Niagara Falls takes on a whole new charm in the forthcoming autumn. This season paints the landscape with a palette of colors that transform it into a picturesque wonder. In this article, we present you with a collection of 10 breathtaking images of Niagara Falls in the fall, all captured from the heights of the Niagara SkyWheel and from below.
Come rain or shine, the SkyWheel offers a year-round opportunity to witness this natural spectacle in climate-controlled comfort. So, let’s embark on a visual journey that showcases the vibrant beauty of Niagara Falls in all its autumnal glory.
Cost of the Niagara SkyWheel: $15+HST for Adults and $7+HST for Children.
This winter, the Clifton Hill promenade will continue to be a vital part of the Niagara Falls experience. Though most people think of our street as a summer attraction, there are plenty of intriguing locations to choose from in the winter. We like to think of ourselves as a “year-round” location, with a large variety of indoor activities to keep you warm and comfortable.
March 1st, 2022
Ontario has relaxed capacity limits in all indoor public locations and removed the necessity for proof of immunization as of March 1, 2022. In Niagara Falls, hotels, restaurants, casinos, and attractions are all open for business. All indoor spaces and some outdoor attractions still require masks.
All operations can go to full capacity.
No vaccine passport is required at any operation
Though some individual operators may choose to continue.
No contact tracing is required
No active guest screening is required
The mask mandate is still in effect but there will be some medical exceptions in alignment with provincial and regional guidance
Staff are still required to wear a face covering
Staff will actively be screened for Covid, including a temperature check at the start of their shift.
Niagara Falls’ top priority is to keep workplaces, employees, and visitors safe. Key public health measures have been implemented, and we all bear responsibility for staying informed, being prepared, being flexible, and adhering to health and safety rules.
These venues should be on your mind this winter while visiting Niagara Falls. For more information, we recommend that visitors consult the most recent COVID-19 legislation, individual business websites, and social media accounts, as conditions might change without warning.
Ticket Pricing: Adults: $6.99 CDN +tax Child: $4.99 CDN +tax Child is 12 and under
TICKETS ARE TO BE PURCHASED ON-SITE IN-PERSON *Prices do not include applicable tax.
Restaurants:
Dining is permitted with indoor and outdoor seating capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain 2 metres of physical distance. There are no limits to the number of people per table. Please inquire with restaurants directly for hours of operation as some venues may be closed a few days a week.
Due to new Covid restriction rules announced recently; Please verify hours and operating schedule with each individual attraction:
Casino NiagaraJourney Behind the Falls
Fallsview CasinoFallsview Waterpark
Ripley’s MuseumNiagara Falls Helicopters
Greg Frewin The Bird Kingdom
Additional Attractions
Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks
House of Frankenstein
The Haunted House Clifton Hill
The Fun House
The Crystal Caves
Locomoland
Niagara Zipline on Clifton Hill
Niagara Falls Parks
Discover the abundance of horticultural installations at these destinations. Niagara Falls is home to some of Canada’s most magnificent Parks & Gardens.
Weekday express rail service between Niagara Falls and Union Station will be reintroduced beginning September 6, 2021, with one trip per day in each direction. Please click here for GoTrain schedules.
Look for ticket packages that include round-trip GO Train tickets as well as hop-on, hop-off access to the popular Niagara Falls WEGO bus, which connects visitors to attractions, hotels, and restaurants throughout the tourism districts. For more information on schedules and tickets, go Visit GOTransit .
Canada-US Border
NEW 2-28-2022: The molecular PCR test (Up to $225.00 USD) is no longer necessary for entry into Canada. The less priced antigen test ($40-65 USD) will be accepted starting Monday, February 28th, 2022. The test must be taken 24 hours prior to arrival and the results must be negative. Antigen test results are usually available in 15 minutes or less.
All persons aged five and up must provide a negative antigen test result acquired 24 hours prior to entering Canada, and all US citizens must provide proof of vaccination. Vaccinations are not required for children under the age of 12. A paid testing center is located near the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, New York, USA.
Install the ArriveCan APP on your mobile device before attempting to enter Canada.
Traveling to the United States by land does not require Canadians to present a negative Covid test result at the US border. A negative PCR or antigen test result will be acceptable when returning to Canada. It’s important to remember that the antigen test must be done 24 hours before crossing, not 72 hours.
NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES & COVID: In Niagara Falls, New York, there are presently no Covid restrictions. When travelling to the United States by land, a Covid test is not required. Niagara Falls, New York, is located in Niagara County, which does not have a mask mandate or require proof of vaccination in order to attend public areas.
On both sides of Niagara Falls, several attractions may still require the use of a mask (ie; elevators). If you want to be safe, carry one with you!
The Clifton Hill promenade is a major facet of the Niagara Falls Tourism experience this upcoming season. Though most people have always considered our street a Summer destination, Winter can be just as captivating with many exciting indoor venues to choose from. We like to think of ourselves as a “year round” destination with many inside activities to keep you warm and cozy.
While experiencing Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, these options should be at the top of your mind for the Holiday Season. We encourage that visitors reference the most current COVID-19 regulations, individual business websites and social media accounts for more details, as circumstances can shift without warning.
Effective October 25th, 2021 the government of Ontario released A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term.
This plan outlines Ontario’s cautious and gradual approach to lifting remaining public health and workplace safety measures by March 2022. It will be guided by the ongoing assessment of key public health and health care indicators and supported by local or regional tailored responses to COVID-19.
Effective October 25, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., capacity limits have been lifted in the vast majority of settings where proof of vaccination is required, such as:
restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments
indoor areas of sports and recreational facilities such as gyms and where personal physical fitness trainers provide instruction
casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming establishments
indoor meeting and event spaces
Limits will also be lifted in certain outdoor settings.
The government will also allow other settings to lift capacity limits and physical distancing requirements if they choose to require proof of vaccination, including:
indoor areas of museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos, science centres, landmarks, historic sites, botanical gardens and similar attractions
indoor areas of amusement parks
indoor areas of fairs, rural exhibitions, festivals
indoor tour and guide services
Proof of Vaccination
As of September 22, 2021, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (two doses, plus 14 days) with photo ID is required to access the certain public settings and facilities, click here for full details.
Ontario also intends to allow for greater capacity at organized public events such as Remembrance Day ceremonies and Santa Claus parades with more details coming in the near future.
TICKETS ARE TO BE PURCHASED ON-SITE IN-PERSON *Prices do not include applicable tax.
Requirements: Height Restriction, Driver minimum height 58″ (147.32 cm or 4’10”) and maximum height 78″ (198.12 cm) Height Restriction, Rider minimum height 40″ (101.6 cm or 3’4″) and maximum height 60″ (152.4 cm) To carry a passenger, the driver must be a minimum of 18 years of age, or the parent or legal guardian of the passenger.
Ticket Pricing: Adults: $6.99 CDN +tax Child: $4.99 CDN +tax Child is 12 and under
TICKETS ARE TO BE PURCHASED ON-SITE IN-PERSON *Prices do not include applicable tax.
Restaurants:
Dining is permitted with indoor and outdoor seating capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain 2 metres of physical distance. There are no limits to the number of people per table. Please inquire with restaurants directly for hours of operation as some venues may be closed a few days a week.
Celebrate the Holidays with Fireworks at Niagara Falls
This holiday season, fireworks will return with breathtaking displays above the Falls beginning December 26 and lasting every night until January 1, adding to the celebrations taking place across the city.
December 26-30th 2021 & January 1st, 2022 @10pm
December 31st, 2021 (New Years Eve) @9 p.m. and Midnight
Visitors to Niagara Falls may also enjoy the various holiday activities and end their day or overnight stay with fireworks. The fireworks displays may be seen from a variety of vantage positions. These include outdoor areas throughout Niagara Parks as well as interior areas for visitors at the various hotels and restaurants located in the tourism districts.
