There is a story behind every picture, and here is one for this picture of Charlene clearly forcing a smile and getting wet. Being here was a physically intense experience.
Charlene and I have often visited Niagara Falls. There is a remarkable amount to do and see in that region. For the first two summers of our travelling adventures, we spent considerable time on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.
But one thing I did notice, and I admit to being jealous, was seeing all those people at the base of the American Falls. I have wanted to do this ever since my parents took me to Niagara as a child. When we finally received our passports, the Cave of Winds was at the top of my list of places to visit for our first trip to the USA.
I first noticed that the American side of Horseshoe Falls and America Falls is better than the Canadian side, which has the best view. There is much more to do on the American side when it comes to exploring. There are the rapids that lead up to both falls, different vantage points and some walking paths to see features not found on the Canadian side. I was surprised that we spent much more time than expected.
The Cave of Winds was the key attraction for our first visit to the USA. I had my tickets ready, and we queued in a rather long line to go down to the base of the American Falls. The number of people who were also interested in this attraction was astonishing. Although the line can be a turnoff to anyone seeing it, it moved rather quickly. They had us watch an introductory film, and after that, we boarded one of two elevators to the bottom. There, we received a flimsy raincoat. Considering the price of admission, Cave of Winds must be the main moneymaker for this park system.
The need for some protection from the mist quickly became apparent. We donned our plastic overcoat as soon as we received it, but a stubborn few insisted on waiting. Almost as soon as we left the elevator’s shelter, the mist from the falling water was everywhere.
Being this deep into the gorge carved out by the falling waters of Horseshoe, American, and the lesser acknowledged, Bridal Falls was breathtaking. There is minimal access to this level near the river on the Canadian side, and getting this close was powerful.
What was also powerful was the sound. Although not overwhelming, it was hard to miss the sound of crashing water. As we walked on the wooden boardwalk, getting closer to the falls, the mist felt more like rain. There was signage that we would read, and we marvelled at the sights, sounds and wet feeling of all the mist/rain. The raincoat we received did a good job had it not been for the wind that grew in intensity as we approached the falls.
The actual Cave of Winds was intentionally destroyed decades ago. It became a safety concern, and it was decided that it was better to destroy it and lose an interesting geological feature rather than risk lives in a potential collapse. The name stayed, and even though there is no cave anymore, there is plenty of wind.
The wind drove the mist onto our clothes through the openings of the plastic garment. We were wet but not soaked. There is one spot where this picture of Charlene was taken. It is the most intense spot to stand. The rain from the falls is pelting, and the wind is described as hurricane force. For Charlene and anyone else who stands here, it takes a lot to battle the wind and water and try to put on a cheery smile. I took my turn and struggled to stand and breathe in this wind gale. I was elated. I was very proud that we finally experienced this one place I have wanted to go to since childhood.
We left this viewpoint and decided to walk around the boardwalk again. I was surprised how many people just look and leave and never take in the experience. We saw no one who came down with us when we started to do our second lap, and the crowd had changed twice over in our time there. Such a pity. Why pay the price if you are not going to enjoy it?
Although Charlene’s expression in this picture is strained, she did enjoy it. We like to visit the Falls in the winter after a cold snap to see how the mist has affected the landscape. Knowing that the Cave of Winds is open all year, I would love to go down there again on an icy winter day to have a different perspective and try to get another picture of Charlene at the base of the American Falls.
- Do not fall for scams. Cave of Wind tickets are only available on their official website or at their ticket booth. No third-party ticket will be accepted.
- Parking is rather expensive, but if you stay to explore the entire area, it is worth it.
- Cave of Winds is open year-round.
- You WILL get wet. Have a change of shoes stored in your car to change into after.
- There are many things to do in this region, both on the Canadian and American sides. Check out my Google Map All The Places We Have Been To to see what else is worth visiting.
