americans love the idea of totally crazy-pants! Ohhh what's that? I've no idea what she meant with that term haha!

Digging further on my research adventure, I learned that Maid of the Mist is a sightseeing cruise boat that will take tourists around the base of the falls and into the basin of the roaring Horseshoe falls for 30 minutes. Ohh! I could just imagine their shrieking and squeal of excitement while sailing around the fabulous waterfalls.

According to the description of this attraction, passengers are given blue raincoat (close to that. Arman said it only resembles raincoat :-D) to protect themselves from spray of waters. But how about the yellow one? Again, according to the article I read ( and Arman confirmed it), it is worn when trekking the Cave of the Winds and the perky thing - it comes with a free pair of footwear! Oh, that's cool!!

Arman wearing that yellow raincoat thing on his way (I bet) 

to the Cave of the Winds and behind the picturesque drop of waterfalls :-D

Photo courtesy of Arman Esmas

While discovering that Cave of the Winds adventure consists of a series of wooden walkways and platforms built at the base of the Bridal Veil Falls, I am in deep thoughts why this smallest part of the waterfalls is called "bridal veil falls" so I studied the photos of Arman and just concluded, uhmm, maybe because it is reminiscent to a veil of the bride, funny :-D

Okay so according to my readings about Cave of the Winds, tourists have to walk on the flooring not entirely secured into the rocks, it is just lodged on the rock crannies (now that seems so scary as if you're walking on a floating wood!), but the whole thing is entirely safe according to the source and tourists should not worry of any disaster that might occur. 

Niagara Falls State Park offers classic adventure packages and amenities to make the most of your trip completely awesome and memorable. For fees and rates, visit this link.

There you go, the natural splendor of Niagara Falls! 

Even just by gazing through pictures, I could not help but be entranced with its extraordinary beauty, almost hearing the raptures of the waterfalls dropping from a top.

Special thanks to Arman Esmas for allowing me to use his photos here. He retains the rights of these images, thus, should not be distributed anywhere in any form without his permission.

Sources on Niagara's Facts and Attractions:
www.unbravegirl.com
www.niagarafallstatepark.com