Unless otherwise specified, all performances begin at 9 p.m. The timetable of fireworks is subject to change. Fireworks displays, as always, are weather permitting and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
Starting September 6, 2021 weekday express rail service between Niagara Falls and Union Station will be reinstated including one trip per day in each direction. For GoTrain schedules please click here.
Look for ticket packages that include round-trip GO Train fare with hop-on, hop-off access to the popular Niagara Falls WEGO bus service, which connects guests to attractions, hotels and restaurants throughout the tourism districts. Visit GOTransit for details on scheduling and tickets.
Canada-US Border
Starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.
On September 7, 2021, provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favourable, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated international travelers who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements.
Starting on November 8, 2021, the United States will be opening its land and sea border to non-essential fully vaccinated Canadian travellers.
Consider these great options to safely experience Clifton Hill, the city of Niagara Falls and the surrounding region. We encourage that visitors reference the most current COVID-19 regulations, individual business websites and social media accounts for more details, as circumstances can shift without warning.
For Step 3: businesses can reopen indoor services, restaurant dining and attractions with capacity limits and health & safety guidelines in place, plus ensure a physical distance of 2m/6ft at all times (indoor and outdoor) for patrons and staff. Our local business units are taking the utmost care and precautionary measures to ensure safety protocols are in place and applied to ensure comfort for guests and locals alike.
Indoor and outdoor capacity limits are based on maintaining a physical distance of 2m/6ft apart.
Current Guidelines for Step Three:
Social gatherings and organized public events
Maximum 25 people indoors
Maximum 100 people outdoors
Face masks are mandatory in all indoor spaces in Niagara Falls and when maintaining a physical distance outdoors isn’t possible. Everyone should maintain a physical distance of 2m/6ft from others not in your group at all times. Face masks are required at some outdoor attractions, like Niagara City Cruises and Niagara Parks.
We take the current situation very seriously and want to ensure the health and safety of our customers and team members.
Ticket Pricing: Driver $12.00 (Per ~5 Minute Race) Rider $4.00 (Per ~5 Minute Race) TICKETS ARE TO BE PURCHASED ON-SITE IN-PERSON *Prices do not include applicable tax.
Requirements: Height Restriction, Driver minimum height 58″ (147.32 cm or 4’10”) and maximum height 78″ (198.12 cm) Height Restriction, Rider minimum height 40″ (101.6 cm or 3’4″) and maximum height 60″ (152.4 cm) To carry a passenger, the driver must be a minimum of 18 years of age, or the parent or legal guardian of the passenger.
Dining is permitted with indoor and outdoor seating capacity limited to the number of people that can maintain 2 metres of physical distance. There are no limits to the number of people per table. Please inquire with restaurants directly for hours of operation as some venues may be closed a few days a week.
Safari Niagara (2821 Stevensville Rd, Stevensville, ON L0S 1S0)
Niagara Go-Karts (7104 Kinsmen Ct, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S5)
Niagara Falls History Museum
Horseplay Niagara Inc.
Snap E Bike Rental
Canada-US Border
Starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.
On September 7, 2021, provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favourable, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated international travelers who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements.
What’s Open in Niagara Falls, New York, USA
Beginning May 19th 2021 Covid-19 prevention restrictions have been significantly reduced within New York State USA.
Niagara Falls State Park is open 24/7/365 for viewing the Falls. Purchase a la carte tickets at each attraction; the Niagara Falls USA Discovery Pass is not available this year. Parking ranges between $10-15/day.
Cave of the Winds: Open daily. Timed tickets are required; capacity will be limited and times will fill quickly. The World Changed Here Pavilion will not be opened.
