Niagara Falls - In December?

Despite the elevation of the 38th floor, almost 400 feet into the air, the roar of the thunderous waters below rises to greet us through the closed window. The view is magnificent, but the sound overshadows the vastness of what can be seen. And the magic here? The magic is what can be felt.

When I think of water, my thoughts drift toward the simplicity of it. When I see it in this magnitude though, my thoughts become bewildered, and I can’t translate what I’m seeing and feeling into words. It’s the sense that something I’ve purposefully compartmentalized into something small and unassuming, can be so powerful. I stand there in silence allowing all my senses to regulate, translate, and ultimately accept what is before me.

Historical Perspective

Niagara, first appearing in correspondence in 1641, is generally accepted to mean “the strait.” Believed to have formed over 12,000 years ago, Niagara Falls was created from melting glaciers that also culminated in the massive Great Lakes. Niagara Falls is comfortably wedged between two countries – the southernmost portion of Ontario, Canada and in New York of the United States. The two places are connected by various bridges – most notably, the Rainbow Bridge that serves as the border crossing.

Preparing to Travel

            If traveling from the U.S., you will be required to have your passport up to date. We flew from Huntsville, AL with a layover in Washington D.C. Though a planned quick flight, the world is unpredictable. Our plane was frozen at the airport in Alabama, leading to a missed connecting flight in D.C. and an accidental 12-hour layover before we landed in Buffalo, New York to pick up our rental car. While that sounds bad, that kept us from arriving at the border crossing until 1 a.m. and a border crossing at 1 a.m. means no lines!

Where We Stayed

Crossing the border, thankfully, was uneventful and our destination was a mere mile from the border line. We stayed at Embassy Suites on the Canadian side overlooking Horseshoe Falls. This specific hotel was situated so we could walk to the most popular tourist attractions (and see them from our window).

And what an out of place surprise when we pulled up to park – the hotel was playing “Sweet Home Alabama” by the apparent internationally loved, Lynard Skynard. A coincidence? Surely not.

Why December?

Niagara Falls is a huge tourist destination. In fact, prior to the placement of the Statue of Liberty, it was a national symbol and a must-see for those traveling to the area for the first time. Now, in the peak tourist months of May through September, with the largest crowds arriving in July and August, the place is packed, the lines are long, and if you are trying to vacate away from people, traveling to Niagara Falls at peak times will not offer any solitude.

And why would I post an article in May about traveling to Niagara Falls in December? This is the time to make your plans and book your flights – when you can save a dime!

            December, which is in the middle part of the off-season might be the prime time to travel to Niagara Falls. For one, they really know how to do Christmas – the entire city is twinkling with lights! We also had no wait times at any attraction, restaurant, or store. We had the place to ourselves!

Favorites

Sounds- the roar of the river falling off the cliff, the violent vibration of the Falls from underneath them.   

Sights- the view of Toronto from across Lake Ontario, the view of the Falls from the hotel window, our random meeting with the Niagara Falls mayor, antique shops off the beaten path.

Perceptions- the cold feel of the Great Lakes (must stick hands in), the winged beats of the butterflies in the butterfly conservatory.

Tastes- the fettucine alfredo from the Four Brothers Cucina!

For the Curious

Erosion is the gradual destruction by water, wind, or other naturally occurring elements. Niagara Falls is moving, retreating backwards by a staggering 1 foot per year! Officials have placed a blockade in preparation for this, redirecting the violently flowing water away from the embankment.

People attempt tightrope-walking over the gorge, the first in 1859 by Charles Blondin, and most recently Nik Wallenda in 2012, rumored to want to attempt again.

There is always a rainbow over Rainbow Bridge when viewed from Horseshoe Falls. At least, I saw a rainbow every time!  

Niagara Falls is considered a top honeymoon destination. The place was very romantic to me, so I can see why.

Niagara Falls has been on my list for some time, but I was never sure when to go and how long to stay. Now that I’ve been there in December, I don’t think I could go and fully enjoy it during the peak travel months and crowds where wait times in lines near two hours.

As for the amount of time to spend there, it is feasible to make it into a long weekend for two or extend up to one week and brave the traffic north to Toronto, something we avoided after being warned about the inescapable traffic.

In essence, Niagara Falls is breathtaking. All your senses will react and even though it has been six months since my travels there, I find that my mind drifts back to that moment in time when I was speechless.