TODAY MAGAZINE
COME ON GET HOPPY
A WELL SEASONED EXPERT
SPOTLIGHT ON CHEF J. MARK HAND
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meet the CONTRIBUTORS ANGELA AIELLO
JILL THAM
ANDREA KAISER
Angela Aiello is the Founder of iYellow Wine Club home to over 10,000 members who build wine confidence through discovery through events, classes and tours. To learn more, join the wine club for free at iYellowWineClub.com or AngelaAiello.ca
Convinced she would have made a better teen in the 80s instead of the 90s, Jill’s passion for writing came after seeing the movie Stand by Me. When Jill is not moonlighting as a freelance writer, she is an Elementary teacher juggling her three children. Along with being a regular contributor to Today Magazine, Jill’s articles have been featured in Canadian Running, Pedal, Allergic Living and @OECTA. jilltham.wordpress.com @JillBT
Andrea Kaiser grew up in Niagara, and is no stranger to the Ontario wine industry. You could say she was born into a life of food and wine and now shares this passion for Niagara Flavours through her writing, teaching and work. Well, we will call it work for lack of a better word.
ANDREW HIND & MARIA DA SILVA Andrew and Maria are freelance writers specializing in travel, history and lifestyle. They have a passion for new adventures and experiences, and for exploring little known stories. Andrew is never without a book or three in hand, and some obscure historical fact at the tip of his tongue. Maria is a natural storyteller who loves the paranormal, cooking and good wine (mostly, she’ll say, for putting up with Andrew). You should follow them @discoveriesAM.
YOU CAN’T USE UP CREATIVITY. THE MORE YOU USE, THE MORE YOU HAVE. -MAYA ANGELOU
GABRIELLE TIEMAN
SHERMAN ZAVITZ
Gabrielle is a writer for REV Publishing and passionate about the written word. A newcomer to Niagara, Gabrielle is a graduate of the University of Ottawa’s Journalism program and has written for a number of newspapers and publications across Canada. Her passion lies in profiling members of the community and uncovering the hidden gems within a city. When she is not writing you can find her on her bicycle - most likely with a large coffee in hand.
A retired teacher, Sherman Zavitz has had a fascination with the history of Niagara Falls for many years. Past president of The Lundy’s Lane Historical Society and has served on the boards of The Canadian Canal Society, The Friends of Fort George and the Niagara Falls Museums. He has been recognized for his historical expertise by being appointed official historian for both the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario, and The Niagara Parks Commission.
LYNN OGRYZLO Lynn is a food, wine and travel writer, author of three international award-winning cookbooks and regular contributor to REV Publications. Lynn specializes in culinary tourism covering regional cuisine destinations, slow food, culinary holidays, wine, spirits and “la dolca vita”. She can be reached for questions or comments at lynnogryzlo.com.
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 5
letter from
THE EDITOR W
elcome to the summer edition of Marriott. As a tourism publication, we bring you in depth articles on all the best things to see and do during your visit to Niagara Falls. For this issue, we cover many different facets of Niagara: the adventurous side (with a look at the new zipline and treetop course, page 37 and the exploration of Niagara’s waterways with Niagara Kayaking, page 30), the historical side (with a look at the history of the Whirlpool Aero Car, page 41 ) and the artistic side (with a behind the scenes look at the Shaw Festivals new production of Alice in Wonderland, page 47). There is definitely something for everyone here. This is a great time of year to visit the Region, so take advantage of that by getting out and exploring all the amazing spaces and places we have to offer.
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 7
PUBLISHER Rev Publishing Inc. PRESIDENT & CEO Daniel A. Pasco GENERAL MANAGER Candace LeBlanc DIRECTOR OF SALES Sherry Madden SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Alex Mills ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Joe Visentin, Nicole Morneault, Barry Archer BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER David Mace EDITOR Megan Pasche CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tina Lanzillotta GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Tabitha MacDonald, Rachel Bertrand, Christina Picton, Jenn Blais IT/WEB DEVELOPER Justin Soungie MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Kaila Henderson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jill Tham, Lynn Ogryzlo, Gabrielle Tieman, Andrew Hind, Maria Da Silva, Andrea Kaiser, Sherman Zavitz, Angela Aiello PHOTOGRAPHER AJ Harlond TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CALL 905.356.7283 or 1.877.888.2825 WEBSITE todaymagazine.ca
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Marriott by Today Magazine is published by Rev Publishing Inc. All opinions expressed in Marriott are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Rev Publishing, it’s employees or owners. Reasonable care is taken to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is as up-to-date and accurate as possible, as of the time of publication, but no responsibility can be taken by Marriott for any errors, omissions or comments made by writers or interviewees that are contained herein. Furthermore, responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through this magazine is not the responsibility of Marriott. All unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs submitted are assumed to be intended for publication or republication in whole or in part. The right to alter, edit or refuse photos and/ or manuscripts intended for publication is assumed. All unsolicited material submitted to Marriott are submitted at the author’s risk. Manuscripts and or photographs intended to be returned must be accompanied by sufficient postage. Marriott does not assume any responsibility for any claims of our advertisers and reserves the right to refuse any advertising.
FOOD & DRINK
ABOUT TOWN
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26
MAGNIFICENT TOURS:
30
HAVE KAYAK WILL TRAVEL
34
A WALK IN THE WOODS
37
FLYING HIGH AT WILDPLAY NIAGARA FALLS
41
SUSPENDED IN TIME
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WHAT MAKES NIAGARA WINE SO COOL? Our wines are some of the most food friendly in the world.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR BARBEQUE Sensible BBQing for a simple summer.
THE FUN IS BREWING This latest addition to Niagara’s craft brewing route offers a varied roster of innovative and smooth drinking brews created with traditional practices and locally sourced produce.
A WELL SEASONED EXPERT Profiling the Marriott’s new director of food and beverage, Chef J. Mark Hand
There’s no better way to explore the best of Niagara Exploring Niagara’s Waterways Niagara’s Hiking Trails The world class zip line experience and Aerial Adventure Courses will captivate both the young and young at heart when visiting Niagara’s entertainment district. Unveiled in 1916, the Aero Car was a marvel of engineering and incorporated the latest in scientific thought, and this summer, it’s celebrating its 100th anniversary.
LIFESTYLE & CULTURE 47
FALL DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
60
REST, RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION
65
KEEP CALM SHOP ON
71
THE CLIFTON HOTELS
A behind the scenes look at the Shaw Festival’s new production of Alice in Wonderland. The Marriott’s Serenity Spa Niagara’s best places to shop We look back at a century of elegance in Niagara Falls
HERE. SEE. DO 76 81
NIAGARA EVENT CALENDAR SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS Summer and Fall festivals in the Niagara area
Clifton Hill
Fun by the Falls FUN PAS 5 GREA T ATTR AC
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TIONS
FOOD & DRINK
WHAT MAKES
BY ANDREA KAISER BY ANDREA KAISER
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 11
OUR VINEYARDS ARE LOCATED IN A ‘COOL CLIMATE’ WINE REGION, WHICH IS KNOWN GLOBALLY TO PRODUCE SOME OF THE MOST ELEGANT AND BALANCED WINES IN THE WORLD. Do you ever wonder why your favourite Ontario Cabernet Franc pairs so perfectly with a rack of lamb or why local Rieslings pair perfectly with Chinese take-away? And why sparkling wines from Niagara go with just about everything? Of course, different wines pair better with certain foods, but it’s also true that because our wines are ‘cool’, that they are among the most food friendly wines in the world.
But it’s not our hip winemakers, nor our trendy labels, that couldn’t be cooler. What’s really cool about Niagara wines is where the grapes are grown and as a result, what’s in the bottle. Our vineyards are located in a ‘cool climate’ wine region, which is known globally to produce some of the most elegant and balanced wines in the world. Historically speaking, the majority of the world’s most famous wine regions were located in the northern hemisphere and to this day still produce some of the world’s best wines. Who does not think of Champagne, Alsace and Burgundy when asked to think of some of the most distinguished wines of the world That is not to say that wonderful wines are not produced in the hot climates of the southern hemisphere, they are just different. If you have ever tasted fruits like pineapple or mango, think about how they are unlike local apples and pears. While they are both ripe and sweet, the latter has a much higher acidity and freshness. And the same is true with wine: grapes ripen differently depending on where they are grown and if you start with a riper, sweeter grape, you will have a much softer wine.
Warm climate wine regions also tend to have more consistent temperatures throughout the season, meaning the fruit also ripens very quickly. By contrast, grapes grown in cooler regions ripen gradually and accumulate their flavour slowly. As a result, the wines from countries like New Zealand, Germany and Canada tend to be more complex, making them some of the most food-friendly wines in the world. Temperatures also often rise and fall at intervals throughout the season and in autumn as the temperatures drop quickly, the acidity levels are preserved providing for fresh bright lively wines. These intricate flavours and higher acidity levels help to accent the flavours in the food you’re eating. And that’s why sparkling wines generally pair so beautifully with most foods as the grapes are among the first harvested while sugars are low and acidity is high. So get out into Niagara wine country and meet our hip winemakers, see some trendy labels and savour and sample some of the world’s most food friendly wines. And the next time you are setting your table, make room for only the coolest. TM
BBQing for a
Summer By Lynn Ogryzlo
Seven a.m. on any given day is certainly not what you’d call prime-time TV. But when you’re walking the treadmill and channel surfing, a foodie will eventually settle on the Food Network. So there I was power walking in one spot and watching a chef thread thick succulent tentacles of octopus onto fancy metal skewers. These grayish appendages were about the size of a rather large, long carrot, all covered with slimy little suction cups. They had the texture of a puddle of Jello and flopped around aimlessly as the chef skillfully lanced each one through the center from end to end. Then he doused them with olive oil and covered them with a secret combination of herbs to no doubt offer plenty of flavour. Then he grilled them on a really hot barbecue grill. They looked amazing. What a great start to barbecue season! The next day I watched as another chef blanched whole artichokes on the barbecue. He took a large stockpot, filled it with water and then added not only the artichokes but plenty of other whole vegetables as well. He put the giant pot on the barbecue and closed the lid. It was to be left there for 45 minutes (one second TV time). The show never did demonstrate just how to remove the piping hot pot from the barbecue. I would have been interested to see just how they maneuvered such a large and hot pot to drain the vegetables. Obviously this would have to be done inside the kitchen, effectively steaming it up on a hot summers day. While the artichokes were cooking, he took some glowing red hot coals and put them in the bottom of a smoker (of course, who doesn’t have two major pieces of equipment ready to prepare one veggie dish?). Then he laid wet alderwood chips over top. The lid of the smoker was placed on top. The food rack slid into the middle. Next he took six Roma tomatoes and sliced them in half. The tomato halves went on the food rack, cut side down, the rack was set in place and the tomatoes left to smoke for about 20 to 30 minutes – 1 second TV time.
Direct Heat: Turn all burners on high, close the lid and thoroughly heat the grill. When you’re ready to grill, turn the burners down to medium and grill away. Direct grilling is very hot and suits smaller foods like fruits, vegetables, seafood and small portions of meat such as steaks or racks.
