Fly to Niagara Falls!
Niagara Falls straddles New York State and Canada. Nadia tested a new private plane excursion to visit the falls in a single day. Here's her story.
Meet your shuttle at 6 am outside the Marriott Marquis on Times Square (or at 6:30 am at the Sheraton Tribeca on Canal Street if you prefer). The shuttle runs on schedule. After picking up other passengers, you’ll head to Republic Executive Airport on Long Island—about an hour’s drive. Private airport, private plane: you’ll feel the privilege immediately. Your aircraft is an Embraer 120. The flight is smooth, and just over an hour later, you land at Niagara Falls International Airport. Red carpet and champagne on the tarmac! From there, it’s only a 10-minute drive to the falls. Before booking, you’ll choose between the American or Canadian side. Go for the Canadian side—it’s far more impressive. After clearing Canadian immigration, the bus drops you right in front of the falls. The view is breathtaking. Head to Table Rock Welcome Center to pick up your WeGo pass and board the Hornblower Niagara Cruise. If you do only one attraction here, make it this one.
Soaked but thrilled
Before boarding, protect your camera and phone from water—things get serious near the falls. The falls themselves are spectacular. The energy is incredible. With a flow of over 2,800 cubic meters per second, they’re the most powerful falls in North America. You’ll start by approaching the American Falls. Even as water sprays your face, passengers can’t help but stand mesmerized by the natural display. Then the boat heads toward the heart of the falls on the Canadian side. Magnificent. The boat aims straight for them. The excitement peaks. You’ll wonder why you waited so long to come here. On the return, tourists catch each other’s eyes. Everyone’s competing to see who got the wettest. Spoiler: you all did. You pass the American Falls again, and some passengers snap more photos.
One last view
On the promenade above, you’ll admire the falls again and again. Mist still reaches you, but you’re already soaked anyway. Stop in the tunnels to see the falls from below. The power is simply extraordinary. As you walk, conversation naturally turns to what you’ve just witnessed. “That’s amazing, don’t you think?” one visitor asks. “Yes, it’s incredible. I’ve been here before, but every time I see it, I’m blown away,” their friend replies. Back at the airport, the plane is ready to depart for New York. As a final treat, the pilot flies you directly over the falls one more time. Incredible will definitely be the word of the day.