Hey There!

Today's post is going to be a little different with a bit more of a blog style. Because about the time I got back to the US last October I was super burnt out and I've never shared a lot of my travels that I did in those last 2 months!

So I'm jumping back on the train and sharing more about some previous travels that I've never shared before!
This week I wanted to share about my Amtrak journey to Niagara Falls and what to know if you decide to book either of them!

Enjoy!

​

🚆 Traveling with Amtrak to Niagara Falls

About this time last year I took a 9 hour Amtrak Journey from NYC to Niagara Falls. I had all day to get there so I figured why not take the scenic route? I couldn't wait to see the fall colors and have a relaxing journey across New York State.
​

I documented my experience & what to expect in my most recent YouTube video which you can watch below

​

​

And while I enjoyed the journey (and would love to take more train rides across the US!), if I did this one again, there are a few things I would do differently.

First, I would sit on the LEFT side of the train. The route basically follows the Hudson River upstate before turning towards Canada and I was very jealous of their views. Mine had a lot of trees blocking my view for a lot of it and their side looked so pretty the entire time.

Second, I would book an earlier train. Due to my schedule that day, I booked a 1pm train but being mid-Oct it got dark less than half way through and I couldn't see anything once that happened. So to get the full effect & really enjoy it, I would book an earlier train.

Third, I thought the wifi would be better than it was. I knew better. So on top of it being dark outside I also wasn't really prepared for the 2 hour delay to extend the trip to 11 hours.

Final verdict....

Am I happy I did it? Absolutely!
Would I do it again? Probably not, but those few changes would have improved the experience.
​

☀️ DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS: Niagara Falls

Like many visiting Niagara Falls had been on my bucket list for awhile so I was excited to get to visit. I only spent 1 day there, which honestly felt like plenty of time, but you could extend it to 2 and do a few more things.

But here are the things we did and enjoyed during our visit!

• Walked Across the Rainbow Bridge to Canada

First thing in the morning we walked across the bridge to the Canada side getting a wide view of the falls. It was our first time seeing them and a great introduction to the area! It was also my first time into Canada!

You can also cycle or take a car over. Everything we read said we didn't need a car there (which was true) and since we flew/take the train in we didn't have one so we walked across with no issues. The cost is $1 for walking/cycling or $5 for a car.

• Lunch at the Skylon Tower

This is a sky tower with a 360 degree rotating dining room. It does 1 full spin over the course of an hour, so you get to see all of Niagara Falls and the surrounding areas during your meal. The food was pretty good and the atmosphere was really nice. It was also cold & kinda windy the day we visited so it was a nice break from all the outdoor activities.

​

• Cave of the Winds

All of the activities we booked were on the NY side although similar ones can be booked on the Canadian side. Our first stop finally getting up close and personal with the falls was Cave of the Winds. After going through a small museum about the history of the falls you walk out onto wooden platforms to get as close as you dare! It's really an experience to feel the strength of the falls.

• Maid of the Mist

Last but not least the main attraction of taking a boat out onto the river and getting soaked! They do give you ponchos which was a must! We had so much fun on the boat and anyone who visits should make it a priority. We decided to do it at the end of the day so that we could go straight back to the hotel to change.

​

​

---

🧡 That's a Wrap

If you have any questions about either experience feel free to hit reply and ask away!

Also, I'm going to be creating some new travel resources over the next week. If there is anything specific you'd like to see let me know and I'll try my best!