Maid of the Mist
One of the most popular activities at Niagara Falls is the
Maid of the Mist boat tour. The boat excursion runs across the
calmer waters of the Niagara River, past the American and Bridal
Veil Falls, before entering into the heavy mist of spray caused by
the Horseshoe Falls. It is one of the best ways to experience the
awesome power of the Falls. The Maid of the Mist was originally
launched in 1846 as a ferry service between Canada and USA, but
soon lost most of its business when the Niagara Falls Suspension
Bridge was opened. Within eight years of opening, the Maid of the
Mist was transformed into a tourist service and has continued to
operate in this way ever since.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Situated along the scenic Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake
is a picturesque, Georgian and Victorian styled town that was once
the capital of Ontario. Today it has a beautiful Old Town and is
well-worth a short visit.
Table Rock
At Table Rock you can admire the Falls from the viewing area,
watching the immense flow from the mighty Niagara River - carrying
water from the Great Lakes over the second largest falls in the
world. From Table Rock you can take a trip behind the Falls. The
"Journey Behind The Falls" begins with a descent, by elevator, 150
feet (46 metres) through bedrock to tunnels that lead to the
Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal, which is one-third of
the way behind the massive sheet of water. Then you walk on to the
Upper and Lower Observation Decks at the very foot of the
Falls.
Niagara Whirlpool
Located along the Niagara River downstream from the Falls, the
Niagara Whirlpool is a natural whirlpool with a depth of up to 125
feet (38 metres). The whirlpool spins anticlockwise during normal
flow, although when water from the river is diverted into the
surrounding hydroelectric power station, the flow is often known to
reverse.