by Lore Schafer,
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While the falls at Niagara are spectacular, there are another dozen falls, some equally as high, between Niagara and the Devil's Punch Bowl at Hamilton. Swayze Falls, Rockway Falls, Balls Falls just to name a few, and spectacular in their own way. Our area is a birder's paradise, the Niagara River being winter home to more than 2 dozen species of gulls and terns. Late March brings the annual "Raptor Watch" as eagles, vultures, hawks, falcons and many other birds head across the Peninsula on their annual migration to their summer home. Seeing them glide and swoop on the thermals created by the two large bodies of water is truly amazing. The micro climate and excellent soil conditions of the area have turned this small part of Canada into an internationally renowned wine growing region. Visitors are surprised that "cold Canada" is able to produce such vintages, but the geographical location is on the same latitude as northern California, Italy, and the south of France. Getting there: The Niagara Peninsula, is bordered on the north by Lake Ontario, on the South by Lake Erie, the east by the Niagara River which connects these two large bodies of water. The western boundary of this area is approximately where the city of Hamilton starts. From Toronto, just
head west on either the QEW or the 401 and follow the signs to Niagara.
From the USA there are three border crossings, coming from the east, Where to stay: What to do: Niagara is home to
several dozen championship golf courses, World class wineries in which
you can have a tour and taste, and of course, also the home of the famous
Shaw Festival in picturesque Niagara on the Lake. Antique shops, art galleries,
outdoor concerts in the parks, riding a bicycle along the "prettiest
Sunday Drive in the world" as Sir Winston Churchill dubbed the drive
along the Niagara Parkway, or just sitting on the beach overlooking one
of the lakes, there's plenty to see and do after you've seen the Falls.
The Welland Canal,
an amazing example of engineering technology with its northern entrance
in St. Catharines,and southern terminus in Port Colborne, transports both
oceangoing and Lake ships past the falls at Niagara Falls with a series
of locks which connect Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The St. Lawrence Seaway
System is just the start of probably the longest inland waterway in the
world. The bounty of the Great Plains of North America is transported
by ships to all corners of the world through this marvellous waterway.
A viewing deck and historical museum at Lock 3 is well worth a visit.
The Bruce Trail a
765 km. hiking trail which follows along the crest of the Niagara Escarpment
has its southern terminus at Queenston heights, and the northern on the
Bruce Peninsula, Lake Huron. It is known internationally for its diverse
flora and fauna and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere.
Eating well: For an unforgettable
view of Niagara Falls from the air, check out the Skylon
Tower Restaurant. Truly a once in a lifetime experience. In Port Dalhousie
(St. Catharines), Marie's Seafood Dining Room is the place to go
for that perfect lobster. Or, take a short trip to Port Dover on Lake
Erie's north shore for some authentic fresh Lake Erie Perch. The Erie
Beach Hotel is the place to get that. Niagara Chefs pride themselves
on using as many fresh Niagara ingredients as possible, so take an adventurous
culinary tour and taste the best that there is. |
The
city of Niagara Falls, one of the most recognized tourist spots on
earth receives on average, 10 million international visitors annually.
While the power and majesty of the "thundering Water" of The
Falls truly is an awe-inspiring sight, there is much more to Niagara
that many visitors just don't see.