Indirect Heat: Turn all burners on high, close the lid and thoroughly heat the grill. When you’re ready to grill, turn one of the burners off. Place the food on the unlit side. Close the lid and allow your food to cook. On a three-burner grill, turn the centre burner off and place the food on the centre grill. Indirect grilling is best for meats that will drip or for very large cuts of meat like pork shoulder or rib roast that take longer to cook. Once cooled the artichokes were halved, brushed with a bit of olive oil and laid on the hot grill to achieve all those delicious caramelized flavours (a favourite term used by all chefs who barbecue on TV). When the tomatoes were done smoking, they were diced finely and dressed with a special vinaigrette that was prepared in a food processor – also outdoors of course. The artichokes were arranged on a plate with their grill marks proudly showing and the luscious smoked tomato compote was spooned into the centre of each one. All six artichoke halves looked absolutely beautiful! Day 3, 4 and 5 of watching The Food Network was equally delicious yet equally unreasonable for home cooks to achieve on their own. Scallops poached in lobster stock and grilled for visual affect. Lavender grilled jumbo shrimp with creamy squash and sweet potato bundles. Bourbon marinated ostrich with French lentils and homemade mustard cream sauce. It all started my mouth watering and in no time at all I was dreaming of enjoying each and every one of these dishes. Now, I’ve come to terms with the fact that the barbecue shows I’m watching on the Food Network are strictly for entertainment purposes. I have no one to prepare them for me and I’d never try any of the complicated and extravagant processes at home. >>
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But it is barbecue season and if you want more than just putting a slab of meat on the grill, there is one trick that makes outdoor cooking a lot more exciting with very little effort. I call it playing with the heat. Direct heat is quick grilling over an open flame, lid up or down and indirect heat, is grilling with the lid down with only one burner on and the food over the burner that has been turned off. With indirect heat you never put the food over the flame. In either case,
if you play with the level of heat in the barbecue, you’ll be able to cook many different foods at once and even your entire dinner with one piece of equipment – your barbecue! Convenient? You bet! As for the Food Network, yes I’ll keep watching as I’m walking. After all, who doesn’t find it fun to watch someone prepare a stenciled roast of venison stuffed with loin of rattlesnake and dressed with heritage beans harvested by an endangered tribe on the remote side of Tuscany?
Barbecued Beer-Can Chicken Chimichurri Sauce Chicken on the barbecue is popular at Directions my house but I don’t like to lather it In a small bowl, mix the mustard, butter, salt up with sticky sweet barbecue sauce. and pepper together. With fingers, carefully Instead, mine is simple, succulent and loosen skin from chicken breasts and rub mixture under and over skin. Tuck wings under chicken. refreshing. Refrigerate overnight.
Ingredients 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon butter, room temperature 1 tablespoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 whole chicken (3 ½ to 4 pounds) 1 can (12 ounces) beer ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped ½ cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 3 tablespoon red wine vinegar 3 to 4 garlic cloves, peeled 1 shallot, peeled ½ teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
If you’re using your good roasting pan, line it completely with foil, or purchase a disposable roasting pan. Using a can opener, remove the top of the beer can. Remove one third of the beer and place it on the pan. Slide the chicken over the beer can until it is all the way into the chicken cavity. Place it on barbecue. Grill, covered, over indirect medium heat 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours or until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°. Do not lift the barbecue lid during cooking. Meanwhile, to make the chimichurri sauce, place the remaining ingredients in a food processor; puree until almost smooth (or as chunky as you like). Season with salt and pepper and chill. When the chicken is done, carefully remove pan from the grill. Remove the beer can from the chicken, cover the chicken with foil and let it stand for 15 minutes before carving. Serve with chimichurri sauce. Serves six. TM
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BREWING BY GABRIELLE TIEMAN The Niagara Brewing Company has big plans for downtown Niagara Falls. The brewery opened its doors in June 2015, right in the middle of the carnival fun of Clifton Hill. This latest addition to Niagara’s craft brewing route offers a varied roster of innovative and smooth drinking brews created with traditional practices and locally sourced produce. Residing in the former site of the legendary Foxhead Inn – one of the first luxury hotels in Niagara Falls – and the once WWE store, Niagara Brewing Company plans to honour the spirit of the fox by employing daring processes, bold flavours, and a strong desire to create the perfect beer. The multi-level on-site brewery offers a comprehensive craft brewing experience with a stand up tasting bar, outdoor patio, retail store and seated restaurant – featuring beer paired sharing plates like charcuteries and small plates including fan favourites like sliders and tacos. Guiding the team is legendary Brewmaster Gord Slater. An avid member of the craft brewing industry since 1969, he has held an essential part in the design and commissioning of more than 60 breweries in North America; lending his wealth of experience and passion to breweries worldwide for over 35 years. >>
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OUR BEERS ARE NOT GOING TO BE YOUR ORDINARY BEERS; THEY ARE GOING TO BE CLEAN, SMOOTH AND EASILY DRINKABLE… “I came out of the University of Guelph from the Agriculture program and one of my professors that I got along best with was in research with Molson,” says Slater. “So he forced me into their business straight out of school. In 1984 when the craft brewery business was legalized by the Ontario Government, is when I swung into developing brew pubs, breweries and brewing premises as a consultant.” Slater says the company focuses on traditional brewing practices to produce canned, kegged, bottled, cask-conditioned and barrel-aged beer. Focusing on four established brands – their Honeymoon Peach Ginger Radler, a premium blonde Lager, a versatile Amber Ale and a high-hop IPA – along with four floating taps that will feature seasonal and inspirational brews crafted on whim. The brewery can produce 15 cans per minute and 20 kegs per hour – an incredible volume for a new craft brewery. “Our beers are not going to be your ordinary beers; they are going to be clean, smooth and easily drinkable,” said Slater. “The Radler will be a ginger peach instead of your traditional citrus base; the IPA will be more East Coast than West Coast. Some will say it’s too much of an IPA while beer geeks will find it not enough.” The floating taps will focus on promoting Niagara flavours, drawing inspiration from the areas diverse and lush agriculture. “One of our missions here is to try and pull the regional agriculture into our plan in order to promote both the region and our brand,” said Slater. “We are using a Summer Wheat beer as our base. It’s a great base beer – it could be run either as is or have local fruit added to it depending on the season. We could add strawberries, cherries, pumpkin, whatever we decide and whatever the season permits.” Along with clean and balanced beers, Slater plans to bring new concepts to the Niagara Brewing Company in the forms of eco-friendly brewing and an established water conservation system.
“There is a great concern generally in the industry, by the Ministry of the Environment,” said Slater. “The breweries are asked to partake in consulting work in order to check their discharge into the atmosphere. And some people say that is being fostered by the large breweries – which tend to be a controversy among craft brewers. So what we are doing is that we are going to take technology involved in condensing vapors. It is fairly common in many industries but not so common in the craft beer industry. So we are taking that technology and advancing it as much as we can here so that we will not be discharging into the atmosphere outside of our doors. “With the cost of energy and water and heat, we are trying to be a little more eco-friendly in conservation of our water use as well,” said Slater. “Whenever we cool anything, that heat will be recovered from the cooling process and put back into the system to be reused. Anytime that we can minimize the discharge down the drain we will have a process put in place. Water is a precious item and beer is 95 per cent water. So we have to be conscious of it.” Niagara Brewing Company hopes to grow not only as a tourist favourite but as a favourite amongst locals and fellow craft brewers in Niagara, with the goal of promoting the local brewing industry as a unit. “It’s not our intention to be the lone wolf over here,” said Slater. “The trouble with a growing industry is that you have a lot of people who are great brewers that don’t have management experience. I have been in the industry long enough to gain some of that so I am open to answering questions from anybody.” “During the summer months our focus will be whoever comes through the doors and in the fall we hope to draw people from the local area: Special dinner nights, brewmaster dinners, events and educational seminars. All of those to encourage both the home brewers and the people who want to learn about the brewing industry to come down here.” TM
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CHEF PROFILE
CHEF J.MARK HAND PHOTOS BY AJ HARLOND
CHEF J. MARK HAND IS THE NEW DIRECTOR OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE AT THE NIAGARA FALLS MARRIOTT FALLSVIEW HOTEL AND SPA. He has been deeply entrenched in the Niagara culinary community for several years now, including being among the first graduates of the Niagara Culinary Institute. He was involved in the opening of “On the Twenty”, Canada’s first winery restaurant. He has worked as the Food and Beverage Manager at Niagara College, where he helped grow the Niagara Culinary Institute from a small town community college program to the envy of the province. Through the years and in addition to his culinary prowess, he has appeared in many television spots, travelled around the world cooking, lecturing and spreading the word about Niagara, fronted a rock and roll band, acted in 12 plays, raised two kids, and remained happily married. And now, if he has anything to do with it, every person who visits the Marriott, will leave with a (well seasoned) experience to remember.
What made you decide you wanted to be a Chef? When I was young, it my responsibility to start dinner, so it just became part of my day to day. From a very young age, I was cooking with my mother, and it just became something that I loved to do, and it never stopped. And strangely enough, I never worked outside of the industry. It’s been four decades of working in the industry, and really, my youngest memories are of cooking pancakes with my mom. I transferred from George Brown when Niagara College announced their first ever apprenticeship program, so I transferred down, like a good Niagara boy, and I was in the first graduating class of the culinary program.
Do you have a cooking philosophy? You know it’s funny, we just launched my new menus at the Marriott on Monday and I’ve already had three of the cooks say the exact same thing about it: ‘it’s really simple’. And I say, ‘yeah, it shouldn’t be complex,
it shouldn’t difficult, and it shouldn’t involve tricks’. So my philosophy of cooking is fresh, simple food, if it’s treated with the skills we are supposed to have. A tomato doesn’t get much better than a ripe tomato. If a touch of salt and pepper and olive oil makes it unbelievable, don’t do something stupid to it.
Is there someone in your career that stands out as a mentor? The chef that I did my apprenticeship with was named Josef Kohler and it was at the Auberge Suisse in St. Catharines. I was very lucky to knock on the door (this was in the day when you went and applied for jobs in person), so I knocked on the door and introduced myself and explained that I need to be trained properly and he sent me away. Then I came back, and he sent me away again, but his wife thought it was cute that I called him Chef and that I was so persistent, and when I got home the second time there was phone call from the Chef saying, ‘ok, you can come in tomorrow”. He was a mentor as far as my basis of culinary skills and background. I spent 5 ½ years in my apprenticeship, so it was a long period of learning to do things properly. And way before any superstar TV chefs, there was a guy named “The Galloping Gourmet” (Graham Kerr), and this was long before I knew Josef. Graham was this guy on TV who didn’t wear a chef jacket, he was just a fun guy who >> TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 23
me “season the table” where I would have to take a handful of salt and pepper and season a table. And honest to God, he would come over and inspect it. The reason was, he knew that if I could season the table evenly, corner-to-corner, he knew that I could season a 15 dollar steak evenly. It seems boring, but I’ll take a salt and pepper chef over a guy who can turn a piece of shrimp into a piece of bubble gum and make it float to your table.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? I’m lucky that I still get to cook. And as you grow through any industry, I think you fall away from the reason you got into something. The great thing is, even on the craziest day of office work, I can still go back at night and get on my jacket and apron and walk out and go, ‘ok boys, let’s do this” and I get to do what I loved when I was eight years old.
What kind of meals do you make at home? We eat really well at home, but we don’t eat really fancy. We try to balance things out properly, and don’t eat a lot of processed stuff. Things that I don’t serve at restaurants. We eat well, we eat fresh and seasonal when we can.
What would be on the menu at your last supper? I don’t have a favourite food, because I love so many things, but what I’m more concerned about is the preparation of it. So whenever the execution is going to occur, and I get my last supper delivered to me, I hope that it will be prepared well, whatever it is, because I just love food. Just cook it right. Treat it with respect and feed me good food.
What would you say is unique about the Niagara dining scene? I think it’s very cool how far we’ve come in the last 15 + years. It only makes sense that a peach that we can pick here is better then a peach that gets shipped from somewhere else. I think that’s what I like most about the food scene here: we are doing what we should have been doing all along. We are celebrating food as it should be.
What has been your all time most memorable meal? cooked, and he always drank wine. I used to sit glued to him and I’d think, ‘hold on, he’s cooking, he’s drinking and he’s seeing the world…that’s what I want to do.’ So Graham Kerr was my original cooking hero, and then thankfully I met Joe.
