Niagara Falls Canada

Niagara Falls Canada is a great family destination which offers plenty to do.  There are historic places to visit, beautiful sights to see and many games to play!  My family decided to spend a few days exploring this region.

On our first day we decided to take in some of the historic sites and drove north on the scenic Niagara Parkway up to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara Parks Canada sells a variety of passes to save you money on all the attractions. We visited the Laura Secord Homestead, the McFarland House and the Mackenzie Printery. The tours at all three places were given by expert guides who clearly loved their jobs. The Laura Secord Homestead was a great place to take our little girl because she learned about Laura Secord who was exceptionally brave. She walked 20 miles to warn British forces of a planned American attack. The McFarland House showed what an upper middle class home during the time was like. The Mackenzie Printery was our favorite because it was very hands on which of course my daughter loved.  We were able to explore early printing equipment and actually set old-fashioned type to make a personalized message.  We were able to take it home as a souvenir.

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch cruise with Niagara Sunset Cruises out of Niagara-on-the-Lake. We sailed on the Niagara Belle a beautiful paddle wheeler.  The ship was well maintained and although it was a historic looking paddle wheeler the ship came equipped with wi-fi which was a major plus. While we enjoyed our tasty lunch made with local Niagara ingredients we enjoyed a historical narration and commentary on Niagara Falls and River history. We learned about Major-General Isaac Brock and the battle at Queenston which was the first battle of 1812.

The next day we decided to get closer to the Niagara River.  We rode the Whirlpool Aero Car and walked the White Water Walk. The Whirlpool Aero Car is an antique cable car that has been in operation since 1916. It suspends you high over the Niagara Whirlpool so I hope you are not afraid of heights.  The whirlpool is fascinating to watch as the water swirls around.  We really enjoyed the White Water Walk.  It is a picturesque walk as you watch the rapids go by.  I could have sat there all day, it was very peaceful.  After a quick lunch we ventured to Journey Behind the Falls. You will get wet and are provided with a poncho. The power of the Horseshoe Falls is awesome with the thunderous sounds of water crashing down paired with its visual. You see, hear and feel the falls here.

Being a beautiful day we decided to walk around a bit and then made our way to our Whirlpool Jet Dome Adventure that afternoon. We didn’t want to get wet so we chose the Jet Dome as opposed to the Wet Jet tour.  Fair warning- the ride is turbulent.  It was pretty cool to see the water from the rapids cover the top of the glass dome.  You really feel the strength of the rapids!  If it is a really warm day I would suggest the Wet Jet because it could get pretty ward in the Jet Dome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk9xoRHRiM0

On our final day we decided to explore the Clinton Hill area. Warning- highly touristy and gimmicky but so much fun! We visited Bird Kingdom which was a great way to get out of the heat while exploring some really cool animals and exotic birds. It is a free flying aviary as well as full of hands on experiences.  You can observe feedings as well.  After lunch we visited Crock a Doodle for some painting fun.  It was great to unwind and paint some ceramic pieces. We received great service there and we highly recommend a visit while you are in the area. Make sure to go near the beginning of your trip so you can pick up your pieces once they are fired and ready. That night we had a great dinner at Cabo Cantina. The guacamole was excellent and the dishes were all prepared with the freshest ingredients. After dinner we used our Clifton Hill Fun Pass and enjoyed a ride on the Sky Wheel, played Dinosaur Adventure Golf and rode the Wild West Coaster. The Sky Wheel was worth the wait because it provided beautiful views of the falls.  The Dinosaur Adventure Golf was expertly designed and is the largest mini-golf course in Canada. It includes giant dinosaurs and an “active” volcano. The Wild West Coaster is a 6D ride that was thrilling.  I never knew there could be 6Ds! The ride combines a variety of special effects and it is a must ride if you are in the area.

Niagara Falls Canada is a great destination for families that enjoy a variety of activities.  There aren’t many places that are steeped in  history and natural beauty as well as giant dinosaurs and wild coaster rides.

 

One Comment on “Niagara Falls Canada”

  1. There are a ton of great things to do just across the boarder as well! Buffalo/Niagara area is teaming with historic sites like the Darwin Martin House and educational stops like the Albright Knox Art Gallery and the Buffalo Museum of Science. On a sunny day, it’s wonderful to sit by the water front or take a ride south of the city to do a Whirpool Jetboat tour there! There’s also the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds, not to mention the aquarium!

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