No doubt these are difficult times for all, but we are happy to announce that many of our attractions have reopened. We welcome you back for a fun and safe visit! Please view this current list of open attractions on Clifton Hill.-
Cost: $10.99 for Adults and $6.99 for Children (Under 13) plus tax
We are temporarily offering a 3 Attraction Fun Pass from Monday to Thursday ONLY. This Fun Pass is only offered in person, and will not be available for purchase online. Get the Niagara SkyWheel, your choice of Dinosaur Adventure Golf OR Wizard’s Golf, and the Movieland Wax Museum for only $19.95 (plus tax) for Adults and $14.95 (plus tax) for Children.
Reading Time: 7minutes -Clifton Hill has always been a family favourite destination in Niagara. From the moment that you set foot on our street, you feel the buzz and excitement that surrounds you with all our attractions, restaurants, and unique shopping destinations.
Clifton Hill was listed as one of the “10 Amazing Things to do in Niagara Falls,” and it’s easy to see why. Quite simply, you don’t want to visit Niagara Falls without taking a stop here.
Here is a sample one-day itinerary, and some Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls travel tips on what is known around Canada as the “Street of Fun by the Falls”.
Plan Ahead
This is especially true if you plan on traveling to Clifton Hill in peak season (mid-June to late August). Due to our heavily populated street full of family fun amusements,dining and retail facilities, it is the #1 street to travel through and down towards the Hornblower Niagara Cruises, WildPlay Niagara MistRider zipline, the Niagara Parks and to the Niagara Falls itself. Clifton Hill offers a large parking lot for your convenience; it is central, fast and the most easily accessible to all these popular Niagara Falls tourist hot spots. Additionally, the Fallsview Casino is only a short walk away. You can avoid line-ups at the Clifton Hill attractions, which can get fairly long on weekends and especially holiday long weekends, by purchasing Clifton Hill Fun Passes online ahead of time.
Currently, our Clifton Hill Fun Pass features 6 of our most popular attractions bundled into one low price (up to 50% off when you compare to the retail individuals prices). Basically you can consider these cards as your “fast pass” on Clifton Hill. No waiting in cashier line-ups; you simply head to the turnstiles and enter. These passes also have a one year expiry date, meaning that you are not required to do all the attractions on one day. You could do 3 attractions on one visit and then come back on a later day to do the remaining 2 attractions. Use at your own convenience.
*As an added bonus, when you purchase it online only at www.cliftonhill.com/fun-pass, you will get TWO (2) admissions to the Niagara SkyWheel.**
Does someone in your family have mobility issues? You may rent wheelchairs at one at these places:
Boggio and MacKinnon Pharmacy
Wheelchair and walker rentals
905-354-5604
4421 Queen St.,
Niagara Falls, ON.
Pharmashield Dispensary
Wheelchair rentals
905-356-8482
5400 Portage Road,
Niagara Falls, ON
Queen Street Pharmacy
Wheelchair rentals
905-354-5604
4421 Queen St.,
Niagara Falls, ON
Check out Clifton Hill’s Hours of Operation at the attractions that you wish to visit, and arrive early to assure yourself the best possible parking. Need help on where to park? Check out the map below (PDF Guide). Avoid parking on the street and save yourself the time and hassle of metered parking. This lot gives you two entrances (Clifton Hill and Victoria Avenue) and 3 ways to exit in and out of the lot (Clifton Hill, Victoria Avenue, & Robinson Street).
Sample Itinerary
Morning
Look for a coupon book that features a thorough list of Niagara Falls places to visit. Keep this book handy for $1-$2 off/person discounts at many of the attractions. You can find these books at the Great Canadian Midway or Tim Hortons Clifton Hill. You may also click here for a list of our online coupons.
If you have yet to have breakfast, you can get an inexpensive and decent meal for the family at our Tim Hortons on location. Hot breakfast sandwiches, flatbread breakfast paninis, grilled breakfast wraps, bagels, hashbrowns, bagel BLT’s, yogurt, oatmeal, coffee,tea, milk, and juices are just some of the breakfast features.
After breakfast, I would suggest visiting our Clifton Hill attractions. The lineups are very little in the morning.
