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The Niagara Falls - A Natural Wonder of the World -
When the French and British explorers interacted with Canada’s aboriginal population they managed to build a unique nation. With the influences of the geography of the land, the climate and Canada’s culture, a vibrant country has evolved where a superior standard of living and quality of life reigns.
A multi-cultural nation that encourages immigration, well advanced in technology, a popular tourist destination and one of the worlds’ richest trading nations, Canada has so much to see that a whistle stop tour only serves to simply wet the appetite, but no trip can be any more spectacular than visiting the Niagara Falls. A natural wonder of the world, the Niagara Falls in Ontario is one of Canada’s main tourist attractions and it is easy to see why. There is something about Niagara that appeals to everyone. Throughout time it has been a strategic military post, a prosperous trade centre and finally a world class all year round travel destination.
The Falls should be seen from a number of vantage points. One of the best known is Table Rock at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls. The tunnels underneath Table Rock provide an even closer look and the admission price includes raincoats, which are a necessity if the Niagara gusts happen to blow the Falls’ spray in your direction. The tunnel carries you close to Niagara’s thunderous bottom and to two viewing platforms, one at the edge of the falls and another directly behind. The roar of the falls echoes in your ears long after your return to the surface.
One of the best ways to enjoy a trip to Niagara Falls and to avoid the worst of the crowds and traffic is to use the bus line operated by the Parks Commission and visits the major attractions at fifteen minute intervals. It is also best if you are able to arrange your trip slightly off season and not at weekends during July and August.
Probably the most famous attraction at Niagara is the ‘Maid of the Mist’ which has been operating since 1846 and may be the best ride for your money anywhere, a real life thrill unequalled by any amusement park. The trip lasts around thirty minutes and travels within ninety-one meters of Horse Falls and even close to the American Falls. The waves at the base are tremendously powerful and the ‘Maids,’ of which there are several, are tossed as the water from four Great Lakes rushes by.
The Falls themselves are only a small part of the myth and legend surrounding Niagara. There are the treacherous rapids and the whirlpool below the falls. The closest any sane person would want to get to the rapids is the observation boardwalk at the Great Gorge Trip. This is a small stone building just north of the falls on the Niagara Parkway and from here elevators carry you to the river level for a first hand look. You could also take the Spanish Aero car, which is an open cable car that provides a ten minute trip over the Whirlpool. You can also get a birds’ eye view of not only the Whirlpool, but the Falls, Victoria Park and the Rainbow Bridge from the helicopters that make regular tours of the area and get some wonderful photo opportunities to boot.
The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake may be the loveliest, most walkable towns in the entire country and has many attractions to visit, but it is swarmed with visitors during the summer weekends. It is one of Ontario’s true beauty spots with rose gardens, historic homes and theatres. The residents here have put the love of their country on the line many times. They have fought off American invaders long before the rest of Canada was settled and although the guns watching over the Niagara River have been silent for more than one hundred years the heroes and the legends of the battle remain alive still today. Steeped in history you can visit the museums and the historical home surrounding the war of 1812 which was a major element in the shaping of the Canadian character. Today, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a place alive and bustling with visitors who stroll around the town and for a while can journey back in time.
You will certainly fall in love with Niagara and the wonder that surrounds it will live in your minds for ever.
Fact File
Accommodation: Niagara Falls offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from economy motels to mid-range suites to luxury hotels overlooking the magnificent Falls or for the real outdoor adventure stay in one of the many top of the range campsites.
When to Go: Sightseeing in Niagara is a year round event. Specialized winter tours, winery tours, and tours of Niagara-on-the-lake make for terrific all season adventures.
Weather: The coldest months in Niagara Falls are November through March, when temperatures average between -6 and 4°C (21 and 39°F). Snowfall is abundant during the winter months. April and October are also brisk. June, July and August are balmier, with average highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). Keep in mind that the falls affects local weather conditions. Even on the sunniest days, visitors close to the falls can get quite wet from the mist if the wind is blowing their way. Be prepared to wear rain gear or to don dry clothing.
Tours: A helicopter tour is an amazing way to see the Falls. Prices cost around 139$ (approximately 100€ per person) for a grand helicopter tour of around 20 minutes.
Currency: The banks are generally open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Some branches are also open evenings and Saturdays. Travellers cheques should be purchased at a traveller's own bank and should specify Canadian funds. Currently, the U.S. dollar enjoys a high premium in Canada. Although many hotels, stores, gas stations, etc. will accept U.S. currency, the exchange rates they offer may vary greatly.
Travel Information: Ontario Travel Information Centers are operated by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism. They are an excellent source of information for activities throughout the Niagara Region and the province of Ontario.Provincial road maps, tourist guides, and attractions brochures are just a few of the free items at your disposal. Niagara Falls travel information is also available by calling 1-800-ONTARIO or visit the centre at 5355 Stanley Avenue in Niagara Falls.
