October 7-10, 2024
I’m going to call this my “Here I Go Again Tour”.  Niagara Falls for the umpteenth time!  This time, the Canadian side.   It’s a Friendship Tours trip sponsored by the Senior Center.

View of American Falls from Canadian side.

 

Canadian Horseshoe Falls

Is there really that much to see and do to warrant coming back time and again? Yes!   Both sides mirror each other in many ways and are total opposites in just as many ways.  They both have “cruises” to the falls.  They both have casinos.  They both have butterfly conservatories, hiking and biking trails, ….  The Canadian side has more glitz, glitter and better views.    Clifton Hill with its magnificent “Big Wheel” and carnival style attractions, multitude of restaurants and entertainment out do the American side by far.

The Falls are always a magnificent site, but the views from the Canadian side showcase both sides day and night.

So, Here I go again.
We spend three nights at the Country Inn and Suites by Radisson  5525 Victoria St.  This is my only disappointment on the entire trip. I’d give it 2 1/2 stars at best, mostly because of location.  It is not an easy walk to any of the attractions.  It is on the far edge of the Clifton Hill District.  I knocked off 1/2 star for the disappointing free cookies served nightly in the lobby.  Always chocolate chip, always stale ….bah humbug!

We traveled here in comfort on a brand new Peter Pan Coach, with an awesome driver, Andre and 27 year, seasoned Tour Director, Gary.

The itinerary is jam packed with places I’ve never been.

Our first night dinner is at Top of the Rock House Restaurant at Table Rock Centre. Good food, slow service, fabulous views of the falls.

Day 2  … We have a very knowledgeable, Hop On Tour Guide, Sue, from True Rainbow Tours.  We did stop at the Falls again and she talked about them and the hydroelectric power.  There are two defunct hydroelectric plants not far from Top of the Rock Centre. One is a museum, open daily and at night shows a movie about the power of the falls.  it’s on my list of “next times”.  The other is being converted into another entertainment center.  Always something new.  The highlights of the Tour went beyond the Falls to “everything” Niagara.  A lot new to me!   The Floral Clock at the Botanical Gardens

Saint Catherine’s Museum and Wetland Canal Centre, where “my ship came in”, not really but the Swiss ship,  Gardno, headed for Montreal, came into Lock Three and we watched the amazing lock process.  Now I don’t have to go to the Panama Canal.

Stopped to view the Whirlpool area on the Niagara River and Whirlpool Aero Car that takes you across and back.  There wasn’t enough time allotted to take the ride,  so now it’s on my “next time” list.  Another “next time” is riding (at least part of) the 35 mile Niagara Parkway Scenic (off road) Recreational Trail that runs from the Falls to Lake Ontario.

Sue left us at the quaint town,  Niagara on the Lake (Lake Ontario), where we were on our own for lunch, shopping or walking to the lake.  It was such a clear day you could see Toronto more than 35 miles away across Lake Ontario.  My photo isn’t great, so squint a little.

Sue had great lunch suggestions,  the best was Chimney Cakes  from The Budapest, a Hungarian (take out only) Bakeshop. This was the best sandwich I’ve had in a long time. The roll is a cross between a popover and a croissant with a crispy crust,   I’ve never had anything like it.  Another reason to come back again.

Our evening was on our own, with an optional ride to the new Falls Casino Resort (not a reasonable walk from the hotel).  Lots “more shopping”, restaurant’s and a little gambling .

Day Three …. What’s a visit to Niagara Falls without a Cruise to the Falls?   The Hornblower on the Canadian side, Maid of the Mist on the American.  Same cruise, same thrills, same soaking, same fun!

 

Next stop the Butterfly Conservatory.  If you’re thinking “ seen one seen them all”,  not true here.  Over two thousand spectacular butterflies in a lush rainforest setting.  The short introductory Film  they offer is a must.  The emergence window is fascinating. The butterfly below just hatched and will be making its way out into the room soon.

The butterflies were beautiful and entertaining.

You might guess, I liked the Butterfly Conservatory a lot.
More time on our own, we chose the Journey Beyond the Falls Tour.  Just my opinion but $28.25 (Canadian) $22.24 (U.S.) was a lot of money for a ten minute activity.  A quick ride down 125 ft to walk two tunnels.   One tunnel goes to an outdoor observation. A plastic poncho came with your admission and you got very wet.   The second tunnel  has two juxtaposed windows where you see the “Falls”.  Your money is much more well spent going on a Hornblower Cruise.

More fun and better views were had on the 4 minute ride on the Falls Incline Railroad (funicular) ($3.50 Canadian one way).  There’s another funicular at The Hornblower, but that one was already closed for the season.  Taking it made our 1 hour walk back to the hotel a lot easier, because it knocked off a lot of steep uphill walking.

Dinner tonight is at the revolving restaurant at the top of the  Skylon Tower.  Fast service, good food and beautiful views of the Falls.  After dinner we walked up one level to the indoor/outdoor observation deck for great views and photo opportunities.

Each night at 10:00 p.m. there are Fireworks over the falls.  I missed them all three nights.  Another reason to go back.  I have at least a half dozen reasons to visit again.

Day 4  … Last stop Duty Free Shopping and we’re on the road back home again.  This was a great trip!