On the Boulevard Winter 2017-2018

40 N I AGA R A’ S P L AY B O O K A GUIDE TO FUN IN THE CITY

9 WA R M U P YO U R W I N T E R WITH A LITTLE SPYCE

FAST TRACK ON THE

STREET OF FUN CLIF TO N HILL’ S N EWE ST & HIG HLY ANTICIPATE D ATTRACTIO N

33

FIND ANYTHING, ANYWHERE! DOWNLOAD THE FREE SAVE-A-BUCK APP TODAY!

IN ROOM COPY $24.95 I FREE DIGITAL COPY AVAILABLE AT READTODAYMAG.COM

All You Can Eat Beef brisket • Pork ribs • fried Chicken Burgers • Sausage • baked beans Potato Bar • salad bar • corn bread

frontierniagara.com 6519 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7L2 +1 289 296 6367 frontierniagara | frontier_niagara

//CONTRIBUTORS

JILL THAM

GABRIELLE TIEMAN-LEE

MEGAN PASCHE

Jill’s passion for writing came after seeing the movie Stand by Me. She prefers listening to Niagara bands to practising her guitar and running the track better than shopping.

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

A writer for REV publishing for over three years, Gabrielle has written for numerous REV publications including Taste, Shopping & Travel. She is a graduate of the University of Ottawa’s Journalism program and has written for a variety of newspapers including the National Post, Ottawa Citizen and Montreal Gazette.

Megan’s passion for the written word is only rivalled by her passion for travel – and as a closet foodie – an insatiable appetite for new cuisine. As the editor of Rev Publishing’s tourist and local magazines, every publication reflects this keen sense of taste, adventure and culture.

LAUREN CHARLEY

SHERMAN ZAVITZ

ANDREA KAISER

Lauren is a Copywriter and Journalist with a passion for travel and sharing stories. Born a tropical baby at heart, Lauren spent a year working for a magazine in the British Virgin Islands after graduating from The University of Western Ontario. Niagara-on-the-Lake will always be her home base as continues to allow her vocation take her on adventures and discover the world.

A retired teacher, Sherman Zavitz has had a fascination with the history of Niagara Falls and area for many years. Active in many history-related organizations, he has authored five books and has been a columnist for the Niagara Falls Review for over 20 years. 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.

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.

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 5

2017/2018

GET RECOGNIZED Reach tourists and locals all in one place.

Advertise with us and be where they work, live and play.

PUBLISHER PRESIDENT & CEO ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER EDITOR

Rev Publishing Inc. Daniel A. Pasco Alexandra Mills, John Fillion Miguel Mori, Joseph Paonessa Jr., David Mace Megan Pasche

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Tina Lanzillotta

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Sarah Meissner, Megan Pasche

SOCIAL MEDIA/MARKETING COORDINATOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CALL WEBSITE

Layton Risto Lauren Charley, Andrea Kaiser, Megan Pasche, Jill Tham, Gabrielle Tieman-Lee, Sherman Zavitz

905.356.7283 or 1.877.888.2825 todaymagazine.ca

issuu.com/todaymagazine

@todaymagazine

Today Magazine

@todaymagazine

facebook.com/RevPublishingInc

www.revpublishing.com

40 N I AGA R A’ S P L AY B O O K A GUIDE TO FUN IN THE CITY

9 WA R M U P YO U R W I N T E R WITH A LITTLE SPYCE

FAST TRACK ON THE

STREET OF FUN C LIFTON HILL’S NEWEST & HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ATTR AC TION

33

FIND ANYTHING, ANYWHERE! DOWNLOAD THE FREE SAVE-A-BUCK APP TODAY!

IN ROOM COPY $24.95 I FREE DIGITAL COPY AVAILABLE AT READTODAYMAG.COM

On The Boulevard is published by Rev Publishing Inc. All opinions expressed in On The Boulevard 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 On The Boulevard 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 On The Boulevard. 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 On The Boulevard are submitted at the author’s risk. Manuscripts and or photographs intended to be returned must be accompanied by sufficient postage. Today On The Boulevard does not assume any responsibility for any claims of our advertisers and reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

LET US HELP PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD To advertise in our next issue* or for more information call one of our account executives @ 905.356.7283 or 1.877.888.2825.

TODAY MAGAZINE NIAGARA EDITION IS PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY.

*

//INSIDE

FOOD & DRINK

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

21

16

9

SPYCE UP YOUR WINTER

Conveniently located within walking distance to the Fallsview Casino, Dragonfly Nightclub, and numerous restaurants, Spyce Lounge offers a sophisticated and intimate lounge environment to enjoy delicious seasonal cocktails.

13

RUTH CHRIS An interview with Andy DiPietro, Head Chef at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Niagara Falls.

16

DIG OUR ROOTS

‘Dig Our Roots’ celebrates the unique soils and climate of Niagara-On-The-Lake’s historic wine-producing region while also honouring the rich culture of local wine and food.

ABOUT TOWN

HERE. SEE. DO.

40

61

21

32

52

All that glitters might as well be diamonds when it comes to the world’s most famous producer of fine crystals - Swarovski Crystal.

The newest attraction to join Niagara Falls excitement lined Clifton Hill has drivers living out their wildest Mario Kart racing dreams-minus the bananas and turtle shells.

When the weather is cold, and we begin to wind down from the season’s festivities, we seek ways to beat the post-holiday blues.

January is not a month to bide your time in Niagara, as it is the time of year we celebrate our finest liquid delicacy- icewine!

“A DIAMOND FOR EVERYONE”

25

NIAGARA FUN FACTS Fun facts and trivia about one of the great wonders of the world.

29

X MARKS THE SPOT

Sherman Zavitz takes us on a trip back in history with the tales of Niagara’s buried treasures.

NIAGARA SPEEDWAY

36

FUN ZONE

With a reputation as one of the area’s most popular indoor attractions, the Fun Zone showcases a 200,000 square foot facility which includes two levels of state-ofthe-art games, a challenging mirror maze, exhilarating laser tag, a premium machine gun range, glow in the dark mini putt and one of Niagara’s infamous haunted houses.

40

WINTER PLAYBOOK

Whatever your travel style, be it wanting to spend time outdoors, challenging yourself with new adventures or plain having fun (or a mixture of all these), Niagara offers tourists no shortage of wonders to behold, and fun to be had. From our plentiful nature trails to the crazy Clifton Hill, here we’ve compiled a short list of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, for you to cross off and make Niagara your playgorund.

HOME SWEET HOME

57

EVENTFUL

Events happening throughout the Niagara Region.

58 CASINO ACTS Fallsview Casino has a new entertainment lineup you won’t want to miss!

61 SHAW FESTIVAL A highly anticipated listing of movies and documentaries playing at the Shaw Festival.

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 7

MEAT... DONE WELL ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT CUTS OF MEAT

LIVE MUSIC RY

INCLUD

ES:

S UR

D AY

EVE

D AY A N D

AT

EVERY WEEKEND

I FR

Located in Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites directly across from Fallsview Casino Resort 6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9 brasaniagara.com | +1 905 353 7187 | Complimentary parking for our dining guests.

brasaniagara

//FOOD & DRINK

SPYCE

UP YOUR W I N T E R

By Lauren Charley

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 9

I

magine witnessing the breathtaking view of fresh-fallen snow as it settles on top of the Fallsview Casino’s iconic dome, and is illuminated by the multicoloured lights which decorate the property, while curled up with your favourite drink.

Warm up this winter at Spyce Lounge- an upscale, urban cocktail bar, which provides a relaxing yet lively atmosphere to enjoy the beautiful tourist destination of Niagara Falls.

Conveniently located inside The Hilton Hotel, across the street from the casino, and within walking distance to numerous restaurants, Spyce is a sophisticated and intimate lounge environment to enjoy fine cocktails.

Catering to a mature crowd of all ages, the lounge is a trendy space to hang out, socialize and listen to live entertainment, seven nights a week.

What started as a lobby bar for guests inside The Hilton has transformed into one the hottest social spots in Niagara Falls’ Entertainment District. Guests of the hotel, visitors, locals, and businesspeople come together to form an eclectic mix of clientele in a unique ambiance away from the touristic chaos.

Inside the lounge, deep purple and grey are accentuated by sparkling silver decor, setting Spyce apart from other venues in the city.

From the shimmering gold bar top, to the leather furniture, to the

grand chandelier, you’ll be immersed in a classy yet casual setting to drink and dine alone, or in the company of others.

Management selects the best passionate performers to entertain customers, with a mix of genres from Rock n’ Roll, to R & B, to Hip Hop. Always maintaining a lively atmosphere, Spyce has earned its reputation as one of the area’s best music venues.

This fall and winter in the evenings from Sunday-Tuesday, you’re likely to hear acoustic covers and originals by Canadian Singer and Songwriter, Mike Sarcino.

During the evenings Wednesday-Friday, you’ll enjoy a changing mix of live music, and Saturday you’ll hear three shows by performers daily from 1pm-1am.

Playing regularly, you may see Bryan Sorensen Trio. These talented three play everything from Snoop Dog to Justin Timberlake, and amaze spectators with Sorensen’s talents on the talkbox.

Listen out for XPRIME, one of the hottest local cover bands who have been playing at the lounge for over a year, never failing to get a crowd on the dance floor. XPRIME will be the featured band for Spyce Lounge’s 2018 New Year’s Eve party.

When you seek out a place to watch a game in an environment far more upscale than a noisy sports bar, Spyce streams major sporting events including hockey, football, and soccer on televisions around the lounge. With two large screen TVs and a giant screen behind the bar, there’s plenty of options to watch your favourite match.

When you’re looking for a delicious meal or tasty snack, the lounge serves an upscale spin on the classic bar favourites. On weekends their kitchen offers their full menu on Friday for 4pm -11pm from12pm11pm on Saturday.