Next up, head to the bottom of Clifton Hill and purchase your ticket(s) to the Hornblower Niagara Cruises. This attraction is located on the Niagara Parkway at the north end of Queen Victoria Park, close to the Rainbow Bridge and the Oakes Garden Theatre at the foot Clifton Hill. Only a couple of years old, it is already one of Niagara’s favourite attractions, which replaced the Maid of the Mist (now only launching from the US side). The ticket booths open at 8:30 am during the Spring/Summer, and the ride can get quite busy. Before lunch would be the ideal time for a boat cruise to experience the wonder of the Niagara Falls. Allow yourself 1 to 1.5 hours just at the Hornblower site alone. Including the boat ride, you’ll want to check out the view from the Hornblower Plaza and the merchandise inside the Mist Retail shop without having to rush.
Dry off after Hornblower Niagara Cruises with a walk in Queen Victoria Park and the Oakes Garden Theatre. Walking along the Niagara Parkway and into this park, you will come across beautifully maintained gardens with a collection of unique native and international plants. Spring features over 500,000 daffodils, magnolia trees, and thousands of tulips; Summer brings out the fuchsia, cannas, and coleus plants. Queen Victoria Park is also home to the “Zimmerman Fountain” which dates back to 1856. This beautiful fountain takes its name from Samuel Zimmerman who came to Canada from Pennsylvania in 1842. He amassed a fortune through a series of lucrative contracts involving the building of the Second Welland canal and various railway lines, allowing him to begin construction of a large estate in what is now Queen Victoria Park. The estate was unfinished when he was killed in a railway accident in March of 1857. This is the last remaining remnant of his estate.
*Pictured Above: A couple taking a stroll in the Oakes Garden Theatre*
Afternoon
Time for lunch. Head back up Clifton Hill and head to Boston Pizza. This Boston Pizza is unique in that it is located within a 70,000 square foot arcade — the Great Canadian Midway. You’ll find more than 100 delicious menu items perfect for lunch. Whether you are craving pasta, burgers or ribs, you’ll find it served fast and fresh. Sit on the patio or go inside to enjoy a relaxing family meal or catch your favorite team at the sports bar.
Convenience (especially with kids) is foremost when you have one day to plan what to do with the family in Niagara Falls on Clifton Hill. Now you have the remainder of the afternoon to do the rest of the attractions featured on the Clifton Hill Fun Pass. The Ghost Blasters Dark Rideand the Wild West Coaster are located in the Great Canadian Midway; on the lower level of Boston Pizza. Do those 2 attractions first. You may find at this point (and especially with toddlers), you and the family may begin to get the “after meal” burnout. This is the perfect opportunity to grab a coffee back at Tim Horton’s, or the Starbucks on the corner of Clifton Hill and Victoria Av., and spend an hour or so playing some arcade games in the Great Canadian Midway, and then redeeming your winning tickets for prizes at the Redemption Centre.
Next up? It’s time for a challenging game of miniature golf. The pass offers you a choice: the outdoor Dinosaur Adventure Golf, or the indoor glow-in-the-dark Wizard’s Golf course. With both courses you will receive 18 holes of golfing fun, with Dinosaur Adventure Golf allowing you to choose your course — there are two courses on this property to choose from! Are you in the mood to travel back to the prehistoric times (including a “live” volcano), or would you like a touch of magic in the indoor world of fantasy and make-believe with Wizard’s Golf? You choose.
*Pictured Above: Dinosaur Adventure Golf*
*Pictured Above: Wizard’s Golf*
By now, your lunch would have settled enough to attempt the Zombie Attack attraction! Buckle up for a ride you won’t forget as you battle zombies in this multi-sensory adventure, featuring real-time 6D graphics. Challenge your friends in the scoring battle to prove who is the ultimate blaster of the undead!
Lastly, it’s time to check out the Movieland Wax Museum. As you exit Movieland, you will enter our Fun Factory gift shop which features the Wax Hands Emporium. Here you can make a replica of your own hand-made in colourful wax. They make terrific, one-of-a-kind souvenirs!
Ready for a little treat? Now is the time to pick up something to satisfy your sweet tooth at the Fudge Factory. More than just selling fudge, this store makes everything fresh onsite by our candy cooks — this includes goodies such as fudge, cookies, candy apples, sponge toffee, brittle and beernuts, all using traditional recipes. Other treats like strawberries, marshmallows, and pretzels are dipped in chocolate and covered with delicious toppings. There is also an entire wall devoted to candy dispensers with over 50 types of candy and chocolate to choose from. Mix and match a container of your favourites!
For the remainder of your Clifton Hill day, check out other Clifton Hill favorites such as the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum (*newly renovated and now featuring over 1100 interactive exhibits), Strike! Rock N’ Bowl, and (if you can stomach it — **no young kids!) check out Niagara’s scariest “haunted house” …the Nightmares Fear Factory!
*We offer a deal on the Ripley’s Museum, as well as a few other money-saving options as part of our “Build-A-Package” online savings options.
By now, you should be tired and exhausted from an exciting day on Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls. Head into the Canada Trading Company for a massive selection of souvenir choices to bring home to show your family and friends, and to commemorate your day trip to Niagara Falls. There are so many unique, quality items to choose from here, it will be hard to choose. Pick up a book that features all the exciting things there is to do in Niagara Falls, and a postcard on your way out.
Reading Time: 8minutes -Chances are that if you are a fan of Niagara Falls photography, you have come across the works of Christine Hess Photography. Her watermark signature is practically a staple on many images of the Niagara Falls found on websites and social media pages, such as Niagara Falls Tourism, Niagara Parks, and Clifton Hill – Niagara Falls Fun.
Her growing popularity in the Niagara Region as a published Professional Photographer and outstanding and unique visual artist has garnered her some local fame.
I sat down with Christine and asked her a few questions about her talent with the camera, and her Niagara Falls Photography.
*Pictured Above: Christine Hess*
How long have you been doing photography and what influenced you to take it up?
“I have always enjoyed looking at great images, but only really “got into” photography about 6 1/2 years ago. After some complications from childbirth and a long recovery, I found that I needed some kind of release; almost a therapeutic type of release, and that’s basically how I started into it all.”
(The Niagara Falls Review recently wrote a story entitled “Birth, near death, and a photographer’s story” chronicling her amazing journey into photography. Click here to read that piece).
“It wasn’t long after I was out shooting a few times that I could feel the passion and took every opportunity I could to get out with my camera. I had been shooting on my own for about 6 months when I decided to enroll in the photography program at Niagara College and starting thinking of it more as a career.”
In addition to Niagara Falls Tourism, the Niagara Parks and Clifton Hill – Niagara Falls Fun (HOCO Fun by the Falls), Christine has done work for Hornblower, the Winter Festival of Lights, Scotiabank, TIAO, and the Tourism Partnership of Niagara. She is a member of the Professional Photographers of Canada, and has won awards with them. She has also participated in the World Photographic Cup Awards, and is a member with the Chamber of Commerce here in Niagara Falls. In the winter of 2015, she had a couple Niagara Falls images in the winter go viral, and they were picked up by CNN, CBS, and LA Times to name a few! Her images were seen world wide and they caused the “Frozen Falls” frenzy when tourism picked up immensely the weekend after her images went viral. She was even published in a German magazine later in the year because of the viral images.
Nature is a huge focal point of your pictures; do you also do any other types of photography?
“I first started shooting nature/landscape images and have also shot portraits, events, night photography, surprise engagements/proposals, and dabbled in newborn photography. Images have also been used for a “Wonder Woman” promo and on CBS for “Live with Kelly & Ryan” show. I have been published in various magazines such as Canadian Geographic, Canadian Running and several tourism magazines including Niagara Parks, Niagara Falls Tourism and Les Saisons. I was lucky enough to have one of my falls images on the front of a Shreddies 75th Anniversary cereal box!”