Getting There
Article provided by kind permission of The Leader Newspaper
When the French and British explorers interacted with Canada’s aboriginal population they managed to build a unique nation. With the influences of the geography of the land, the climate and Canada’s culture, a vibrant country has evolved where a superior standard of living and quality of life reigns.
A multi-cultural nation that encourages immigration, well advanced in technology, a popular tourist destination and one of the worlds’ richest trading nations, Canada has so much to see that a whistle stop tour only serves to simply wet the appetite, but no trip can be any more spectacular than visiting the Niagara Falls. A natural wonder of the world, the Niagara Falls in Ontario is one of Canada’s main tourist attractions and it is easy to see why. There is something about Niagara that appeals to everyone. Throughout time it has been a strategic military post, a prosperous trade centre and finally a world class all year round travel destination.
The Falls should be seen from a number of vantage points. One of the best known is Table Rock at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls. The tunnels underneath Table Rock provide an even closer look and the admission price includes raincoats, which are a necessity if the Niagara gusts happen to blow the Falls’ spray in your direction. The tunnel carries you close to Niagara’s thunderous bottom and to two viewing platforms, one at the edge of the falls and another directly behind. The roar of the falls echoes in your ears long after your return to the surface.
One of the best ways to enjoy a trip to Niagara Falls and to avoid the worst of the crowds and traffic is to use the bus line operated by the Parks Commission and visits the major attractions at fifteen minute intervals. It is also best if you are able to arrange your trip slightly off season and not at weekends during July and August.
Probably the most famous attraction at Niagara is the ‘Maid of the Mist’ which has been operating since 1846 and may be the best ride for your money anywhere, a real life thrill unequalled by any amusement park. The trip lasts around thirty minutes and travels within ninety-one meters of Horse Falls and even close to the American Falls. The waves at the base are tremendously powerful and the ‘Maids,’ of which there are several, are tossed as the water from four Great Lakes rushes by.
The Falls themselves are only a small part of the myth and legend surrounding Niagara. There are the treacherous rapids and the whirlpool below the falls. The closest any sane person would want to get to the rapids is the observation boardwalk at the Great Gorge Trip. This is a small stone building just north of the falls on the Niagara Parkway and from here elevators carry you to the river level for a first hand look. You could also take the Spanish Aero car, which is an open cable car that provides a ten minute trip over the Whirlpool. You can also get a birds’ eye view of not only the Whirlpool, but the Falls, Victoria Park and the Rainbow Bridge from the helicopters that make regular tours of the area and get some wonderful photo opportunities to boot.
The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake may be the loveliest, most walkable towns in the entire country and has many attractions to visit, but it is swarmed with visitors during the summer weekends. It is one of Ontario’s true beauty spots with rose gardens, historic homes and theatres. The residents here have put the love of their country on the line many times. They have fought off American invaders long before the rest of Canada was settled and although the guns watching over the Niagara River have been silent for more than one hundred years the heroes and the legends of the battle remain alive still today. Steeped in history you can visit the museums and the historical home surrounding the war of 1812 which was a major element in the shaping of the Canadian character. Today, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a place alive and bustling with visitors who stroll around the town and for a while can journey back in time.
You will certainly fall in love with Niagara and the wonder that surrounds it will live in your minds for ever.
Fact File
Accommodation: Niagara Falls offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from economy motels to mid-range suites to luxury hotels overlooking the magnificent Falls or for the real outdoor adventure stay in one of the many top of the range campsites.
When to Go: Sightseeing in Niagara is a year round event. Specialized winter tours, winery tours, and tours of Niagara-on-the-lake make for terrific all season adventures.
Weather: The coldest months in Niagara Falls are November through March, when temperatures average between -6 and 4°C (21 and 39°F). Snowfall is abundant during the winter months. April and October are also brisk. June, July and August are balmier, with average highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). Keep in mind that the falls affects local weather conditions. Even on the sunniest days, visitors close to the falls can get quite wet from the mist if the wind is blowing their way. Be prepared to wear rain gear or to don dry clothing.
Tours: A helicopter tour is an amazing way to see the Falls. Prices cost around 139$ (approximately 100€ per person) for a grand helicopter tour of around 20 minutes.
Currency: The banks are generally open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Some branches are also open evenings and Saturdays. Travellers cheques should be purchased at a traveller's own bank and should specify Canadian funds. Currently, the U.S. dollar enjoys a high premium in Canada. Although many hotels, stores, gas stations, etc. will accept U.S. currency, the exchange rates they offer may vary greatly.
Travel Information: Ontario Travel Information Centers are operated by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism. They are an excellent source of information for activities throughout the Niagara Region and the province of Ontario.Provincial road maps, tourist guides, and attractions brochures are just a few of the free items at your disposal. Niagara Falls travel information is also available by calling 1-800-ONTARIO or visit the centre at 5355 Stanley Avenue in Niagara Falls.
Getting There
Article provided by kind permission of The Leader Newspaper
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