Sample tasty appetizers such as coconut shrimp, calamari, and antipasto platters. Hearty burgers and sandwiches are made with ingredients to please any foodie, accompanied by house cut, truffle, or sweet potato fries. There is something to please every appetite, including healthy options such as the Quinoa Protein Boost Salad, packed with nutritious ingredients and full of flavour.

“Everyone loves the nachos, and they’ve earned a reputation as the

A TASTE OF SPYCE best in town. I’d say they’re enough to feed a family of twelve,” boasts Brad Hunter, Assistant Manager. He’s right- they are piled high with toppings and perfect to suffice the late night munchies.

During the week Sunday through Thursday 12pm-11pm and Friday 12pm-4pm, The Bistro Menu offers a selection of lighter fare including wraps, paninis, quesadillas, and 12” Artisan pizzas.

Illuminated presentably behind the bar, you’ll find an extensive selection of alcohol, including top shelf bottles such as Don Julio and Patron. Spyce is known for their delicious and innovative cocktails and martinis, with an array of premium spirits and liqueurs to make almost any creation possible.

Unique to Spyce is their mixologists who share a synonymous sense of passion for the drinks they prepare. From the blend of ingredients to the presentation, the bartenders provide the ultimate beverage, and will tailor your drink to suit your preferences upon request. Like a pastry chef who prepares their desserts as a work of art, every cocktail is decorated and served to visual perfection.

This fall and winter look for featured seasonal beverages such as the Spiced Sangria and winter-themed cocktails and martinis. Using ingredients like Candy Canes, marshmallows, and signature holiday treats, the mixologists love coming up with one-of-a kind drinks in spirit of the winter celebrations.

Always offering a selection of draught beers, the options on tap change every few months to feature various craft breweries in the Niagara Region. Vino enthusiasts will love the array of both local and international wines, ice wines, and sparkling wines available by the glass or bottle.

Spyce Lounge is the perfect place to warm up when you venture out into the cold this winter. The unbeatable proximity to amenities, accommodation, entertainment, and places to dine, are all within enclosed walking distance. There’s no need to bundle up and dread the snow and ice when the elegant gaming facility, the Fallsview Casino Resort, is only steps away under a covered walkway. Enjoy the magic of the winter wonderland and the picturesque view from the comfort of your table inside Niagara’s hot spot- Spyce Lounge.

For a Chocolate Craving: Chocolate Cream Pie Cocktail RumChata, vanilla vodka, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, served on ice.

Indulgence to Share: Spyce Nacho Platter Crispy nachos smothered with Cheddar cheese, black olives, tomatoes, red and yellow pepper, jalapeños, and scallions served with salsa and sour cream Delicious & Filling: BBQ Sandwich BBQ pulled pork, coleslaw and house BBQ sauce Healthy & Fresh: Quinoa Salad Tri-coloured quinoa with chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes and feta cheese A Sweet Celebration: Oatmeal Cookie Shooter Butterscotch ripple, Baileys, Jägermeister, cinnamon INDUSTRY NIGHT THURSDAYS New at Spyce is a special promotion to encourage the hospitality industry workers in the city to check out their local lounge. All are welcome to attend “Industry Night” every Thursday evening offering incredible deals on select drinks and appetizers. $5 DRINK SPECIALS Well shots 16 oz Pints 5 oz Peller Chardonnay 5 oz Cab-Merlot 1/2 OFF APPETIZERS Spyce Nacho Platter Spinach Artichoke Dip Anti-pasto Platter Mediterranean Trio Poutine for two

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 11

eat. drink. save.

Winery Tours, Distilleries, Restaurants, Craft Breweries and more...

Download the app & save on your favourite experiences

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE

BY JILL THAM

I

magine planning a dinner party with your friends. It should be pretty simple no?

What if one of your friends in attendance was a chef? One who cooks the most succulent steaks in the Niagara Region. Would that change things for you? Would beads of sweat begin to pour down your forehead? “People are intimidated when I come over for dinner,” laughs Andy DiPietro, Head Chef at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Niagara Falls, ON. “I enjoy fine dining and I learn from that, but when I come home I am very simple. Give me a hungry man dinner.” Not a single friend or family member was surprised when DiPietro enrolled in Culinary Apprenticeship Program at Niagara College. “I’ve loved food ever since I was a young kid making my first tomato sauce,” says DiPietro. “It’s in my blood. My mother is a phenomenal cook and I wanted to replicate her skill and passion for food.”

The Ruth’s Chris chain originated in New

Orleans when single mother, Ruth Fertel, followed her instincts and re-mortgaged her house to fund the purchase of Chris Steak House in 1965. With hard work and determination, Ruth’s Chris Steak House became a household name, expanding and growing to include over 80 locations worldwide.

General Manager, Zoli Palinko has had the honour of travelling to eight different Ruth’s Chris locations across North America. “If Ruth Fertel was still alive today I think she would be proud of our Niagara Falls location,” says Palinko. “By far, ours is the most elegant. Here, in the tourist area, we are not just open to people in fancy suits, we are open to everyone.”

“Our restaurant is broken down into different sections to accommodate all types of customers,” explains DiPietro. “Our dining hall is split into two sections. The smaller area has tables and the larger area of the restaurant is perfect for parties or functions,” says DiPietro. “We have enough space that we don’t need to mix the families with the bachelorette parties.”

Enjoy an intimate dinner listening to the music and hearing the sizzle of the steaks as the tantalizing food passes by your private booth.

“At Ruth’s original restaurant there was only one curtained booth for intimate dinners. With upcoming renovations we will have over 50 curtained booths,” states Sous Chef, Adir Ozer. >> Located in the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, just a short walk to the Horseshoe Falls, Ruth’s Chris Restaurant is not just a restaurant, it is a place designed to cater to a variety of special events. Their new lounge is perfect for receptions, celebrations, or corporate events. “We are also expanding the dining hall and adding a second line in the kitchen,” says DiPietro.

“We can host a variety events from eight to 300 people while maintaining the high standards of Ruth’s Chris.”

Their motto, “Tender, Juicy, and Sizzling” accurately describes the steak: cooked to temperature and seasoned perfectly. “Our steaks are impeccable. They are the highest quality and served on a 550 degree plate. That sizzle makes a TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 13

big difference,” explains DiPietro.

With ingredients made from scratch and purchased locally when in season, the restaurant focuses on providing customers with the ultimate dining experience. The well balanced flavours in the Spicy Shrimp appetizer and the crab cakes made from 98% crab with zero filler are a testament to the high standards of the restaurant.

“Every plate has to be flawless. Our expectations in the kitchen are always very high,” says DiPietro. “150% satisfaction for our customers.”

“Perfection, hospitality, and atmosphere, are our priorities here at Ruth’s Chris,” states Palinko.

Along with a variety of local and imported wine and beer, the bar and lounge is stocked with all the necessities for Ruth’s favourite cocktails. Sip a Vintage Manhattan or a Moscow Mule while listening to new age jazz music in the lounge and you will feel like you’re on Bourbon or Canal Street in New Orleans.

“I am very proud of working at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, but what really makes it is the people I work with. I have never experienced a team that is so close,” explains DiPietro.

“I can call up the chef in Orlando and chat about the menu. We are one big happy Ruth’s Chris family.”

“Ruth herself has an incredible story, I am very proud to be a part of her legacy. She was very hospitable. We make every effort to emulate her standards,” says DiPietro. “Our product is worth every penny. You have to come down and try it,” concludes DiPietro.

For more information visit ruthschrisniagara.

Best View of the Falls Illumination Every Evening

CUSTOMIZE YOUR FALLSVIEW DINING EXPERIENCE Three-Course Dinner

$55

Five-Course Dinner

$65

BUFFET BREAKFAST | SEASONAL HOURS Located in Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites directly across from Fallsview Casino Resort 6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9 +1 905 353 7138 watermarkrestaurant.com |

watermarkfallsview

Complimentary parking for our dining guests.

OUR

ROOTS

By Andrea Kaiser

The Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake invite you to visit in April and help celebrate the birthplace of the modern Canadian wine industry. You are invited to an exclusive weekend event that pays tribute to the rich history and pioneers of Ontario winemaking in the heart of wine country. Now home to some of the oldest vinifera plantings across Canada, the area has come of age, producing some of the most complex and well-balanced wines in the region.

This one-of-a-kind wine-growing region was created by a combination of four geological aspects, fundamental to the production of quality fruit. Rich geological soils, formerly the bed of old Lake Iroquois, feed important nutrients to the vines while the original shoreline, now the Niagara Escarpment, provides a protective shield. Lake Ontario to the North and the Niagara River to the East, further protect the region’s original farm lands, as they bring in warm breezes to fend off spring frosts and harsh winter elements. A unique set of geographical elements create a specialty crop area where tender winemaking grapes thrive and flourish best.

Time is also important, as aging vines naturally offer lower yields of berries, thereby increasing the extract of fruit flavours in the wine. Deep roots of old vines are a great asset too. They tap into rich nutrients well beneath the soils and retain moisture in drought conditions. Older vines also tend to ripen earlier, a benefit to growers in cooler climates like Ontario. Old-vine wines also deliver a textural richness and layered flavours on the palate.

They also produce wines that reflect the ‘terroir’ of the vineyard, so when you taste these wines we want you to taste the essence of the vineyards.

And while ‘Dig Our Roots’ celebrates the unique soils and climate of this historic wine-producing region it also honours the rich culture of local wine and food, made possible by this specialty growing area as Niagara-on-the-Lake is also home to much of Ontario’s tender fruit. Niagara’s bounty provides for authentic locally grown culinary experiences. Warm days and cool nights also result in wines that have a balance of ripe fruit and acidity, making them excellent companions to food.

With years of experience to draw upon, grape growers and winemakers in Niagaraon-the-Lake have a deep knowledge of what grows best and is home to some of Canada’s best-known wine families and iconic wines.

