This week, we’re taking you to a place many people do not think about visiting in the winter: Niagara Falls. Bundle up and get ready for this natural wonder that is shared between two countries.

40 million gallons of water pour over the falls every second!

Learn how many tons that is below. 😉

You will find stimulation of every sense you have while you are there. You can hear the falls from all around the town. You can feel them as you approach. The state park has a beautiful nature smell. The most impressive thing is when you feel the power of the water. And if you are wondering about taste, there are plenty of great restaurants in the area.

We could have easily walked up and down either side of the falls numerous times and been in continuous awe. It’s the type of place where you can walk, not talk, and still be completely captivated. The anticipation of walking up to the different look out points is amazing.

We found inspiration in many different ways as we saw each part of the falls from multiple angles.

Niagara Falls in winter feels powerful in a different way. The current is so strong in the Niagara River that the falls do not completely freeze over. In fact, 3,160 tons of water flows over the falls every second.

Ice forms along the gorge walls and everything takes on a glittering, almost otherworldly look. It’s dramatic and a surprisingly peaceful time to visit compared to the busy summer months. We were just there recently and loved having very little crowds in this area.

To fully appreciate the beauty of the falls, we recommend starting on the Canadian side. This is where you get the best views. You can do this by either walking, cycling, or driving across the Rainbow Bridge.

Crossing the Rainbow Bridge is part of the experience. You can see the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls in the distance as you move between countries. If you walk across the bridge, you can stand on the International Boundary Line between the U.S. and Canada.

When you cross, you will need to show your passport and answer a few simple questions at border control regardless of whether you walked, cycled or rode in a car.

On the Canadian side, you can walk along the Niagara Parkway, visit Table Rock Centre, and stand directly across from Horseshoe Falls for some of the most stunning views. The icy formations on the railings and lampposts are beautiful.

The iconic Maid of the Mist boat tours that operate from the U.S. are closed during the winter, but boat tours from the Canadian side were still operating while we were there.

Truthfully, we don’t know how enjoyable this would be in the winter though. Trisha got completely frozen when taking the picture of Horseshoe Falls (see above) because the mist was blowing towards her and then froze. We can’t imagine how cold it was for people actually on the boat. The few people onboard showed us this was not the best time to do this experience.

We recommend heading over to the Canadian side later in the afternoon and sticking around for the evening. Every night, there is a fantastic illumination display on the falls.

It was the New York side that truly inspired us as beautiful as the Canadian side is. There is plenty to do there even in the winter.

Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States. It is here where you can hike around Goat Island, Three Sisters Islands, and get close to the falls from places such as Terrapin Point.

Cave of the Winds remains open seasonally, with stunning views of the icy Bridal Falls. Check before you go though because park rangers will close this attraction if the weather conditions are unsafe.

For quieter moments, the Niagara Gorge has beautiful winter hikes. Snow-dusted trees, frozen waterfalls, and sweeping river views make it feel like a hidden winter wonderland.

A highlight is Rainbow Air Helicopter Tours. Passports are not required for this 10 minute ride over the falls. You’ll fly right over them for stunning views.

If you are not up for a helicoptor ride, Niagara Virtual is a fun option. You sit in a harness about 10 feet in the air and simulate jumping out of a plane and parachuting down over the falls.

The surrounding Niagara Falls, NY area has its own charm. Platter’s Chocolate Factory is a must visit, especially for their famous orange candy and sponge candy. Watching chocolate being made is just as fun as tasting it. If you’re looking for a warm drink while there, try the orange hot chocolate, and thank Trisha later for the recommendation.

The Underground Railroad Heritage Center is a must-visit. Niagara Falls was one of the most important points on the Underground Railroad. It was a final crossing point over the Niagara River and into Canada.

The Aquarium of Niagara is a great place to visit, especially with kids. Here you can see rescued animals such penguins and sea lions. They have a large variety of fish, coral, and you can pet stingrays and sharks as well.

Make sure to check out the Asian arowana fish that was seized on the Rainbow Bridge after it was discovered inside the wheel well of a semi-truck that trying to smuggle it across the border.

Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is another favorite. It is a wonderful stop for families and anyone who loves history, craftsmanship, and beautifully restored carousels.

It was great having these places as options to explore since the weather in Niagara can change suddenly.

Refer a friend using your referral link at the bottom of this email so they can see it too. In addition, you’ll get a copy of our “Wonders of the World” eBook if it’s your first referral.

Getting to Niagara Falls, NY is easy. Many visitors fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport, then drive about 30 minutes to the falls. You can also take Amtrak to Buffalo and connect by local transport.

Red Coach Inn - Built in 1923 and just 500 yards away from the American Falls, breakfast included

Fairfield by Marriott Inn and Suites -where we stayed, excellent breakfast buffet included

Sheraton Niagara Falls - great for families, has Niagara’s largest indoor pool and the Rainforest Cafe

When it comes to food, there are many great spots to visit for seafood, sandwiches, steaks, and more. Some of our favorites include:

Red Coach Inn - sit by the fireplace to warm up after a chilly day outside

Parkway Prime Steakhouse & Lounge - sit along the Niagara River

Figmor Cafe & Eatery - try the lemon blueberry ricotta pancakes

Remington Tavern Seafood and Exchange -very close to Platter’s Chocolate Factory and the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum

Pack wisely for winter. Dress in layers, bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves, and wear waterproof boots with good traction. The mist can make walkways icy, so tread carefully. Pay attention to which way the mist from the falls is blowing. You might want to wear a rain poncho or keep an extra coat in your car.

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in Niagara Falls. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob