Disappointing photos show what visiting Niagara Falls in Canada is really like

• I spent three days in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, for the first time in August 2022.
• The reality of visiting Niagara Falls didn’t match my expectations based on social media posts.
• I spent much of the trip battling crowds, waiting in lines, and standing on my tippy toes.

On the boardwalk, squeezing into a spot along the perimeter facing the falls took patience.

The first attraction I pursued had a line so long that I decided to skip it.

I booked a 6 p.m. time slot, but I still had to wait in line for almost an hour, while the boat ride was only 20 minutes.

“We’re always working to improve the Niagara Falls experience,” a representative of Niagara Falls Cruises said in a statement to Business Insider.

When everyone piled on the boat, it was so crowded that it felt like no one else could fit.

On board the boat, I had access to two decks. I went to the top deck for a higher vantage point.

Being within feet of the falls and feeling the mist on my face was epic, but it was tough to fully enjoy it with so many other people on board.

At the same time, I thought the boat had a great vibe because everyone was so excited to be there. It felt like a big party and was worth the price.

When the ride was over, I waited in another long line for my turn in the elevator.

While I used a simple ramp to board the boat, passengers had to take an elevator to return to the boardwalk after the ride.

Regardless of the crowds and long lines, I thought seeing Niagara Falls up close was amazing and entrancing.

I think everyone should see them at least once.

It felt like I was witnessing a powerful force of nature commanding people’s attention.

According to The Points Guy, Niagara Falls tends to be less busy in early spring and late fall. I would love to go back to Niagara Falls when it’s less crowded and have a more peaceful experience.