How do you stay educated on new food trends? I wish I could say I read more, and I don’t really watch The Food Network, and I think everybody thinks that’s what we do, but I think more often then not, chefs of my generation probably don’t like The Food Network because it’s become such a circus. I look to people that I respect or restaurants that I know. You can always look up the Thomas Kellers' of the world and see what is happening at their place. I probably look up food stuff on the Internet as much as I look up Notre Dame football stuff, which is a lot.
Do you have a favourite ingredient to use? This is where I get very boring. I think people want to hear something really exciting, like, ‘oh, I love sea urchins’, but… I don’t. A lot of the guys that I respect locally, we have a term that we use amongst ourselves, where we say, ‘we are salt and pepper chefs’. It’s a skill that bad cooks don’t get. It’s important. So honestly, my favourite “ingredient”, is the ability to understand how to season food properly. I never stop thinking about seasoning and I never stop pushing it on my cooks. Chef Kohler used to make
To me, it’s never about just the food, but the food is obviously why you are there. So one such meal was a number of years ago, when a bunch of us went to Chicago and we ate at Charlie Trotters’, and at that time, he was the guy. We had a seven or nine course meal, and there was probably three of the courses that were better than anything I’ve ever eaten before. Every step of the experience was unbelievable. And Charlie Trotter was really gracious to hang out with us afterwards. Now, I can’t remember what the meal was, but I loved it. It’s rare that you get that one that stops you in your tracks and makes you go, ‘wow, how did they do that?’
What do you plan on bringing to the Marriott Fallsview? What will be changing? We’ll be working on Morton’s Grill…we go into renovations there in October, so this will be the last season of the Terrapin Grill. We are very much looking forward. We will be opening the first Morton’s Grill in Canada. People come to the falls, and they are sitting there looking at this gorgeous scene, and we need to live up to that. So I want them to have those experiences that I talked about. I don’t need them to remember the meal specifically, but I want our guests to go away and remember Niagara, and that we were a part of it. I don’t need them to remember my name, I don’t need them to remember the steak they had; I want them to remember the experience. TM
THERE’S NO BETTER WAY TO EXPLORE NIAGARA
W
hat better way to discover a new city than by having someone who knows the area show you around? There’s no hassle of trying to find your way, just a nice, leisurely tour, with someone else doing all the work. Tours depart directly from the Marriott lobby, so all you need to do is show up on time. Magnificent Tours offers numerous tours throughout the Niagara Region, all in the comfort of a climate controlled bus or limo, depending on which tour you choose. You’ll visit Niagara’s best attractions, wineries and more. Below is a breakdown of all the tours they offer and some highlights of what exactly you’ll see.
NIAGARA FALLS SUMMER SCENIC TOUR RUNS UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2016 PRICING (ALL + HST AND IN CANADIAN DOLLARS) ADULT: $159 CHILD (5 TO 12): $80 KIDS UNDER 5: FREE DURATION OF TOUR: 5 HOURS The website notes, “let us show you the sights and sounds of Niagara with our fully narrated Niagara Falls Scenic Tour. See the sights and feel the roar of Niagara Falls. This full day>> TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 27
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MAGNIFICENT TOURS:
Niagara Falls Scenic Tour is our signature tour. Experience the majesty and power of Niagara Falls while getting to the front of the line. Our prices are among the best in the luxury tour market and we are committed to offering more during your stay in Niagara Falls through our Niagara Falls Scenic Tour.” This tour includes admission to Journey Behind the Falls, Hornblower Niagara Cruise, Niagara’s Fury, The Skylon Tower and Souvenir City. Also, passes to the following attractions are included for guests to enjoy at a later time: The White Water Walk, Niagara Falls IMAX Daredevil Museum, WEGO Pass, and a pass to return to the Skylon Tower. The bus also drives past many Niagara Falls sites including: The Mt. Carmel Monastery, Dufferin Islands, Old Scow, the Whirlpool Rapids, Niagara Helicopters and many more.
NIAGARA’S BEST TOUR RUNNING UNTIL END OF SEPTEMBER 2016
HIGHLIGHTS JOURNEY BEHIND THE FALLS Get up close and personal with the might falls! You’ll take an elevator down 150 feet to tunnels that wind under the falls. In addition to being able to see the falls through the small openings in the rock, there is also an upper and lower observation deck to take in the view from.
NIAGARA’S FURY Located in the Table Rock Centre, this attraction lets you witness the history of Niagara Falls in an interactive way, in the safety of a 4D multi-sensory theatre spectacle.
SKYLON TOWER This is the 775-foot tall iconic building in Niagara Falls skyline and it is one of the best places to view the falls from.
WHITE WATER WALK This pathway takes you along one of the longest stretches of white water in the world. You start with an elevator ride down 70 metres to the bottom of the gorge, you will walk through a 73 metre long tunnel and emerge at the observation deck/boardwalk.
SOUVENIR CITY If you are looking for the perfect Niagara Falls souvenir, you need not travel any further then this. This 15,000 square foot shop is one of the largest gift shops in Niagara Falls and offers a huge selection including: bags, bobble heads, mugs, key chains, ornaments and so much more.
DAREDEVIL MUSEUM This cool museum takes a look at all the people who have attempted to conquer Niagara Falls. Some of the actual contraptions that daredevils used are on display, including the barrel of Annie Edson Taylor, who was the first recorded daredevil to go over the falls.
PRICING (ALL + HST AND IN CANADIAN DOLLARS) ADULT: $130 CHILD (5 TO 12): $65 KIDS UNDER 5: FREE DURATION OF TOUR: 3 HOURS The online description notes, “this tour includes the top three attractions in Niagara Falls: Hornblower Niagara Cruises, Journey Behind the Falls and the Skylon Tower. This tour is perfect if you only have a few hours to spare and want to visit the top attractions in Niagara Falls.
NIAGARA WINE TOUR RUNS YEAR ROUND PRICING (ALL + HST AND IN CANADIAN DOLLARS) ADULT: $89 CHILD (5 TO 12): $24 KIDS UNDER 5: FREE DURATION OF TOUR: 4 HOURS According to their website, this tour lets you “experience the beauty of Niagara’s world famous wine country through our Niagara Wine Tour. Visit award-winning Niagara wineries for tour and tastings. Educate yourself on the best wines with a look into the wine making process” This tour operates daily, and visits numerous wineries in Niagara.
MAGNIFICENT BREWERY TOUR BEGINNING IN MAY 2016 This brand new tour offers guests the opportunity to sample Niagara’s award winning craft brews, while visiting four Niagara breweries. Guests can take the tour and enjoy it alongside a beer paired dinner at the Terrapin Grill for $99 or just take the tour itself for $69.
CUSTOM TOURS Magnificent Tours also offers corporate and custom group tours, including fully guided tours for large or small groups that you can customize depending on your interests. This can incorporate scenic areas, wineries, breweries and restaurants: you can craft your Niagara day! For more information on Magnificent Tours and everything they offer, please visit the tour desk in the main lobby or reference their website at magnificentniagarafallstours.com TM
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KAYAK will TRAVEL By Gabrielle Tieman
Exploring Niagara’s Waterways
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oasting one of the most captivating natural settings in Ontario, Niagara Region is home to a number of rich outdoor adventure landscapes awaiting those ready to fill their lungs with fresh air and venture out to discover. But the problem for many is: they’ve seen it. They have hiked the gorges. They have cycled the trails. They have walked and scooted and rolled their way around every nook and cranny of the beautiful peninsula. It is time to breathe new life into the same backdrop and add a fresh perspective on the beloved Niagara outdoors. And there is only one way to discover a fresh perspective in our own familiar backyard; the secret is to paddle. There is something captivating about spending time on the water in a kayak: water enthusiasts annually take to Niagara’s rivers with this vessel of choice to discover a new perception on Niagara’s natural habitat, beautiful shorelines and local wildlife. But for many, especially for the tourists visiting the region and many apartment dwelling locals, easy access to both kayaks and the water is limited.
Niagara Kayak Rentals removes the struggle from getting onto the water and allows it to simply be easy and fun for all. The first entirely mobile kayak rental company in the region, the family run business is 100 per cent user friendly; not only will they meet you at the launch location and supply all of the equipment – including user-friendly kayaks, lifejackets, water bottles, rain jackets and dry pack bags for your belongings – they will even lend instruction to new paddlers and pick all of the equipment up after you are done. So all your group has to do is show up ready to enjoy a day out on the water. “We take all of the trouble out of the equation,” said Lisa Palmer, owner of Niagara Kayak Rentals. “We fully facilitate the launch; we bring all of the equipment and anything else you may need for a day out on the water – then pick it up after you are done. We will even pick a group up at their hotel and drop them off at a winery or other location afterwards. We try to make it as easy as possible.” >> TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 31
It is about making getting out on the water easy and accessible to everyone. Directed towards paddlers of all skill levels yearning for something different [with the appropriate swimming ability and confidence on the water], Niagara Kayak Rentals services all water ways in the region from the lower Niagara River to Lake Ontario; an area steeped in a rich history and natural beauty. “Anywhere there is water that you can access by foot, we can launch from,” said Palmer. shore“There is zero other ways to enjoy those shore lines unless you are in a jet boat.” Serviced waterways include the popular Niagara-on-the-Lake beach launch, Chippewa Creek, the Port Dalhousie Launch tour and guided tours that travel down from Queenston Heights; habieach offering their one unique set of wildlife habi tats, nesting grounds and historic sights. The mobile company’s fleet includes a full complement of 40 Canadian-made recreational, light touring kayaks. Both single and tandem famkayaks are available to rent and ideal for fam ilies, couples, corporate team building groups and others in between. “Transporting equipment can suck the joy out of the sport – it is a lot of work and these boats are heavy,” said Palmer. “It is about making getting out on the water easy and accessible to everyone.” Palmer said the company began when her and her family noticed a strong need for increased water sports and light recreational use of the Niagara River. With her background in heritage conservation in both natural and built sectors and as an active member of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s sailing community, the company was simply a perfect fit for her and her three children. “I have a natural inclination towards a less intrusive way of enjoying this corridor,” said bioPalmer. “It is such a beautiful, natural bird bio sphere. And rather than my teenage children kitchworking summer jobs in hot restaurant kitch ens, we thought what an opportunity here, that we could offer a service to both locals and tourists alike that was easy and offered a low carbon footprint.”
All three of her children, along with the other employees, are avid paddlers and hold varying degrees of certification from Paddle Canada. Each season, the team undergoes training to ensure they are prepared to help guide newcomers to the river and make the trips as easy and enjoyable as possible. All paddlers are required to listen to the tutorial provided by the team leaders and fill out the company’s waiver before heading out on the water. “[The staff ] is trained to profile our guests to ensure they are in the appropriate equipment and offer a tutorial on safety and basic kayaking instructions,” said Palmer. “We cater to all types of groups, age brackets and paddling skill levels. We even cater to groups with prosthetic legs; we have trained our staff how to add counterweights to the boats so they can remove their prosthetic legs and be comfortable for hours out on the water.” And as they enter their fourth season on the water, they hold a zero incident record and pride themselves on their steady growth. With this growth, Palmer has expanded the company’s website to include an online booking section and pre-pay option as to better facilitate same day launches and make it easy for groups traveling from out of town to reserve boats and schedule tours with confidence. “We can exceed 100 launches a day and the majority of the volume that we do on weekends is a lot of walk ups,” said Palmer. “We get lots of people who at the last minute decide that it is a beautiful day, they want to get out on the water, so they come to us. Online booking will allow us to better accommodate those last minute additions and have them feel assured that they have their time booked.” Though Niagara Kayak Rentals has a retail location on Niagara Stone Road in Virgil, Palmer wants kayakers to understand that the business is not located in a single spot. The best place to reach herself and the team is always through the website or email. “The beauty of being a mobile service is that we can literally be in the middle of Lake Ontario and still be able to process a credit card,” said Palmer. “This allows us to move with the paddlers and still cater to those not yet on the water.” Rates vary according to style of kayak rented and chosen launch location. All information on rates, how to book, where to download the waiver and contact information is available at niagarakayak.com. TM
A WALK IN THE WOODS HIKING IN NIAGARA BY MEGAN PASCHE
FIND SOME PLACE
BEAUTIFUL TO GET LOST
Niagara is full of amazing places to get outside and explore on foot. We are lucky to have conservation areas filled with walkways and wildlife, scenic walking trails, and tons of hiking paths that snake and meander through some of the best scenery this province has to offer. BALL’S FALLS 43.13270, -79.38582 This beautiful area set in Twenty Valley got its name from the family that originally lived there. In addition to being able to see the original home, restored church, an operating flour mill, a lime kiln, a black smith shop and carriage shed, there is also a recently opened Centre for Conservation, which has many interactive exhibits and programs. Several trails run through the area, and maps are available online, which will lead you to the various points of interest, as well as the upper and lower falls.
