Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
people are vying for a spot along the brink, so take photos, appreciate the vista, then let an-
other visitor move into your spot.
Table Rock Welcome Centre
The Table Rock Welcome Centre (6650 Niagara Pkwy., 877/642-7275,
www.niagaraparks.com , 24 hours daily, free) is the large bronze and brown structure at the
brink of the falls, which houses restaurants, shops, attractions, a first aid station, and public
washrooms.Thebathroomsarealwaysopen,buthoursofoperationvaryfortheattractions,
restaurants, and gift shops. Restaurants include takeout options as well as a coffee shop.
Paid parking ($10-20) is available across the street from the center, accessible via the
crosswalk or pedestrian bridge. The complex is a major hub for the WEGO transportation
service. Many visitors park across from the center and then use WEGO buses for their ex-
ploration of Niagara.
MM JOURNEY BEHIND THE FALLS
Journey Behind the Falls (Table Rock Welcome Centre, 6650 Niagara Pkwy., 877/
642-7275, www.niagaraparks.com , 9am-5pm Mon.-Fri., extended hours Sat.-Sun. Sept.-
May and daily June-Aug., $16 adults, $11 children 6-12, free for children 5 and under) is,
as its name implies, a chance to view Niagara Falls from inside the gorge wall, via a tunnel
dug parallel to the face of the falls. The tunnels connect with two portals that allow you to
look at the raging sheet of water from behind. The tunnels also lead to an outdoor observa-
tion platform at the base of Horseshoe Falls. Included in the cost of admission is a yellow
plastic rain poncho. Keep it—it will come in handy later!
The journey starts with an elevator ride 15 stories underground. Upon exiting the elev-
ator, you are immersed in a cool, dim, and dank series of tunnels, with the hum of the falls
audible in the distance. The main tunnel slopes slightly downhill, leading to another tun-
nel on the right. This tunnel is parallel to the face of the falls. Within a few hundred yards,
you'll find two portals—windows for viewing the falls from behind.
Theportalshavenoprotectiveglass,justamodestfenceseparatingyoufromthetorrent.
The visual aspect of the portals (seeing falling water) is secondary to the feeling you exper-
ience. The roaring force of the falling water creates a subtle tremor that intensifies as you
approachthesafetyfence.Sheetsofwaterslashattheopeningintherockface,causingdis-
lodged rocks to gather on the floor of the portal. Both portals are identical, so find the one
with a shorter line. This portion of your journey should take about 5-10 minutes.
On your way back to the main tunnel, turn right and continue to the observation plat-
form. The platform's upper level is enclosed and offers a protected vantage point of this
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