Awhile ago, I’d read an article on Narcity that had inspired me to add the White Water Walk to our ever growing list of things to do/places to see. I’d hesitated for a long time, due to the crowds that usually descend upon Niagara Falls during the summer. (Okay, okay I’d hesitated for so long, that this seasonal attraction, only open May-November, had closed before we’d had a chance to get there last year!) This year, I carefully chose a “shoulder season” weekend, which afforded us both a discounted hotel stay as well as virtually no line-up at the attraction.
I easily found a parking spot (and a public restroom) directly across the street at Ten Thousand Buddhas. Although parking, to many, may seem a trivial detail to include, the Bean is a runner and, on top of that, not a fan of holding my hand (not in parking lots and not when we cross the street!). So, the closer we can park, the better!
I’d purchased tickets online, in advance and saw the cashier at the White Water Walk attraction booth/gift shop to obtain an actual paper ticket. The Bean and I hadn’t even been waiting 5 minutes when it was our turn to crowd into the elevator (7 ppl in an elevator didn’t seem like enough social distancing!). The other passengers chuckled at Bean’s exclamations of “Woah!” as we descended 70 metres. The elevator doors opened onto a 73 metre-long tunnel. This may as well have been the main attraction for the Bean, who was fascinated by the play of shadows on the wall and blown away by the echo!
We emerged from the tunnel to a large observation deck. The Bean popped a squat and let it all wash over her.
We proceeded to the boardwalk trail (305 metres long) which follows alongside Class 6 Rapids that run under the Rainbow Bridge. The scenery was incredible and I was surprised that I hadn’t yet visited this attraction, given the number of times I’ve visited Niagara Falls. Though, I suppose, when one resolves to pursue their child’s passions (to wit: butterflies, boardwalks and waterfalls), one is likely to encounter new experiences.
We walked along the boardwalk, admiring the rushing water and 410 million year old layers of rock. Well…that’s what I admired, the Bean seemed more interested in the planks of wood that made up the boardwalk and possibly, the rocks that lay beneath the planks. Though she did gaze out at the scenery from time to time.
A note to the parents of runners, climbers and those with a tendency to be a little clumsy: as you can see in this picture, the top and middle guard rails are quite spaced out. It would be very easy for a child to climb between them upon unilaterally choosing to get off the beaten path or fall between, while leaning over to get a better look at something.
We came upon our first observation deck and for some reason, the Bean wasn’t keen to descend the staircase, so we skipped it (after all, this activity is supposed to be fun) and moved to the next, no stairs necessary. A passerby was kind enough to take our picture(s), just not kind enough to wait the time it takes to get a good one!
No, in all seriousness, these pics aren’t perfect (and that’s putting it generously)! You may be wondering why, in this day and age of photo shop, filters, one-touch editing and portable light rings, I’ve included them. The reason is simple: the Bean isn’t really a fan of standing still or sitting still, for that matter. This makes getting a good shot a monumental challenge. However, I am the one who wants the picture, the Bean Couldn’t. Care. Less. So, while not perfect, these photos do reflect our reality.
Imperfect photos notwithstanding, we enjoyed the rest of the boardwalk, Lila walking, running, squatting to look down and stopping to observe the breeze rustle the leaves in the trees. We were together, outdoors in a beautiful setting and that's all we needed to have an incredible outing.
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