Niagara Falls, Canada The Niagara River splits into two water- falls, the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and American Falls or Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side. If you have time, stop on the U.S. side on Goat Island (further info below) to appreciate a different perspective. All the water you see going over the Falls
comes from the four Great Lakes upstream. Every drop is destined to Lake Ontario, then into the St Lawrence River, and ulti- mately to the Atlantic Ocean. That’s almost one-fifth of the world’s fresh water supply running 24/7. What’s interesting is that a significant
amount of the water from the upper Niag- ara River never goes over the Falls. It’s diverted for hydroelectric power on both sides of the border through a series of tun- nels and reservoirs. To understand what kind of volume of water is diverted, one tunnel measures 12.7 meters (41 feet) wide and 10.2 kilometers (6.3 miles) long. As you get close to the Horseshoe Falls
you may think it’s starting to rain. If it’s a nice day, that’s mist from the Falls. This area of the Parkway is also the most con- gested with tourists. There really isn’t an option for ongoing traffic to stop even briefly for a quick photo opportunity; the sheer volume of traffic dictates local police keep traffic moving. To really absorb the sheer power and beauty of the Falls, be pre- pared to park your motorcycle and take a close-up view of the Canadian Falls with the American Falls in the background. It is spectacular and worth the pause to do so. Local Attractions: There is a myriad of
sightseeing and entertainment attractions that are outside the scope of a day trip from the Rally. The only way to appreciate this aspect of the Falls would be to add a couple of days onto your itinerary after the Rally. You can experience everything from world class casinos to a Whirlpool jet boat ride, from a helicopter fly over the Falls to a boat tour at the bottom of the Falls and so on.
Niagara Glen Nature Centre Niagara Glen Nature Centre, 3050 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Canada, is shown
as a point of interest (POI) on the GPS route. It will be on your right, approxi- mately 7.5 km or 4.5 miles from the Horse- shoe Falls. You will need at least one hour to explore the 200 feet of elevation change and trails down to the water’s edge of class-5 rapids. You will walk through a pristine Carolinian forest laden with giant boulders and fern overgrowth where the Falls used to be. Constant lip erosion over thousands of years keeps gradually moving the Falls upstream. The unique carving of the Gorge and elevation changes have left the original Falls bed exposed for exploring by foot in this designated Nature Reserve. If nature trails are your thing, you will not be disappointed. This is my best-kept secret of Niagara.
Queenston Heights Park Queenston Heights Park is located right off the traffic circle on the Niagara Parkway approximately 4.5 km or 2.8 miles from the Niagara Glen Nature Centre. This detour is very brief, and you will not lose sight of the Parkway to get back on. Free parking offers a chance to walk about the gardens, and it can also be an opportunity for an excellent lunch break at the Queenston Heights res- taurant. The best panoramic view and camera shot of the Gorge is from the res- taurant’s outdoor patio railing.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town at the mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario. Take a short walkabout for an ice cream, coffee break, light lunch or people watch. There is a casual sophistication to this quaint town noted for its historic bou- tique hotels, live theatre and local wineries. Speaking of which, you are in the regional epicenter of Canada’s largest wine produc- ing area where you’ll find a countless array of wineries and the birthplace of ice wine. You will get a view of Lake Ontario and Old Fort Niagara on the U.S. side as you dou- ble-back towards the US border.
Queenston-Lewiston Bridge to USA Good news, no toll collection on the U.S.
March 2016 BMW OWNERS NEWS 109
side. Just remember to stop for Customs and follow the Robert Moses Parkway to Niagara Falls, New York. Note: There are four international border-crossing bridges spanning the Niagara River, namely Queenston-Lewiston, Whirlpool, Rain- bow and Peace Bridge. It’s very important to know that the Whirlpool Bridge is a Nexus-only crossing. Therefore do not take the Whirlpool crossing unless you have a valid Nexus card.
Goat Island Goat Island, Niagara Falls, USA, is situated in the Niagara River at the southwest cor- ner of Niagara Falls, New York, and is part of Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the U.S. Although the island is small (approximately 1 km long by 0.5 km wide), it provides the best view of the Falls from the U.S. side. There is no entry fee onto Goat Island, so a ride through is okay, but you will not see much this way. You need to get close on foot to appreciate the spectacular photo opportunities.
I-190 South to Rte. 5 The majority of this leg will be at highway
speeds to bypass urban Buffalo and will get you back to the Rally.
Border Crossing Info Tip 1. Border crossing should be a friendly experience. Remember, the last conflict in this region was the War of 1812. Have your border documents, such as a valid pass- port, enhanced driver’s license, or Nexus card, in hand as you pull up to the border stop. Vehicle registration may be requested so keep it readily accessible and not buried under your motorcycle seat. Be sure to lis- ten to the questions asked and answer truthfully. Tip 2. Pay attention to make a complete
stop at the stop signs as you approach the U.S. or Canadian Customs booth. Failure to do so is only amusing as long as it’s not you.
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