Many wineries in this appellation were the original pioneers and as the region has grown, they have helped to shape the new positive attitude toward Canadian wine with more than three decades of winemaking know-how. Over the past 30+ years, a group of like-minded wineries have been working together to create a community of wineries featuring great wines and promoting excellence. They invite you to visit the first weekend in April to be part of this one-of-a-kind celebration and take part in exclusive events and wine tastings featuring the best the region has to offer. Visit wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com to sign up for their newsletter and receive your personal invitation.

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 17

YOU’RE JUST A SHORT DRIVE AWAY FROM

Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Country While you’re in town, plan a visit and experience the life of a winery. Nestled below the Niagara Escarpment, we’re a close-knit neighbourhood of wineries each with a unique personality. With over 20 distinctive locations to choose from and a series of Signature Events throughout the year, it’s a good thing we’re just around the corner!

Purchase a Signature Events Touring Pass and gain access to over 20 unforgettable wineries

Available Year Round With our Winemakers’ Selections Tasting Pass, you can taste a carefully selected, notable wine at each of our member wineries, all year long.

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in February

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in May

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in November

Warm up this winter by enjoying the sweet and savoury side of chocolate as it’s expertly paired with only our best VQA wines.

Grape meets grill just in time for summer. Soak up the sun and enjoy a sampling of unique grilled foods and VQA wine pairings.

Let’s make a toast to the festive season. Holidayinspired foods are paired perfectly with locally inspired VQA wines.

WineriesOfNiagaraOnTheLake.com /wineriesofniagaraonthelake

@NiagaraWine #NOTLWine

NiagaraWine

SHOP

Tango Boutique offers the largest selection of Joseph Ribkoff in Niagara.

WWW.SHOPTANGOBOUTIQUE.COM

FACEBOOK • SNAPCHAT • INSTAGRAM: TANGO BOUTIQUES

MT. CARMEL CENTRE, NIAGARA FALLS FALLSVIEW CASINO, NIAGARA FALLS RIDLEY HEIGHTS PLAZA, ST. CATHARINES

//LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

“A

DI MOND ” FOR EVERYONE A Brief Hi s t or y of Sw a r o v s k i C ry s t a l

by Megan Pasche

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 21

It can’t help but catch your eye-there’s a glint of light and suddenly, it’s like you stepped into a rainbow. The Swarovski Crystal store. You can find the store in the shops at the Fallsview Casino-but the crystals themselves? They come all the way from Austria; and when you think of crystals, Swarovski is probably the first (and maybe only) name that comes to mind. There are around 2,800 Swarovski stores in 170 countries, and the company employs around 27,000 people.

The founder of the company was Daniel Swarovski, who was born in 1862 in Northern Bohemia (Czech Republic). At the time that area of Bohemia was well known as being a cornerstone of the crystal and costume jewellery industry. Daniel, as he grew up, became fascinated with these crystals, likely influenced by his environment. He also was known as quite a gifted inventor and entrepreneur. His father was a glass cutter by trade, and owned a glass cutting company. Daniel served as an apprentice there, as well as at other crystal grinders, and he became quite skilled in the art of glass cutting. In 1892, he invented an electric cutting machine that helped produce crystal glass; it took him nine years to perfect the design of the machine.

In 1895, he set up a new business along with Armand Kosman and Franz Weis, and it was originally known as A. Kosmann, D. Swarovski & Co, usually referred to as KS & Co. They opened their first factory in Wattens, Austria, in a spot where they could harness the power of the alpine streams to garner electricity. It was the perfect time to start a business, as it was a time in history when arts, literature, music and science were booming all across Europe. The vision of the company was to make crystals affordable to anyone, essentially, “a diamond for everyone,” as Swarovski himself put it. In 1913, Daniel, along with his three sons established a production plant, which enabled them to produce only the highest quality raw material; this development allowed them to take their business to an entirely new level.

The business continued to grow, and as the company made it’s way into the 20th century, Swarovski Crystals became a must have. After World War Two, the company began to partner with big names in the fashion industry, including Chanel, Balenciaga and Dior. Singers and actresses of the time coveted the sparkly jewels, and they eventually showed up on Hollywood icons. Marilyn Monroe wore crystal in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, as well as while she sang her famous version of Happy Birthday to John F. Kennedy. They used Swarovski Crystal for the ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz, and they also made appearances in such movies as Sabrina and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It was a partnership with Christian Dior that saw the creation of the Aurora Borealis effect that is still used to this day. In 1977, Swarovski had made its way to the jewellery market in the United States. Swarovski makes a whole range of products, but are very well known for their small animal figurines.

If you travel to Wattens in Austria, you will find Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Worlds), a 2000 square foot location devoted entirely to crystal. It’s here where you’ll find the largest collection of Swarovski crystal art in the world, as well as a property excavated to look like the underground world of crystal.

You can find a wide range of Swarovski Crystals in the Galleria Shops at the Fallsview Casino. They are open Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 11pm and Friday and Saturday, from 10am to midnight. More information is available at www.swarovski.com

On this page: WATTENS, AUSTRIA, JULY 27, 2016: Interior of famous swarovski Kristallwelten museum exhibiting various pieces of art using swarovski elements in Wattens, Austria.

Opposite page from top to bottom: WATTENS, AUSTRIA– Fountain with giant head spitting water into a pond at Swarovski Kristallwelten in Wattens, Austria.

WATTENS, AUSTRIA - May 07, 2009: Turtle made with crystal Swarovski at Crystal Worlds (Kristallwelten) museum.

Swarovski is an Austrian producer of luxury cut lead glass found in 1895.

ABU DHABI, UAE - 26 MARCH 2014: Interior of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Mosque has many unique elements like 12 tons chandelier covered by gold and Swarovski crystals. (all photos: shutterstock)

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 23

Live Entertainment Nightly Niagara’s Largest TV Open Daily From Noon Located in Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites directly across from Fallsview Casino Resort 6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9 +1 905 354 7887 spycelounge.ca |

spycelounge

Complimentary parking for our dining guests.

authentic italian cooking — and brick oven pizza — located in hilton niagara falls/fallsview hotel & suites directly across from fallsview casino resort 6361 fallsview blvd, niagara falls, on L2G 3V9 +1 905 353 7174 pranzoniagara.com |

pranzoniagara

complimentary parking for our dining guests.

children eat free restrictions apply. ask server for details.

For facts sake:

Niagara Falls trivia for inquiring minds.

• Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls that overlap the international borders of Canada and United States.

• You are almost always guaranteed to see a rainbow if you’re on the Canadian side of the Falls. To capture this beautiful phenomenon be sure grab your camera and visit from about noon until the sun sets.

• Scientists believe that the Niagara Falls will be gone in 50,000 years due to the current rate of erosion.

• The first person to see and describe Niagara Falls in depth was Father Louis Hennepin, a French priest who accompanied LaSalle on his expedition to the Niagara Region in 1678.

• Hundreds of years ago, the Niagara Escarpment split. The sediment from a vanished Lake Tonawanda formed Goat Island (after John Stedman whose goat herds froze to death in the winter of 1780). The water flow on the American Falls is much less forceful because of Goat Island. The Canadian Falls has no such obstacle.

• After the water flows over the Falls into Lake Ontario, it travels to the St. Lawrence River, then out to the Atlantic Ocean.

• The deepest part of Niagara River is 170ft, and it is located right below the Falls.

• The speed of the Whirlpool Rapids can travel as fast as 30 feet per second.

• Niagara Falls is over 12,000 years old. The Falls were formed at the end of the last Ice Age, when the melting glaciers formed the Great Lakes, one of which (Erie), ran downhill towards another (Ontario).

While the water rushed from one Lake to another, the Niagara River was carved out, and at one point had to rush over a large cliff (the Niagara Escarpment). As the falls eroded over time, the Niagara Gorge was formed.

• The water that flows over Niagara Falls is greenish-blue, because of a combination of algae and crushed slate and shale sediment. Sometimes, after storms, which stir up dirt at the bottom of the river and the Great Lakes, the water briefly turns brown.

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 25

HOW HIGH ARE THE FALLS? HOW FAST IS THE WATER? • The Niagara River is about 58 km (36 mi) in length and is the natural outlet from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.

• The elevation between the two lakes is about 99 m (326 ft), half occurring at the Falls themselves.

• The total area drained by the Niagara River is approximately 684,000 sq km (264,000 sq mi).

• The average fall from Lake Erie to the beginning of the upper Niagara Rapids is only 2.7 m (9 ft).

• Below the Chippawa-Grass Island Pool control structure, the river falls 15 m (50 ft) to the brink of the Falls.

• The deepest section in the Niagara River is just below the Falls. It is so deep it equals the height of the Falls above 52m (170ft).

• The Chippawa Channel is approximately 17.7 km (11 mi) in length and varies from 610 to 1220 m (2,000 to 4,000 ft) in width. Water speed ranges from 0.6 to 0.9 metres per second (mps) [2 to 3 ft per second (fps)].

This channel carries approximately 60% of the total river flow.

• The Tonawanda Channel is 24 km (15 mi) long and varies from 460 to 610 m (1,500 to 2,000 ft) in width above Tonawanda Island. Downstream, the channel varies from 460 to 1220 m (1,500 to 4,000 ft) in width. Speed ranges from 0.6 to 0.9 mps (2 to 3 fps).

• The Niagara Gorge extends from the Falls for 11 km (7 mi) downstream to the foot of the escarpment at Queenston

HOW WAS THE WHIRLPOOL CREATED? • The huge volume of water rushing from the Falls is crushed into the narrow Great Gorge, creating the Whirlpool Rapids that stretch for 1.6 km (1 mi). The water surface here drops 15 m (50 ft) and the rushing waters can reach speeds as high as 9 mps (30 fps).

• The Whirlpool is a basin 518 m (1,700 ft) long by 365 m (1,200 ft) wide with depths up to 38 m (125 ft). This is the elbow, where the river makes a sharp right-angled turn.

• In the Whirlpool, you can see the “reversal phenomenon”. When the Niagara River is at full flow, the waters travel over the rapids and enter the pool, then travel counterclockwise around the pool past the natural outlet. Pressure builds up when the water tries to cut across itself to reach the outlet and this pressure forces the water under the incoming stream.

• The swirling waters create a vortex, or whirlpool. Then the waters continue their journey to Lake Ontario. If the water flow is low (water is diverted for hydroelectric purposes after 10pm each night) the reversal does not take place; the water merely moves clockwise through the pool and passes to the outlet. Below the Whirlpool is another set of rapids, which drops approximately 12 m (40 ft).

• The Niagara Gorge extends from the Falls for 11 km (7 mi) downstream to the foot of the escarpment at Queenston.

ICE JAMS Lake Erie is the major producer of ice that flows down the Niagara River and is capable of producing 16,093 square kilometers (10,000 square miles) of ice.

The ice is blown down the river and over the Falls, where it becomes caught as the river narrows near the Canadian Maid of the Mist Landing. Some of the ice is pushed back upriver, which can build up to form an ice jam. Ice jams can be very erosive; ice grinds on the river bed, moves large boulders and alters the shoreline. When wind stops forcing water out of Lake Erie into the river, the water level drops leaving the ice jam aloft like a bridge.

THE ICE BRIDGE The phenomenon of the ice bridge is a familiar occurence each winter. Usually in January, a mild spell followed by a strong southwest wind breaks up the ice on Lake Erie and sends it down the Niagara River and over the Falls. The wet ice forced up out of the water below the Falls freezes into a huge mass, growing into a structure of considerable size and strength, not unlike a glacier. As shown in this photo of photographers on the ice in the 1890s, visitors to the Falls would often venture out on the ice bridge - vendors would even set up stalls to sell refreshments. Since a tragic event in 1912, when the ice suddenly broke up and two tourists were killed, going out on the ice bridge has been strictly prohibited. would often venture out on the ice bridge - vendors would even set up stalls to sell refreshments. Since a tragic event in 1912, when the ice suddenly broke up and two tourists were killed, going out on the ice bridge has been strictly prohibited.

WHEN THE FALLS STOPPED! When you look at the mighty Horseshoe Falls, it’s difficult to imagine any force strong enough to stop this gigantic rush of water - yet it is on record that Mother Nature did stop the flow, back in 1848.

In March of that year, local inhabitants, accustomed to the sound of the river, were greeted by a strange, eerie silence. Niagara had stopped! For thirty long, silent hours, the river dried up and those who were brave enough walked or rode horses over the rock floor of the channel. Then, with a roar that shook the foundations of the earth, a solid wall of water, cresting to a great height, curled down the channel and crashed over the brink of the precipice. Niagara was back in business to the immense relief of everyone.

News traveled slowly in those days but the explanation finally came. High winds set the ice fields of Lake Erie in motion and millions of tons of ice became lodged at the source of the river, blocking the channel completely until finally a shift in the forces of nature released it and the pent up weight of water broke through.

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 27

By Sherman Zavitz

B

uried Treasure! Those very words quicken the heartbeat and ignite the imagination. Images immediately flash through the mind: gold coins, buccaneers, wooden chests.

Probably Canada’s most intriguing, not to mention most famous, treasure hunt has taken place on Oak Island. A speck of land in Mahone Bay off Nova Scotia’s Atlantic coast, the island is thought to be the site of a vast buried treasure supposedly placed there by one of history’s most famous pirates: either Black Beard, Captain Kidd or Henry Morgan.

It was back in 1795 that three young men exploring the island discovered a curious depression in the ground at the base of an old oak tree that showed evidence of having been used as part of a block and tackle operation.

Digging brought to light a filled-in shaft with wooden platforms around every ten feet. After reaching some twenty-five feet, the frustrated excavators gave up. Something, very possibly a treasure of some kind, had been buried there but obviously reaching it was not going to be easy.

Since then a number of expeditions have spent vast amounts of money, time and effort to reach the bottom of the pit, all to no avail. A series of tunnels connecting the pit with the nearby ocean has been an issue that has greatly complicated the work.

In 1971, a submarine TV camera was lowered nearly two hundred feet into the shaft. It revealed faint images of three chests, a pick and a severed human hand.

Niagara has had buried treasure tales as well. One such story took place

in the small pioneer settlement of White Pigeon. Now all but vanished, this little community is located along Lyons Creek, around the intersection of Montrose Road and Schisler Road in what is now a rural area within the City of Niagara Falls, Ontario. The settlement’s origins go back to the early 1800s, by which time logging had become a large and important business in the area. White Pigeon came into being primarily to serve those involved in this industry. It soon became a stagecoach stop as well.

A number of businesses appeared, including an inn, a livery stable and a blacksmith shop.

One story behind the origin of the settlement’s unusual name concerns the first innkeeper’s daughter who, for whatever reason, always dressed in white. The lumberjacks began to call her the white pigeon. The name was soon applied to the inn and then to the community itself.

During the latter part of June 1812, the residents of White Pigeon and all the other citizens in British North America (now Canada) received some shocking news: The United States had declared war on Great Britain. Now known as the War of 1812, this conflict was to have a profound and devastating impact on the Niagara area.

One afternoon during the early months of the war, a stranger arrived at the White Pigeon Inn. Identifying himself as a ship’s captain, he carried a small, heavy chest which he never let out of his sight. After nightfall, he was observed leaving the inn carrying the chest. He was gone some time and when he returned in the morning, he no longer had the chest.

Later that day, the mysterious stranger told the innkeeper he would be TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 29

back after the war was over. He then boarded a stage coach - and was never seen again.

Around a century later, the owner of the property where the inn had once stood happened to visit a fortune teller. After gazing into her crystal ball, she became very excited, telling the man that there was a box or chest hidden on his property that contained a fortune in gold coin. She explained it was buried “near the bank of a stream in an old orchard near some large elm trees.”

The property owner took all this as nothing more than a good story, until he happened to mention it to an old-timer in the neighbourhood who told him the legend of the captain and his heavy chest. After hearing this, the man started a search along Lyons Creek. However, after several years of effort, during which many holes and pits were dug, no gold was found.

A few years earlier another treasure hunt had taken place in Niagara.

On June 8, 1892, E.J. Crandall , Eugene Van Dusen and a Col. Lockwood, all of Saginaw, Michigan, arrived at a hotel in Queenston,, a small Ontario community alongside the Niagara River, some seven miles below the great Falls of Niagara.

From the beginning their actions were somewhat mysterious. They frequently stopped people on the streets and asked them questions about the area. In addition, they were often seen examining what appeared to be a map.

After a few days, the three men were observed making their way to what is known as the Niagara Glen, a natural paradise of rocks and trees in the Niagara River Gorge, just upstream from Queenston. Further observation showed the men heading into an area of the Glen known as Foster’s Flats. Named for a former mill owner in that area, Foster’s Flats is the lowest and most northerly terrace of the Glen. Even though the spot was difficult to reach and was infested with rattlesnakes at the time, the men made several trips there and seemed delighted with each visit.

Apparently deciding some local help was needed, they then took Jerry O’Leary, the proprietor of the hotel, into their confidence – after first securing his word that he would keep their secret. The story they told O’Leary must have made his jaw drop.

The three Americans said they were searching for $100,000 in gold coin.

They claimed it had been sent from England during the War of 1812 as pay for British soldiers stationed in Canada. Just after the ship carrying the valuable cargo reached Queenston, several members of the crew stole the chest containing the gold. Years later a map somehow came to life that showed the hijackers had buried their loot on the first plateau (or terrace) lying upstream from Queenston Heights on the Canadian side.

This would be Foster’s Flats.

The old map indicated that the treasure would be found buried thirty feet from a large rock at the foot of an oak tree, the roots of which were like a hen’s foot.

As might be expected, O’Leary eagerly joined in the search in return for a share of the gold. All work took place at night. The noise of their picks and shovels was drowned out by the river’s roar while the dense foliage hid most of the light from their lantern.

Despite efforts of secrecy, their actions continued to create curiosity, especially with a certain U.S. customs officer. After spying on the men for a number of nights from the opposite side of the river, he became convinced that they were opium smugglers.

He was also very anxious to discover what was in a large trunk the four men were seen carrying out of the hotel each night and bringing back the following morning.

It was many days before he found out that the trunk contained, not opium, but 50 small canvas sacks in which the treasure seekers expected to carry away the gold when they found it.

But, after three weeks digging at the site, no gold was found.

The visitors then took off for another treasure hunt somewhere in Virginia. Jerry O’Leary continued the quest on his own. While doing so, however, he broke his promise of secrecy and told the story to a newspaper reporter from Niagara Falls, New York. The reporter was convinced the whole business was nonsense and that O’Leary, therefore, was wasting his time, noting that he was seeking for wealth that “is not beneath the soil.”

It was all too true. Just as there was no gold along the banks of Lyons Creek at White Pigeon and no treasure has been found (at least so far) on Oak Island, there was no gold in the Glen. TM

Fear less.

Experience flight without feathers

WILDPLAY.COM/NIAGARAFALLS

I-800-263-7073 SEARCH: WILDPLAY NIAGARA FALLS

//ABOUT TOWN

By Gabrielle Tieman-Lee

The newest attraction to join Niagara Falls’ excitement lined Clifton Hill has drivers living out their wildest Mario Kart racing dreams – minus the bananas and turtle shells.

This isn’t your old school, tire lined, birthday party go kart track; HOCO Limited is putting the finishing touches on their Niagara Speedway – a massive, multi-level go kart raceway featuring a four story corkscrew, undulating ramp and over 1800 feet of twisting and varied track. >>

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 33

When the track opens in Spring 2018, HOCO says Niagara Speedway will be North America’s largest elevated go-cart track and the first of its kind in Canada.