Niagara Falls is one of your primary subjects of photography. How does the region inspire you?
“I’m lucky that I live close to one of the most photographed natural wonders, and I take every opportunity to do so. It’s just a matter of jumping in my truck and driving 10 minutes down to the highway and I am there. Each time I go down, I try to look for different angles and shots that one doesn’t normally see with Niagara Falls pictures.”
When taking pictures of the Niagara Falls, do you have a particular time of day or season that you prefer, and why?
“It’s a vision I never tire of as each season brings new opportunity for beautiful photography. The Niagara Falls are picturesque year round, but my favourite seasons to shoot them are in the Autumn and Winter. Autumn brings on so many warm, beautiful tones of yellows, oranges and red as the foliage begins to change. In the Winter, the ever-changing ice sculpting by Mother Nature brings new beauty each day. My absolute favourite is when there is a lot of snow and the temperatures drop well below freezing. I find the area resembles a beautiful little snow globe. Mind you, there’s something to be said about the Spring with the fog and new blooms! The best time to capture its beauty, in my opinion, is in the early mornings or early evenings when the lighting is soft, but still bright enough to capture details. I’ve spent many mornings standing at the brink of the falls shooting the sunrise, waiting in anticipation as it rises over the falls. It’s the perfect spot for shooting and an even better way to start the day.”
What kind of camera would you suggest to photography lovers?
“I’ve always been a Nikon shooter. My first DSLR was a Nikon D7000 and it was a great camera; easy to learn and use. I’ve since upgraded, and I shoot with a couple different Nikon full frame bodies. With that being said, they say the best kind of camera is the one you have with you! My advice would be to start small and work your way up. There’s no need to spend a small fortune to get a great image. I’ve seen some really nice images come out of point and shoot camera’s. Basically, buy what you can afford!”
How can emerging travel photographers build a business in the photography industry?
“Being relatively new to this field myself, I’m still going through the learning process of having a business. All I can really say is that it took a lot of practice, patience, and perseverance to get to the point of where I am at today. If I didn’t get something or a particular shot the first time, I try, try, try again. Mistakes are how we learn. I’m lucky to have found my passion and I could say that I am even luckier to have been able to make a career change at this point and give it my all.”
You have taken some amazing photos of Clifton Hill. That must be vastly different from the quiet and stillness of photographing the Falls. What do you enjoy best about Clifton Hill?
“As much as I love going down to shoot the Niagara Falls, Clifton Hill is a great place to shoot as well! It’s often full of bright neon colours, action and people. There’s always something interesting to shoot. I loved going down at night and practicing long exposure photography and capturing the light trails from the cars, the movingSkyWheel, the arcades, and whatever else I could see. Clifton Hill makes for interesting subjects for photography! I especially can’t wait to shoot the Niagara Speedway when it opens this Spring 2018. You can do some interesting shots with movement and light — not to mention getting in the cart and burning up the track myself!”
List your favourite photographers and why you enjoy their work.
“I could sit for hours and look at great images by some even greater photographers. One of my favourite photographers is Ansel Adams. His black and white photography of the American west leaves me speechless. His ability to capture an image so perfect, with so much detail is truly inspirational. I can only imagine how great an experience it would have been to be mentored by such a great photographer. A few more of my favourite photographers are Brian Powers out of Montana, Art Wolfe, Chris Burke, and Edin Chavez of Miami. Not only are they all incredibly talented, but their beautiful images leave me in awe of their work. Each carries with it an incredible feeling and story. They all go above and beyond, and take that extra step just to get that perfect shot. Each one of them are truly inspiring in their own ways. I could go on with my favourites — this just names a few.”
What do you have lined up in the future and what do you hope to achieve 5 years down the road?
