Looking for a break from this cultural wasteland known as Rochester? Then look no further than Niagara Falls, the wonderful tourist trap on the American-Canadian border. Sure, it may sound like something for old people, but there are actually some cool things about Niagara.
For those who don’t know, the falls are split up into the American side and the Canadian side.
While smaller than the Canadian falls, visit the American side first if you have never been to Niagara but be warned ? there is a lot of mist spraying up from the roar, so you will get a little wet. Here, there are tours that go in the caves behind the falls and also a boat ride you can go on called “The Maid of the Mist.”
Besides having a name sounding like that of a very effeminate cocktail, this ride is actually a cool way to view Niagara and well worth the $8.50 ticket price.
The best part of the attraction is when they take you right into the middle of the Canadian falls, where you are utterly drenched.
If it’s real fun you’re after, the Canadian side of Niagara is where you should be. Although our country has the better looking women, Canada has the better looking falls.
Like the American side, there is the “Maid of the Mist” boat ride. There is also another tour inside Niagara Falls that takes you right to the bottom of the gorge and directly behind the rushing water. Here, you can really see the sheer volume of the falls. Helicopter rides are also available but as expected, are quite pricey.
The Canadian falls tend to be more crowded, so it is tough to find a good vantage point, however if you do find a good spot, the Canadian side definitely has more photo opportunities, so bring your panoramic camera.
When the novelty of the falls wears off, just remember that in Canada, the drinking age is 19, so use that to your advantage if you are so inclined. If you really feel like falling completely off the wagon, there is also a casino as well as a strip bar ? but be aware that you must be at least 19 to explore these particular attractions.
If you are looking for a fun way to spend a weekend day, head up to Niagara Falls. Depending on what you do, it is not that expensive, and it is an amazing sight to see, not to mention the other fun activities that you can do.
As they have in past years, the Campus Activities Board is sponsoring a trip to Niagara over Fall Break. The bus leaves the ITS Center at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 and will stop at such destinations as the Military Road Outlet Mall and Rainbow Bridge. Tickets are only $8 and can be purchased at the Common Market.
Royster can be reached at
hroyster@campustimes.org.
