Growing up in the Midwest, my family occasionally traveled to one of the largest and most breathtaking waterfalls in the world: Niagara Falls, straddling the border between Canada and the United States.
No matter how many times I visit, I’m always struck by the beauty, wonder, and sheer power of the cascading water as it plunges from the Niagara River into the lower falls. Several years ago, my wife (then girlfriend) and I attended a wedding in Hamilton, Ontario. For the first time in 20 years, I found myself back at the majestic falls. It was her first visit, as she is originally from Bulgaria. We wandered around the Canadian side in the sweltering heat and took the Hornblower cruise to experience the falls up close. It was my first time on the boat, and it was a profoundly moving (and very wet) experience.
A couple of years later, we brought my older boys, then 16 and 18, to see the falls from the Canadian side. Watching their reactions reminded me of my own childhood awe.
Fast forward a few more years, and my mother-in-law came to visit from Bulgaria to spend time with our newborn. We took her on a tour of New England and then out to Ohio to visit my family’s Christmas tree farm. On our way back, we stopped in Buffalo, New York, to show her the U.S. side of Niagara Falls. While it was beautiful, I realized how limited the views are from the American side compared to the sweeping vistas on the Canadian side. We vowed that next time she visited, we’d cross the border to give her the full experience.
This past summer, we finally fulfilled that promise during her visit. On our way back from Ohio, we stopped at Niagara again—this time with a new plan. Instead of driving to the Canadian side, we parked near the One Niagara Welcome Center and walked across the Rainbow Bridge.
Crossing the bridge was an experience in itself. The views were stunning, with the river far below and the falls in the distance. At the Canadian border, we passed through customs, paid the $1 CAD pedestrian toll, and entered the park. We spent hours exploring the beautifully manicured gardens, floral displays, and, of course, the incredible panoramic views of the falls.
When it was time to head back, we walked across the bridge again, paid the $1 USD toll, and cleared U.S. customs. I was surprised at how many people we saw walking back and forth—it’s a unique way to experience the falls from both countries.
If the weather allows, I highly recommend taking the walk across the Rainbow Bridge. It adds a special dimension to an already unforgettable visit to Niagara Falls.