LOUTH CONSERVATION AREA 43.12142, -79.35122 Located along 16-mile creek in Lincoln County, the trails in this conservation area are lined with rock formations, some impressive waterfalls and if you are lucky, filled with the sound of singing songbirds. There is a small parking lot located on Staff Ave.
ROCKWAY CONSERVATION AREA 43.12586. -79.30852 Protecting a portion of the Niagara Escarpment, this conservation area is a great spot for hiking, as it’s not too busy, and is hidden halfway
between Jordan and St. Catharines. Parking is available on 9th Street or Regional Rd 69 at the Rockway Community Centre. You can hike along the 15-mile creek and enjoy the views of many different kinds of trees, as well as two different waterfalls. There is also the remnant of a salt spring that makes the area quite historically significant as the spring was thought to be used as far back as 1792.
SHORT HILLS PROVINCIAL PARK Pelham Road entrance: 43.10855, -79.28718 Short Hills is a huge 735-acre natural environment park, which covers parts of St. Catharines, Pelham and Thorold. It’s a great place for hiking and mountain biking, and trails are marked according to which activity is permitted on the trail. This is an area where it is extremely important to stay on the marked path, as it’s very easy to get lost in Short Hills (I speak from experience; I have had to be rescued not once, but twice from Short Hills. I didn’t even knowingly leave the marked path, so fellow directionally challenged people beware) Parking is available off Pelham, Roland and Wiley Roads.
NIAGARA GLEN 43.13034, -79.05957 These hiking trails run right along the Niagara Gorge, and through four kilometres of Carolinian forest. There are three different trails: white, blue and red, and they are all clearly marked. Some of the trails in this area are on rough terrain, and you’ll find yourself climbing
up and down slopes, over trees and around boulders. Be prepared for an elevation change of 200ft, and make sure to stay safe with proper footwear. And though it may seem tempting, especially in the hot summer sun, don’t venture out into the water, as swimming is prohibited. Parking can be found in a lot along the Niagara Parkway, but keep in mind this place can get very busy in the summer time, so if you are looking for solitude while hiking, this might not be your best bet. It is one of Niagara’s most scenic hiking areas though.
BRUCE TRAIL Queenston Heights entrance: 43.15816, -79.05128 This is Canada’s oldest and longest footpath, and the Niagara portion of it stretches from Queenston to Beamsville. Planned hikes are available on pre determined days, or you can hike solo whenever you want. Badges are given if you register and then complete the entire Niagara section of the trail. While hiking on the Niagara section of the trail, hikers will pass all four of the Welland Canals, travel through woodlands and farmlands, as well as pass many other historic landmarks. If you are extremely ambitious, you can sign up to hike the entire trail from end to end. To put it in perspective, if you hiked for 8 hours a day, it would take approximately 30 days to finish the entire trail. There is no set time limit for doing an end-to-end hike, you could take thirty days or thirty years, and either way, you still get the coveted badge at the end. Maps are available online from the Bruce Trail Conservancy. TM
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 35
AT WILDPLAY NIAGARA FALLS
BY GABRIELLE TIEMAN
Two high-adrenaline attractions have been added to Niagara’s diverse portfolio of eco-adventure tours for this summer. The world class Zip Line experience and Aerial Adventure Courses will captivate both the young and young at heart when visiting Niagara’s entertainment district. >>
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 37
YOU’RE FACING YOUR FEARS AND OVERCOMING YOUR SELFPERCEIVED INHIBITIONS AS YOU BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE AS YOU GET THROUGH THE COURSE.
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rought to life by WildPlay Niagara Falls in partnership with the Niagara Parks Commission, both aerial attractions offer a hybrid adventure and educational experience for groups wishing to explore and learn about the Niagara Parks in a hands-on fashion. Both human-powered eco-attractions feature guided historical tours and an education on the surrounding eco-systems along with a new and thrilling visual perspective of Niagara Falls. Light on intensity but overflowing with excitement, Wildplay’s Mist Rider Zip Line to the Falls is fun for guests of all ages who wish to glide through never before seen perspectives and breathtaking views of the Canadian and American Falls, the Niagara Whirlpool, Gorge and Niagara Parkway all in one fell swoop. This sky-high attraction guarantees an experience that will have visitors appreciating the power of Niagara’s waters unlike ever before. The four side-by-side high-speed zip lines descend 2,200 hundred feet from the base of Clifton Hill at the Niagara Parks Commission’s Grand View Marketplace into the Niagara Gorge below at the decommissioned Ontario Power Generating Plant – looking up to the Horseshoe Falls above. Zip liners can travel down one at a time or race their family and friends to the bottom. “[The Zip Line] is another way to experience and appreciate Niagara Falls,” said Lindsay DiCosimo, Marketing Manager for WildPlay Niagara. “The zip line is right front and centre to Niagara Falls; you can’t get this view from anywhere else in Niagara. It is completely new and a fully guided adventure. If you want to get up close and personal, there is no other way in the city for you to do this.” Individuals who don’t wish to participate in the zip line can enjoy the sights and watch their friends and family take-off from the viewing area at the top by the launch platform. The first of its kind in Niagara, Wildplay’s Whirlpool Aerial Adventure Course is located on the north side of the Whirlpool at Thompson Point along the picturesque Niagara Parkway. This recreational activity is said to improve physical skills and strengthen mental courage; all while providing awe-inspiring vistas of the Niagara gorge. “It features a little bit of everything; wobbly bridges, mini zip lines, rope swings, cargo nets,” said DiCosimo. “The obstacles that are hanging from the trees will increase in difficulty as you go through the course. So everyone starts off at the same level and as you go through things get a little more challenging. You’re facing your fears and overcoming your self-perceived inhibitions as you build your confidence as you get through the course.”
Open to all ages, the fully guided nature-based course is self-paced and will feature three separate courses that will range in level of intensity, difficulty and height. The Family, Classic and Extreme courses will take approximately two hours to complete and take participants upwards to 60 feet into the air. The Family Course, targeted towards children ages 5-12 years-old, will be lower to the ground and feature smaller scale course obstacles; creating a perfect attraction for birthday parties, after school groups and field trips. “It is easily manageable for the younger demographic,” said DiCosimo. “For parents that maybe don’t want to do the full course themselves, this kid’s course is specifically designed for them.” But the aerial course is not only attracting young audiences. DiCosimo says this unique attraction is ideal for families, couples and all groups in-between because it strengthens and builds trust while encouraging team work and mutual support – all while getting everyone outside and working up a sweat in the fresh air. “You’re in a group setting, you are doing challenges that you might not think you can overcome but with group encouragement and by working together you can figure out the best way to approach the different challenges,” said DiCosimo. “…by getting outside and completing a course like this people can shine in a different light,” said DiCosimo. “You can play off of different people’s strengths and bond as a group.” Guides are also in place every step of the way to lend support and encouragement to anyone who is struggling and wishes to bypass an obstacle. They also provide historical anecdotes as you enjoy the attractions, with a focus on the surrounding landmarks including: the formation of the Niagara Falls, the previously active power generators, wildlife and plant life in the area and the early explorers who settled in and helped develop the region. The grounds surrounding the aerial course remain open to the public and feature picnic tables and lots of greenery to enjoy even when you do not feel like participating in the course. “The aerial course will help get people to explore the parkway a little bit more and get out of that downtown core area,” said DiCosimo. “It will keep them in the area a little longer than a quick trip into Niagara Falls will.” Aerial course prices range between $40-$50 dollars per course with additional add-ons of $10 dollars available for extended courses. The zip line runs approximately $60 dollars per person. Waivers are required by all participants and are available electronically online or by email and fax. Tickets are available to purchase in advance online and on location depending on availability. More information at wildplay.com/niagarafalls TM TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 39
suspended in time: W HI R L P O O L A E R O CA R BY: ANDREW HIND & MARIA DA SILVA
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fter the Falls themselves, the most frequently visited and awe-inspiring spot on the Niagara River is almost certainly the Whirlpool, a unique geological formation of primal fury and stunning beauty. Here, the racing waters forms a swirling, white-capped vortex that’s both frightening to behold and yet oddly alluring. While it is spectacular even from a safe distance along the river banks, the best way to appreciate this natural wonder is from the confines of the Aero Car that crosses the 1800 foot-wide gorge, offering a bird’s eye view from some 250 feet above the tempestuous waters. >> TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 41
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Celebrating its 100th anniversary this summer, when unveiled in 1916 the Aero Car was a marvel of engineering and incorporated the latest in scientific thought. The Aero Car was the brain-child of a brilliant Spanish engineer named Leonardo Torres-Quevado, a man who for all is scientific genius is little known today. Born in 1852, he oversaw the construction of railway lines in southern Spain, did pioneering work in calculators and computers, and designed an improved dirigible system that was an important step forward for blimps. But for all his vast body of work, the Aero Car at Niagara represented his greatest legacy. In 1913, Torres-Quevado and a group of wealthy investors formed the Spanish Aero Car Company with the expressed purpose of building a cable car across Niagara’s Whirlpool Gorge. It was a daunting task—many thought an impossible one—but Torres-Quevado was confident he had the solution. Work began a year later on what would soon become one of the region’s signature attractions. By the summer of 1916, just in time to take advantage of the tourist season, the Aero Car was complete. It was the first of its kind anywhere in the world, the safest cable car in existence. The car rides on six lock coil track cables, the tensions of which are independent of the weight of the car due to counterweights at the end of each cable. As a result, if one cable breaks there is absolutely no danger to the car or its passengers, since there is no increase in the load carried by the other cables. The price tag for this marvel was $120,000, a vast sum of money in those days.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place August 8, 1916. Several hundred enthusiastic guests were on hand for the event, each one excited and perhaps a bit nervous at the prospect of being among the first to ride in the new contraption. The proud inventor, Leonardo Torres-Quevado, was present at the ceremony and was clearly delighted by public reaction to his cable car (it was to be the only time he saw the Aero Car in action; he never again returned to Niagara before his 1936 death). Shortly after 3pm, Mrs. J. Enoch Thompson, wife of the Spanish Consul in Toronto, broke a bottle of champagne over the car’s gate. As the glass shattered an enthusiastic cheer erupted from the gathered crowd. And then, needing little coaxing, six people stepped forward for the honour of being to be the first to ride over the Whirlpool. At that time, and for many years after, passengers could get on or off of the Aero Car at either side. Eventually, it was decided that there should only be one point of entrance and exit. The reason? To foil scam artists
S WIRLING, WHI TE-CA PPE VORTEX T H AT BOTH FR IGH T E ING TO BE H O L AND YET O D D LY who were preying upon gullible passengers. The con-men, no doubt struggling to suppress smiles, would tell people that they could get them illegally into the United States by way of the Aero Car. Of course, they could only do so for a fee. They were breaking the law, after all, and had to be compensated for the risk. The victims were then ushered aboard the car and told that, as soon as it reached the other side, they were in America and should jump off and run. This they did, not realising, of course, that they were actually still in Canada. After a few years of such scams, it was decided that henceforth passengers would only embark and disembark at one end. The Aero Car has delighted visitors to Niagara for almost a century, operated over the years by various private interests, most recently by the Niagara Parks Commission since 1969. It has a perfect safety record, and has even been used to save a life. In 1949, Major Lloyd Hill, the son of Niagara daredevil Red Hill Sr., decided he wanted to write himself into the history books. His father had made a 1930 trip through the Whirlpool in a barrel. In 1942, his brother, then 19-year old Red Jr., had also taken the thrilling journey. Major was not about to be the only member of the Hill family who didn’t brave the mighty Niagara. It was a matter of pride. But he didn’t just want to follow in his brother and father’s footsteps; he wanted to do something dramatically different. He succeeded in writing himself into the history books— just not in the fashion he envisioned. Major designed an odd-looking steel barrel equipped with fins that could be manipulated by levers with the barrel that were intended, so he said, to allow himself to steer through the Whirlpool. Most onlookers scoffed at the notion, but he was confident his contraption would give him a degree of control enjoyed by no previous daredevil who had ridden a barrel through the Whirlpool. On July 30, 1949 Major confidently entered the barrel and was cast out into the Niagara River. A vast crowd lined to whirlpool, anxiously scanning the river for the first sign of the daredevil. Short minutes later, the barrel entered their view and raced into the raging whirlpool. Despite the addition of the fins, Major quickly became trapped in the circling maelstrom. For two hours he was battered and bruised by the raging current, sometimes thrown as high as forty feet in the air by the pounding waves. Onlookers from shore watched helpless, each one privately wondering how much longer the man could endure the terrible beating. Finally, ropes were lowered from the Aero Car and Major, despite the torrent, managed to catch hold of one with hands numbed by cold. The would-be daredevil was hauled to safety. Not to be dissuaded by his near-death, Major subsequently made three successful rides through the rapids, in 1950, 1954, and 1956. Thankfully, most of the millions who have ridden the Aero Car over the years have had a more pleasurable experience than did Major Lloyd Hill. They thrill at the spectacular view of the wild waters seething with pent-up fury below. Cameras snap, people point excitedly, and smiles spread across faces. The Aero Car is as popular today as it was when unveiling 100 years ago. TM
A L LU R I N G .
