Destination 16: Niagara Falls, Canada

We left Massachusetts so early because our next destination was Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. We anticipated a 10-hour drive ahead of us but, thankfully, we actually miscalculated and it ended up being more like 6 hours (with food/bathroom stops).

At roughly 1 p.m., we finally crossed over to the Canadian side. The kids, who had to get their passports for this very stop, had high expectations for crossing the border. To their disappointment, it was pretty anticlimactic…they didn’t even get a stamp!

The kids quickly forgot why they were disappointed once they saw the mist rising in the air from Niagara Falls. Once we got there, we parked the car and walked along the boardwalk. With the sun shining bright, Niagara Falls illuminated beautifully with its powerful water and a double rainbow. We took many, many pictures and ooed and awed for an hour or so before the kids started complaining of starvation.

[It felt like it was raining from all the mist!]

[Beautiful Niagara Falls]

[The Maid of the Mist under a double rainbow]

[Dad teaching Robert about Niagara Falls. If you look closely, the waterfall in the background is the American side of Niagara Falls. It's not nearly as breathtaking.]

[A little close-up picture of yours truly. haha]

[The boardwalk was buzzing with European and American tourists, including us :)]

We headed back the hotel shortly after and had an early dinner. Once we checked in, the kids and I went down to the pool for a little fun time, then ended the night with So You Think You Can Dance on TV.

The next morning, we woke up around 9 a.m. and planned to go on the Maid of the Mist boat ride that takes you right into the waterfalls. The weather sucked—overcast and lots of rain—but that didn’t stop us; we figured we’d get wet anyway so what harm can a little rain do? Well, it ended up being a blessing in disguise because everyone else decided to stay home; thus, shorter lines and a better view at the top of the boat.

[Walking in the rain, on the way to the Maid of the Mist]

[Let's just say, this picture is not intended to capture Mom. Asian tourists at its finest.]

[I love my family!]

We looked so corny and cute in our blue ponchos. I’ve never been prouder of my family than at that moment as we shuffled and waddled along, looking more like wet puppies than happy tourists ;) Niagara Falls is absolutely breathtaking (minus the tacky casinos and Vegas-esque shops around the area). If you go, I strongly suggest seeing it from Canada’s side. The view is simply better.