A Weekend in Niagara Falls: A Bucket List Trip

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If you are a child of the water like me, Niagara Falls is not to be missed! While many might dream of visiting, sometimes people procrastinate the journey, thinking they’ll get there later in life. WRONG. A major takeaway from my experience is that folks should take the trip sooner rather than later. Prepare for stunning views and a lot of walking, so it's an experience best enjoyed when you can fully participate in the various activities. There were two other takeaways that made a critical difference for our weekend experience, but more on that later. Here's a guide on how to organize your efficiently awesome Niagara Falls journey.

Day #1: Starting the Adventure at Buffalo Airport
Our adventure began at Buffalo Airport in New York. We meticulously planned this trip, ensuring everything went smoothly. Upon landing, we took an Uber to the Anchor Bar, the birthplace of the original buffalo chicken wing. After enjoying wings and beer, we took another Uber to the Rainbow bridge, which connects New York and Canada. It's important to note that it's only a 30-minute drive from Buffalo to Niagara Falls, compared to a three-hour drive if you take a flight into Toronto. Fly into New York for sure.

Crossing the Border: The Walk to Canada
After the Canadian customs checkpoint, we continued to the Canadian side, where the views are spectacular! Important to note how backed up the traffic was on the Rainbow Bridge. Even at a leisurely stroll, we were light years faster than the cars on the bridge. So be warned that if you rent a car to drive across the Rainbow Bridge, have a nice long audiobook downloaded and ready to play. If you wish to follow in our footsteps for the walk, traveling light is crucial! Our backpacks and carry-on suitcases were breezy in comparison to the hassles of heavy luggage since we had the sizeable walk between countries. Don't forget your passport, and there is a visa requirement to fill out beforehand. Once we checked into the Embassy Suites Niagara Falls, which is at the top of the Niagara Falls Incline Railway for easy access, we spent our first evening having appetizers at The Keg Steakhouse to watch the fireworks show over the water. Unforgettable!

Day #2: Exploration
We started our day early with a hearty breakfast at the Fallsview Tower IHOP. Did we pay $35 for an omelette? Yup. Was it worth it to have a bird’s eye view of the water leading up to Horseshoe Falls? Absolutely. Think of it as paying for the view, not the food. After that, Journey Behind the Falls was an unforgettable experience that allows you to be up close and personal with the falls. You don’t need to be a history buff to appreciate the richness of the human experience there. Want to know how many humans have survived a plunge down the falls over the years? Want to understand how people once risked their lives to see the falls before the two countries joined resources to make it safe for visitors? Well, put on your complimentary plastic pancho and get ready for amazing selfies and videos as you literally get behind the scenes with mother nature. You’ll experience the full force of the mighty Horseshoe Falls, so expect lots of wind and water. I was glad I brought my swimcap to wear underneath! Lunch at the Table Rock Welcome Center’s Table Rock House Restaurant was a highlight, especially since we saw a full rainbow stretching from the falls to the water below—a magical sight I’ll always cherish. The visitor center has plenty of other dining options too, and it is perfect for coffee, a cocktail and other refueling options in between explorations. After lunch, we walked to the iconic Skylon Tower for the elevated 360-degree view of the Niagara Falls area. With just a day on the ground, we didn’t have time to do the Skylon Tower Revolving Dinng Room, but it would have been at the top of my list if we’d had a longer stay. That evening, we embarked on one of the most memorable parts of our trip. The Hornblower evening cruise brings you right up to the falls, so plan to wear yet another plastic pancho….you will get drenched, but I loved every second. We chose the evening cruise specifically to see the dazzling fireworks from the water, a spectacular sight. After the cruise, we relaxed with a cocktail back at our hotel.

The Quick Trip Back
Our trip was short but sweet, flying in on Friday and out on Sunday. On our last day, we enjoyed one last walk around the Table Rock area before checking out of the hotel and heading back across the Rainbow Bridge. Not so fast through. We broke up the long walk with a stop at what became my favorite restaurant on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls: Queen Victoria Place Restaurant. The panoramic falls view, the service, the food….this place DOES NOT disappoint.

Once we walked back across the Rainbow Bridge, through U.S. customs, we caught another Uber

Before heading to the airport, we enjoyed another round of buffalo wings at a restaurant better than the Anchor Bar, making for a delicious end to our trip.

Tips for Future Travelers
Travel Light: Especially if you aim to walk across the Rainbow Bridge, a carry-on is essential for ease of movement.
Comfy shoes: Although we easily secured Ubers on our rides to and from the Buffalo airport, there was zero pickup on the Canadian side (and we tried multiple times). There's a lot of walking, so leave the “nice shoes” at home to opt for comfort. Also, there is lots and lots of water and humidity, so skip the blowout, ladies

• Dress in Layers: Weather can change rapidly. Even if you go during the summer, make sure you have a light jacket.

• Plan for Meals: Some places can be pricey (did I mention a $35 omlette at IHOP??), but note that breathtaking views are worth it.

• Evening Cruise: Highly recommended for the fireworks.
  Extra Day: Consider an extra day for a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a quaint town with wineries and shops.

Final Thoughts
Niagara Falls is a beautiful destination, full of history and natural beauty. It's a trip best enjoyed when you're active and can handle a lot of walking. The international crowd adds to the experience, making it a melting pot of cultures.

Not big for families: I can’t tell you how many “bored” teenagers I saw. Unless your child is a nature enthusiast, leave him or her at home and just make it an amazing honeymoon or anniversary experience.

Pack your bags with all your comfy shoes and clothes to get ready for the adventure of a lifetime at Niagara Falls. Whether you’re marveling at the falls, enjoying local cuisine, or soaking in the history, it’s a trip you’ll never forget.