“It is the largest [track] in North America and there is nothing like it in Canada,” said marketing director Joel Noden.

Only steps away from the falls, this marriage of traditional go-karts with an elevated roller coaster style track is going to pack a rush like no other attraction; at its peak, drivers will reach 40 feet of elevation as they spiral down, racing against the clock and their following race car drivers towards the checkered flag finish line.

Noden said there is only one other go kart track that compares in North America and it can be found in Branson, Missouri – a park with three different elevated go-kart courses modelled around the famous Mario Kart video game. But the track is simply not to scale of the new Niagara Falls attraction.

So why exceed the popular Missouri track in size? Well that was a simple answer.

“Because we do everything big,” said Noden.

“We have Canada’s largest mini putt course, we have Canada’s largest arcade, we had Canada’s only SkyWheel until this year. Everything we do is big.”

Noden said along with building the best and the biggest attractions, HOCO strives to bring repeatable attractions to Niagara Falls for visitors who continue to return to the city again and again.

“People are coming back [to Niagara Falls] more frequently -- three, four times a year,” said Noden. “Our largest audience is from the GTA and the Golden Horseshoe – that is our customer – so we want to give them more things to do. They don’t really need more places to stay, we have lots of hotels, but what we keep hearing from surveys we have done on our properties is people are looking for more things to do.”

With a planned price set at a reasonable $9.99 dollars per five to six minute ride, HOCO has made it quite possible for riders to take multiple spins around the track. “[The Speedway] is a repeatable attraction,” said Noden. “It is not

going to be a one and done. You will want to return and race your family and friends again and beat your scores from last time. Just like mini putt – we have people come back year after year with their old score cards, trying to beat their previous scores.”

The Speedway will also have lower set fees for riders accompanying the driver in the two-person car.

Along with the Speedway, HOCO recently opened the well-received ride 3D Zombie Attack – a multi-sensory attraction created by TrioTech which has riders fight and attempt to survive real-time 6D brain-hungry zombies. Zombie Attack can be found right next to the Speedway.

“We were working to create a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in Canada,” said Noden.

“We try to do that with everything; you won’t find another mini putt course with a volcano in the center of it and waterfalls and life sized dinosaurs. Everything we do we try to put a unique twist to it so it’s different.

“You kind of do the Falls, look at it, and go ‘Okay, what now?’” said Noden. “And then you turn around and look behind you and we are that what now.”

The Niagara Speedway is only a portion of HOCO’s longterm ten acre redevelopment project for Clifton Hill – with the goal to create not only more attractions, but more open space. The plan went underway over a year-and-a-half ago with the demolition of the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill building – which created a large site for expansion for fresh entertainment facilities. This also opened up over 20 thousand square feet of renovations and 30 thousand square feet of new buildings and extensive streetscape site work.

HOCO as well recently completed a complete gut, redesign and outdoor dining expansion of the Kelsey’s on Clifton Hill – which has set a new standard for dining amongst the attractions.

“Next we are looking at reworking the Boston Pizza, Tim Hortons and Wendy’s,” said Noden. “We want to continue to make everything bigger and better for visitors to the Falls.” TM

HOME TO NIAGARA’S BEST ATTRACTIONS

LAZER TAG, MIRROR MAZE, MINI PUTT, GUN RANGE, PAINTBALL, TWO HAUNTED HOUSES, FUN HOUSE & HUGE MIDWAY ARCADE.

Niagara Fun Zone opened in spring 2014 and quickly gained a glowing reputation as one of the area’s most popular indoor attractions. The arcade showcases two levels of state-of-the-art games, many of which reward your skills with tickets for the chance to win prizes such as candy, stickers, souvenirs, and large plush toys. In addition to the midway, guests can participate in separate attractions spanning the 20,000 square foot facility which includes a challenging mirror maze, exhilarating lazer tag, a fun-for-all-ages fun house, a premium machine gun range, glow-in-the-dark mini putt and two of Niagara’s infamous haunted houses. Perfect for patrons of all ages, the fun zone also caters to birthday parties, corporate team-building events, and even educational programs.

NIAGARA’S MOST POPULAR MIDWAY ATTRACTION

BY LAUREN CHARLEY

MYSTIC MAZE OF MIRRORS Step inside this mind-blowing labyrinth, guided by the unexpected surprises of your own reflection. Unlike any ordinary maze, the Mystic Maze of Mirrors kicks things up a notch by adding glowing lights, dynamic sounds, and upbeat music to keep your energy at a high as you strive to be the first to make it out of the seemingly infinite corridors. Don’t be fooled as your companions begin to multiply along the way, as mirrors can play dangerous tricks on the mind when stuck in the illusion of the looking glass.

GALAXY QUEST & APOCALYPSE LAZER TAG Engage in an intergalactic battle of the future at Niagara’s most high tech lazer tag attraction. Inside the darkness of a 2,000 square foot room with two full-size rooms, test your skills in a challenge against other live players. Equipped with a light-up chest pad and armed with your trusted luminous rifle, Lazer Tag combines the classic games of hide-and seek and tag with a unique high-tech twist. Players accumulate points by seeking out and “tagging” their opponents when they successfully shoot each players’ colourful, luminous targets.

MINI PUTT Imagine the deepest, darkest spots of the ocean, illuminated by enchanting neon colours and hand-painted graphics of underwater sea life.

Enhance the setting by placing an 18-hole miniature golf course, complete with progressive theme music and intricate 3-D sculptures in an oceanic ecosystem for all ages to enjoy. >>

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 37

BULLSEYE PAINTBALL MANIA Come and visit this exciting new paintball attraction, the only one offered in the heart of Niagara Falls’ tourist district. The exhilarating adventure features a neoteric shooting gallery with professional equipment, crafted by experts to provide the ultimate paintball experience. The extraordinary game is enhanced with the spectacle of a glow-in-the-dark target field with moving animatronics to plant your “bullseye”.

NIAGARA FALLS SCREAMING TUNNELS Prepare to face your nightmares inside Niagara’s Screaming Tunnels & Torture Chamber, recognized by the Niagara Falls Tourism Board as “Niagara’s most terrifying haunted house experience”. In pitch black darkness, guided only by the path of tiny red lights, your heart will race as you run from the monstrous beings who emerge from the shadows. Filled with surprises around every corner, the impressive sounds, lights, animatronics, and live characters, will heighten all five senses as you make your way through the scariest paranormal spot in the legendary tourist area of Clifton Hill.

“DARK ESCAPE 4D” Experience the #1 rated arcade game in North America as you begin your adventure inside Dark Escape 4D. Participants are given 3D glasses to make the high-tech graphics come to life, in a complete 4-dimensiontal activity, heightening all the senses as they endure the “anxiety, panic and terror” of the shooting game. Your goal is to target as many of the zombies and monstrous creatures as possible, during the quest in an enclosed booth with surround sound as it vibrates, blasts air, and can even detect your level of fear through panic sensors!

FALLS VIEW FUNHOUSE Come and enjoy unique and exciting thrills around every corner.

Look out for upside down room, statues, basketball nets, fun house mirrors and much more! A truly remarkable adventure that is fun for the whole family.

AND SPECIAL SERVICES… BIRTHDAY PARTIES Give your child and their friends an awesome birthday by treating them to an adventure at Niagara Falls Fun Zone.

Each guest is granted full access plus 30 tokens to the facility’s Monster Midway, and a choice of three of four additional attractions: mirror maze, mini putt, haunted house, or lazer tag. Parents can choose to provide their own catering or select a choice of all-you-can eat pizza, chicken fingers, or plated hamburgers from the East Side Mario’s restaurant next to the fun zone. Parties include a two hour rental of a private room plus unlimited time in the midway and attractions.

CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING Whether your are a small business or large company, Niagara Falls Fun Zone offers an exclusive experience to bond your employees while helping to build their cognitive problem solving skills and ability to work as part of an interactive team. The corporate team building package features a specially designed scavenger hunt where participants work in groups to find clues throughout the facility, with a prize awarded to the winning team. Also included in the two hour package is access to a private room and each employee is given 30 midway tokens plus one of the following attractions: mirror maze, haunted house, lazer tag, or mini putt. Restaurant packages with East Side Mario’s and Ruth’s Chris Steak House are available upon the company’s request.

SPECIAL EVENTS AND PACKAGES Niagara Falls Fun Zone is always looking to come up with new events and promotions for both tourists and locals of Niagara Falls. The company has implemented a Kid’s Movie Night, where parents can feel comfortable dropping their children off at a highly supervised event where they will make new friends and enjoy an appropriately selected feature film and access to the fun zone. During this time, parents can spend the evening relaxing at home or indulging in the spectacles, dining, and nightlife to be discovered in the lively tourist hot spot.

If you’re looking for an original idea for you and your companion, Niagara Fun Zone offers a special Date Night package for couples of all ages. Here, you can explore the facility and bond together while engaging in a variety of attractions. Included in the package are 40 tokens to the arcade games plus a mini putt and a mirror maze pass for each person, as well as a $20 voucher to one of the neighbouring restaurants, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, East Side Mario’s, or IHOP. Niagara Falls Fun Zone is located at 6455 Fallsview Boulevard, across from the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort. To stay up to date on their current promotions visit funzonepromo.com or check out their full website at niagarafallsfunzone.com

Play More.

Discover the lost art of monkeying around

OPEN SPRING 20I8 Presented with...

wildplay.com/niagarafalls | 1-800-263-7073

FOR THINKERS, EXPLORERS AND THRILL SEEKERS.

N I AGA R A’ S

PLAYBOOK

Whatever your travel style, be it wanting to spend time outdoors, challenging yourself with new adventures or plain having fun (or a mixture of all these), Niagara offers tourists no shortage of wonders to behold, and fun to be had. From our plentiful nature trails to the crazy Clifton Hill, here we’ve compiled a short list of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, for you to cross off and make Niagara your playground.

