The United States and Canada are good neighbors that share many aspects of life and commerce, but only one national treasure, -Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls is the second largest waterfall on the planet, and it is a true sensory delight with visual impact, exciting sounds, and the sweet smell and embrace of the ever-present mist.

Each year 12 million tourists travel thousands of miles from all corners of the earth to look at, and be amazed as 750,000 gallons of water per second drops 170 feet from the upper Niagara River to the rock-strewn canyon below.

Did you know that almost 20 percent of all the fresh water in the world lies in the four ‘upper’ Great Lakes of Erie, Huron, Michigan, and Superior? Most of the outflow from those upper lakes empties into the Niagara River, and eventually rolls over the falls and into Lake Ontario.

There are two towns and three falls named “Niagara Falls”

People who have not previously visited the region are often surprised to learn that there are two towns in different countries, with the name “Niagara Falls.” The US town is in New York; -the other is in Ontario, Canada. The Niagara River separates the towns and countries, and the Rainbow Bridge spans the river, and joins them.

Three cascading water formations make up Niagara Falls. The American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls are both on the American side of the river and are separated by a tiny island. One third of the Horseshoe Falls is on the American side, and two-thirds is in Canada.

View it dry –or- View it wet

Niagara Falls is the best water watching experience in North America, and you can do it one of two ways – dry or wet. The dry experience is available from either Canada or the United States. Both countries have verdant park systems next to the falls.

The ‘wet’ methods interact with the grandeur of the falls. There is the “Cave of the Winds” on Goat Island on the American side, and “Journey Behind the Falls,” at Table Rock on the Canadian side. Both of these adventures have elevators that drop you down 175 feet to the base of the falls. Each requires dressing in raincoats and boots because you get very wet as tons of crashing water sprays up from the rocks before you.

The Maid of the Mist boat tour is another ‘wet’ adventure available in both parks. Starting in April (depending on river ice) and into October, powerful diesel engines propel boatloads of thrill seeking tourists past the American Falls and to within vibrating distance of the majestic Horseshoe Falls.

For several exciting minutes as the Maid of the Mist approaches the Horseshoe Falls, it labors to stay in place against the rushing current and winds caused by the mighty cataract. Passengers stand steadfast on the deck in shiny blue raincoats, soaked to the bone by waves of pounding mist, and mesmerized by the magnificent hurricane that rages directly in front of them -- and just yards off the boat’s bow.

The best month to visit

Most of the millions of annual tourists that visit Niagara Falls do so between the months of June and September. However, if you are like us, you appreciate quick access to the best sites. All too often, that is not possible at Niagara Falls during the summer months.

In our opinion, October is the best time for a trip to the Falls. Imagine finding a parking space and walking directly to the best location for a photograph. It is possible in October.

Another good reason for considering October for your holiday is that the surrounding trees will be dressed up in a dazzling array of autumn colors.

One final reason is that October is the month when many of the Bed and Breakfasts and local hotels drop their room rates as much as 40 percent.

Our favorite local B&B is just minutes from the falls and is the Villa Alexandrea located at 5287 River Road in Niagara Falls, Ontario (www.villa-alexandrea.com).

October daytime temperatures are splendid for walking, and the nights are pleasantly cool. Bring a warm sweater to enjoy the evening view of the magnificent falls.

If you go

Niagara Falls is easy to reach by air. It is conveniently situated 25 miles from New York’s Buffalo International Airport, and 75 miles from the Toronto International Airport. Many major airlines serve Toronto and Buffalo from San Francisco, and there are excellent bus, shuttle, limousine, and rental car services throughout the area.