On Saturday evening I walked to the Sheraton Centre which is the base for Microsoft Australia during the Worldwide Partner Conference. Here I checked in, received a outdoor jacket and a box of supplies for the trip. We were split across four buses, and the journey took over two and a half hours (owing mostly to city traffic congestion) for us to reach the famous Niagara peninsula.
Niagara Falls via Google Maps, with my crude annotations
Upon arrival, we passed the Rainbow Bridge, linking the US and Canada, and made our way down to a viewing area.
The American falls were the closest to where we disembarked from the buses.
I tried to ignore the build up of commercialism (hotels and casinos) which in all honestly, I’d thought existed only on the US side.
Rainbow Bridge to the USA
The area is very expansive, and the first glimpse of the water is a little shocking and awe inspiring at the same time. The height is less shocking, but the immense volume of water falling over the edge is downright impressive.
Initial view from the observation area of American Falls / Off in the distance is Horseshoe Falls
A bit closer: American Falls / Horseshoe Falls
Obligatory “me at the Falls” photo op
After a time, we were shepherded towards the Hornblower complex, where we were split into groups and taken down in lifts to the water level. Here we dined on pasta, salad, salmon and other goodies whilst chatting and drinking a few beers. With the light fading, I escaped and took some photos of the falls from a closer vantage point. There was some rousing conversation over dinner, and I forgot how much technical talent which these events often attract.
Niagara Beer!
After the sun had set, we finished dessert and headed onto one of the Hornblower boats. The mighty engines propelled us close to the American falls, and the provided garbage bags.. I mean.. rain coats shielded us from the huge spray coming off the surface. We passed alongside and then crept towards the roaring Horseshoe falls.
American Falls by night
Horseshoe falls, even at night, were very impressive. I’d dearly like to return and get a better look – or better yet, do a tour underneath the falls. The noise was incredible.
Horseshoe Falls / Selfie
Horseshoe / Rainbow Bridge
After doing a second pass, the ship slowly returned to dock, and we started to shuffle back outside and eventually back to the elevators. The gift shop on the way out proved too crowded for browsing, so I made my way out chatting to a few people on the way back to the bus.