Sometimes Its Fun to Just Be A Tourist

Usually we are travelers, not tourists.   According to my husband this means we often take buses, subways or just walk.  We take only what we can each fit into our carry-on pack.  We gravitate to smaller towns and explore smaller sites.

But sometimes it is fun to be a tourist and explore a popular destination in spite of (or maybe because of) the crowds.

Visiting the falls as a small child 

We played tourist on one trip when we spent a couple of days at Niagara Falls.  It wasn’t a random stop either.  I had visited the falls when I was a small child and I had very faint memories of a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat.  I really wanted to visit as an adult!  (Ok, this desire was partly inspired by the short, quirky tv series Wonderfalls… what can I say?)

Once a glamorous honeymoon destination, the town of Niagara Falls is a bit worn down.  The Falls themselves are just as amazing as ever.  And not being much of a shopper, it was the water that was calling my name. 

 

Our visit to the Falls was just a short stop on a longer motorcycle tour.   The motorcycle trip wasn’t planned out day by day and a cold snap had changed our route, so we didn’t have reservations.  Luckily the second hotel we tried had a room and the hotel was across the street from Niagara Falls Park.  Late that afternoon we were enjoying some amazing views.

The Rainbow Bridge

It wasn’t until the next morning that we actually had our ‘tourist’ day.    I had heard the view of the falls from the Canadian side was the best, so I made sure to pack our passports.  It would have been easy enough to drive through customs on each side, but it was even easier to walk.  We crossed the Rainbow Bridge into Canada, presented our passports at the Canadian Customs desk, and then spent an hour or two strolling through the Canadian Falls park.  The return trip was just as easy (I think a small fee was required as we left the Canadian side, but I knew the amount needed and had change in my purse).  

The Maid of the Mist

Spending time strolling and enjoying the views is free in both the U.S. and Canadian parks.  It’s some of the attractions that are ‘touristy”, and the cost can add up.  Those are the things we usually skip.  Not this time.  I was determined to ride on the Maid of the Mist. 

 

So we waited in line to ride the elevator to the top of the passenger gathering area.  We waited in line to get our blue maid of the mist raincoat (be warned -- it won't really keep you dry).  And we waited in line to get on the boat.  Was it worth it?  YES! 

It was so much fun. 

We were almost in the falls. 

And of course we had to be at the edge of the boat deck for the best views.

I looked like a drowned rat.
And I’d do it again.  

Sometimes it’s cool to just be a tourist!