D T ’S E NLD
at Shaw’s Alice in Wonderland
BY JILL THAM
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 47
LIFESTYLE & CULTURE
FALL DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
“ YO U ’ R E E N T I R E LY BONKERS. BUT I’LL TELL YO U A S E C R E T, ALL THE BEST P E O P L E A R E .” A L I C E T O T H E M A D H AT T E R // TIM BURTON’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND
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hy, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” This recognizable quote by Lewis Carroll from the classic storybook Alice in Wonderland are words that Shaw Festival Director, Peter Hinton, doesn’t shy away from. His motivation and flair for thinking outside the box are what sets his productions apart from the mainstream. As Hinton’s productions create a definite buzz, his 2016 adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, is bound to launch him into an elite category of Canadian directing, playwright, and dramaturg. The idea for the production of Alice in Wonderland started with a conversation between Hinton and Shaw Festival Artistic Director, Jackie Maxwell. “We were talking about plays that young people and adults could enjoy equally. One of the most read, translated, and influential books of all time is Alice in Wonderland,” states Hinton. “It would have intrigued Bernard Shaw too,” adds Hinton. The Shaw Festival Theatre, located in Niagaraon-the-Lake, is named after Irish playwright, George Bernard Shaw, and produces plays from and written about his era. Shaw wrote more than 60 plays in his lifetime, 1856-1950. With four different theatres: Festival Theatre, Courthouse Theatre, Royal >> TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 49
George Theatre, and Studio Theatre, The Shaw Festival is the second largest repertoire theatre in North America. Intrigued with the story of Alice as it looks at society from a child’s point of view, Hinton was eager to adapt Alice for the stage. “Wonderland is a story that children continue to love today. For me it is a great work of literature, a great story about growing up. Sometimes children have very simple questions in an adult complicated world,” says Hinton. Alice in Wonderland has a broad appeal as it also speaks to an adult audience. “Any adult that were to read it now would be utterly engaged,” explains Hinton. “Wonderland is an allegory for adults. Alice is a story that asks the question ‘Who am I?’” states Hinton. “The question ‘Who am I?’ is in every great classic play like Hamlet and Hedda Gabbler.” Hinton also contemplates the impact the story has had on society in general. “How many times have we used the expression, ‘I really went down the rabbit hole?’” asks Hinton. Although Hinton has adapted other plays, novels, and short stories, Alice in Wonderland presented a few challenges. “As a director, one challenge was to make it equal to what people imagine when they read the book,” states Hinton. “Everyone has a picture of the Mad Hatter in their head and some will come to the theatre with a notion of the original illustrations from 150 years ago.” Despite any kind of hesitation, Hinton was confident that his ideas could be realized by the staff and actors at the Shaw Festival. “I knew I could adapt Alice because I had people skilled in the manners of the time.” Hinton has an incredible team behind him consisting of 21 actors, 67 crew members, and three managers. “A huge assembly of people have helped make Alice come to life,” adds Hinton. “It is a live show with 19 songs. It has the scale of a musical and the precision of a play. It is fantastic it has a component of mystery throughout the performance,” explains Hinton. With costumes that start as a pattern out of large brown paper and turn into spectacular works of art, Alice in Wonderland has six different teams of tailors working diligently to fit each actor into their custom-made costumes. From start to finish, each costume takes between 100 to 150 hours to construct. “All the costume
designs reference the Victorian era,” states Sydney Cavanagh, Head of Wardrobe for the production and former Assistant Head of Wardrobe for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Walk through the wardrobe department on any given day and you will be delighted to see the magic of Alice come to fruition. From a green lizard’s head made out of a bowler hat to hand made feathers on a bird’s costume, every detail of each costume is exquisitely thought out and executed. Audience goers will be treated to the best that costume and design has to offer as this production pushes the boundaries of costume design. All the face cards in the Queen of Hearts Army first had the top of their costumes tailored and then the upper torso of the actors in costume were professionally photographed. Next, their picture was printed onto fabric and sewn to the bottom of the costume creating an exact reflection of themselves. “When projected onto the backdrop it will look like thousands of face cards,” explains Cavanagh. “With Alice so many things had to be invented. They didn’t come from the props department,” says Hinton. Hinton has embraced technology in the theatre and in recent years found creative ways to incorporate it into his productions. The technology witnessed in last year’s productions of Pygmalion and Touch the Sky were on a much smaller and complementary scale when compared to the technology needed to make Alice in Wonderland come to life. “With Alice, we have characters that are all projection,” explains Hinton. “Alice has to grow, she has to swim in a pool of her tears, there are mythical creatures, and an entire deck of cards has to come to life.” With this many facets to consider, it is no surprise that the design of Alice in Wonderland has been years in the making. A commitment to striving for excellence is where Hinton and his team shine as they have found the perfect match between modern technology and good old fashioned theatre acting and costume design. Hinton’s impressive career has taken him across Canada and since 2012, he has found a home among the local wine and talent in Niagara-on-the-Lake. “My proudest moments have been my times here at the Shaw. The Festival is a true national treasure,” states Hinton. From rehearsal rooms to prop and costume fittings, take a tour back stage and see the creativity and elbow grease that has gone into this year’s production of Alice in Wonderland. “It is unlike anything I have ever done before,” concludes Hinton as this is the first time a commissioned piece is taking the main stage at the Shaw Festival. For Hinton and his team, the Shaw Festival’s production of Alice in Wonderland will truly be a trip “down the rabbit hole” as director Hinton explores new concepts in order to give his audience a surreal and delightful experience. The show runs until October 16th. TM
For tickets and show times visit shawfest.com
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get pampered at
SERENITY
Lending itself as a tranquil getaway for rejuvenating both your mind and body is the Serenity Spa by the Falls, located in the Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel & Spa. Previously voted as one of the top 100 spas in North America, the Serenity Spa has since maintained its position as a world renowned destination for relaxation and luxury. Famous for their unique signature treatments, couple rooms and elevated traditional services, this spa is Niagara’s prime location for rejuvenating your body, refreshing your mind and enjoying the ultimate in relaxation with a friend or spouse. Check out these treatments offered by Serenity.
No matter how chaotic life can get, we are always in search of a natural way to breathe easier, stress less, and look radiant. annoying me, or all the bills there are to pay; everything just kind of melts MASSAGES away, and my mind is blank. I can really and truly relax. And honestly, that’s WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL: Uniquely designed massages given by not something that gets to happen all that often. But the relaxation massage I Registered Massage Therapists. Simply the word massage softens our shoulders, relaxes our lower backs had at Serenity Spa, it was good. Almost instant relaxation. and unwinds the tension in our muscles. This rubbing technique of All massages are given be Registered Massage Therapists, which truly make all sore muscles and painful knots not only feels amazing, but the health the difference. Before any treatment takes place, you have a conversation with benefits are huge: increased blood flow, decreased inflammation and your massage therapist so the treatment you get is tailored to your specific needs. faster tissue repair. In turn, this means your sore legs, back and neck So the fact that I sit at a desk all day was taken into consideration, and my back felt much better after the hour massage was up. feel significantly better at an increased rate of recovery. The staff were all personable, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. The Serenity Spa implements these rejuvenating techniques at the forefront of their massage therapy sessions. Where most massage Despite it being such a large spa, the ambiance is still serene and relaxing. It therapists focus on an allover massage experience, The Deep Tissue makes for a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city. Massage tailors the hour to you, focusing detailed body work on the specific muscle groups that may be causing you irritation. Their MANICURES & PEDICURES unique relaxing energy therapy the Reflexology massage focuses on the WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL: Moroccan Oil Scrubs and Oils. ancient art of pressure points to promote healing throughout certain We are rough on our hands and feet. Walking, waving, typing, texting – our hands and feet are always at work. Refreshing your extremities with points of your body. Not in any specific state of pain or discomfort? The spa also features a massage, file and paint is the least we can do for the body parts that an array of traditional massages, including the Relaxation Massage, take us from place to place. Including classic treatments like their spa and classic manicures and Hot Stone Massage and Thai Steam Massage that combine aromapedicures, these treatments both feature hydrating soaks, massages extherapy with relaxing kneading strokes to melt stress away. foliations and polishes and leave your nails, hands and feet shaped and PERSONAL SERENITY SPA EXPERIENCE soft. If you are looking to spoil yourself, try the Ultimate Moroccan Manicure and Pedicure. This revitalizing package features a hydrating BY MEGAN PASCHE The way I judge a good spa experience is by how quickly my mind just re- Moroccan buff treatment of honey and lavender scented soufflé, nail laxes. I’m not thinking about my workday, about the person that is currently shaping and OPI colour polish application. >>
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FACIALS WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL: Environment appropriate waterfall facials & a skin escape for men Every once in a while your skin needs more than a wash cloth and homemade sugar scrub to remove the grime of day-to-day life from your pores. Specializing in unique experiences for every skin type, estheticians customize each experience to cater to your skins specific needs. Featuring two facials that all skin types could benefit from are the Waterfall Bliss Treatment and Get Up & Go Facial. Focusing on deep relaxation, the Waterfall Facial uses a holistic approach and double exfoliation to brighten and revitalize your skin and leave you deeply hydrated. The Get Up & Go is ideal for people with a busy schedule. Combining exfoliation, cleansing, masks and more, the facial leaves your skin refreshed and bright. If you are looking for more than just a scrub, the Dermalogica Customized Luxury Facial is suggested for you. Drawing on the expertise of the Marriott’s highly trained skin care professionals, the treatment is customized for your unique skin mapping system. Including deep exfoliation, masks and a massage, this treatment is formulized to show instant results. Brought your man along with you? Even the most skeptic man will enjoy the Gentlemen’s Club experience. Giving a choice between a facial skin escape or a back treatment, pores are both unclogged, oxygenated and purified with masks and deep cleansing. A scalp massage is just the cherry on top.
