Niagara Falls Horsehow Falls Canada Light Show

Day 46 of our Journey

Unlike the US side of Niagara Falls, which has to abide by strict development restrictions since it’s part of the US State Parks system, the Canadian side of the falls apparently has free reign to build and flog whatever it wants and the place has gone hog wild with vendors, attractions, and even a nightly light show on the falls.

The American Falls and Horseshoe Falls as seen from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls encompasses two falls: the American Falls on the US side within Niagara Falls State Park and Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and the experience of visiting these two falls is very different. In some ways, you get a much better view from the Canada side because from this side the dramatic Horseshoe Falls is entirely visible so you get the full impact of its size, sound and spray. But you have to get beyond the onslaught of wax museums, neon signs, ice cream vendors, and kids on leashes first.

The American Falls as seen from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

The American Falls seen from the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

The American Falls and Horseshoe Falls.

Karen in front of Horseshoe Falls with a mist rainbow.

Part of the fun on the Canadian side is crowd-watching as a veritable UN of tourists clamors for rail space to take the perfect shot of Sanjey or Ivan or Miguel or Suki with the falls in the background.

The American Falls get an impressive light display every evening. The moon, on the other hand, is not always so spectacular.

Even if you aren’t tempted to stay in one of the lodging establishments surrounding the falls (smart), stay until dusk when those wily Canadians put on a massive light show, illuminating the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls in a slowly rotating rainbow of colors. It’s one more good reason to get a passport.