Niagara Falls

9-11 Jun 2026

American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls

From one of the worst to wonderful! This campsite was one of the best I've ever had. I stayed at Four Mile Creek State Park, about 25 minutes from Niagara Falls. The campground was quiet, well kept and right on Lake Ontario.

There was a big field right behind the camper where I could throw the ball to Sage. She was a happy girl.

If there's water she will get in it.

We both dipped our feet in Lake Ontario. It wasn't nearly as cold as Lake Superior.

Lake Ontario

Four Mile Creek where it empties into Lake Ontario

I came here about 30 years ago when I was in the Air Force Reserve but didn't get to see a lot of it. I had to leave Sage at home because Ontario has a complete ban on pit bulls. Boo.

The welcome center was pretty disappointing as there wasn't a lot of information available. There was construction going on inside though, so maybe once they're done it'll be better. The guy at the information desk was, hopefully, just having a bad day. I'd hate to think he was like this all the time. He was rude and about as useful as tits on a bull, so I decided I'd explore on my own.

Did you know that Niagara Falls is the oldest state park in the USA? I had no idea but it is.

The first large scale hydroelectric generating station opened in Niagara Falls in 1895. The plant used the direct current (DC) system, however, which could only transmit electricity 100 yards.

In 1896, the famous electrical engineer, Nikola Tesla, proved that he could transmit

electricity from Niagara Falls to Buffalo using his new alternating current (AC) induction motor. That marked the first long distance commercial use of the AC system that is still used around the world today. Electricity was first sold as a commodity at the now-ruined Schoellkopf Power Station.

Together, power plants on both the American and Canadian sides of the Falls have the capacity to produce up to 2.4 million kilowatts of electricity. Under an international treaty, the flow of water over Niagara Falls is reduced during the night to allow more of the water to flow into the intakes used for power generation. This plan ensures that the Falls’ natural beauty remains unaffected during prime viewing hours.

I decided to do the Canadian side first so across the bridge to Ontario I went. I'm in two countries at once!

American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls from the bridge

American, Bridal and Horseshoe Falls

American and Bridal Veil Falls with the Maid of the Mist cruising by

The view of the falls is much better from the Canadian side

Maid of the Mist entering Horseshoe Falls

I thought these were black squirrels but come to find out they're actually mutated grey squirrels. They were having a ball chasing each other around the park.

Back on the American side, I hadn't planned on doing Maid of the Mist but decided at the last minute to go for it. So glad I did, it was epic!

American and Bridal Veil Falls

American Falls

You will definitely get wet at Horseshoe Falls

The power of the falls is overwhelming! I don't see how anyone survived going over them

Yes, I got soaked and enjoyed every minute of it. I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Definitely wouldn't do it in the winter though!

If you'd like to see a video of the falls from the Maid of the Mist tour go to my FB or IG page. There are links on the home page.

After the boat ride I went home and took a nap. In the evening I brought Sage back with me to see the falls lit up at night.

Sage was not impressed

Sun setting over American Falls

At last it was dark enough for the colors to start. Both American and Horseshoe Falls are lit up but I chose to watch at American Falls. They also do fireworks but I needed to get home and start getting ready to leave the next day.

Blue

Red

Pink(ish)

Green

Wow! How stunning was that? It was definitely worth going back at night. Ironically, I met a bunch of ladies on a tour group from of all places, Adel GA! It was nice to hear southern accents again. Made me feel right at home.

I wish I had a few more days to explore the area and take the tour of the old power station, Cave of the Winds and other exhibits. Once again, I'll need to come back!