FOR THE BODY WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL: Moroccan Oil Scrubs and Oils. Just like your face, your skin and hair can also take a beating. Crafted to help you achieve a full body radiant glow, Serenity Spa has created three body treatments to leave you shining like a new penny. Focused on helping your skin glow to its fullest potential, The Moroccan Perfect Body treatment and Ocean Glow Body Scrub and Exfoliation are both designed for head to toe radiance. The Moroccan treatment exfoliates the skin with a unique combination of orange peel and rich oils that remove dead skin cells. The skin is then finished with a body soufflé leaving your skin smooth. The Ocean Glow Body Scrub focuses on oxidizing and cleansing, utilizing a marine based scrub that was created for ultimate hydration. But is it your hair and scalp that needs the help? The Moroccan Hair and Scalp Ritual is not only the ultimate in relaxation, but a complete hydrating experience for dull hair. Drawing from an organic blend of Moroccan oil, organic ginger, lavender and geranium essential oils, the mask promotes positive follicle growth and the overall condition of your scalp.
SIGNATURE TREATMENTS & PACKAGES WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL: Customized bundled packages, exclusive treatments and perks on perks. Sometimes you just need to splurge for the whole package. Serenity Spa makes it easy for you to have a full spa experience by having created bundled packages that combine basic treatments with a few of their special experiences you wouldn’t always try. Heading to the spa with your spouse or best friend? Serenity Spa’s Cascade Signature Treatment and Springtime Romance Packages are perfect for a pair. The Cascade, held in the Spa Suite built for two, is perfect whether you are looking to connect over a romantic spa day or catch up with a friend over treatments. Featuring simultaneous relaxation massages, deluxe spa pedicures and two facials, this package is the ultimate in reconnection and relaxation. The Springtime Romance Package is designed for renewing that spark between couples; featuring a 60 minutes couple’s massage, pedicures and Paraffin hands treatments, you will be able to reconnect with both your body and soul. Prefer to enjoy your spa day solo? The Spa Wellness package and Serenity Now package both give individuals the opportunity to bundle a few of the spa’s signature treatments and save a little money. The first package focuses on a day just for you, including a 60 minute relaxation massage, spa manicure and pedicure and your choice of any of the targeted Micro Zone Facial Treatment. The second is for individuals on a journey to refresh their skin as well as their mind. Featuring a 60 minute relaxation massage, Dermalogica facial and classic pedicure, you will leave feeling refreshed and a renewed. They even include a special gift from the Dermalogica team to make the spa experience last at home too. TM
For information on booking a treatment, visit serenityspabythefalls.com or call 905-358-4048 or 1-888-209-1001.
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KEEP CALM& SHOP ON BY GABRIELLE TIEMAN
Niagara houses a diverse collection of shopping districts unlike any typical hometown mall. Each offering a unique shopping experience, these one-of-a-kind plazas, shopping centres and heritage streets can simultaneously cater to the frugal shoppers in your group and the ones looking to splurge while away from home. Bring a little bit of Niagara back with you when you leave! >>
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“
THAT’S WHAT SETS US APART; PEOPLE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE DOING AND CARE ABOUT GIVING GOOD SERVICE.
”
OUTLET COLLECTION AT NIAGARA 300 TAYLOR ROAD, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
from an average mall,” said Rupcic. “We have live music on weekends, special events and celebrations and giveaways. We want our customers to be surprised and delighted while they are here.” Encouraging travelers to shop local, the Outlet Collection has created a shopping haven that hosts a variety of stores unique to the Region that are anything but ordinary. Offering new outlets alongside mall favourites like Lululemon, Bass Pro Shop, Davids Tea, White House Black Market and Chicos to name a few. New in Spring 2016, the Outlet Collection will welcome one of the first Sacs Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores in Canada to their block. The Outlet also plays homage to the Niagara wine region they reside in, hosting unique wine retailer Wine Country Vintners and two wine barrel walls created by barrels donated by local wineries.
HERITAGE DISTRICT NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE QUEEN STREET & SURROUNDING NOOKS OF NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS: CANADA’S LARGEST OPEN AIR FASHION OUTLET
UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS: HERITAGE BUILDINGS, HIDDEN TREASURES & ONE-ONONE PASSIONATE SERVICE
Canada’s largest open air fashion and lifestyle outlet centre the Outlet Collection at Niagara is a destination within a destination. Offering fashions as breathtaking as the Niagara sites, this unique shopping hot spot is one of the most exciting shopping destinations in the region. "We offer a completely different experience than a traditional mall," said Carly Rupcic, Tourism Manager at Outlet Collection at Niagara. "The beautiful environment really has set us apart. We have put a large focus on making this a really beautiful atmosphere to not only shop in but visit and spend a day; because when people visit Niagara they don't want to be cooped up inside. “We have gorgeous gardens and beautiful spaces where people can come and enjoy a real community like setting which is a lot different
Discover hidden treasures and unexpected delights within the winding shop filled streets of Niagaraon-the-Lake. From everyday must-haves to those once-in-a-lifetime special finds, the walkable heritage district of Niagara-on-the-Lake is sure to offer a shopping experience unlike any other. A central part of the fabric of the Niagara community, Landmark Shops of Niagara-on-theLake – a small group of shop owners committed to bettering the community as a unit – have come together to help reinforce the importance of working together in the region. Not only do the Landmark Shops of Niagaraon-the-Lake sell unique Niagara centric products, but offer shoppers a personal and educating shopping experience. "The majority of the shops are individually owned and operated by people with great passion for
what they do," said Janice Thomson, Executive Director at Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce & VCB. "They make shopping a really different experience than you would get from anywhere else.” "That's what sets us apart; people are passionate about what they are doing and care about giving good service," said Thomson. Shops you must not miss include culinary connoisseurs Cheese Secrets, the timeless Beau Chapeau Hat Shop, Niagara-on-theLake Jewellers and Precious Metal Studio and more. All are individually owned and operated by active members of the community who are committed to honing their crafts, understanding their products and contributing individual service and a true interest in their customers. "The owners of these stores are from the community and have ties to the area," said Thomson. "The people working at the stores and running the businesses have a great knowledge of the region and the attractions offered. They have seen the Shaw shows, they have been to the wineries, and they are happy to lend advice to visitors."
CANADA ONE BRAND NAME OUTLETS 7500 LUNDY'S LANE, NIAGARA FALLS UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS: 100% WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE & CANADIAN BRANDS AND PRODUCTS
A unique fresh air shopping experience, Canada One Outlets features over 50 of the finest retailers in the Niagara Region – including a number of Canadian exclusive brands and products. This exclusive variety of stores includes shoe and bag retailer Stance – distributor of Canadian brand Herschel Supply Company, a bag and accessories retailer –as well as timeless designer brand outlets including Roots, Coach and Nine West to name a few. Also new to the outdoor pavilion is Wicker Emporium – a wooden furniture and home décor store. Promoting an easily accessible shopping
experience for all, Canada One Outlets has separated itself from competitors by creating an entirely wheel-chair and elderly accessible outdoor shopping centre for all to enjoy. "It is really a mall that is easy to shop," said Marjorie Ruddy, Marketing Manager at Canada One Brand Name Outlets. "It is outside, it’s not that large; you can park right in front of every store and just run right in. All curbs are rounded. It's not like you're parking in front of a mall entrance and then have to navigate. It is very accessible to everyone." Along with its easy to navigate design, Ruddy says designers focused on creating an airy, outdoor space for allowing shoppers to enjoy the fresh air while partaking in their favourite pastime. "With the wonderful weather that Niagara enjoys, you never want to be stuck inside a stuffy mall," said Ruddy. "We have something that traditional malls just don’t have: you can enjoy the fresh air as you shop."
THE GALLERIA SHOPS AT FALLSVIEW CASINO 6380 FALLSVIEW BOULEVARD, NIAGARA FALLS UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS: CHIC BOUTIQUES & GLASS WALKWAYS CONNECTED TO NEARBY HOTELS
Staying downtown and feeling the urge for some immediate retail therapy? The inviting and vibrant corridors of The Galleria Shops & Dining offer dozens of exclusive boutiques right next door to the world class Fallsview Casino. Filled with the latest styles, accessories, fine arts, unique Niagara gifts and collectibles, the Galleria is the perfect escape for shoppers uninterested in the casino but hoping to stay nearby while their colleagues enjoy the slots. The eclectic assortment of boutiques and specialty shops found within the Galleria’s halls include Canadian designer focused retailer Tango Boutique, specialty jeweler Vivah, innovative skin care retailer Face Shop and international jewelry designer and Pandora carrier Presents. In between can be found Niagara exclusive gift shops and retailers the Pepper Palace, featuring over 1650 hot sauces, condiments, dry seasonings and gifts, Christmas in Niagara, a year-long Christmas themed boutique and the Great Estates of Niagara Wine Store. The Galleria also offers all the services you need including hair stylists and a Currency Exchange Centre for your convenience. Connected by indoor tunnel and walkway to a number of nearby hotels – including the Four Points by Sheraton and Hilton Hotel and Suites – there is no need to battle the elements while getting your shopping fix. TM
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GET UP CLOSE & PERSONAL WITH NIAGARA FALLS Whatever you do while visiting be sure to include an evening out at Hornblower Niagara Cruises. They’re certain to deliver an amazing experience and memories that will last a lifetime.
FALLSVIEW LICENSED PATIO
Nestled at the river’s edge in the Great Gorge, Hornblower’s new Fallsview Licensed Patio is as close as it gets to the Falls. Boasting oneof-a-kind, up-close views of the American and Horseshoe Falls it’s an idealyc setting to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings and majestic beauty of Niagara. Here you can enjoy Niagara-inspired Mist Gourmet Fresh Express cuisine, local Craft Beers and fine Niagara Wines while enjoying live musical entertainment and Hornblower’s “Salute to Summer” Great Canadian BBQ Event in season. At night gather round the outdoor bonfire with good friends for great times in Niagara Falls. Open daily May 1 – November 30.
VOYAGE TO THE FALLS BOAT TOUR
The legendary boat tour of Niagara Falls is Canada’s favorite visitor experience. It’s been thrilling millions from around the world for more than 150 years. You may have seen the Falls before, but you’ve never experienced them quite like this! Hold onto your heart and get ready for the thrill of a lifetime. Hornblower Niagara Cruises will take you on a ride you’ll never forget, into the very heart of the Horseshoe Falls. Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey aboard Hornblower’s state-of-the-art Catamaran boats. You’ll experience the world-famous boat tour of the Great Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and of course an up-close and very personal connection with the world’s most famous cataract. You’ll thrill to the awesome power, thundering roar and amazing mist of the mighty Canadian Horsehsoe Falls! Hornblower’s Voyage To The Falls boat tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed and an absolute must-do for every visitor to Niagara Falls. Boats operate April 1 to November 30. Open daily in summer from 8am to dusk. Boats sail every 15 minutes. Don’t miss it.
