Niagara Falls: The Ugly Side of Natural Beauty

While Niagara Falls is a true marvel of nature, its natural beauty is often overshadowed by human-made aspects that detract from its overall experience. If you're planning to visit, here are some of the negative aspects of Niagara Falls that might make you reconsider your honeymoon destination or any other trip there.

The Overcommercialization of the Canadian Side

On the Canadian side, the attraction has been meticulously crafted to cater to tourists, but at the expense of its aesthetic integrity. The town, often compared to a cheap Vegas knockoff, has transformed into an overcommercialized landscape. Lookout towers, meant to provide breathtaking views, are unfortunately incredibly ugly to look at and lack the charm one would expect from such an iconic destination.

It's a stark reminder of how modern development can overshadow the natural beauty that brings people to these places in the first place.

Weather-Dependent Crowds

The popularity of Niagara Falls is directly related to the weather. When the weather is nice, crowds are large, and the visitor experience can be anything but enjoyable. During a particularly warm and sunny June weekend a few years ago, the place was practically empty, with no long lines and even the zipline being underutilized due to the rain. However, the following year saw a complete opposite, with the attraction packed from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Just imagine standing in endless lines for attractions you might not even enjoy as you barely make it to your destination.

Expensive, Overpriced Food

Food prices near the Falls are notoriously high, often referred to as a total rip-off by visitors. The two main exceptions are Tim Hortons and The Secret Garden, where prices are actually quite affordable. However, the city is home to four Burger Kings, with the two near Clifton Hill and Fallsview Casino charging an extra $50 compared to those not near the falls. To avoid paying outrageous prices, consider heading half a mile up Victoria Avenue towards Ferry, where prices return to a more reasonable level.

Tourist Traps and Unappealing Areas

Niagara Falls is full of tourist traps, and while some attractions like Bird Kingdom provide fun experiences, these are exceptions rather than the rule. Furthermore, several parts of Niagara Falls are run down, with Stanley Avenue north of Ferry serving as a prime example. The old downtown area, which is home to train and bus stations, is similarly degraded.

Inadequate Public Transportation and Parking

Public transportation options are limited and inconvenient. The main tourist transportation network, WEGO, covers the Niagara River and some tourist areas but runs buses every 20 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes during off-peak times. Niagara Falls Transit has decreased its frequency from every 20 minutes to every 30 minutes. Additionally, parking near the Falls is almost unavailable, making it a hassle for visitors.

Seasonal Closures and Winter Challenges

Many of the major attractions are closed from late October to March. While the Falls are no less spectacular in winter, the cold and ice make it challenging to maintain the sites' operational presence, leading to a significant reduction in visitor hours.

In conclusion, while Niagara Falls offers a lifetime of memories for many, its negative aspects such as overcommercialization, weather-dependent crowds, high prices, and inconvenient transportation should be carefully considered. Whether you're planning a honeymoon or any other trip, these factors might influence your decision on whether Niagara Falls is the best destination for you.