Niagara Falls, winter wonderland but tacky town

Niagara Falls truly is a spectacular sight.

Niagara Falls, Canada

I am sure it doesn't matter what time of year you visit, I can guarantee you will be blown away by its beauty and mist.

We were blessed to experience one of the world's most famous waterfalls in the chilly heart of winter.

Frosty falls of Niagara, Canada

The crystallised edges and icycles frozen in time compound the magic that eradiates when the neverending roar of water pours over the cliff face you are standing on.

Like staring into a flame, one could watch the maiden's mist for hours, if not for the numb sensation in your fingers and toes.

Unfortunately in the winter most of the fall's activities aren't running and in particular the famous trip on the Maid of the Mist so other than circumnavigate the falls there is not much else to do.

A pivet from the edge you can wonder through the surrounding parks and with a fresh layer of snow on the ground it is quite picturesque time of year but given the sub-zero temperatures you won't want to be spending too much time outdoors.

But it is once you walk back to town to find some warmth, that you leave the beauty behind.

Niagara Falls, the town, is like a carnival - theme park on steroids and a wannabe mini-Vegas.

It's a tacky town.

Tacky town, Niagara Falls

 The beauty of the falls is knocked out of you by a slap in the face of pure cheese.

The environmental winter wonderland you have just admired is now forgotten amidst flashing lights, crazy sirens and voices taunting you to enter a haunted house.

I am curious as to what the town authorities were thinking by allowing this planning vandalism to occur and overshadow such an amazing icon.

I understand given the tourism value of Niagara, town planners would be wanting to keep you in the area for as long as possible, but why not create an atmosphere that compliments the falls, not drowns them out?

I fear the monster ride they have created is a beast that can not be tamed and the bright lights and loud noises of poor planning will continue to grow louder than the roar of the falls themselves.

This put us off from visiting the United States side, which is supposed to be even worse.

Definitely go, see the falls and marvel at its beauty but I would stay no longer than one night.