Niagara Falls
You know on the telly, you see this marvellous cataract of thundering water and spray gushing over a sheer cliff, and think, "Wow, how fantastic, I must go and see that some day"?

Well, I did. Actually I've been twice.

But the first time, 1998, we turned up in Niagara, on the Canadian side, parked the car and got out. My first thought - "fucking hell, I'm in Blackpool!"

It must be the tackiest place I've ever been. Including Blackpool. And Cleethorpes.

Sure, there's this big river thing falling over a cliff, which is rather spectacular, but the development built up near it is horrible.

So, a traveller's tip. If you're going to Niagara, go to the American side first. It's a nice, undeveloped National Park. The falls aren't so spectacular on that side, but once you've seen them, then make a quick trip over the rainbow bridge to see the big falls on your way home.
( K2k6 has a proper job these days, Thu 26 Jun 2008, 16:09, 4 replies)

LOL
ISNT the Canadian side of the Falls DISGUSTING?! I spent New Years there one year and we marvelled at the just grossness of the touristy stuff along the main road! I mean, it was like: "If a trainload of carnies (carnival people) were to breakdown and decide to start their own town, complete with midget strippers and bearded women meter maids THIS would be the town they would create!"
( Citadel Because the world needs less morons, Thu 26 Jun 2008, 16:18, closed)

When I went
it was November. There was too much mist and poor visibility to properly see them. I was based on the US side but did briefly cross over into Canada. The Canadian side was tackier but at least I had a better overview of the whole shebang. Did manage to sneak up to the top floor of a posh hotel to see the falls but the mist got in the way.
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Thu 26 Jun 2008, 16:48, closed)

The town sucks, but...
the water can be pretty spectacular. Have to either go on the maid of the mist boat ride which takes you right underneath the falls, or go on the tour that goes behind the falls, so you can look out through a veil of water. it's fabulous, but the wait is bloody abysmal. but when you're done, you can always go visit the wineries in the niagara peninsula, which are turning out some damned nice stuff these days.
(tuqueboy has been in a medically -induced coma since, Thu 26 Jun 2008, 23:01, closed)

Hehe
Cleethorpes. Old Cleggy - I used to go there every sunday for yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaars
( morrybyte made a subtle namechange at, Fri 27 Jun 2008, 5:34, closed)