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Writer's pictureFilms Oiseau de nuit

Niagara Falls + Toronto

Updated: Sep 15, 2023

Toronto Islands and Niagara Falls, information, activities, experiences.

horse shoe waterfall niagara falls
Niagara Falls, Horseshoe Falls (Canada)


Niagara Falls (Canadian + American side)


Obviously, most people who visit Toronto make the detour to Niagara Falls, the famous falls between the United States and Ontario. My advice for doing it on both sides, definitely do the Canadian side. You will have a much better view and a better experience. Of course, if time permits, you can do both sides. The border between Canada and the United States, especially at this point, is relatively easy to cross, as tourists often do so for the falls.


horse shoe falls niagara view from usa
Niagara Falls, Horseshoe Falls, view from USA

I like to say that Niagara Falls is a bit of a 'Vegas Wannabe', you might notice that too, as there are plenty of casinos, fancy restaurants, hotels and grand attractions to please tourists.

When you find yourself in front of this giant, you will understand a little why Niagara Falls are truly exceptional. They are not very high (57 m) but their perfect half-moon shape makes them the most powerful waterfalls in North America with a flow rate of 2,800 m3/s.


Niagara Falls, Canada horse shoe falls
Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, Canada

We only have eyes for the biggest one, called the Horseshoe, but the Niagara Gorge actually has two other, slightly smaller falls. The “fall of the bridal veil” and the “American fall”. Even though the smallest fall mentions the wedding, it is by pure chance that for a few decades, several Quebec couples have enjoyed spending their honeymoon there. Today, travel is much easier and newlyweds are likely choosing new destinations, but the older generation certainly saw something exotic in Niagara Falls.



american falls niagara falls and bridal veil falls
American drop and ''bridal veil'' drop (right)

And what about his famous balancing acts? Many have challenged themselves to cross it high on the tightrope. I even heard that some weirdo had boiled eggs in the middle of the crossing. A few people put themselves in barrels to brag about having tamed it. Some even dove straight into it!


Toronto Islands


cn tower 2 man fishing toronto islands
Toronto seen from its islands

Toronto is not the capital of Canada (Ottawa is). Whatever we can easily give it credit for, with a population of almost 2.8 million in 2021. It is, after all, the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest city in North America. It is a host city for several immigrants from all over the world with more than 200 distinct ethnic origins. So easily, we feel right at home in Toronto.


toronto port boat
Toronto port

I have obviously been there several times in my life, for shows, with friends to run the streets or for the shooting of my film on Canada and each time, I rediscover it differently. My little discovery in 2018 with the filming of REPÈRES was the visit of its islands accessible by ferry at a very modest cost. You can both practice the outdoors, change your mind and have fun. You will be able to have a superb snapshot of the city and the CN Tower. Speaking of this one, I never dared go up there. Not because of its 553 meters, but because the price is exaggeratedly too expensive in my opinion, that is 43$ CAD. On the Toronto Islands, I guarantee you a change of scenery for less than $20 (approximate price for the round-trip ferry). No car is allowed there and therefore, you will have a little peace of mind. I saw people there biking, canoeing and kayaking. I saw swans and a maze there!






Leave everything and travel, become a nomad. Many people dream of it, but many also fear doing it. Be inspired by the adventures of an independent travel filmmaker who challenged herself to make 10 travel films around the world and become a full-time nomad.




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