Fun & Weird
Almost Blown Away By Cave of the Winds
When planning my trip to Niagara Falls for some reason I got really excited about doing the Cave of the Winds tour on the American side. Maid of the Mist I was more ambivalent, since taking a fast speed boat under Iguazu Falls is quite possibly one of the greatest experiences ever.
Speedboat headed towards Iguazu Falls
But the thought of getting to run around on the stairs that close to Bridal Veil Falls held great appeal. Only slightly tempered by the fact that none of the wood supports are bolted into anything. Just wedged expertly among the rocks.
Expert wedging at Cave of the Winds
Decided to stop on the way to the Canadian side and the longish drive and traffic from Pittsburgh had only slightly dampened my enthusiasm. I’m sure after 4 1/2 hours in the car with me, my friends were wishing it had done more. But anyway, we arrived!
It turns out, the $17 ticket price includes souvenir sandals to wear on the stairs and a cheap plastic bag to put your shoes in.
Souvenir sandals at Cave of the Winds
It was drizzling when I arrived so fortunately there was very little line. I’m not sure it would have been worth spending an hour standing the sun waiting for my turn to take the elevator down 175 feet.
You collect your poncho upon exiting the elevator tunnel and then the fun starts. Kind of.
Cave of the Winds Poncho Booth
Really great views!
I couldn’t get enough of watching the rushing water and waiting for my turn to stand at the observation points waiting for a big wave.
Expert timber wedging at Cave of the Winds
For the most part you could easily stay dry, but if you were trying, you could position yourself in the way of some powerful spray.
The best part, at least in my opinion, was getting to stand on the hurricane deck where strong gusts of wind and water make it interesting.
I enjoyed it and would go again, but I’ll admit it didn’t turn out to be quite the waterfall rush I was thinking it would be. And $17 isn’t cheap for 30-60 minutes of amusement. So if it’s a crowded day with long lines or you don’t enjoy standing near or under waterfalls, give it a miss.
More from this trip
Taking a Rental Car to Canada? 3 Things You Should Know
Pittsburgh Views & Brews
Hotel Review: Four Points Fallsview Niagara Falls
The Part of Niagara Falls You Actually Want to Spend Time In
Room With a View: Sheraton on the Falls
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Laura
September 2, 2016 at 3:18 am
My husband and I went to the falls for our honeymoon last year. The cave of the winds was a highlight. The price is much better when you get the combo pass. Both the us side and the Canadian side has them. One I think is called the discovery pass and the other is the adventure pass. Also awesome is the Tesla statute in the NY park right in front of the cave of the winds entrance.
Walt O
June 25, 2017 at 1:21 pm
Not sure what you expected, this is one of the most visited spots in the world and when your dealing with that many people you can’t get too dangerous. you call it a 30-60 min attraction but the reality is it is self guided and you can stay as long as you like. Very young ot very old do this attraction care must be taken for evrybodys safety. I am a local and spend a lot of time in this park and this by far is most peoples favorite and most memorable thing to do. As far as a typical tourist attraction it is above and beyond most. FYI by the fall of 2017 a new 30 minute interactive indoor experience will be added (this indoor feature being a year around attraction) They also are implementing a new ticket system which will be designed to minimize the wait time. If you are looking for a more exhilarating adventure do the Niagara Jet Adventure in Youngstown NY, about 12 miles north. They have a indoor/outdoor climate controlled jet boat with 3 556hp engines that take you up to the whirlpool through class V and VI rapids. That is amazing. they are trying to get permission from the coast guard to go all the way to the falls. There is a 2.5 mile stretch of rapids between the whirlpool and the falls called the himalyan . That would be insane if that ever occurs. You need to try this tour.