Now before I have the entire Niagara Falls community come down on me for that headline let me explain. This article will be how they are EXTREMELY friendly, with an emphasis on Pet and Handicap.
Now that we got the explanation for the headline out of the way and hopefully, I'm not cancelled and you are still reading, let's introduce you to the Inspiration for this article!
This is Brittany and Roux. Our moms were lucky enough to become best friends while going thru a divorce, raising teenagers, and a mutual love of wine and football. Mostly because they are both 2 BadA** women. So, I have been lucky enough to have Brit in my life for 20+ years. Now the little perfect cutest thing you have ever seen is my new puppy Roux. He is a 5-month-old Dachshund mix and is the newest little light of my life (even though we already had 2 dogs). I wanted one that I could take with me everywhere, so this was his trial run, and he killed it.
As a bystander and non-handicap person myself but having Brittany in my life, I find I am always looking wherever I go how accessible places really are. Niagara Falls should be the poster for how places should be. Starting at the Visitor's Center you have a wide, clear, beautiful ramp right next to the stairs for easy access and location (you don't want to miss that view of coming down the stairs to the grassy park and the falls beyond) and the location of the ramps really includes those who need to access it. The moment you get into the actual park the sidewalks are smooth, wide and leave ample room for the amount of people visiting, strollers, wheelchairs, dogs, and caretakers being able to be stay with them.
You can walk or wheel right alongside the river and see the breathtaking wonder the falls truly are. As you continue around the path you see this metal structure above jetting out over the water. That is the observation deck. (The views are worth it)
You can click on this link to get your guided tour/Maid of the Mist tickets! It does advertise as Wheelchair Friendly!
OR
You can make your way to the ticket booth and purchase them. We chose the observation deck which was $1.25 a person and you had access to go down and see the falls up closer if you would like. You can purchase those tickets right on site. The best part of course they have an elevator so EVERYONE can access the observation deck and really take in the views!
This is just one of the pictures I took from the observation deck where you can see the nice paths, and honestly get one of the best views of the falls.
You can also get amazing views of Toronto from the observation deck. You can take pictures like this (well not this good because I won't be in them!)
(This is me! Your crazy personal travel agent)
(I'm a sandal girl, but wear comfy shoes)
We got all the amazing photos we could stand and then it was time to come down. When exiting the elevators and stairs you get herded, literally like a chute of cows into the gift shop. I will say this is the only place that was not very spacious, and kind of crowded not good for wheelchair, but the best opportunity for puppy love.
This is where Roux's part of the story begins! Roux was in his element! He adored the attention and smiled his way thru the pictures. Don't believe me?
Look at that smile!
With his size I am able to pick him up but of course, make sure your dog's stay on leash, especially since they will NOT be the only doggos there!
You can get this cute Harness Set Roux's wearing from the link below:
When visiting make sure you bring Dog Potty Bags:
Don't be that person that doesn't clean up after their dog.
If you find yourself in the Buffalo area head up there! If you choose to go be prepared to pay for parking, but the park itself is FREE! Every member of your family is able to go. EVERY member including the ones with 4 legs.
I was on the American side of the falls, so cannot speak for the Canadian side
As always Take the Trip!
-Samantha Cooley
Worth The Miles Travel
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