On Wednesday, October 9, 2013 a group of White Oaks’ eager grade 9 geographers, including yours truly, was given the opportunity to visit Niagara Falls. What a thrilling event that was, as the opportunity did not only include a visit to falls, but a trip into them as well on the Maid of the Mist: a boat ride that lets you get up close and personal with the breath-taking wonder of nature.

After an excitement filled bus ride, the group of excited kids got to whip out their cameras and go site seeing on fun-filled Clifton Hill Street before their big adventure commenced.

Shortly after, the moment everyone had been waiting for finally arrived. The White Oaks students got into their blue rain ponchos, boarded the Maid of the Mist and ventured towards the falls.  Kristin Hop-Hing, a grade 9 student geographer stated “We got so close to the falls that you could barely see through the mist! You could also listen to the commentary and learn really interesting facts about Niagara. Overall visiting Niagara Falls was a very interesting experience and a great first field trip.”

As we came closer and closer to the falls, everyone struggled to keep their eyes open as the mass amounts of water being splashed onto our faces definitely shocked us all! It was all worth it though, when we did get to open our eyes, and saw not only the amazing waterfall formation, but a lovely rainbow surrounding the horse-shoe shaped falls too.

The maid of the mist was such a wonderful experience if you are looking to do something crazy but worthwhile! I strongly recommend it for anyone who is in the area. This trip not only gave the group of grade 9s a different outlook on Canadian geography, but it also provided us with another check on our bucket lists!

By: Arielle Miranda