//ABOUT TOWN

OUTDOOR FUN

JOURNEY B E H I N D T H E FA L L S Travel through the tunnels behind Niagara Falls for a unique perspective.

Located at 6650 Niagara Parkway. More info at niagaraparks.com >>

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 41

Editorial Credit: oneinchpunch / Shutterstock.com

N I AGA R A HELICOPTERS Take a thrilling ride over the Falls!

Located at 3731 Victoria Ave. More info at niagarahelicopters.com.

N I AGA R A S KY W H E E L You’ll get a most unique view of Niagara Falls from this giant ferris wheel. Located on Clifton Hill. More info at cliftonhill.com

M YST E RY M A Z E Have a fun adventure in the Mystery Maze and see how long it takes you to find your way out! More info at falls. com Located at 4943 Clifton Hill. >>

Authentic Wood FIRE PIzza & GRILL – from start to finish –

CoCo’s steakhouse @ h oliday i n n By the Fa l ls 5339 Murray St • Across from Fallsview Casino • 905.356.1333

A view to thrill

Niagara Helicopters Flightseeing Tours

Niagara Helicopters 3731 Victoria Avenue Niagara Falls, ON

905 357 5672 niagarahelicopters.com

INDOOR FUN G R E G F R E W I N T H E AT R E Check out a show by the best magician in the world! Enjoy dinner while you watch the show. Located at 5781 Ellen Ave. More info at gregfrewintheatre.com

S KY LO N TOW E R

Editorial Credit: Kotsovolos Panagiotis / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy the ride to the top and the indoor and outdoor observation decks. Also view the 3D/4D movie, The Falls. More info at skylon.com Located at 5200 Robinson Street.

Photo by: Mike Farkas

B U T T E R F LY C O N S E RVATO RY Thousands of colourful butterflies float around in this rainforest setting. Located right on the Niagara Parkway. More info at niagaraparks.com

T H E C RYSTA L CAV E : A MIRROR MAZE A DV E N T U R E Get lost in a maze of mirrors, but make sure you don’t end up lost‌forever! Located at 4967 Clifton Hill. More info at crystalcaves.ca >>

WAV E S I N D O O R WAT E R PA R K Enjoy a wave pool, slides, hot tubs and more.

Located at 8444 Lundy’s Lane. More info at americananiagara.com

RIPLEY’S B E L I E V E I T O R N OT !

This museum of the absurd has over 700 exhibits of various oddities, curiosities and illusions.

Located at 4960 Clifton Hill. More info at ripleysniagara.com

LO U I S T U S SAU D’ S WA X WO R K S You will get to view an impressive collection of famous faces with some new addition for 2013.

Located at 5709 Victoria Ave. More info at ripleysniagara.com

R I P L E Y ’ S M OV I N G T H E AT R E This state of the art simulator ride will take you on the ultimate adventure. Located at 4960 Clifton Hill. More info at ripleysniagara.com >>

BIRD KINGDOM You’ll see tons of different birds during a visit to this free flying aviary.

Located at 5651 River Road.

More info at birdkingdom.com TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 45

Editorial Credit: GagliardiImages /Shutterstock.com

THE HOUSE OF F R A N K E N ST E I N Filled with abominations that move and scare at every chance they get.

Have a good scare from monsters lurk in the House of Frankenstein. Located at 4967 Clifton Hill. More info at houseofrankenstein.ca

HAUNTED HOUSES T H E H AU N T E D H O U S E

H AU N T E D ASY LU M

Test your bravery, challenge your nerves, and try to take a walk along the darker side of Clifton Hill. Located at 4943 Clifton Hill.

More info at falls.com

This haunted house features many deadly monsters, killer clowns and some of Hollywood’s most notorious slashers.

Located at 5930 Victoria Ave.

N I G H T M A R E S F E A R FAC TO RY

S C R E A M I N G T U N N E L S H AU N T E D P L AYG R O U N D S

One of the scariest haunted houses in the area, boasting over 140,000 people who’ve chickened out so far…will you be one of them? Located at 5631 Victoria Ave. More info at nightmaresfearfactory.com

Named after Niagara Region’s own real-life Screaming Tunnels. This haunted house features many deadly monsters, killer clowns and some of Hollywood’s most notorious slashers. Located at 5930 Victoria Ave. More info at screamingtunnels.com

D R AC U L A’ S H AU N T E D CAST L E

Recent winner of “Haunted Attraction of the Year”, there are 3 levels of fear for you to explore. Located at 4933 Clifton Hill. More info at darkinthepark.com N I AGA R A’ S H AU N T E D H A L LWAYS

One of Niagara’s newest and spookiest haunted houses. See if you have the stomach to make it through. Located at 6455 Fallsview Blvd. More info at niagarafallsfunzone.com >>

A DV E N T U R E R O O M S This place is located in Downtown Niagara Falls. They have two games available right now. Check out their website at adventurerooms.ca

QUBE EMPORIUM Located on Queen Falls, this escape different rooms as game café. Check at qubeemporium.com

Street in Niagara room offers four well as a board out their website

T H E C R U X E S CA P E R O O M S With location sin both Niagara Falls and St. Catharines, you have lots of rooms to choose from. Niagara Falls has four different rooms; St. Catharines has 3. For more information check thecrux.ca

CA P T I V E Located on Lundy’s Lane, here you’ll find four different games to try. Visit captiverooms.com.

THE STRATEGIST E S CA P E R O O M S The popularity of escape rooms in Niagara only continues to grow, and luckily for us here in Niagara (and those visiting), we are home to some pretty great ones.

These games are real life interactive puzzles that you and your team work to solve so you can escape the room in under an hour. Each room usually has a story or a theme involved as you work your way through the game in stages.

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 47

THE ACTIVE TRAVELLER

C R O S S C O U N T RY S K I I N G / S N OW S H O E I N G Niagara is full of amazing places to get outside and explore, especially on foot (or, well, at least with something strapped to your foot) We are lucky to have conservation areas filled with walkways and wildlife, scenic skiing trails, and tons of paths that snake and meander through some of the best scenery this province has to offer. Your best bet is probably to bring your own equipment if possible, but if not, check out Ski Pro Shop in St. Catharines (skiproshop.com) for information on rentals. There are daily, weekend, monthly and seasonal rentals available.

WHERE TO GO:

BRUCE TRAIL

WATERFRONT TRAIL

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING

This is Canada’s oldest and longest footpath, and the Niagara portion of it stretches from Queenston to Beamsville. Planned hikes are available on predetermined 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. 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.

The Waterfront Trail stretches from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Quebec, following the shores of Lake Ontario. The Niagara portion begins in Niagara-on-the-Lake and goes through St. Catharines, Lincoln and Grimsby. The trail varies between off road paths and streets in residential neighbourhoods. It is a multi use trail and is good for various winter activities. Trail maps are available online from the Waterfront Trail official website.

SHORT HILLS PROVINCIAL PARK

This multi-use, paved trail makes its way through Niagara, linking Lakes Erie and Ontario, as well as the Welland Canal with the Niagara River. It passes through historic Port Colborne, where in addition to historic sites, you will pass various shops, attractions and restaurants. >>

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING 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 winter activities, 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.

GREATER NIAGARA CIRCLE ROUTE CROSS COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING

BALL’S FALLS SNOWSHOEING 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.

NIAGARA RIVER PARKWAY TRAIL CROSS COUNTRY SKIING & SNOWSHOEING This is a beautiful 56-kilometre bike path that links Niagara-onthe-Lake and Fort Erie. It’s fairly straight and it runs parallel to the Niagara River, and passes some beautiful sights along the way, including numerous points of interest for tourists, such as the Floral Clock, Fort George and the Butterfly Conservatory.

FRIENDSHIP TRAIL SNOWSHOEING This path runs sixteen kilometres across Fort Erie, and winds through farmland, villages, watersheds and residential areas. Parking is available on Ridge Road, Crescent Road, and Lakeshore Road.

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 49

U P S I D E D OW N H O U S E Defy gravity and explore the topsy turvy upside down house! Fun for the whole family. upsidedownhouseniagarafalls.ca

CA P TA I N JAC K ’ S P I R AT E C OV E

FUN SEEKER

Enjoy 40,000 square feet of fun! Arcades, rides, mini golf and more. Located at 4955 Clifton Hill. More info at piratescoveniagarafalls.com

W E L L A N D CA N A L C E N T R E Learn all about the Regions marine history and watch as ships make their way through the canal. Located at 1932 Welland Canal Parkway, St. Catharines. More info at stcatharines.ca

L AS E R TAG

N I AGA R A I M A X

If you want to feel like a kid again (or if you have kids you need to entertain), why not sign up for a exciting game of laser tag? It’s not just about running around the room, shooting people with lasers, it’s about defending your base and coming up with a strategy to win. You can form alliances, you can play with a team, but the main objective: be the last man or team standing.

Take in the movie Niagara: Miracles, Myths & Magic and also check out the daredevil museum. Located at 6170 Fallsview Blvd.

More info at imaxniagara.com

B R O N TO’ S A DV E N T U R E P L AY L A N D Clifton Hill’s newest and biggest outdoor/indoor attraction. Ballcity, jungle gym and more. Located at 4943 Clifton Hill. More info at falls.com

Z A P ZO N E N I AGA R A This place is located in downtown Niagara Falls, and is played in a 2500 square foot arena. It’s dark, smoke swirls, lights flash, and music plays. It’s some of the most fun you’ll have on your vacation. Visit their website at zapzoneniagara.com

N I AGA R A FA L L S F U N ZO N E Their Galaxy Guest Laser Tag arena is a 2000 square foot space with a space battle theme. It allows for a great way to have fun with friends or family when you are on vacation. More info at niagarafallsfunzone.com

C L I F TO N H I L L If it’s fun you are looking for, then look no further than Niagara Fall’s “Street of Fun”, Clifton Hill! The carnival like atmosphere appeals to the kid in all of us, and it is full of arcades, rides, fun houses, haunted houses, mini golf, gift shops, restaurants, bars and more. If it’s late night entertainment and dancing you seek, you’ll find somewhere on Clifton Hill to party all night. A Clifton Hill Fun Pass is available for purchase on cliftonhill.com and you can receive a discount by purchasing the tickets online in advance.

