When one thinks of Niagara Falls, it conjures up thoughts of thundering water, honeymooners and the many attempts to survive the plunge over the falls. However, with further examinations of this popular tourist destination, a more serene and natural beauty awaits anyone willing to explore.
Located just 1.5 hours west of Toronto, exploring Niagara Falls is possible with little money. Being a native of Ontario, and having visited the falls area many times, I have come to glance at the water flow over the 170 foot drop (52 meters) but, I have never ventured to other points of interest.
Considering visitors have flocked to the roar of the falls since 1845, an information centre was necessary to assist the millions who come to marvel at this natural wonder.
The best place to start any journey is the Table Rock Complex. Adjacent to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, this building (opened all year round) offers information to those visiting the area for the first time. Here you can gain information on tours and local attractions for all ages.
My first stop was the Botanical Gardens (5 miles north of the Falls). This serene setting is ideal for peaceful walks and nature lovers and they have in existent for over 60 years. Maintained by the local horticultural school, the flowers are a wonderful array of smells and colours. The blooming season for each plant does vary, but I was lucky enough to see the irises and roses.
Also in the area are the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory which I visited (admission $8.50 Canadian). Five miles from the falls and adjacent to the Botanical Gardens, the conservatory is a remarkable sight. The vibrancy of the 2000 thousand butterflies located here is amazing. I stayed on the path to allow an overall view of these wonders from Central and South America. Trying to capture these natural beauties on film is very difficult due to the erratic movements. Nevertheless, if you stay still long enough some will land on you, which allows for some fabulous photo opportunities. I spent hours just wandering the paths enjoying the butterflies before moving on to my next spot.
Deciding to take a chance and hoped that lady luck was on my side, I visited Casino Niagara. Near the attractions of the Falls, this man made wonder attracts millions of visitors every year from close and afar. I decided to try my luck at the one-arm bandits, but luck was not on my side.
Unless willing to spend quite a bit of money in this establishment, a quick glance is sufficient. After my minimal loss I decided to head out while I still had some money to my name.
No visit to the area would be complete without a look at the Falls themselves which attracts millions of tourists every year from all over the world. I walked along the pathway looking at the falls realizing just how much it has grown since it was first popularized in 1845.
Before leaving Niagara Falls, a ride on the Maid of the Mist ($12.25) is a must. This short boat ride takes visitors to the base of both the American and Canadian Falls, but be prepared to get soaked! Even though you are provided with "garbage bag rain coats", they do little against the thundering power of the water. You might get wet, but it really is worth the investment to get so close to the natural wonder.
For a change in attractions, I drove to the Lock 3, which is located before entering Niagara Falls). The Lock is one in a series that provides ships of all sizes the opportunity to travel through the water system present here. I was fortunate to see this powerful piece of machinery do its job.
While looking down towards the ship, I awaited as only a rush of water raised the ship to a higher level than originally. The entire event was very quiet and completed in 30 minutes (if not less). Once the boat settled the gate opened and the ship was able to continue on its way to one of the other locks.
To close off my time I decided to stay until dark for the illumination of the water and the fireworks. This only takes place on Friday evenings but with my good luck, it was the beginning of the weekend (fireworks also take place during major Canadian holidays).
With fire in the sky capping off my day here I do have to admit I visited areas that I did not even know existing in the Niagara Falls area. The falls themselves are impressive, however, with further investigation there is a whole other world to discover.
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The Niagara River Recreation Trail follows the Niagara River from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie. The trail, which is paved, and can be biked or walked. The entire trail runs 56km or 35 miles.
For further information call 1800-263-2988 or www.tourismniagara.com
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