Niagara Falls, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal May 2011

We arrived in Niagara Falls, Ontario after flying into Buffalo and renting a car.  The trip was quick and the drive was very easy.  Before entering Canada, we couldn't resist stopping in Niagara, NY at the Niagara Falls National Park.  The current was incredibly strong and the air filled with mist.  It must create a perfect climate for flowers because the tulips were huge!  Parking cost about $5 outside the park. 

They say the Canadian side is better than the U.S. side and to a degree we found this true.  There is not much to do on the U.S. side, but the Canadian side was bustling.  We also found the U.S. side pretty run down, but the Niagara park was beautiful.

The falls in the sunlight created all types of rainbows.  Very cool to see.  Since we couldn't check into our hotel until later in the day, we drove around the U.S. side and north along the gorge to Whirlpool falls and to a small town called Youngstown.  It was cool to see and people take hikes down the gorge.  Do this if you have time.  We even stopped at a small town and had fantastic panini sandwiches. 

Eventually, we meandered the gorge across the border.  It took us about 10 minutes to get across.  The Canadian border patrol are purposefully intimidating and ask many random questions.  Make sure you have your passport! 

We arrived into Niagara Falls, Ontario.  Driving to our hotel, you can see how developed the Canadian side is.  You'll see haunted houses, Ripley's believe it or not museum, casinos, all types of restaurants, bars, etc. 

After checking into the Marriott hotel (which was very nice), we walked along the river to the Horseshoe Falls and decided to do "Journey Behind the Falls."  It was very cool, but pretty cold in May.  They provide the ponchos.  After doing that, we got our falls fixation and wondered what possessed human beings to do the Maid of the Mist Tour!

Later that night, we took a stroll by the falls to see them lit up at night.  I am proud to say that we also got engaged in front of the falls!