Family Vacation to Canada's Niagara Falls
A Trip to This Natural Wonder Will Delight Adults and Kids Alike
Mar 10, 2009
A view of Niagara Falls truly has an instant "WOW" factor. The immensity of the sight and sound of 600,000 gallons of water per second rushing through one spot is an awesome sensory experience. There is much to see and do in the Niagara Falls area. To take advantage of the many sites, consider purchasing a Niagara Falls and Great Gorge Adventure Pass. From mid-April through mid October, this pass gives visitors access to these four family-friendly attractions:
Niagara’s Fury: The Creation of the Falls™
The newest Falls adventure takes visitors back in time 10,000 years to experience the Creation of the Falls. Following an animated pre-show, visitors witness the formation of the Falls during the Ice Age in a specially designed 360 degree theater.
Maid of the Mist
This 30-minute double-decker boat ride has been taking passengers up close to the falls since 1864. Riders put on provided rain ponchos as they wait in line to board. The boat takes visitors close to the falls to feel the thunder of the crashing water and experience the spray of the mist. The intensity may be too much for young children who may feel more comfortable standing in the center of the boat, away from the side rails.
Journey Behind the Falls
This walking tour takes you below the rim of the gorge and behind the falls. An elevator takes visitors down 150 feet to a short tunnel. From there, access to two outdoor observation decks and two platforms located behind the falls, gives a close-up view . Disposable raincoats are provided for those who want to get close.
The White Water Walk
A brief elevator ride takes guests down to the Great Gorge. A 1/4 mile boardwalk has two different observation areas to view the rapidly churning, racing water of the river. A photo gallery shows pictures of daredevils who have tried to ride the rapids over the years. An aerial cable car, the Whirlpool Aero Car, gives a view from above the Niagara Whirlpool which is formed at the end of the rapids. Purchase of the Niagara Falls and Great Gorge Adventure Pass gives a discount coupon for the 35-person Aero Car.
The Butterfly Conservatory
Upgrade your pass to visit the Butterfly Conservatory. With over 200 butterflies flying freely in this 11,000 square foot tropical paradise, it is hard to know where to look first. The conservatory has the look and feel of a rain-forest and a stroll along the path gives glimpses of butterflies searching for nectar or basking in sunshine. Don't miss the emergence window where butterflies come out of their chrysalises and are released into the conservatory. An exhibit hall in the main lobby provides an opportunity to observe caterpillars and to learn more about the life-cycle of the butterfly. There is a cafe available for a meal or snack. Visitors can eat outside in an area that overlooks the beautiful Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens.
The Niagara Falls People Mover is the bus transportation system that makes a 19-mile loop around the area. The Adventure Pass gives unlimited access on the People Mover for two days. Since the White Water Walk and the Butterfly Conservatory are not within walking distance of the falls, plan to use the People Mover to visit these attractions easily.
The Incline Railroad
Labeled as the slowest incline railway in the world, this one minute trip links the Fallsview Tourist area with Table Rock Center. It is a quick, convenient way to get from the hotels, casinos and restaurants to the heart of the Niagara Falls attraction sites. The Railway is not wheelchair accessible. Those with an Adventure Pass can ride free for two days.
So, pick up your Niagara Falls and Great Gorge Adventure Pass, grab a camera, some good walking shoes, and prepare for an experience of a lifetime.
 |
