Niagara USA – “Pride In Our Side”
I’ve worked on both sides of the Niagara River. As a Tour Director and Guide, I’ve taken groups all around the Canadian side of Niagara. 8 years ago I moved to the American side, and I discovered what I had already suspected – Niagara USA is a truly powerful “experience”. I have since told countless clients that while the Canadian side has the view, the American side has the experience. Once they’ve stood next to the rapids at Three Sisters Island and walked over stones worn smooth by millennia of rushing water, walked over the bridges that span the turbulent rapids leading to the American Falls, stood on either side of the American Falls or at the spot where the Horseshoe Falls passes, and felt the thunder below at the Cave of the Winds walk…well, there’s no further explanation needed.
One thing I noticed about some people on this side is that they resemble children in a bygone age, standing at the window of the store, pressing their noses against the windows and watching the glittering, glorious items showcased inside. That’s how they see Canada. As something to desire but can’t reach, and long to have. Perhaps it’s more like someone who stands in their own yard and looks longingly at the neighbor’s lawn and garden. However it seems, it’s time that we looked in our own backyard, into our own gardens, or just turned off the lights in the store window. What we have here, in Niagara USA, is an amazing experience coupled with centuries of nature, history, tradition and heritage.
We need to take “pride in our side” – and we need to speak highly of what we have to offer. This starts with how we describe Niagara Falls to our friends, family and acquaintances. When I traveled across America – twice in 2008 and 2009 – my family would meet people from around the world. If we said we were from Wheatfield (which is where we used to live) or Kenmore, people had no idea. So we said “Niagara Falls, USA” and they nodded. It’s an internationally recognized address. I’ve talked to people in other countries who have vague ideas of North America but once you say “Niagara Falls” they immediately know – majestic waterfall, tourist attraction, a place they want to see…So there’s our start.
It amazes me that some Tour Companies so strongly push the Canadian side and experience. There’s nothing wrong with that – the Canadian side is a beautiful and diverse experience. However, on the American side, we tie into so much of American Culture and History. People visiting the US often want that above all else – a truly American Experience. For example, over a century ago Americans saw a natural attraction inundated with Industry and junk and turned it into splendid State Parks and restored its natural beauty. The same man credited with designing the State Parks here designed Central Park in New York City – another internationally recognized destination. I could go on…
As I said, it starts with us. How we talk about Niagara USA. If Niagara is truly to rise, it starts with us taking and sharing the “pride in our side”. Encourage some of your friends to join the Niagara USA Facebook page and keep updated with things happening in the Falls. Ask them to join Niagara Rises. Make it a point to do at least one Niagara USA Event next year with your family – and hopefully enjoy more than just one! Go on a State Parks Nature Hike, descend the Gorge, discover Main Street Niagara Falls and see the seedling businesses and Festivals that are growing, enjoy Jazz and Art in Lewiston, take a Canal Cruise or Cave Experience in Lockport, visit the Herschell Carrousel Museum or take your kids to one of the Family movies at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda – but make Niagara USA a part of your life! Start on New Years Eve – join in our Community Celebrations to ring in the New Year. Do it!
I’m not simply a cheerleader. I make my living by showcasing the American side to an industry that has, until recently, focused a great deal on the Canadian side. Now they’re discovering that there’s so much more to Niagara USA – thanks to the efforts of Niagara Rises, the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation, and many other organizations and groups. I’ve been to the Canadian side – I come from there. As I said, it’s beautiful. So is our side. So let’s stop looking across the river and take more “pride in our side”.
Peter Green
Peter is the owner and Director of “Encounter Niagara Tours”, showcasing the best of Niagara USA to the Group and Student Tour Markets. Peter is also known as “Governor Dewitt Clinton” and portrays the historic leader as part of the Erie Canal Experience. You can contact Peter by email – peter@encounterniagara.com or visit his website – www.encounterniagara.com
Peter — Thank you for this reminder!
Let’s start by telling our only local air carrier to add Niagara Falls, NY vacation itineraries on its website. Currently they only feature special packages involving Ontario casinos, golf, hotels, etc.
Like Peter, I’ve always said that while you might get the best view of the Falls from Canada, over here you can FEEL the Falls. And what a feeling it is….this city has been depressed for so long that people have nearly lost the will to take pride in our home. “Nearly” is the key word — I really believe that things are on the upswing now. Optimism breeds more optimism and soon will reflect in the more businesses opening, more houses revived, more people visit…and move back! It’s easy to lose patience when it seems we are fighting an uphill battle to promote Niagara Falls but I feel there is strength in numbers — the more we get on board with our mission, the more people will realize there is still hope for a better life here.