“I am happy to say I have become an accredited landscape photographer and have won awards with the PPOC (Professional Photographers of Canada). My business has expanded to include different genres of photography and my name is definitely getting out there after much hard work and dedication. After a recent very popular post on my Facebook Page (Christine Hess Photographer) featuring Niagara Falls winter images, I’m currently looking into publishing a book with my images after several requests were made. I’m still in the very early stages of this.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a studio, but I still hold that dream close to my heart and haven’t given up on it. I would like to have something where I can not only display my images of the Niagara area and beyond, but also perhaps have a small area set aside for teaching and shooting portraits. I feel that I have finally come to have a certain recognizable look to my work. I’ve had many compare it to the work of Thomas Kinkade, and while I shamefully admit that I had to look up his work because I wasn’t familiar with it, I also have become a fan, especially of his winter scenes — they remind me of times gone by and being a child in the Winter.
How does someone contact you if they are interested in your service? Do rates vary?
I can be contacted through my website at christinehess.com on my “contact” page. My work is available for prints or commercial use, and I am available for portrait, commercial, events, and landscape photography. Rates vary for prints and services, so the easiest way would be to contact me through the website for more information.
Christine currently resides in Niagara Falls with her husband Jim, her two sons Jaxson and Colton, and her two dogs.
A Canadian Adventure
The Easter long weekend falls in conjunction with many Americans enjoying their Spring Break recess. Both great reasons for family travel, plus its nice to reward the kids for their hard work and to enjoy some bonding time in Niagara Falls!
Niagara Falls is full of great attractions for the family and if you haven’t been to the Canadian side in a while, you will discover some fresh and interesting changes here. Boston Pizza Clifton Hill offers a great choice for family fun and features Midway games, the Strike! Rock N Bowl Centre, and signature dishes like the Spicy Perogy pizza or the Slow Roasted Pork Ribs. Parents can also check the score of their favourite teams on the many high-definition televisions, while children are entertained by all the interactive games and amusements. The Great Canadian Midway is the perfect facility for family entertainment everyone will enjoy. Over 70,000 square feet of arcade games, rides, and a large prize booth with a huge selection of prizes to be won. Online only The Family Token Offer! Fun by the Falls
After a great meal, the fun doesn’t stop on Clifton Hill! Now you get to see all the dazzling attractions light up the night. Your kids will be amazed, and no one will ever get bored along Clifton Hill’s promenade. Dinosaur Adventure Golf is a family favourite, and offers waterfalls, billowing steam and the call of the dinosaurs, making it feel like you have traveled back to prehistoric times.
Get a glimpse of our course:
All our attractions remain open until late throughout the American Spring Break, so there is plenty of time to experience the “Street of Fun by the Falls”, both during the day and long after the sun sets. Click here for our Hours of Operation. Great Deals
The choices in Niagara Falls are endless, but if you want to save your money on various attractions and dining on Clifton Hill, check out these exclusive online offers.
The Clifton Hill 4-Attraction Fun Pass offers our most popular attractions for only $19.95 for Adults & $14.95 (+HST) for Children.
Experience the magic that happens in the evening with the Niagara Falls Illumination. New for 2017 is the introduction of the new LED lights! The $4-million revitalization project uses the latest technology to light the Horseshoe and American Falls. In addition to this, the lights have been extended to stay on later. Staying the Night
For those spending a night or two on the Canadian Side, be sure to check out all the Niagara Falls hotels that surround us: Clifton Hill Hotels Lundy’s Lane Hotels Fallsview Hotels Crossing the Border Visitors from the USA:
Approximately 28 million visitors cross the border every year from the United States into Canada by car and an additional 17 million visitors a year arrive by airplane or boat from the USA and all other countries across the globe.
For detailed information of the appropriate documentation needed, and full access to bridge cams, click on the image below:
With all the pressures of work, extra-curricular activities, homework and friends, it’s important to maintain a sense of togetherness with the ones you love… bring the family closer together with a Niagara Falls adventure, and create memories that will last a lifetime!
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