Water, Water, Water Everywhere

If you're going to Toronto then a visit to Niagara is pretty much a must see.  Yes it's very touristy and yes it can get pretty crowded but it's still pretty neat to see and you can really make a day or two of it if you plan it right.

Unfortunately we didn't.

So lesson learned.  Don't believe everything you read and never trust a timetable.  Especially a Canadian timetable. We did and ended up losing several hours of valuable never-going-to-get-back sightseeing time.

Number One tip:  Don't take the VIA Rail Canada Niagara Express train that goes from Toronto.  This train is always late, like ALWAYS.  It might call itself the Express but as it crosses over the border to the US and has to go through customs both ways it's always delayed.  So avoid.  

Instead take one of the local Go-Transit trains from Toronto.  It's cheaper and much quicker and you'll get to spend as much time as you like - you could even opt to stay the night there and go back to Toronto the following day (something we wished we had done instead).

On the plus side the Falls really are wonderful to see.

Arriving at the the Niagara Falls train station you'll be forgiven for thinking you've landed in no-mans land and that you're gonna be fed to the local wildlife aka bears.  Because yes the train station is pretty much in the middle of nowhere on the edge of a decrepit looking town that looks like the only people living there are ghosts and serial killers.  Blame the imagery on me watching way too many crime shows and Supernatural.

Luckily there is are regular buses to save you from this fate and will whisk you away to civilisation, i.e. all things touristy and gimmicky and watery.

There is heaps to see and do and you could really make it a total Niagara Falls immersion if you wanted to by doing it all.  Really though the Falls are pretty impressive in just themselves.  

Not being a particularly touristy tourist we skipped on all the watery things like the Maid of the Mist etc. and instead walked along the promenade taking endless photos of the Falls and having the occasional snack break in the pretty park that ran alongside the walk.

After taking photos of the Falls from every angle possible just because I could we then made our way to Niagara-on-the-Lake.  It's a bit tricky getting there (you have to take a taxi as there are no buses) but the village is super pretty and it's just lovely to walk around and admire all the lovely buildings.

And if after all that you still feel like more things to see and do there are a range of walks and museums and attractions that you can take your pick of which makes spending the night either at the Falls or nearby a very attractive proposition.  Apparently seeing the Falls in the evening is pretty magical.

I'm definitely planning on going back one day and seeing some more.

And no I won't be taking the Niagara Express train.