Getting Up Close And Personal With Niagara Falls

To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

This week's travel report gets up close and personal with Niagara Falls and shows viewers how you can "feel Niagara's flow." NY1's Valarie D'Elia filed the following report.

When daredevil Nik Wallenda successfully walked a high wire 1,800 feet above Niagara Falls recently, he was wearing shoes specially designed by his mother.

When you visit the Falls, you’ll be issued special shoes of your own but not made by Nik’s mom. All visitors to the Cave of the Winds start their descent with special slip-proof footwear.

Cave of the Winds, on the American side of the Falls, is a self-guided walking tour of Niagara Gorge. It takes you within 20 feet of the face of Bridal Veil falls by way of slippery wooden walkways. The standard issue yellow slickers hold up pretty well until you reach the infamous Hurricane Deck, which can literally can blow you away.

Another historic attraction is the Maid of the Mist boat ride accessed from either the American or Canadian side. Changing into blue slickers, a throng of sightseers cram into boats that get so close to Horseshoe Falls, visitors almost feel like they are about to be sucked into the brink.

"The sound, the feel, the wind, it gives you such a high," says Rosie, visiting from Staten Island. "It's amazing."

Visitors can experience Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds and three other attractions for 30 percent off with the Discovery pass. Prices are $33 for adults and $26 for kids aged 6 through 12. Admission is free for children under 5. The admission includes free trolley around the grounds.

Niagara Falls is located 17 miles north of Buffalo on the New York/Canadian border. For more information, visit www.niagarafallsstatepark.com.

As is common practice in the travel industry, Travel With Val often receives complimentary travel or reduced "media" rates at hotels, resorts and attractions, including those that may be featured in these reports. Such consideration is not taken in exchange for any express or implied promise or understanding of any nature, particularly regarding the content of these reports. These reports only feature travel providers personally recommended by Valarie D’Elia in the exercise of her independent editorial judgment, and do not represent the endorsement of Time Warner Cable or any third party.