Niagara in November
I went to Toronto, 2 days, and 2 goals to conquer. Both were pretty huge goals:
1 was to see the city and explore as much as possible
2 was to get to Niagara falls.
You would think getting to Niagara wouldn’t be that hard, it’s a major tourist destination. Problem is this was November, late November. The snow hadn’t yet arrived but it was close. There was no one wanting to get to Niagara, except me. I had tried to prearrange a tour, as this just seemed easiest, but to no avail. They just weren’t running, at least not on the days I was there. So with the help of the team at my accommodation – Yonge Suites – we put together an itinerary the night I arrived…
I could go into lots of detail about the route, but let me put it in a short form - local train (I walked for fear of getting lost), regional train, bus then walk… Easy right? Not so much. There was a lot of information I didn’t get like how to buy tickets, how to get tickets cost effectively, how to get on the right train/bus and how to figure out the renovations at both train stations… Oh, and that Emily, you need a warm jacket!!! I was very blessed to have met two angels, one who helped me get on the right train, get a REALLY warm jacket and get back on the bus. I missed bus stops and walked miles out of my way, and waited around in the cold a lot. But I achieved something that had been on my bucket list and it was so worth all of it…
Me and my jacket, and the snow
Niagara being the tourist destination that it is like a mini Vegas or Disneyland. One street with bright lights and lots of different music and noises trying to get your attention. You can tell you are getting close, then you turn the corner, and the road itself is only 100 metres or so, but it’s intense. As I made my way down I decided it was time for lunch, so went inside, while in there it started snowing outside. As a Melbournite this made me happy as we don’t get to experience it very often, but I soon realised that this was not the fun snow - whether it was because of the falls, or because we were near water or just the snow that day - it was swirly and wet and cold. Oh, how happy I was to have that jacket!
From the falls looking back towards ‘mini vegas
After lunch, and enjoying the snow for a couple minutes I continued down Clifton Hill to the falls… And there they were. They are big and wet and everything I expected… I took heaps of photos, but because of the snow they didn’t work out the greatest. I did the boat trip out (Hornblower) and got really wet, but I did it. I got to see the falls. I didn’t get to experience all that there is to do in the area – there’s a place where you can walk over the falls and some wineries nearby. But I got to see these famous falls.
I’m not always one for seeing famous sights but this was one I’d been close to on several occasions and never gotten there. So I’m so glad that I went despite the length of the journey and all the drama. And I’m kinda glad it snowed, it made for a different experience. And I’m really glad I bought that jacket! And I’m so grateful for the two angels… If I had my time again, I’d probably drive myself, and maybe stay a night. Or at least experience crossing the border by car. Actually, I intend to go again, in summer, and spend more time in the area, and do some more cliché touristy things. But for now, if I don’t ever get back I can say I’ve been to Niagara, and my crazy adventure was worthwhile because it is such a beautiful experience.