Niagara Falls- Ontario, Canada

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Niagara Falls is nature at its mightiest. More than just a look at a waterfall, a visit is a full vacation surrounded by the natural beauty of the area and the luxury that has drawn tourists from around the world.

A great introduction to the Niagara Falls is from the water with tour from Niagara Cruises. Voyage to the Falls boat tour visits Great Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the most famous, Horseshoe Falls. Whether you decide to see the Falls in the daylight, illuminated at night, or both, there is no better way than floating up close to the massive wall of moving water. You will almost certainly get wet if you are on the open/outdoor areas of the boat, make sure you wear your (free with purchase of ticket) parka they hand out. If you don’t take the night cruise, make sure you take the time to see the falls lit up at night- it’s a beautiful sight, and one you will be glad you took the time for. Before or after your ride, take advantage of “access to the Lower Landing and Falls viewing area” for a whole different viewpoint of Niagara Falls.

There are plenty of options to get close to the water on foot with the White Water Walk. Viewing platforms and a wooden boardwalk offer an up close look at the trillions of gallons of water that make the “Niagara River’s Class 6 white water rapids”. Rising above you are the walls of the Niagara Gorge, cut down by the power of the river to reveal “410-million-year-old rock layers”. The views you will get on your walk next to the raging waters are breathtaking and like none you will see anywhere else. It’s also a lovely stroll, one that anyone at any age can take.

If you are looking for a different angle to view the river, try the Whirlpool Aero Car. Over a century old (just celebrating it’s centennial in 2016) the trip takes you over “3,500 feet across the Canadian side of the Niagara River”. You will cross the international boarder between the USA and Canada during your trip. From the antique cable car, you look down over the Niagara Whirlpool, like seeing the eye of a storm from above.

Maybe a peak behind the running water with a visit to the tunnels of Journey Behind the Falls. You can feel the mist as Horseshoe Falls crashes down from 13 stories above. There is an upper and lower observation deck at the foot of the falls, just be prepared to get wet. In Spring and Summer, free souvenir rain ponchos are given out to protect you from the moisture kicked up in the air as water thunders past going 40 mph.

Wondering how Niagara Falls became the wonder that it is today? Take a look at Niagara’s Fury, a 4D, 360 degree movie that will dazzle and engage all your senses. This is a bit different then other tours, as it’s not out “in” nature, but brings nature in to you. The ground beneath you moves as the history of Niagara Falls unfolds. As the story is told, you are “snow” and water mist down on you and your family as you journey through 10,000 years of time, ending up in the present day. Take your souvenir (biodegradable) parkas with you when you leave, you never know when you will need one again.

You can take a break from getting wet and visit the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens just ten minutes north of the Falls. It is easily one of the most beautiful spots in the area, one that might be passed up due to the overwhelming draw of the falls themselves (but should be on your “to see” list). A highlight is the Butterfly Conservatory taking you to a world of tropical plants and colorful butterflies. Flying loose, they float in the air and decorate any leaf or flower they land on. Also available from May to mid-October are guided tours of the Botanical Gardens by horse drawn carriage.

You can get deals and packages and save quite a bit by doing so. If you plan on visiting multiple locations and attractions, or if you are staying for a few days, the Wonder Pass is a pretty good idea.  There are also buss passes and more to choose from- visit the Niagara Parks page for more information and to choose what suits your family’s needs.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Just 30 minutes from Niagara Falls is the historic town of Niagara-on-the-lake. Located where lake Ontario meets the St Lawrence River the town has a story dating back to  1790’s when it was the original Capital of Upper Canada. If you want a cool title, get elected here and be addressed as Lord Mayor. Fort George has been restored to the original condition when it played a role in the War of 1812. The costumes and recreated lifestyle of the time period add to the immersion into local history.

The annual Shaw Theatre Festival, dedicated to George Bernard Shaw, playwright and nobel prize winner, is a great time to visit. Multiple festivals are held in Niagara-on-the-lake throughout the year including events dedicated wine. You might not think of Canada when grape growing comes to mind, but Lake Ontario causes moderate weather in the area so take advantage of the local wineries. Queen Street has shops and restaurants, that will introduce you to other regional favorites.  Stop for an Ontario specialty, Butter Tarts, or for locally made jams at Greaves Jams & Marmalades.