A hot day in Niagara Falls, USA calls for velcro sandals and the spraying mist at the Cave of the Winds. Niagara Falls is beautiful from all angles but experiencing the falls from below is definitely the most fun. If you’re visiting Niagara Falls, you have to experience the powerful waterfalls from below. You not only see Niagara Falls but you feel it. You feel the cool mist and the rushing waterfalls rattle the walkways.

Cave of the Winds

Cave of the Winds is located on Goat Island on the American side of Niagara Falls. Parking on Goat Island is $10 per car all day. After finding parking head over to buy your admission ticket. Admission to the Cave of the Winds is $17 for adults and $14 for youth. The best time to go to the Cave of the Winds is in the early morning before the tour groups arrive. While it is busy at all times, it won’t be as crowded.

First and foremost, prepare yourself to get soaked! Try not to bring anything with you that can’t get wet. However, if you’re like me, you will want to bring a camera to document the experience. If you bring your camera or phone to take pictures, there is a solution to keeping these electronics dry: Zip-lock bags. You can take photos through the clear plastic!

Tip: Bring Zip-lock bags. You can take pictures through the clear plastic while keeping your phone/camera dry!

Now that you are mentally prepared for the volume of mist you are about to endure, you have to look the part. Admission to the Cave of the Winds includes a poncho and waterproof sandals. While the poncho and sandals aren’t the most fashion-forward accessories, they will be necessary. After putting on the waterproof sandals and poncho, place all your personal belongings in the plastic bag that is provided.

Tip: Book your hotel today to get the best deal! Hotels book up fast during high season! 

The Experience

In order to reach the wooden walkways of the Cave of the Winds, you have to take an elevator 175 feet down to the Niagara Gorge. The elevator lets you out in a dark, damp tunnel which leads to the Niagara Gorge. Emerging from the dark tunnel, there were thousands of seagulls by the water. I took a moment to appreciate the cute baby seagulls before turning my attention to the main attraction, Niagara Falls.

The elaborate walkways weaved around the waterfalls. Water flowed serenely over the rocks at the base while the Bridal Veil Falls beckoned me further. Once again I was in awe of Niagara Falls. I was still dry in my spot by the lower deck but I knew that I wouldn’t remain that way for long.

I continued along the walkways without hesitation. The thundering water cascaded over the boulders to the left of us as we made our way up the steps closer to Bridal Veil Falls. As soon as I began walking further, the mist hit. Yet this was nothing in comparison to what was in store.

The further we walked, the heavier the mist became. I held on tight to the railing as the water began rushing over the sides of the walkways. While you could avoid some of this water, it’s way more fun to embrace it!

Finally, we made it to Hurricane Deck, the top deck at Cave of the Winds. Hurricane Deck is situated a mere 20 feet from the torrents of Bridal Veil Falls. The mist on this deck was more of a downpour. It was exhilarating. Standing below the cool rushing water of one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world was an experience like no other.