August 10, 2025–Canada: Niagara Falls, Ontario, to Cardinal, Ontario

Yesterday we drove from Erie, Pennsylvania to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.  When we crossed over the border to Canada, the border agent asked if we had alcohol or firearms in Vanna.  (Well, she actually said RV, but I never call Vanna an RV.)  We said we have a couple of bottles of wine, but no firearms.  She said “Well people (she meant Americans) like to come up here and camp, and they bring their guns because they think they are going to shoot a bear.”  Huh?  Who tries to take firearms across a border into another country so they can shoot a bear?  Are there that many ignorant, gun-toting, wild animal killers running around in RV’s out there?  (No, I didn’t voice these questions to the agent because I didn’t want her calling the Mounties on us.)

Last night we stayed at the Falls View Marriott, which did have a spectacular view of the falls.  I have always wondered why people go on honeymoons to Niagara Falls, so I looked it up, and AI (which kind of drives me nuts) says it’s still considered the honeymoon capitol of the world.  Under the caption “Early Romantic Appeal” it says, “The falls’ natural beauty and romantic ambiance attracted couples, with notable figures like Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother honeymooning there.”  You mean Napoleon Bonaparte’s younger brother, Jerome?  In 1804? Uh, gosh, that was quite a few years ago, AI.  I think we are milking that connection. The falls are astounding, awesome, and even awe-inspiring, but I did not find them romantic.  Last night from our hotel:

By the way, people have gone over the falls either purposely or accidentally in barrels, kayaks and boats with varying degrees of success. There are no real statistics, but the vast majority of the events have ended in death. Many people have walked a tightrope across the falls as well. The last person to walk a high wire over the falls was on June 15, 2012 when Nik Wallenda, a 7th generation member of “The Flying Wallendas,” crossed Horseshoe Falls. Nik walked on a 2-inch-wide steel cable that was 1,800 feet long and 200 feet above the falls.  He started from the American side, successfully crossing to the Canadian side in about 25 minutes.  He apparently presented his passport when he arrived in Canada (you know those Canadians.  They are sticklers about their border).

A couple of pictures from today before we headed out:

Tonight we are at a KOA campground in the tiny town of Cardinal, Ontario, close to the St. Lawrence River.  The closest American town, Ogdensburg, New York, is 11 miles away and at the northern most part of New York State.

Tomorrow we head to Quebec City, Quebec.