Niagara Falls, Canada

This is Dr. Mary Travelbest, and we'll be talking about Niagara Falls, Canada.

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Destination Deep‑Dive

Today's destination is: "A Day at Niagara Falls – Solo, Soaked & Spectacular"

Today, we're diving into the thundering wonder that is Niagara Falls, from a solo female traveler's lens — and yes, I got a little wet.

On the Road to the Falls

I took the FlixBus from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The ride is scenic and comfortable, even with a bit of drama—my Toronto Metro train broke down this morning. I had to get off and wait for a new train, adding 10 minutes of stress, but I made it to Union Station with 10 minutes to spare. Assigned seats on the FlixBus? Yes, but only six of us are aboard.

Arrival and First Impressions

Niagara Falls is hot, humid, and packed with tourists, but the moment you see those Horseshoe Falls, it's all worth it. There are three waterfalls here: Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil, but the Canadian side is definitely the star.

I hopped on the Canadian version of the Maid of the Mist—you'll get soaked, especially your socks and sneakers like mine were. But you'll also get rainbows, misty selfies, and memories that stick.

A little side note: I had a sore little toe, so I MacGyvered it with a Band-Aid and masking tape. That's solo travel resilience!

Good impression: the Queen's Palace and a delicious ice cream. Free water refills and restrooms here. Nearby, there is a Hidden Park called "The Secret Garden". Spend your extra time here and relax in the grassy areas.

The hotel section of the falls left a good impression: A walking tour of the hotels and touristy sights resembled the strip in a touristy trap like Las Vegas. The Hard Rock Cafe. The Sheraton, Rainbow Forest, and games for kids. I would not want to stay here by choice.

There is a free bus that takes you to and from the parking lot where the Flix Bus and other buses congregate. There is some walking, though. If you are not up for that, you will want to stay closer to town. It's flat. There are no hills here to speak of. There are a lot of seniors, so expect to have special needs taken care of upon arrival. But it never hurts to ask in advance.

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Sights to Soak In

 

Here's what I recommend for women over 50 visiting Niagara Falls without a car:

1. Niagara SkyWheel – An enclosed Ferris wheel with views from above. Great if you want the drama without the wet socks.

https://www.cliftonhill.com/attractions/niagara-skywheel

https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/journey-behind-the-falls/

https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/play/outdoor-recreation/niagara-parks-botanical-gardens/

https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/play/outdoor-recreation/dufferin-islands/

https://www.niagaraonthelake.com/

2. Journey Behind the Falls – Walk through tunnels to observation decks behind the roaring water. Just bring a poncho. I thoroughly enjoyed that, so go there first.
   
   

3. Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory – Peaceful, flower-filled, and shaded—ideal for avoiding tourist fatigue. These were closed early, so I did not get to experience them, except from the outside.
   
   

4. Dufferin Islands – A quiet nature escape just a short walk from the main attraction.
   
   

5. Niagara-on-the-Lake – A 20-minute shuttle or bus ride gets you to this charming town with wineries, boutiques, and calm waters. Do it if you want a "reset" after the tourist crush.
   
   

Crossing the Border? Not So Fast.

https://www.niagarafallslive.com/rainbow_bridge.htm

 

5 Steps to Solo Travel website

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