G U I N N E S S WO R L D RECORDS MUSEUM Meet the world’s record setters for everything you can imagine! Located at 4943 Clifton Hill. More info at falls.com

THE FUN HOUSE This is Niagara’s only fun house! You’ll be climbing, crawling and more! More info at falls.com Located at 4943 Clifton Hill.

O H CA N A DA E H Enjoy some dinner theatre and sing along with a huge cast of Canadian characters. Located on Lundy’s Lane. More info at ohcanadaeh.com

FA L L S V I E W I N D O O R WAT E R PA R K Canada’s largest entertainment resort with 16 slides, hot tubs, wave pool and more.

Located at 5685 Falls Avenue. More info at fallsviewwaterpark.com

ROCK LEGENDS Enjoy wax figures of the best in the music industry. Located at 5020 Centre Street.

More info at rocklegendswaxmuseum.com

N I AGA R A F R E E FA L L I N D O O R S KY D I V I N G Defy gravity! Try a high-flying indoor skydiving adventure. Located at 6357 Stanley Ave. More info at niagarafreefall.com >> TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 51

WANT MORE DISCOUNTS?

SAVE UP TO 90% OFF TOP ATTRACTIONS,RESTAURANTS AND MORE WITH TODAY’S DEALS.

VISIT SAVEABUCK.COM/CONTEST FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A NIAGARA FALLS GETAWAY

//HERE. SEE. DO

HOME SWEET HOME

by Lauren Charley

“Characterized by complex and intense flavours derived from concentrated sugar, acid, and berry extracts, Canadian Icewine continues to win top accolades at international competitions across the globe,” – Wine Country Ontario

When the weather is cold, and we begin to wind down from the season’s festivities, we seek ways to beat the post-holiday blues. January is not a month to bide your time in Niagara, as it is the time of year we celebrate our finest liquid delicacy- icewine!

It’s a delicacy because it’s harvested only once a year, when the temperature and conditions are just right. As sweet as the delicious beverage is, the procedure to make it is sour, but in the end, the result for farmers is beautiful; and so, once a year we celebrate with a tribute to icewine.

Though the celebrations occur annually, every year there is new talent, new pairings, and new products from the local wine makers and culinary expertise at the Niagara Icewine Festival.

A LITTLE ABOUT THE ICEWINE MAKING PROCESS Ontario has produced icewine since 1984, becoming internationally renowned for its production on the global wine stage in the early 1990s.

Although icewine dates back to the later part of the 18th century in Germany, due to specific weather conditions, it can only consistently be produced in Canada.

The process fascinates visitors, as icewine is derived from grapes which have been left outside to frost naturally. These frosted grapes can only be harvested at night time when the temperature has remained between -8 and -12 degrees Celsius for twelve consecutive days. Each grape produces only one drop of wine - hence why icewine is considerably more pricey and sold in smaller quantities than table wine. >>

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 53

NIAGARA WINE FESTIVAL

VQA STANDS FOR VINTNERS QUALITY ALLIANCE. VQA ONTARIO IS AN INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY THAT ESTABLISHES AND MONITORS THE PROVINCE’S “APPELLATION OF ORIGIN” SYSTEM. WHEN YOU SEE VQA ONTARIO ON A BOTTLE, IT MEANS THE WINE IS MADE FROM 100% ONTARIOGROWN GRAPES, WHICH HAVE BEEN APPROVED THROUGH A STRICT QUALITY-ASSURANCE PROGRAM. - Wine Country Ontario

The Icewine Festival is part the Niagara Wine Festival- a trio of Ontario’s biggest annual wine celebrations including the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival in September, and the Niagara Homegrown Wine Festival in June.

In collaboration with several stakeholders, Niagara Wine Festival works with local wineries and leaders in the Hospitality & Tourism industry to put on flawless events celebrating the area’s bounteous viticulture.

THE ICEWINE FESTIVAL For 23 years the region has hosted the annual Niagara Icewine Festival during the first month of the new year. Over the course of three weeks, more than 40,000 attendees from near and far come and celebrate Southern Ontario’s most divine alcoholic beverage.

This year, a total of 35 wineries will participate, hosting visitors to their properties and demonstrating the talents from their vintners and chefs through competitions held throughout Niagara-on-The-Lake and Twenty Valley.

Wineries invite the public to their grounds to reveal their icewines carefully partnered with a gourmet food pairing to enhance their products’ specific flavours.

Over the course of the festival, an array of events take place from casual tastings, to sophisticated dinners, to glamorous galas.

ICEWINE GALA January 12th 2018 Fallsview Casino Resort, Grand Hall Every year attendees dress up in their most elegant attire and prepare for an evening of fine wine and dining at the Niagara Icewine Gala.

Taking place in the Grand Hall of the Fallsview Casino Resort, the spacious venue is transformed into a magnificent ballroom with stunning decor, live entertainment and a dance floor.

This year all of the 35 wineries participating in the festival will proudly pour their finest VQA icewines and table wines, accompanied by stations of innovative food creations. For this year’s theme, ‘Authentically Canadian’, a special menu of dishes representing each province will be prepared by the chefs of Niagara Casino.

NIAGARA’S TWENTY VALLEY WINTER WINE FEST January 12th-14th, Jordan Village Kicking off the festivities of the icewine season, Niagara’s Twenty Valley hosts the annual Winter Winefest, showcasing the talents of wineries from the valley which spans from West St. Catharines to Grimsby.

Jordan Village is transfigured into a European-style market with fire pits and outdoor art installations, showcasing over 35 food and craft beverage producers from the Niagara region.

This year, the Winter Winefest will be hosted by Celebrity Chef Susur Lee, a Hong Kong-Canadian chef who owns several Toronto Restaurants and is famous for his appearances on Chopped Canada an Top Chef Canada.

Winter Winefest’s Sparkling Dinner and Icewine Brunch will feature gourmet multi-course meals inspired by Chef Lee, with aromatic VQA wines.

ICEWINE FESTIVAL IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE January 20-21st & January 27th-28th Niagara-on-the Lake Heritage District Each year Niagara-on-the-Lake hosts an extraordinary itinerary of events in the town during the three-week festival.

Over the weekend of January 20th-21st, Queen Street is closed off so the public can explore the grounds of the Icewine Village. Attendees purchase tokens and fill their souvenir glasses to sample pours of NOTL’s local icewines from 26 wineries and taste the delectable food pairings, as they admire ice sculptures and enjoy live music.

A second winter market, the Shop, Sip, Sample, and Savour occurs on the weekend of January 27th-28th, also in the Heritage District of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where local wineries and breweries sample their table wines and craft beers along with edible creations from signature kitchens.

The Sparkle and Ice Gala on January 19th invites guests to enjoy a tasteful evening of music and dining inside the beautiful Grand Hall at the Courthouse.

Additional events include the Flash & Panache Icewine Cocktail Competition, and the outdoor White on Ice Dinner, showcasing the best of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s culinary and mixology talent.

ICEWINE FESTIVAL IN NIAGARA FALLS January 26th & 27th at Scotiabank Convention Centre At the Scotiabank Convention Centre in the Fallsview District, Niagara Falls will host an extraordinary event allowing guests to enjoy 3 hours of entertainment and sampling from 20+ wineries, all included in the price of your admission ticket. This unique experience enables attendees to taste a variety of Niagara’s finest wines and icewines, along with savoury dishes at multiple stations featuring the creations by the area’s top culinary experts.

DISCOVERY PASS Over the three weekends of the Niagara Icewine Festival, The Discovery Pass allows guests to partake in eight adventures of their choice, redeemable at any of the participating VQA wineries along Niagara’s Wine Route. Explore the unique charm each of each property you visit, and taste the featured icewines accompanied by an innovative gourmet culinary pairing. Check out the Discovery Pass Listings ahead of time to see which wineries offer a pour with a savoury or sweet treat which sounds the most intriguing. In past years, one host allowed their guests to toast their own icewine-infused marshmallow!

Whether you’re a visitor to the area discovering icewine for the first time, a vino enthusiast looking to partake in the action of the wine season, or a Niagara local seasoned in the traditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the Niagara Icewine Festival.

Mark January 12th-28th 2018 in your calendar and start planning your icewine experience. Visit niagarawinefestival.com/ to keep up-todate with the recent information, and check in with your favourite wineries to see what special treats they have planned for the festival! TM

Tips for Serving Icewine: Icewine is always served chilled.

It’s known as a dessert wine, as it’s sugary flavour nicely pairs with sweets- or you can enjoy it as your après-dinner treat on its own. It also complements rich, strongly flavoured foods such as aged cheese.

ICEWINE MARTINI 1 oz icewine 1 ½ oz premium vodka 1 splash club soda 1 frozen grape, for garnish Shake icewine and vodka together with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain and top with club soda. Garnish with a frozen grape and serve in your favourite martini glass.

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 55

Join Us For The Best Stand Up Comedy Comedy Every Weekend Thursday 8:00pm Friday & Saturday 8:00pm & 10:30pm Located across from the Fallsview Casino and Connected by Indoor Walkway Free Parking • Food & Drink Menu Available

Purchase tickets: yukyuksniagarafalls.com More information: info@yukyuksniagarafalls.com • 1-800-899-9136 6455 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON

events. festivals. entertainment.

