Cave of the Winds

Several people  told us that we shouldn't miss the "Cave of the Winds" tour while we were at Niagara Falls.  We did a little bit of research and found that there was a Discovery Pass for the state park that let you into five different parks for a reduced rate (a large combo deal essentially).  However, most of the attractions didn't look that interesting to us.  If we'd had more time we likely would have gone on the Maid of the Mist boat tour and then likely would have gotten the combo.  Instead the Cave of the Winds tour was the only thing that we purchased (apart from our parking spot).  It was definitely worth the money--if you go to Niagara Falls when the weather is nice and the lines aren't too long then you definitely need to take the tour!

The journey begins with an elevator ride 175 feet down into the Niagara Gorge. Geared-up in a souvenir rain poncho and specially designed sandals, guests follow wooden walkways along Niagara River to the Hurricane Deck, just a few breathtaking feet from the torrents of Niagara Falls. Here, rushing Bridal Veil Falls creates tropical storm-like conditions.  Talk about a rush! Nowhere else on Earth gets you closer to the Falls! 

...[Every year s]killed workers rebuild the wooden boardwalks that will allow summer visitors to reach the Hurricane Deck – the walkways and decks are removed every November and reassembled each spring to protect them from the extreme winter weather conditions that prevail in the Niagara Gorge.--from Niagara Falls State Park website, Explore section

Since we'd done our research ahead of time we knew what would be coming and deposited anything we didn't want soaked in our car.  I was wearing a pair of shorts that I'd bought the night before at Wal Mart (since we'd forgotten to bring shorts).  Once we purchased our tickets we picked up our sandals and poncho--the area was obviously designed for crowds, but was virtually empty when we came through.

Instead of putting our shoes in the plastic grocery bag provided I ran them out to the car and elected to use the bag to waterproof my cell phone.  As the description above mentions we started out taking an elevator down after passing by a photo op location.

At the bottom we exited into a long tunnel.

This tunnel was apparently dug out from the bottom quite carefully.  Planners were afraid that the tunnel might collapse--but thankfully the concrete-lined tube has survived.

Our path led between the cliff and the water.  From here it was easy to forget that we technically were on an island.

Here was our first view of the Falls:


The boardwalk leads down towards the water and then over towards the falls.

Here you can see the amazing free sandals we obtained!  Seriously though the tour was $11 apiece and these sandals were included.  I wouldn't have paid that much for them, but they make a nice souvenir that will be useful as pool sandals or shower sandals when we're camping.

This video is a 360º view from the bottom of the boardwalk to give you a feel for the area.


The water flows all around the boardwalk.

You also end up getting quite close to the water, even down here.


 This portion of the boardwalk is quite low, so there isn't nearly as much spray as higher up.

Amy even let me take a video of her.


The Rainbow Bridge and the Maid of the Mist tower are just visible in the background.

Notice how the water swirls around all of the timbers.  It is obvious when you realize how much this area freezes every winter that these must be taken out and rebuilt every year.

The water looks great flowing over all of the small rocks.

I think that this post is long enough so the next one will cover the Hurricane Deck!

~Matt