HORNBLOWER NIAGARA CRUISES
#BUCKETLISTAPPROVED FALLS FIREWORKS CRUISE
This is Niagara Falls’ most talked about experience! These 40-minute cruises promise to be the highlight of any visit to Niagara Falls. From the convenience of our on-board licensed bar you can savor local Craft Beer, Niagara Fine Wines and cocktails while cruising the Great Gorge and taking in the majestic views of the Illuminated Falls and city skyline. Colors whirl and sparks fly with the famous Falls Fireworks Spectacle directly overhead at 10pm. Hornblower’s Falls Fireworks Cruises are the ultimate evening out. Falls Fireworks Cruises operate May 1 – October 31 Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays and holidays. Doors open at 8pm. Boats sail 9:45-10:25pm. With limited availability tickets sell out fast. Come early and take in the sunset over Niagara Falls from the comfort of our extraordinary Fallsview licensed patio.
FALLS ILLUMINATION CRUISE
If daytime thrills aren’t your cup of tea, then be sure to enjoy Hornblower’s all new night-time Falls Illumination Cruise. Featuring on-board licensed bar, light bar snack and on-board music these 40-minute cruises are Niagara’s ultimate evening entertainment. Set to the backdrop of starry skies, the dazzling city skyline and the amazing colored Illumination of the Falls these intimate cruises are without doubt the best way to view the Falls at night. Falls Illumination Cruises operate May 1 – June 30 on Saturdays; July 1 – September 5 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; September 6 – October 31 Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Doors open at 8pm. Boats sail from 9:45-10:25pm. Tickets online at www.niagaracruises.com Toll Free 1-855-264-2427 Located at 5920 River Road (Niagara Parkway) at the foot of Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, Canada. TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 3
THE CLIFTON
HOTELS: A Century Of
E legance In Niagara Falls By Sherman Zavitz
I
t was 1854. One of Niagara Falls’s distinguished visitors that year was Isabella Lucy Bird. She was a well-known British traveller and author who came to Niagara as part of an extensive tour of eastern North America. Her experiences and observations were recorded in a book published two years later entitled “The English Woman in America.” While at Niagara Falls, Lucy and her travelling companions stayed at the Clifton House Hotel, which she described as a “huge white block of a building with three green verandahs around it. It can accommodate nearly 400 people and in the summer season it is the abode of almost unparalleled gaiety.”
Apparently it could also be the abode of almost unparalleled turmoil, at least at the entrance. Isabella describes how they were met at the hotel by “about 20 ragged, vociferous carriage drivers of the most demoralized appearance, all clamorous for a fare.” The drivers were continuously insulting and undercutting each other as they competed for business. One of them yelled at Isabella, “I’ll take you as cheap as him; he’s drunk and his carriage isn’t fit for a lady to step into.” At this point a fistfight broke out among a number of the drivers. Such might be your welcome at the Clifton House. Once inside, however, it was a different story since the Clifton House, which stood where >>
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Oakes Garden Theatre is now located at the foot of Clifton Hill, was unquestionably not only the most famous but also the largest and most elegant hotel in nineteenth century Niagara Falls. The Clifton House was the creation of Harmanus Crysler, a local businessman. Construction began in 1833. The location was superb. Not only did the site offer a marvelous view of the falls, but it was also just across from the road that lead to and from the ferry landing. This would now be the road that goes down the side of the Niagara River gorge to the Hornblower dock. The hotel took its name from the tiny community in which it was located, Clifton, which was around what is now the Centre Street, Victoria Avenue, Clifton Hill area. It had been established just the year before by Captain Ogden Creighton, who, in turn, took the name from Clifton on the Gorge of the River Avon at Bristol, England. (Greatly expanded in area and population, Clifton later changed its name to Niagara Falls.) John Orr’s Niagara Guide Book of 1842 provides some very flattering information about the Clifton House. He notes, “The Clifton House, a large, elegant, commodious, well-finished and well-furnished hotel, stands on the brow of the bank, near the ferry and commands a splendid view of the falls, in which all of their majesty and glory are revealed. It is a noble structure with triple colonnades of ample length and area and an interior that leaves nothing to be regretted.” The same year Orr’s guidebook was published the Clifton House had a famous visitor. Charles Dickens, along with his wife Kate and her maid Anne, were guests of the hotel for nine days. Dickens described the hotel as “a large square house standing on a bold height with overhanging eaves like a Swiss cottage and a wide handsome gallery outside every story.” He was pleased with both the accommodation and the view, writing, “Our sitting room is on the second floor and is so close to the falls that the windows are always wet and dim with spray. Two bedrooms open out of it, one our own, one Anne’s. From these chambers you can see the falls rolling and tumbling and roaring and leaping all day long.” As tourism in Niagara Falls grew during the 19th century, so did the Clifton House in both size and fame. It became the showplace of the Niagara Frontier.
The Niagara Falls, New York Gazette frequently reported on events taking place at the hotel. On May 16, 1860, for example, the paper described how “the Clifton has undergone a thorough overhauling and comes out looking wonderfully improved.” At that time the hotel had 10 bathrooms “where guests may enjoy warm or cold baths.” After noting the beautiful panoramic view available from the hotel’s galleries, the paper went on to say how the Clifton House also had a “broad and beautiful park lighted with gas in the evening, with beautiful flowers and fountains.” The hotel was also a social centre. In the Gazette of September 1, 1869, it was reported that on the coming Friday evening “a musical entertainment will be given at the Clifton House by Alfred Poppenberg and the Clifton House Orchestra.” It was noted that “the programme embraces an overture, two ballads, a fantasy, harp solo and subsequently a hop” (dance). Tickets were only 50 cents. That same edition of the Gazette announced that Rev. W. Morley Punshon, late of London, England, would deliver a lecture in the concert hall, Clifton House, on Monday evening, the 13th. The Clifton House frequently hosted distinguished guests, the Gazette once commenting that the hotel’s register “can show a list of names possessed by no other place or resort.” In the edition of September 29, 1869, a news story related the following: “His Royal Highness, Prince Arthur – one of Queen Victoria’s boys – arrived at the Clifton House last Friday afternoon.” Details about his activities in this area were provided, including the fact that “a complimentary hop was given at the Clifton Saturday evening. A large number attended and it was a brilliant affair.” During August 1887, the hotel hosted the Prince of Siam (modern day Thailand). He and his retinue occupied 28 rooms. The hotel was also a marvelous place to dine. A surviving breakfast menu from around 1896 reveals an incredible array of offerings: Cereals included rolled oats, hominy and rolled wheat flakes. You could choose from such meat and fish dishes as unicorn herring on toast, salmon lake trout, salt and fish with cream, calf ’s liver and bacon, broiled ham, mutton kidneys and sirloin beef steak. There was a variety of potatoes, cold meats, salad, eggs, eight different varieties of breads along with various fruits and teas. Specialty dishes included such items as stewed kidneys, frizzled beef a la crème, corn beef hash and Boston baked pork and beans. And that was only breakfast!
Popular Canadian writer Suzanna Moodie and her husband stayed at the Clifton House in 1852. She notes that “you pay $4.00 a day for your board and bed – wine is extra.” She also comments on the waiters in the hotel’s dining room, most of whom were escaped slaves from the southern United States. She was impressed with their appearance, calling them “young, handsome, intelligent looking men.” She compliments them on “the perfect ease and dexterity with which they supplied the guests without making a single mistake out of such a variety of dishes.” The Niagara press provided some details about a lavish banquet held at the Clifton House on July 25, 1896. The Premier of Ontario, Oliver Mowat, was one of the guests. The reporter set the scene: “The banquet was spread in the hotel’s private dining room and was served at 7:30 in the evening. The tables were resplendent with rare cut glass, Venetian ware and solid silver. The decorations were in red and yellow. The candelabra were tied with yellow satin ribbons while boutonnieres were placed at each plate. Potted and foliage plants were banked about the room and the hotel’s orchestra provided the dinner music.” Although the hotel had both fame and splendor, it was not immune to tragedy. Around 9:30 a.m. on June 26, 1898 (a Sunday), several employees suddenly noticed smoke coming from the roof near one of the kitchen chimneys. A ladder was rushed out and a bucket brigade swung into action attempting to extinguish what was thought to be a minor blaze.
After a few minutes, however, smoke began pouring from several other places in the roof. At this point it was realized the fire was much more extensive than originally thought and a general alarm was turned in. Before long, many firemen were on the scene along with plenty of hose. Unfortunately there was not enough water pressure and a strong wind was quickly fanning the flames out of control. It was soon obvious the hotel was doomed. All guests were safely evacuated. As can be imagined, a huge crowd quickly assembled to watch the spectacular and historic event unfold. As the fire blazed on, a few persons were observed raiding the hotel’s kitchen, emerging with such items as jars of pickles, chickens and fruit. At the same time news circulated through the crowd that $1,500 worth of wine had been delivered to the hotel just the day before. However, nobody apparently felt it was worth the risk to try and reach the wine cellar. It was well after dark before the fire burned itself out. A reporter from the Niagara Falls, Ontario Advertiser later wrote: “The scene presented by the smoking ruins after nightfall was strange in the extreme. Where in the morning stood the great hotel bright with colours and with the spacious verandahs beautifully decorated with tropical plants and thronged with guests, now there were only grim old walls with a huge mass of charred timbers, twisted irons and piles of debris beneath. It was truly a picture of desolation and many a regret was uttered by the thousands who witnessed the famous old building’s end.”>>
TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 73
Eight years later a new Clifton Hotel, as it was now called, arose, phoenix-like, from the ashes of the old. Operating in the spring, summer and fall seasons only, it quickly earned the same outstanding reputation its predecessor had enjoyed. In a 1907 edition, The Niagara Falls, Ontario, Record gave a glowing review: “The new hotel was completed in July 1906 at a cost of half a million dollars and in architectural beauty, elegant furnishings, complete equipment and perfect service has no superior in the world. It is richly, artistically and harmoniously decorated throughout, and is fitted with every modern and approved appliance for the comfort and safety of its guests. There are 270 cozily furnished sleeping rooms with electric light and heat, hot and cold water, phones, electric bells, ample bath facilities, electric elevator and all the conveniences that are to be found in the finest hotel in the country. The dining room has a seating capacity of 600. Room rates are from $4.00 to $6.00 a day.” Acknowledging a rising popular trend in transportation at the time, the hotel even featured a well-equipped garage “for the benefit of the motorcar enthusiast.” But as sometimes happens, history was destined to repeat itself. The fateful day was December 31, 1932. In the cold early morning of that Saturday, the hotel’s winter caretaker, James Jones, who, with his wife and child occupied a room in the north wing, was awakened by the frenzied barking of his watchdog. Upon investigating, Jones found the corridor outside his room filled with smoke. He got his family out of the building and turned in the alarm. The heroic efforts of a huge force of firemen, were, however, in vain. As it was described in the press, “A high swirling wind fanned the flames into one great blaze and the huge crowd watched the great structure turn into a giant torch and the walls gradually buckle and fall.” The loss was estimated at a million dollars while the cause was never determined. Fire had erased two quite remarkable and famous Niagara landmarks that had dominated the hotel scene here for nearly a century. A third edition of the Clifton did not happen. An era had passed. TM
IT IS RICHLY, ARTISTICALLY AND HARMONIOUSLY DECORATED THROUGHOUT, AND IS FITTED WITH EVERY MODERN AND APPROVED APPLIANCE FOR THE COMFORT AND SAFETY OF ITS GUESTS.
