I had never been to see Niagara Falls before and lucked out with several sweet deals on a hotel and flights to Toronto (likely because, who really wants to travel to freezing Canada in February!?🥶😂). It feels like flight prices, especially from a remote area of Maine, are astronomically expensive these days, so I had to jump on one that wouldn’t break the bank! 💰

I flew into Toronto and then did a day trip to see the falls on both the Canada and the US sides. It was a touch overcast and a bit cold, but definitely neat to see in person in the winter. I also happily escaped -20 degree F temperatures in Maine that weekend (with a wind-chill making it ‘feel like’ -40!). 🥶😳

The Canada Side 🇨🇦🍁

I read that the Canada side has better views of the falls, and I have to agree! There is a paved trail following along the falls, and the entire gorge extending after it, which makes for some lovely views! The amount of water going over the falls just a few steps from the path is overwhelming and felt very powerful.

Walking to the United State’s Side

I asked our tour guide if it was possible for me to use our free time (4 hours) to walk from Canada to the U.S. via the bridge, and he said ‘Oh no, no. Only if you were going to spend a few days here.” 😂 Thankfully, I met some friendly tourists on the Canada side and learned that they had easily walked over the bridge from the U.S.. They told me that it was possible to explore on either side of the falls as long as I had my passport. Yay!

There is a $1 charge (which must be in coins) to walk across the bridge from Canada to the U.S. and border guards on each side to check your passport. It was extremely windy on the day that I walked across and the views from here are not very pretty. However, the border guard on the Canada side was kind enough to stamp my new passport. 🇨🇦

The United States Side 🇺🇸

To be fair, there is a second water fall on the U.S. side that makes it impossible to have a path along the gorge like on the Canada side, so the views aren’t as impressive. There is a nice park on the U.S. side and several bridges that you need to walk across in order to get close to the falls. Unfortunately, I found out that during the winter months, the observation platforms on the U.S. side are closed due to snow and ice, so the view is extra limited. The side views are nice though!

Clifton Hill Street 🏚️

Back on the Canada side, Clifton Hill street, complete with restaurants, shops and kid-centric activities, is right across from the falls, and very family friendly.

Tim Hortons 🥪☕️

For some reason, I incorrectly believed that this famous Canadian restaurant was unique only to Canada. I felt very special getting to eat here while visiting. 😉 To my surprise, I drove right by one in Maine on my way home from the airport! 😂 Ha! I guess there are actually over 600 of these restaurants in the U.S., unbeknownst to me. It was still a treat getting to eat here after walking nearly 6 miles along the falls in two countries!

Maple Tasting 🍁

On the way back from Niagara, we stopped at a local shop that offers maple syrup tasting. I didn’t realize how different the syrup can taste depending on type and shade.

Toronto 🌃

I was able to use some hotel points to stay in down-town Toronto and was impressed with how safe and clean it felt! I was hoping to view the city from the CN tower, but it was mostly snowing with poor visibility on the day that I had hoped to go, so it just gives me an excuse to come back another time.

Thanks to those of you who are still following along! Hope everyone is having a safe and warm start to February! 😀