Niagara Falls, Goat Island and Three Sisters Islands
As I continue photographing Niagara Falls through the seasons, I decided to try something a bit different this time. (Niagara Falls – Summer 2013 and Niagara Falls – Spring 2013) Hubby and I went over to Goat Island to get a better view of the Canadian Falls, the Bridal Veil and the rest of the park. Today I will share my pictures of Goat Island and Three Sisters Islands away from the Falls. One item of note, the fee for a car to drive and park on Goat Island is $10. If you walk over from the American Falls, it is free to pedestrians.
John Stedman kept a herd of goats on the island. Upon returning to the island after a the very cold winter of 1780, he discovered all but one of the goats had died, giving the island its name. Goat island is largely wooded and is interlaced with foot trails. It offers spectacular views of the Falls, as well as the Niagara River rapids that lead to the Falls.
Three Sisters Islands are islands which lie off the west shoreline of Goat Island. The islands are named after Celinda, Angelina, and Asenath Whitney, daughters of General Parkhurst Whitney of Niagara Falls, NY. General Whitney was a prominent early settler of Niagara Falls moving there in 1810. He is best known as the founder and operator of the Cataract House Hotel located near the upper rapids just above the falls, and his daughters were supposedly the first settlers to explore the small islands. The Three Sisters Islands are connected by bridges, which allow pedestrians a fantastic view of the rapids as they approach the Horseshoe Falls.
A bit of information about Goat Island wildlife and plants.
As we were leaving the parking lot on Goat Island near the Bridal Veil, you can see the leaves are starting to turn!
These are rapids visible from Goat Island (as is the top picture).
The gulls are in no way bothered to be out in the rapids.
There is a lot of green space and great walking trails.
This is the entrance to Three Sisters Islands. Go, go go!! It is well worth the drive down Goat Island, or the (long) walk.
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Little waterfalls at the entrance.
Moving on to the Upper Rapids:
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If you would like to see a larger photo, click here (I’d encourage you to look at this large photo! It is fantastic!)
If you would like to see a larger photo, click here (I’d encourage you to look at this large photo! It is fantastic!)
If you would like to see a larger photo, click here
Upper Rapids.
Now we move on to the Lower Rapids:
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I took a whole lot of pictures of these geese. They just kept dunking for food, floated, and at one point stood up and looked around.
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That goose is standing!
The rapids had absolutely no impact on their day!
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These gulls aren’t any more concerned about the rapids then the geese were!
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If you would like to see a larger photo, click here
If you would like to see a larger photo, click here
I was very impressed with Goat Island and Three Sisters Islands. I used to go with my grandparents when I was little, but having really only spent any Goat Island time at Terrapin Point or Luna Island in the last 30-35 years, I forgot just how breathtaking the scenery was from Goat Island and Three Sisters Islands. I strongly urge you to walk out Three Sisters Islands to get a look at the Rapids. Just beautiful.
Related Posts:
● Niagara Falls – Spring 2013
● Niagara Falls – Summer 2013
● Niagara Falls – Autumn 2013
● Niagara Falls – Winter 2014
● Things to do in Buffalo and Niagara Falls!
Darla says
I have never seen Niagara Falls and truly enjoyed looking at your pictures. Dumb question but I have to ask… are there any goats on Goat Island now?
Ann says
I hope you can see it in person sometime, Darla.
Nothing lives on Goat Island now, except for “wildlife”; birds, squirrels, etc.
Ann
Michelle@SimplifyLiveLove says
Beautiful pictures! Makes me want to go back in warmer weather. 🙂 It was so cold when we went last January that my camera literally froze!!
Ann says
LOL Yeah I am not looking forward to photographing winter at Niagara Falls, Michelle. I hope the Falls are iced-over though because that should present some beautiful photographs, but cold + wet = ick.
Ann
orangeheromama says
Wow. Great photos!
Thanks for sharing!
NYCSingleMom says
Stunning photos, need to explore Niagra Falls area
Ruth Beneker says
We are planning our first visit to Niagra in June. How much time should we allow to walk around Goat Island, Three Sisters, & Cave of the Winds?
Ann says
Ruth, the cave of winds may have a wait to get in, and a wait for elevators. How fast can you do stairs? How much time do you want to spend on the deck? If you want to take photos, have a waterproof camera!
On Goat Island and 3 Sisters, there is no wait for anything. You are just strolling along. If you want to spend some time at the various look-outs to the rapids, take photos, etc. build that into your stay.
Honestly? Even if I were “doing” Niagara Falls for the first time, I would say you could fit all the attractions into one day (Cave of Winds, Maid of the Mist, The Falls from Goat island + the park, the overlook, and wandering around… but it wouldn’t be leisurely (unless you hate the outdoors and rush through everything, then you are in the wrong spot).
Here is my post on 200 Things to do in Niagara Falls and Buffalo, NY. I have not done a new one for 2017 yet, that will not be for another month.
Have a great time!
Ann
Karen says
Really enjoyable photos. I have always enjoyed my trips to Niagara Falls. Goat Island and the Three Sisters being a favorite spot. I don’t travel at all these days…so I really enjoy your photos. I was looking for images of the foot bridges. Thank you for your photos. Very enjoyable.
Ann says
Thanks, Karen! We do not get there as often as we should either. Sometimes when you live close…
Ann