NIAGARA
EVENT CALENDAR WALKING TOURS OF OLD TOWN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
JUNE 4-SEPTEMBER 25 Established in 1895, the Niagara Historical Society is dedicated to understanding the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The most important aspect of the work of the society is the maintenance of museum collection, which began in 1896 and is one of Ontario’s most important collections. Plan a visit to the Niagara Historical Society Museum to discover the unique stories of historic Niagara-on-theLake. Located 20km north of Niagara Falls, the town provided a new home for refugees, was the capital of Upper Canada, was in the middle of a war zone and visited by millions as a place of recreation for over 100 years; these stories play a major role in the development of Canada. More info at niagarahistorical.museum
MUSIC UNDER THE STARS JUNE 9-SEPTEMBER 9 JACKSON TRIGGS NIAGARA ESTATE WINERY | NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE All of Jackson Triggs concerts start at 8:00pm unless otherwise noted on your ticket. The concert bowl will open at 7:00pm so you can begin selecting your seats. For concert listings please visit this website jacksontriggswinery.com/Events
here . SEE . do
CONCERTS ON THE CANAL JUNE 24-AUGUST 26 MERRITT PARK AMPHITHEATRE | WELLAND The North Welland and Downtown Welland NIA’s in Partnership with the City of Welland are excited to announce a FREE concert line up. • June 24: The Caverners, with Aiden Payne and Autumn Conrad • July 2: Splash N Boots-Kids series • July 8: Mad Dogs and Englishmen • July15: Woodstock-Revisited • July 22: Kindred, The Sunset Rebels and Jessica Wilson • Aug 5: Brian Neale and Northern Harbour, Featuring a Jimmy Buffet tribute, Heather Glabb • Aug 19: New kid in town, Eagles Tribute, with Ashlynne Vince • Aug 26: Matt Cage, Elvis Tribute
CELEBRATE CANADA DAY AT FORT GEORGE JULY 1 | 8AM-10PM FORT GEORGE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE Celebrate Canada Day in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort George with special events planned throughout the day. Festivities begin with a pancake breakfast in Simcoe Park. Watch as the 41st Regiment Fife and Drum Corps leads a giant birthday cake down Queen Street to Simcoe Park. Admission at Fort George is free on Canada Day! There is music, muskets and artillery demonstrations throughout the afternoon. Enjoy a BBQ dinner, music and fireworks in the evening! More info at friendsoffortgeorge.ca
BACK TO BACO JULY 1-3 HENRY OF PELHAM FAMILY ESTATE WINERY | ST. CATHARINES A special event for all Baco Noir lovers, where exclusive back vintages are made for tasting, served with strawberries rolled in black pepper. More info at henryofpelham.com
25TH ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR JULY 9 | 10AM-4PM NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society presents their 25th Annual Garden Tour. Come be inspired and spend a lovely day in private gardens of historic Niagara-on-the-Lake. To purchase tickets, or view garden descriptions and a tour map visit notlhortsociety.com/gardentour.html
TWILIGHT TUESDAY JULY 5-AUGUST 30 FIREMEN’S PARK | NIAGARA FALLS Summer 2016 Free Concert Series in Firemen’s Park Every Tuesday Night at 7pm. Bring a lawn chair, bring the kids, the grandkids, bring mom and dad and most importantly bring yourselves! Playground, washrooms and refreshments available. A ‘pass the hat’ donation is gratefully accepted to help cover the cost of park maintenance. More info at scvfa.ca/scvfa/events
MUDDY PAWS WINE FESTIVAL JULY 9-10 VINELAND ESTATES WINERY | VINELAND The Muddy Paws Wine Festival presents a unique opportunity to celebrate excellent wine and food in Niagara- and bring along you best four-legged friend. On the weekend of July 9 and 10, 2016, Vineland Estates Winery and Featherstone Estates Winery will open their doors to well-behaved dogs on leash who wish to accompany their owners! More info at niagarafallstourism.com/events/muddy-paws-wine-festival >> TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 77
ROTARY RIBFEST JULY 29-AUGUST 1 MONTEBELLO PARK | ST. CATHARINES Are you looking for delicious ribs, great music and fun for the whole family? Well then you need to check out the St. Catharines Rotary Ribfest at Montebello Park in St. Catharines. Niagara’s biggest and best summer festival takes place every Civic Holiday weekend in August. More info at stcatharinesribfest.com
NIAGARA FALLS BEER FESTIVAL
BALL’S FALL’S THANKSGIVING FESTIVAL
AUGUST 13-14 DOWNTOWN NIAGARA FALLS
OCTOBER 7-10 | 10AM-5PM BALL’S FALL’S CONSERVATION AREA
Niagara Falls Beer Festival is Canada’s premiere outdoor festival of beer set to take place over three city blocks on Queen Street in beautiful Niagara Falls. The Niagara Falls Beer Festival will feature more than 40 Microbreweries and Food Truck from across Canada! Live entertainment all weekend long! More info at niagarafallstourism.com/events/ niagara-falls-beer-festival
With over 150 juried artisans, food vendors, demonstrators and entertainers participating in this four day long annual tradition, there is always plenty to do, see and explore at our flagship conservation area. From our family to yours, welcome home. We’re delighted to be your host. More info at thanksgivingfestival.ca
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
VINELAND ARTFEST
AUGUST 26 | 1PM-2PM LAURA SECORD HOMESTEAD | NIAGARA FALLS
OCTOBER 8-10 | 10AM-5PM VINELAND
Visit Laura Secord’s Homestead for the story of ice cream and its sweet origins. After learning everyone will taste some of the recipes from Laura’s time period. For the Grand Finale we will finish with everyone creating their own ice cream concoctions. Reservations are required contact (905) 262-4851 to reserve your spot.
The Vineland Thanksgiving Artfest was started in 1992 as a Fundraiser for Vineland Public School, now known as Twenty Valley Public School we are a juried show with no more than 130 exhibitors. One third of the show consists of fine art, and the balance quality crafts. More info at vineland.dsbn.org/artfest/vinelandartfest.html
ONGUIAAHRA: THUNDER OF WATERS SOUND & LIGHT SHOW
WRAPPER UP IN THE VALLEY
AUGUST 26-SEPTEMBER 5 QUEEN VICTORIA PARK | NIAGARA FALLS A spectacular performance of music and entertainment culminating in a sound and laser show that showcases the fascinating story of Niagara. Located in Queen Victoria Park, a large pond fountain will set the stage for a magnificent series of lights and images that will reflect off of the spraying water in an ever-changing rainbow of colours. August 28 through September 13 with three nightly shows at 8:15pm, 9:15pm and 10:15pm. Admission is free, more info at niagaraparks.com/ niagara-falls-events/sound-and-light-show.html
WELLAND FAIR SEPTEMBER 17-20 WELLAND FAIR GROUNDS Since 1853, the Niagara Regional Agricultural Society has presented the Niagara Regional Exhibition (NRE)- Home to the Welland Fair. Agricultural displays, competitions, horse and livestock shows, the midway, and scores of entertainment for a fun day, family-oriented event. It takes places the second weekend after Labour Day each year.
NOVEMBER 12-27 | 11AM-5PM UP TO 25 WINERIES WITHIN THE TWENTY VALLEY REGION Wrapped up in the Valley Winery Passport Program. Eat, Drink and be Merry! Join us for your choice of 3 weekends of exceptional wine and food pairings at up to 25 premium Twenty Valley Wineries. Wrapped Up is the perfect way to explore the wineries, have a little fun with friends and stock up on some great local wines for the holiday entertaining. More info at 20valley.ca/site/events TM
Niagara Lavender Fields
field tours, essential oils & boutique
Private Tasting Rooms on 96 Acres
Daily Underground Cellar Tours
Niagara’s Highest Winery Vantage point just 15 minutes from Niagara Falls
3930 Cherr y Avenue | Vineland, ON | L0R 2C0 | 905.562.5155 | megalomaniacwine.com Hours of Operation: Daily 11 am to 6 pm | 43˚ 08’ N 79˚ 24’ W
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SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS:
NIAGARA’S SUMMER FALL FESTIVALS
&
BY GABRIELLE TIEMAN
Annually throughout the summer and fall months, the Niagara Region hosts a vast selection of both small and large scale festivals for both locals and visitors alike to partake in and enjoy. Between celebrating the best in Niagara’s agriculture and natural bounty to showcasing renowned international and local film, there is no lack of option when deciding how to spend those sweet summer weekends and vacation hours.
FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL | JULY 21-24 friendshipfestival.com
Listed as one of the top ten festivals in Canada by Canadian National Geographic, the world renowned Friendship Festival is a multi-day extravaganza of music, fun and entertainment celebrating the over 200 years of friendship and peace between Canada and the United States. The free festival, held annually in Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York, attracts thousands of tourists of all ages to the two regions. The festival includes free concerts, talent shows, rides, midway games, local food vendors and plenty of activities. 2016 concert headliners include performances by singer and American Idol finalist Josh Gracin and local group John Genet Arms of America U2 Tribute.
CANAL DAYS MARINE HERITAGE FESTIVAL | JULY 29-AUG 1 portcolborne.ca/page/canal_days
History buffs and lovers of everything nautical rejoice at the annual Canal Days festival – held annually along the water in picturesque downtown Port Colborne. Celebrating their 38th year, the free Marine Heritage festival – held every civic holiday weekend – gathers hundreds of thousands of visitors for a four day celebration of history along the canal. Travel aboard pirate-worthy ships docked along the canals, cruise the waterways and learn the history of the marine community on a guided tour or take in the sights and nightly fireworks from the deck of your own boat on Lake Erie. The festival also hosts Ontario’s largest >> TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 81
outdoor Classic Car and International Kite show, two days of concerts and live entertainment, a children’s midway and an indoor craft show.
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE PEACH FESTIVAL | AUGUST 13 niagaraonthelake.com/summer/peach
Celebrating the sweetest member of Niagara’s agricultural family, the two-day Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival is a buffet of everything peach. Featuring the freshest peaches from local growers, many restaurants, amateur bakers and professional chefs come together to try their hand at elevating the region’s famed fruit. Peach pies, peach ice cream, jam and many other peach related treats are available to purchase and take home or try on premises as you enjoy live entertainment, salsa music and local wine and craft beer. You can also enjoy peach inspired menus at a number of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s 17 signature kitchens.
NIAGARA CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL | AUGUST 5-7 niagaracraftbeerfestival.ca
Niagara’s 3rd Annual Craft Beer Festival features over 100 of Ontario’s best small batch craft beers and ciders for people to sample and enjoy. Hosted along the water in picturesque Port Dalhousie, the festival will overlook the Royal Henley Regatta, allowing the thousands of attendees to enjoy Regatta racing, live music and outdoor lawn games including Ping Pong, Bocce and Giant Jenga while sipping on the best in Canadian craft beverages. Past participating breweries have included locals Silversmith Brewing Company, Oast House Brewers and Brimstone Brewing Co. as well as Quebec brewers St- Ambroise and Ontario famed Mill Street Brewery.
Tickets can be purchased ahead of time or at the door. Special proceeds will go to support the festival’s charitable partner Red Roof Retreat – an organization that provides quality respite and recreational programs for children, youth, and young adults with special needs and their families within the Niagara Region.
GRAPE AND WINE FESTIVAL | SEPTEMBER 10-25 niagarawinefestival.com
The famous Grape and Wine Festival is a month long celebration of Niagara’s greatest bounty, agriculture and globally recognized achievement: wine. Returning for the 65th year, the annual festival will once again encompass over 100 celebrations and special events held throughout the region during the month of September; ensuring there is no lack of activity to partake in or wine flight to taste. The home base of the Niagara Wine Festival can be found in historic Montebello Park in downtown St. Catharines. One of the most beautiful parks in Niagara, Montebello will come alive for two back-to-back weekends in September to showcases the best in VQA wines and regional cuisine presented by top local chefs and winemakers. Over 50 wineries, restaurants, craft breweries and vendors set up shop in the park to offer samples, showcase unique vintages and educate on their unique brand and produce; proving why the event is recognized as a top 100 event in Canada. Other festival highlights include the family favourite Meridian Grande Parade held on the final Saturday morning of the festival and the unique wine tours and special pairings offered at many of the wineries throughout the region; many of whom also hold their own celebrations on premises in conjunction with the festival. TM