Goat Island — Local services in City of Niagara Falls

Niagara has geared up for the season.

I hear a helicopter taking off from a platform near my window.

The helicopter flies tours over the falls that must cost more money than I am willing to pay.

I saw the helicopter taking off from its platform near the Rainbow Bridge on Saturday.

Now I hear it making its passes over the falls, the American Falls, the Canadian Falls and, my favorite, the Bridal Falls.

The sound of a helicopter might be one of the ubiquitous sounds of summer in Niagara Falls.

I also noticed the Niagara Shuttle making its rounds, but I have no idea how to know when to board the shuttle.

Apparently, it keeps a regular schedule. One can go all the way from the falls to Fort Niagara, on the outlet of Niagara with Lake Ontario.

I have yet to take a walk towards the falls during my stay, but I'll take that walk today.

I'm pretty consistent.

I'll walk out to the bridge over the north branch of the Niagara river and walk across an island in the stream.

"That is what we are", goes the song by Kenny Rogers.

Nope, I did a fact check.

That island with two bridges has the name Green Island.

Kenny and Dolly Parton sang the song and the song became a monster hit for the duet.

Yet, the Bee Gees wrote the lyrics!

I'm just wondering if the Bee Gees were making a reference to Ernest Hemingway, who authored the book, "Islands in the Stream", published after his passing.

Another bridge crosses a smaller stream, and then the bridge arrives on Goat Island.

I don't believe you've been to the falls before today, but when you do, experience the falls from Goat Island.

Go when the weather is colder, like in October, so you are not in the company of crowds.

I'm excited because the island, in the stream, between Bridal Falls and the American Falls should be open for the season.

I've seen pictures of people on this island, black and white, before the days of the motor car.

I didn't have an actual date of the photograph, so I'm not sure if Tesla had tamed the Niagara River by then or not.

The island shows in the earliest paintings of artists from the Hudson River School.

I had to look it up the name of that island.

That island has the name Luna Island, island of the moon and lunacy.

I'm a little bit cray cray about that island.

I could see myself meditating on the island, refusing to go back to civilization, missing my train, until achieving Nirvana.

The path I have described to Luna Island also describes a labyrinth of one circuit.

Labyrinths are categorized by the number of circuits one must walk before reaching the center, called "The Hand of God" by those who intepret the labyrinth experience.

A labyrinth slows down the walker, and protects the walker from returing to the scheduled world too soon.

One can sit in "The Hand of God" for as long as one needs.

Bring a blanket and at least a bottle of water if you try this yourself.

Sit on one of several benches.

Don't let the mind be too distracted by the sound of helicopter blades humming nearby.

The helicopter has returned to its platform nearby.

I want to swat it like an...

Goat Island in Niagara Falls is a truly breathtaking natural wonder. Located in the heart of the falls, this small island offers visitors a unique and up-close experience with the mighty cascades. I had the privilege of visiting Goat Island recently, and it left me in awe.

The island provides unparalleled panoramic views of the Niagara Falls from various vantage points. As you wander along its well-maintained trails, you'll be treated to stunning vistas of the roaring waters, mist-filled air, and the surrounding lush greenery. It's a sensory experience that is difficult to put into words.

One of the highlights of Goat Island is the Bridal Veil Falls, which can be observed from multiple angles. Its ethereal beauty and graceful descent captivated me. Additionally, the proximity to the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls is remarkable, allowing visitors to witness the sheer power and grandeur of these natural wonders.

The island is thoughtfully designed with observation points, lookout decks, and informative signage, providing interesting facts and historical information about the falls. It's educational and enriching, making the visit not only visually captivating but also intellectually stimulating.

Another notable aspect of Goat Island is its abundant wildlife. As I strolled through the trails, I encountered squirrels, birds, and occasionally even glimpses of deer. It's a serene and natural habitat that adds to the overall charm of the island.

In terms of amenities, Goat Island offers convenient parking facilities, clean restroom facilities, and picnic areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The staff members I interacted with were friendly and helpful, ensuring a pleasant experience.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a peaceful escape, Goat Island in Niagara Falls is a destination that should not be missed. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in the raw power of nature, reconnect with its beauty, and create...

Goat Island is a little gem on the US side. We missed it last year. This year we found it out by chance, a random person told us to go there. The island is only 1/2 mile long. You can walk around it easily. There is also a tram-like bus going in a loop around the island and up to the Falls visiting center. We got out of the bus at some point and walked around the west part of the island, starting at the Falls. You get the best view of the Falls that way. There is also a tiny sister Island near the Falls, connected by a bridge. The view is spectacular from all these places.

Parking is tricky in this island also. After paying for a few parkings already, I didn't feel like paying again out of principle. So we drove around till we found free parking farther down the island. There was a bus station selling tickets for the tram, which made it all easy. The ticket master(lady) assured us that the parking was good there. If the town is so eager to collect parking fee, then think of selling a flat 'Park Anywhere' four hour parking pass and a day's pass, which visitors like me can use at any of the tourist locations and streets instead of forcing people to shell out $$ every few hours.

Goat Island is a gem and a must visit place when you come to Niagara Falls. Walking around the island seems like a good strategy for some fresh air. The US side of the Falls and the area around seem so underdeveloped commercially. It looks like no one really cares, and whatever little is done is an after thought to catch up w the Canadians. If you go around on either side, you can feel the difference as there are hardly any decent breakfast or dinner places on the US side. We liked the Goat Island the best, but considering everything available on either side we stayed on the...