Maid of the Mist (Niagara Falls)

The crown jewel of the Explorer's Pass is the Maid of the Mist, which has been in operation since 1846

You can see just how far down the canyon is from the Observation Platform that we were just on

Everyone is issued a blue poncho before boarding.  Those that were smart and wore sandals will have a much better time than those who wore just socks and shoes.  They're going to get soaked.

The views from Maid of the Mist are unparalleled 

American and Bridal Veil Falls

You also get a great view of the Cave of the Winds Boardwalk from the boat.

Heading into Horseshoe Falls (Canadian Falls)

The roar is deafening

At this point, we are as far in as the boats are allowed and the Falls surround us on 3 sides of the boat.  The amount of mist is insane.

Starting to turn the boat around

Moving back out.

Seriously, if you do not ride Maid of the Mist while at Niagara Falls, you really haven't experienced the Falls completely.

The boat we rode was known as Maid of the Mist VII.

It was a lot of fun and definitely should be on everyone's "bucket list"

Cave of the Winds (Niagara Falls)

Welcome to Cave of the Winds

These are the elevators that will take you down to the Boardwalks

Well, first, once you get to the bottom of the elevator, you have to go down this long creepy hallway

Then you go down this pathway

Here we are finally, the entrance to the Cave of the Winds boardwalks

Yes, it is directly under the Bridal Veil Falls.

The mist can get pretty thick at times down here.

You get really close to the bottom of the falls for both Bridal Veil and American Falls.

Here is the bottom of both American and Bridal Veil Falls

You can also get a pretty view of Horseshoe Falls from here.  Look at that mist cloud coming up from all of that rushing water.

As you navigate up on your tour, the mist keeps getting thicker.

The roar of the water coming down from the falls is really loud.

The boardwalk is built right over the bottom of the falls.  You can get a great look at how fast this water is moving.

Seriously, it's hard to get over the power of the water.

Another rainbow.

Isn't it beautiful?

The very top of the boardwalk is known as the Hurricane Deck

 

Here you can come within a couple feet of the actual Bridal Veil Falls and feel the force of the smallest of the 3 waterfalls at Niagara.

I have to admit, it is quite the rush.

No visit to Niagara would be complete without this tour - and we highly recommend it.

Unprecedented views await at the Cave of the Winds Boardwalk.

Aquarium of Niagara (Niagara Falls)

Welcome to the Aquarium of Niagara

In the middle of the entire Aquarium is a large pool where demonstrations are presented with California Sea Lions.

Penguins

Axoloti

African Rift Cichlids

Longnose Gar

American Eel and Lake Sturgeon

  

Rudd

  

Spotted Turtle 

Blacktip Reef Shark

Lined Seahorse

Brook Trout

   

Reef Tank

Clownfish and Anemone

Volitan Lionfish

Electric Eel

Upside-down Jellies

Australian Spotted Jellyfish  

Moon Jellyfish

  

Pacific Sea Nettle 

Longnosed Turtle

Harbor Seals and Gray Seals

The Aquarium is included with your Explorer's Pass and is a fun stop on your tour of the State Park