The Great Canadian Winter Festival WAYNE GRETZKY ESTATES WINERY AND DISTILLERY January 20, 12pm to 10pm Drop by Gretzky’s for an fun outdoor evening of skating, outdoor dining, and hockey on a large blow up screen. More info at gretzkyestateswines.com Days of Wine and Chocolate WEEKENDS IN FEBRUARY, FROM 11AM TO 5PM Explore the sweet world of wine and chocolate pairing! Over 20 wines will be paired with chocolate infused dishes, and to taste them all, you can travel from winery to winery. Touring passes are $45 per person, and are good for any weekend of the festival.

More info at wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com Fabulicious FEBRUARY 22 TO MARCH 1 Enjoy a marvelous culinary experience – at some of Niagaraon-the-Lake’s finest restaurants – 3 course meals at amazing prices. Visit www.signaturekitchensofniagaraonthelake.com <%22http://> for more information and to view menus!

Sugar Bush Trek MARCH 3 TO APRIL 8 White Meadows Farm Visit White Meadows Farm in St. Catharines and take a guided tour to learn the history and process of how maple syrup gets made. You can take a wagon ride into the sugar bush, roll your own maple taffy on snow, as well as cut your own branded wood piece! Visit whitemeadowsfarms.com for more information.

In the Soil Arts Festival APRIL 27 TO 29TH Downtown St. Catharines Spend 3 days celebrating all of Niagara’s distinct contemporary arts and culture, with over 150 acts and more than 650 artists! The artists are from all over Niagara, as well as across Canada. You can enjoy live music, theatre, dance, film, street art and more. For more info visit inthesoil.on.ca TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 57

FALLSVIEW CASINO PRESENTS

To purchase tickets call 1-877-833-3110 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca. Must be 19 years of age or older to enter the casino or to purchase tickets to attend performances at Fallsview Casino Resort.

(Listings and photos from fallsviewcasinoresort.com)

TWIST AND SHOUT Jan 11 to Jan 18 Take a magical mystery tour to the 1960s, where peace, love and flower power ruled the day. Relive the greatest hits from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Everly Brothers, The Four Seasons, The Drifters, and many more iconic names from the swinging 60s.

THE SPINNERS Jan 19 and 20 Legendary R&B recording artists and six-time Grammy nominee The Spinners have never lost their universal appeal. Throughout the years they have sold millions of records and topped both the Pop and R&B charts with smash hits like I’ll Be Around and Then Came You. FRANCES YIP, MARIA CORDERO, ELISA CHAN Jan 21 and 22 Hong Kong Cantopop singer Frances Yip is joined by powerhouse singer and actress Maria Cordero and illustrious singer Elisa Chan for an evening of fresh musical arrangements to their classic hit songs.

JIM GAFFIGAN Jan 25 and Jan 26 Grammy nominated comedian, actor, New York Times best-selling author, top touring performer, and father of five, Jim Gaffigan is known around the world for his unique brand of humour which largely revolves around fatherhood and his observations on life and food.

JAKE OWEN Jan 27 Country music singer-songwriter and ACA and ACM Award winner Jake Owen is known for his thrilling performances and laid-back style of country. Experience Owen’s signature sound with hits such as Barefoot Blue Jean Night, Startin’ With Me, Days of Gold, Good Company and more.

JASON MRAZ Feb 1 and 2 Grammy Award winner, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz has sold millions of albums worldwide with his soulful, folk-pop sound and has broken records with hits such as I’m Yours, I Won’t Give Up, The Remedy and Lucky.

BOYS II MEN Feb 14 and 15 As the best-selling R&B group of all time, Boyz II Men have redefined popular R&B and continue to create award-winning hits. Their smooth harmonies and enduring themes can be heard on songs such as I’ll Make Love to You, End of the Road, Motownphilly and On Bended Knee.

WAYNE BRADY Feb 16 and 17 Five-time Emmy winner and Grammy nominee Wayne Brady is a true show-biz renaissance man. Actor, singer, dancer, improviser, and songwriter – he’s done it all! Brady continues to entertain on the hit show Whose Line Is It Anyway? and as the host of CBS’ Let’s Make A Deal.

ROCK OF AGES Feb 22 to Mar 3 Brush up your air guitar skills and dig out your acid wash jeans for the ultimate arena-rock love story as Rock of Ages explodes on stage. This totally awesome ‘80s musical features hits such as Don’t Stop Believin’, We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Here I Go Again and many more.

MAGIQUE March 8 to March 17 Starring Kevin & Caruso Feat. Madame Houdini A stage spectacular of epic proportions, Kevin and Caruso featuring Madame Houdini fascinates audiences with their award-winning production “Magique” featuring the excitement of illusion, glamorous costumes and special effects!

THE EVERLY BROTHERS EXPERIENCE March 20 to March 22 Brothers Zachary and Dylan Zmed celebrate the harmonic sounds of The Everly Brothers in a genuine performance that features classic hits such as Cathy’s Clown, Bye Bye Love, (‘Til) I Kissed You and many more!

THE ZOMBIES March 23 Over fifty years after they first topped the charts as part of the British Invasion, The Zombies return to perform their new fan favourites and classic hits that have inspired multiple generations such as Time of the Season, She’s Not There, Tell Her No and many more!

CHRIS JANSON Feb 3 Country music’s biggest rising star Chris Janson brings his foot-stomping hit songs to Fallsview including Buy Me A Boat and Fix A Drink.

PUPO AND FAUSTO LEALI March 24 and 25 Legendary Italian singer-songwriter, Pupo returns to Fallsview and joins the stage with Italian singer, Fausto Leali. Together they will perform some of Italy’s favourite hits such as Ti scriverò, Su di noi and Ciao, A chi, Lei ti ama, Io camminero and Malafemmena.

JERSEY NIGHTS Feb 6 to 13 Celebrate the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with Jersey Nights, featuring many of their greatest hits such as Sherry, Let’s Hang On, December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night), Walk Like A Man and many more!

TONY BENNETT March 28 and 29 Nineteen-time Grammy Award winner Tony Bennett, with special guest Antonia Bennett, take the stage to perform legendary hits such as I Left My Heart In San Francisco, Fly Me to the Moon, Because of You, Blue Velvet, The Shadow of Your Smile and The Good Life.

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 59

NOW ON ISSUU

Follow TodayMagazine at issuu.com/todaymagazine or download the app

SHAW FESTIVAL presents

Maudie JANUARY 6TH AT 3PM In 1930’s rural Nova Scotia. Maud Dowley, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, works as a housekeeper while she hones her skills as an artist and eventually becomes a beloved figure in the community.

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story JANUARY 12 AT 6PM One of Hollywood’s most beautiful woman was also the secret inventor of a wireless form of communication called “frequency hopping” that revolutionized mobile communications all over the world, but her arresting looks stood in the way of her being given the credit she deserved – until now.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri JANUARY 13TH AT 3PM After months have passed without a culprit in her daughter’s murder case, Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) makes a bold move, painting three signs leading into her town with a controversial message directed at the town’s revered chief of police. Also starring Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell.

Rumble” The Indians Who Rocked the World JANUARY 19TH AT 6PM This powerful documentary looks at the role of Native Americans in contemporary music history and exposes a critical missing chapter, revealing how indigenous musicians helped shape the soundtracks of our lives and, through their contributions, influenced popular culture.

A United Kingdom JANUARY 20TH AT 3PM A biographical romantic drama about the heir to the throne of Bechuanaland, Seretse Khama and his controversial marriage to a British white woman and the political and diplomatic turmoil that follows.

Jane JANUARY 26TH AT 6PM This documentary tells the story of Jane Goodall’s early explorations, focusing on her groundbreaking field work, her relationship with cameraman and husband Hugo van Lawick, and the chimpanzees that she studied.

TODAYMAGAZINE.CA 61

MEDITERRANEAN QSINE JOIN US FOR YOUR BIRTHDAYS, BRIDAL SHOWERS, ANNIVERSARIES, ALL YOUR CELEBRATIONS! ENJOY MEDITERRANEAN & GREEK CUISINE, SERVING LUNCH & DINNER VEGAN & GLUTEN FREE CHOICES

Homemade

FARM TO TABLE MEDITERRANEAN DELIGHTS 6130 DUNN STREET NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO, L2G 2P1 905-357-1000 WWW.THEKASBAH.CA

A Man Called Ove JANUARY 27 AT 3PM Ove, an ill-tempered, isolated retiree who spends his days enforcing block association rules and visiting his wife’s grave, has finally given up on life just as an unlikely friendship develops with his boisterous new neighbours. Subtitled.

George Harrison: Living in the Material World FEBRUARY 2 AT 6PM Filmmaker Martin Scorsese examines the life of musician George Harrison, weaving together interviews, concert footage, home movies and photographs. Please note the running time for this documentary is 3.5 hours.

The Florida Project FEBRUARY 3, 3PM Set over one summer, the film follows precocious 6-year-old Moonee as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother, all while living in the shadows of Disney World.

Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened FEBRUARY 9, 6PM This documentary follows the journey of the original cast of Stephen Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Alongin the 30-plus years since the musical debuted on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre in 1981.

I, Tonya FEBRUARY 10, 3PM I, Tonya is the tale of American figure skater, Tonya Harding, and one of the most sensational scandals in sports history. Though Harding was the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition, her legacy was forever defined by her association with an infamous attack on fellow Olympic competitor Nancy Kerrigan.

Margot Robbie stars.

If Your Not In the Obit, Eat Breakfast FEBRUARY 16, 6PM A heartwarming documentary made by Carl Reiner who tracks down several nonagenarians to show how the twilight years can be rewarding.

Lady Bird FEBRUARY 17, 3PM Set in Sacramento, California in 2002, Lady Bird follows the turbulent relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter and delivers fresh insight into the turmoil of adolescence. Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut.