Marriott - Summer 2014

OTT S S RRI SSE ALL MA PA HE F IEW TWO O T LSV IN E T FAL O W YAG age R # T T VO nts P OU ES ER onte ER ONT OW on C ENT TO C NBL *Details PHO A HOR FOR

Niagara Falls, Canada

Hornblower Niagara Cruises A Whole New Way to Experience Niagara Falls

Food on the Move

Niagara’s Food Trucks

A Day Out in Wine Country

Touring Niagara’s Wineries

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2012 SUMMER 2014

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COVER STORY

Niagara Falls, Canada

HORNBLOWER NIAGARA CRUISES l 58

A whole new way to experience Niagara Falls.

FOOD & DRINK

PUBLISHER Rev Publishing Inc.

RESTAURANT THIEVERY l 06

PRESIDENT & CEO Dan Pasco

Stuff people steal from restaurants.

58

FOOD ON THE MOVE l 09 Niagara Food Trucks.

GRILLED STUFFED JALAPENOS l 14 Recipe by Anna and Michael Olson.

RAVINE RHUBARB CUSTARD PIE l 16 Recipe courtesy of Ravine Vineyards.

THE THRILL OF THE CHILL l 19

Gelato vs. icecream. Totally different and very delicious.

09

ABOUT TOWN NIAGARA’S TOP 10 PICNIC LOCATIONS l 23 Packing the perfect picnic.

A DAY OUT IN WINE COUNTRY l 26 Touring Niagara’s Wineries.

LIFESTYLE & CULTURE GET UP, GET DOWN, GET OUTSIDE l 31 Leisure, Action, Thrillseekers.

IGNITE YOUR COMPETITIVE SPIRIT l 44 Pan American Games 2015.

26

Volume 6 Issue 2 | Summer 2014

HITTING THE LINKS l 47 On Niagara’s Golf Trail.

BATTLE OF THE TITANS l 50

Discover the Ultimate Dinosaur Event of the Year.

SUMMER READING l 54

Get wisked away with these summer reads.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Madeline Dimperio David Mace Alex Mills Michael Koval Gail Cerrone Danielle Morton Dave Gibson EDITOR Megan Pasche SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Tina Lanzillotta Lacey McBane GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Tabitha MacDonald Rachel Bertand Veronica Simmons IT/WEB DEVELOPER Justin Soungie CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Angela Aiello Lynn Ogryzlo Anna Olson Lauren Charley Andrew Hind Gabrielle Tieman TO ADVERTISE PLEASE CALL 905.356.7283 or 1.877.888.2825 WEBSITE todaymagazine.ca

facebook.com/RevPublishingInc @revpublishing www.revpublishing.com

HERE. SEE. DO. NIAGARA FALLS SUMMER EVENTS l 61 Get out and about this summer.

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SHAW FESTIVAL LISTINGS l 63 FALLSVIEW CASINO ENTERTAINMENT LISTINGS l 67 Summer headliners.

NIAGARA FALLS FACTS l 73 Niagara Trivia.

#FallsviewMarriott Photo Contest Details: Simply take a photo of Niagara Falls from your room and share it on social media.

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Passes can be used for any of Hornblowers new and fully licensed cruises (Evening Sunset Cocktail Cruise, Falls Illumination Cruise, Firework Cruise).

Passes must be used by Sept 15. Some conditions may apply.

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todaymagazine.ca Marriott Fallsview Gateway is published by Rev Publishing Inc. All opinions expressed in Marriott Fallsview Gateway are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Marriott Fallsview Gateway, 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 Fallsview Gateway 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 Fallsview Gateway. 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 Fallsview Gateway are submitted at the author’s risk.

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cocktails. Less brazen was hen I started writing when Dunbar was forced to this story I asked alswitch from “cutting my own most everyone I met steaks to pre-cut so inventoif they’d ever taken anything ry could be more exact,” and from a restaurant. You know, he started buying $30 knocka napkin, a glass or packets off Peugeot pepper mills beof soy sauce. Almost unanicause “the real-McCoy” kept mously the answer was, “yes, disappearing, “At $150 a pepI took…” permill it got pretty expensive.”

Restaurant thievery as it But Dunbar says, “Employees turns out, comes with a lifetime who steal, bad tippers and people of boasting and bragging rights o

By Lynn Ogryzl that walk out on a bill are the most that are not at all difficult to pry deplorable people.” His justification out of thieves. Take David Dunbar for his thievery is simple: “I always for example. His life of crime began a over tip, so I think it all kind of works out.” few decades ago when he started taking Spoons, menus, cutting boards, salt and pepspoons from restaurants. All over the world, per shakers – it doesn’t matter. Diners will take wherever he dined, he pocketed a small spoon. just about anything from bars and restaurants that Today, David has a large jar in his kitchen full of memisn’t nailed down. The problem is so rampant that The Waldorf Asories and stories all in the form of different spoons. He looks at his collection of hundreds of spoons and he talks with great satisfaction toria in New York City launched an amnesty program – no questions about a country, the food he ate, the people around the table and the asked. In the past year they’ve received hundreds of pilfered items each one with a different story of a special moment in time. So taken experience.

David, a chef himself covets an ornately tattooed, black handled aback with the returns, the Waldorf is planning to erect glass cases in spoon. “When I’m working I like to use this spoon, but I have to their lobby dedicated to those who loved their time at the Waldorf so watch it closely. I know someone will pinch it.” Ok readers I know much, they all wanted a piece of it.

Restaurant thieves I spoke to say they assume the items they took what you’re thinking, a spoon thief worried his stolen spoon will get didn’t cost a lot, or that the businesses have plenty of replacements. pinched - that’s rich.

David’s name has been changed to protect his identity, as with oth- Some justify their actions by saying they’ve spent plenty of money at ers mentioned in this story, but restaurant thievery it seems, is quite the place over the years. And for things like glassware, many think common. David denies any guilt for his actions, instead he ranks bars get all that stuff free from distributors anyway, though that is spoon theft low on the scale of bad etiquette and culinary crimes. rarely the case.

I ran into Dorothy Davis who wouldn’t commit to stealing from a “There are bigger fish to fry,” claims Dunbar who once hired undercover watchers to masquerade as customers in his restaurant. “At restaurant but has experienced it first hand. Dorothy and a group of colleagues spent an evening at a company banquet celebrating an an$600 to $1,000 a weekend, it was really expensive.”

What he caught was an employee bringing cheap bottles of vod- nual event. One of the girls, Betty Birthwaite had too much to drink ka into his restaurant and pocketing the money he made from $12 so at the end of the evening Dorothy decided to help Betty home.

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When she opened her purse to retrieve the coat check ticket, to her horror Dorothy discovered an entire table setting complete with silverware taken from the banquet hall. Dorothy looked the other way that evening, but the following year when the same event took place, Dorothy made sure Betty’s place setting was made up of a paper plate, plastic glass and plastic cutlery.

All joking aside, for as long as restaurants have been open for business, customers have walked off with things. Take napkins for example – many do. Celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver claims that 30,000 of his monogrammed, cloth napkins go missing every month. Another celebrity chef Terence Conran supposedly lost 1,000 ashtrays in the same time period at his restaurant.

Jennifer Johnston and a group of colleagues travelled to Boston for a conference. The group was dining at an Italian restaurant one evening when, “it involved a lot of drinks and daring,” says Jennifer.

They were leaving when they noticed the entire lobby was decorated with Italian foods, giant tins of peppers, tomato sauce and olive oil among hanging prosciutto, garlic and cheese. One of Jennifer’s colleagues picked up a tin and to their surprise it wasn’t a display tin at all but a full tin of roasted peppers. “I had the biggest purse so that’s where it went. I brought it home, right through customs,” says an astonished Jennifer. Once back in Canada, Jennifer made an asparagus and roasted pepper salad and brought it into work so all responsible could share in the profits of their crime spree.

Most of these restaurant crimes are technically shoplifting and punishable by law. “I would never be able to legitimately shoplift. I think my conscience just wouldn’t let me do it. I would feel terrible,” says 23-year-old Sally Snow, who stole a few mini deep fryer baskets from the A & W restaurant on Montrose Road in Niagara Falls. “They served their fries in them. “I thought they’d really come in handy for paperclips and hair clips.” She proudly shows me two of her pilfered little baskets. So how has this affected the restaurant? You can now purchase the little fryer baskets if you want one and just in case, they’ve installed 17 new security cameras throughout the restaurant.

Fueled by some combination of thrill, sentimentalism and alcohol, people who wouldn’t dream of taking a pack of gum from the corner store have no qualms about sticking an espresso cup in their pants. In

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fact, I met another chef who collected little espresso cups while eating his way through Rome last year. He’s proud of his collection. For some reason, many otherwise-law-abiding citizens don’t consider stealing from bars and restaurants to be stealing at all. And unlike in retail stores, where there are price tags on items, diners don’t always think about how the costs of their impulse grabs add up for restaurants.

So who pays? “Restaurant theft definitely has an impact on (menu) prices,” explains Jamie Rilett, Vice President of the Ontario division of Restaurants Canada. Jamie, whose name has not been changed says branded or unique restaurant items are commonly stolen. Depending on the restaurant and level of theft, in an industry where profit margins are so thin and anti theft measures and security procedures are high, “it means everyone is paying for it in their restaurant bill.”

People who pinch from restaurants must know that a higher cost of doing business is great incentive for restaurateurs to take matters into their own hands. Like the A & W that installed 17 additional security cameras, all restaurants have their own security policies that range from looking the other way to calling the police. But at the end of the day Jamie says, “restaurants are in the business of making people feel welcome and chaining silverware to the table is not a welcoming feel.”

So restaurant thieves, you’re not only paying for the item you stole through higher prices, but for everyone else’s impulse of crime as well. “In the end, it would be cheaper for customers to just buy what they want,” laments David Dunbar. “But where’s the thrill in that!”

Lynn Ogryzlo is a food, wine and travel writer, international award winning author and regular contributor to REV Publications. She can be reached for questions or comments at www.lynnogryzlo.com. todaymagazine.ca 7

FOOD MOVE on the

By: Megan Pasche

F

ood trucks have evolved way beyond French fry and hot dog stands; nowadays they are equivalent to gourmet restaurants, just with wheels attached. Really, one of the only differences between a traditional restaurant and a gourmet food truck is the fact that a food truck doesn’t have washrooms or seating. But then, that’s the beauty of them. Delicious food is served in an outdoor setting, and people can sit down on a park bench or on some green grass and enjoy. It is just another way of sharing experiences around food.

The food truck movement only continues to grow: more and more trucks are continuing to pop up, and every type of food imaginable is represented. The popularity of events such as Food Truck Eats, which is held in various locations over the summer, including a recent stop at Peller Estates in Niagara-on-the-Lake, goes to show that this food truck craze is here for the long haul.

Street food has always been a part of the North American dining scene. From chuck wagons feeding cattlemen traveling the dusty American West, to portable hot dog and ice cream trucks, a variation of the food truck has been around since the 1860’s, it’s just been continuously evolving. The recent explosion of food trucks can be attributed to a number of a different factors, including a down economy making operating a food truck more financially feasible than operating an entire restaurant. Social media is responsible for helping food trucks grow in popularity, as most use Facebook and Twitter to post up to the minute updates on where they will be located, and of course what is on the menu for the day. And perhaps the best feature: food trucks are able to go where the people are, as opposed to waiting for people to find them.

todaymagazine.ca todaymagazine.ca 9 9

Finding THE FOOD Niagara is home to several food trucks that regularly park themselves on our city streets, at wineries and at many other festivals and special events throughout the year….it’s all well and good to read all about delicious food, but how do you get your hands on it? Read on for a listing of some of the places you will be able to find food trucks this summer season! It’s also good to check out the Facebook pages or Twitter feeds of the individual trucks to see where and what they are serving up.

Supper MARKET The Market has been running for seven years, but the most recent innovative additions include a weekly Supper Market Series, which features a whole lot of good food. The Supper Market happens on Wednesday evenings from 5pm to 9pm and runs from the last week of May until mid September. This weekly event not only features tons of yummy local produce, but food trucks, prepared food, oysters, cheese, artisans and live music every single week.

Just some of the vendors that appear weekly include El Gastronomo Vagabundo, The Yellow Pear, Hometown Ice Cream, Lovin’ From the Oven, The Tide and Vine Oyster Company and Itty Bitty Pie Company. There is an endless amount of delicious, mouth watering choices.

The Market At The Village, is located at 111 Garrison Village Drive in Niagara-on-the-Lake (at the corner of Niagara Stone Road and Niven Road) More info on the markets is available on their website at www.farmersmarketatthevillage.com Earth and Sky Music Market @Chateau Des Charmes (1025 York Rd, St. David’s) Taking place June 30, August 4, September 1st Enjoy not only great food trucks, but music, crafts and wine too.

Food Truck in the Vineyard June 21, July 19, August 23 & September 20 Each day will feature a different food truck, and the events take place from 2pm to 7pm. Trucks in order of appearance are: Southern Smoke Truck, Tony’s Corner StrEATery and Bistro Tour. Coyote’s Run is located at485 Concession 5, Niagara-on-the-Lake. More info at coyotesrunwinery.com

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FOOD TRUCK LINKS Check out each food trucks individual websites to see where they’ll be every day: El Gastronomo Vagabundo: http://elgastro.com Tide and Vine: www.tideandvine.com Avella’s Wood Fired Oven: www.avellas.ca Canuck Pizza Truck: www.canuckpizzatruck.ca Itty Bitty Pie Company: www.ittybittypie.com/ The Yellow Pear: www.farmtotruck.ca/home.html

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Courtesy of Michael & Anna Olson

GRILLED STUFFED JALAPENOS WITH POLENTA & CHEESE A creamy cooked polenta filling laden with cheese makes these a decadent grilled starter to a summer patio supper.

Makes 24-30 pieces, as appetizers Prep time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes 1 cup water ½ cup milk ½ garlic clove, minced ½ tsp chili powder ⅓ cup cornmeal 1 cup loosely packed grated cheddar salt, as needed 12-15 fresh jalapeno peppers 1. Bring the water, milk, garlic and chili powder up to a simmer in a medium pot. Whisk in the cornmeal and continue whisking over medium-low heat, until the polenta is thick, about 5 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until it has melted. Pour the polenta into a bowl to cool, and chill completely before filling (the polenta can be made a day ahead.)

2. Cut the peppers in half, lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds but leave the stems intact. Spoon the now-firm polenta into each pepper and press gently into place (if the polenta sticks to your fingers, wet your fingers while pressing the filling in.) Chill until ready to grill.

3. Preheat the grill on high and place the peppers on a grill rack or in a cast-iron skillet and heat for about 5 minutes, until the peppers have softened and the stuffing has warmed. Let cool for a moment before serving.

HE SAID, SHE SAID Michael: “I also like to do a sausage stuffing in place of the polenta, for a meat-lover’s option. Mix 1 lb of any raw sausage meat with cup of bread crumbs and cup of grated Parmesan and fill the peppers, grilling until the meat is cooked through, about 10 minutes.”

Anna: “I like appetizers that can be made ahead of time, such as this one, so you can spend more time at the start of your dinner with other activities, including visiting with your guests. If you have a group that is averse to hot peppers, you can certainly use mini bell peppers in place of the jalapenos.”

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RAVINE RHUBARB CUSTARD PIE

4 cups of chopped fresh local rhubarb 2 large farm fresh eggs 1 tablespoon of milk 1 ½cups of sugar 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon of melted butter (not hot) In a medium size bowl whisk together eggs, milk, and sugar. Toss in the chopped rhubarb and flour and stir until fully incorporated. Pour in melted butter and stir. Pour mix into a prepared 9 inch deep dish pie shell.

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BY: LYNN OGRYZLO You say ice cream, I say gelato. Is there a difference? It’s true, most people can’t tell the difference between gelato and ice cream or even acknowledge there is a difference. Yes, it all starts off with rich cream and a sweetener of some kind. Sometimes eggs are added, but not always.

Sure it’s all frozen but when it comes to gelato or ice cream, they are two products that are miles apart.

GELATO Carlotta Cattani and Zuhair Kashmeri, better known as Kash, opened Gelato di Carlotta on the main street of Niagara-on-the-Lake last June. Hailing from the gelato capital of the world Florence, Carlotta brings her authentic Florentine gelato recipes to Niagara along with a sexy gelato maker, Lorenzo Stangarone.

Carlotta’s uses all organic and top quality ingredients. They start with Harmony 100% organic cream in their base, use only pure reverse osmosis water and sweeten it with their secret ingredient, liquefied sugar derived from Italian organic grapes. “We refuse to use white sugar, besides it just won’t work with our base,” explains Kash.

A machine called a Pastorizzatore turns the mixture gently for 14 hours. Then it’s transferred to a batch freezer called an Abbattitore that drops the temperatures to minus 40 Celsius to purposely freeze the water particles solid. The gelato is finally transferred into tall stainless steel cylinders that fit into the white marble Pozzetti (gelato bar). The Pozzetti keeps the gelato at a constant minus 14 Celsius, that suspends the frozen ice particles at a semi-soft, dreamy stage.

To create the many different flavours, Lorenzo takes a page from his bartending days when he says, “we learned to know where our ingredients were grown, by whom and what production methods were used.

If you know everything about your ingredients, you can choose the best for the product you want to make.” Gelato flavours are mostly seasonal as Carlotta and Kash source the finest fruit ingredient from Niagara farmers. “Don’t expect strawberry gelato in September because we don’t grow strawberries in September,” says Kash. The rest of the ingredients are organic, exotic or ripened to perfection.

“Gelato is a happy product and should make people smile,” says Kash. What makes me happy is moseying on up to the Pozzetti and choosing from more than 20 fresh gelato flavours made daily. Carlotta’s gelato offers the biggest mouthful of flavour you’ll find in Niagara. Partly because of their production methods, partly because the warmer temperatures allow more flavour to blossom and pleasure the very far reaches of your psyche. The viscid texture is akin to a piece of velvet creaming slowly across your tongue – wow! todaymagazine.ca 19

ICE CREAM “I love the chemistry of ice cream,” says Rob D’Orante, Peller Estate Winery’s Pastry Chef who strives for a balance in ice cream like a winemaker balances a wine. It fascinates him. He paces the floor of his culinary lab surrounded by the finest equipment Peller can throw at him and talks about cream separation by sugar, crystal formations, coagulation through heat and degrees of temperature.

“Basically I try to get as much fat as I can into it, balance the water and sugar ratios and keep it stabilized,” says a man striving for purity in luxury.

He puts on special gloves and pours liquid nitrogen from a giant steel canister into a beaker. It begins to fog up as he turns his attention to the Kitchenaide with the puddle of vanilla crème anglaise inside.

Not all of Rob’s ice cream is made with liquid nitrogen but when it is, it is definitely a super refined, ultra refreshing, magical texture akin to frozen champagne with unfrozen active bubbles. It’s heavenly ice cream.

At any given time you can probably find anywhere from 12 to 18 different ice cream flavours in Rob’s tiny chest freezer. Some are for the restaurant but others are “because I feel like playing” say Rob who has been known to make everything from carrot sorbet to cinnamon toast ice cream, sweet potato sorbet to Vietnamese coffee ice cream. “SomeYou need a good balance times I throw them all together like an between vanilla and cream, but ambrosia but mostly I give them away,” a man who has come to terms not too eggy, with a really vel- sighs with the fact that he just can’t eat it all.

“

vety texture. A good vanilla ice cream is a true work of art.

He continues to talk chemistry lingo, pushes his glasses further up his nose and slowly pours the liquid nitrogen into the bowl. Immediately the smog begins to billow up and out the bowl, dance along the counter before evaporating into thin air. Rob D’Orante is the Walter White of ice cream.

The paddle in the Kitchenaide begins to clang and bang. Within one minute, the ice cream is done. He pulls the bowl from the machine, picks up a handful of spoons and walks towards me.

”

Rob considers the perfect vanilla ice cream to be the Holy Grail. “You need a good balance between vanilla and cream, but not too eggy, with a really velvety texture. A good vanilla ice cream is a true work of art.”

Ice cream is colder than gelato so Rob’s ice cream scoops into perfectly round spheres in the little ice cream tasting ramekins. Place a spoonful on your tongue, it’s eye-poppingly refreshing as it momentarily chills the taste buds before the warmth of your mouth has it luxuriating into a liquid that releases it’s flavours to the fullest. Ice cream is just that, the shock of the chill and the reward of pleasure.

tasting notes

ICE CREAM TASTING NOTES: Ice cream is kept at a colder temperature than gelato, which means the first impact is pure refreshment. A perfect summer treat, ice cream hits the palate with a chill that reveals its flavour mid palate and on the finish when it starts to luxuriate.

Chocolate sorbet: Complex mouthful of vanilla and floral notes over an uncompromisingly thick layer of dark chocolate ganache. Nostalgic chocolate popsicle finish that layers the tongue like velvet.

Crème Anglaise: Made with liquid nitrogen the texture is a mixture of super fine ice crystals floating through thick custardy cream that puts it in the pedigree of fine champagne. Flavours of white flowers, cream and vanilla linger enticingly long on the finish.

Crème Cheese ice cream: Intense, racy, nippy, crème cheese in-your-face ice cream with tangy cheesy notes. A delicious base for a cheesecake ice cream.

Marzipan: An opulent mixture of almond meal, honey and plush cream rides the mid palate in this complex and concentrated frozen dessert that lingers long.

White chocolate: An ever so elegant, feminine style ice cream with a hefty layer of sweet white chocolate to dominate the palate pleasure zone. Dreamy texture.

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Praline: a medium weight, focused ice cream with dreamy flavours of toffee, pecans and vanilla that cream together in one melting piece of velvet on the palate.

Like a melting Ferrero Rocher.

For more excitement in ice cream and gelato, check out the 200 pins on my Ice Cream Pinterest Board: http://www.pinterest.com/ontariotable/ice-cream/

Photos: Jon Ogryzlo

GELATO TASTING NOTES: True gelato is kept at a warmer temperature than ice cream, which means the flavours are strong on the front and mid section of the palate and linger long. The texture is dreamier, like a warm hug from a loving Italian.

Buontalenti: Satisfyingly mouth coating international style of gelato with a punch of thick custard, panna cotta cream and a lingering hint of sweetness on the long finish. Nothing like it outside Florence.

Stratchatella: Rich, charming and concentrated with clearly defined flavours of white cream and dark chocolate that turn silky on the palate.

Crema di Carlotta: A delicious “hunt-it-down� gelato.

A mouthful of love making between cooked cream and soft citrus curd that puts it almost in the lineage of a custard pie. Supple, luxurious velvety texture.

Mango: Big, plush and expressive with a powerful punch of perfectly ripened mango. Supple texture and essence of clarity that lingers long.

Coconut: Fleshy and exotic with concentrated cream and luxuriously thick soft, Sri Lankan coconut meat sooths the soul with comfort and pure satisfaction.

Only available at Carlottas.

Pistacho: Natural earthy green colour belies the excitement of elegant pistachio richness that swirls with reverberating hits of sea salt. Dreamy finish.

Hazelnut: Pure elegance across the palate with this full bodied, sweet hazelnut rich, creamy gelato that turns sinfully silky over a warm palate.

Chocolate + Orange: A powerful hit of strong chocolate showing silky threads of exotic tangerinelike orange flavour. Oozing chocolate on the delicious, lingering finish.

Lynn Ogryzlo is a food, wine and travel writer, international award winning author and regular contributor to REV Publications. She can be reached for questions or comments at www.lynnogryzlo.com.

Banana: Enticingly aromatic showing good ripe banana concentration on the nose while banana flavours layer between sheets of rich cream for a rounded and balanced mouthful of flavour.

Dark chocolate sorbeto: Exotic concentration of cocoa and ganache packed into a sleek frame with a sensuous finish that will leave you begging for more. Lactose free, vegan, 70% black chocolate. todaymagazine.ca 21

ABOUT TOWN PICNIC LOCATIONS

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WINE COUNTRY

NIAGARA’S 10

Best Picnic Locations & Spreads By: Lynn Ogryzlo

todaymagazine.ca 23

Remember family picnics when you were a kid? Mom would miraculously pack the entire kitchen into a little basket from utensils to blankets, to food prepared the night before and the drinks chilling in the refrigerator. There were a million things to remember including ice packs around the potato salad and plenty of napkins and paper plates for the fried chicken. The perfect picnic was an entire weekend of preparation but boy, was it fun.

Today’s picnics don’t have to be a weekend of cooking, packing and lugging. Think of only having to pack a blanket and sunscreen, then leave the rest to the experts. From simple cheese and charcuterie to full gourmet meals, Niagara’s chefs and culinary entrepreneurs are packing some pretty delicious picnic lunches to make your al fresco dining a simple and elegant affair.

With the picnic spread taken care of, it’s up to you to choose the best picnic spot for your moveable feast. If you’re planning a walk in the park, afternoon on the beach or scenic drive in the country, take along a well-prepared meal from one of Niagara’s picnic packers that will satisfy your grazing appetite while celebrating the luxury of eating in the open air.

A beautiful day, great food, family and friends and an urge to get outdoors! Who doesn’t love a picnic?

DECEW HOUSE HERITAGE PARK & ON THE FRONT CAFÉ The remains of a historic stone house, manicured lawns and a tributary of Lake Gibson winding around your picnic: what could be more idyllic for a delicious al fresco lunch? Decew House is on Decew Road on the outskirts of Thorold with picnic tables waiting for you to unpack your delicious foods from nearby On The Front Café (downtown Thorold). Owner Christina Skrtich specializes in gourmet sandwiches from a wrap stuffed with marinated mushrooms and bocconcini cheese to delicious chicken clubs on a house-made Pullman. Ask for their wine poached pear salad with toasted walnuts and blue cheese! On The Front is famous for their selection of fair-trade coffees and teas. Pre-ordering a must. info@onthefrontcafe.com WELLAND CANAL AT PORT COLBORNE AND MINOR FISH AND CHIPS One of the least elaborate, most delicious and my favourite outing is to pick up freshly caught perch, hot chips and a beverage from Minor Fish on West Street. Enjoy every mouthful of fried fish caught that morning while watching the boats go by on your canal side park bench.

Don’t forget to feed the pigeons a chip or two and listen to them sing for you. You may want to pack a fruit salad or a dessert to nibble on after the fish and chips are eaten. Not a traditional picnic but an appropriate one for beautiful Port Colborne. No pre-ordering necessary.

CHARLES DALEY PARK & THE GRAND OAK CULINARY MARKET Right on Lake Ontario, Charles Daley Park is a beautiful spot to sit on a grassy hill under the shade of a romantic old tree and watch the waves lap the shore. Spread out your gourmet picnic basket custom made by Chef Jan-Willem Stulp of Grand Oak Culinary Market. All foods are made fresh that morning whether it’s the Chef’s famous hummus and vegetables or his amazing quinoa salad. Sandwich bread is made in house and so are the delicious bakery items from butter tarts to apple pie. Wash it all down with a chilled bottle of Spirit Tree Sparkling Apple Cider. Pre-ordering a must. chefjan@GOCulinary.ca.

PORT DALHOUSIE & GOODDINE CATERING Spread out the blanket, unpack a Gooddine picnic basket and enjoy a beautiful summer picnic on the Port Dalhousie Beach. Chef Collin Gooddine is Niagara’s gourmet picnic-to-go destination making baskets full of healthy salads, creative dishes, house-made granola for snacking, sparkling water or gourmet lemonade to keep you cool.

Cutlery and napkins included. All foods are made in-house (including condiments!), most are made from local ingredients, all are custom created and pre-ordering is a must. Just don’t forget the quintessential beach picnic food, watermelon! gooddinecatering@gmail.com NIAGARA PARKWAY & CHEESE SECRETS Taking full advantage of wine country culture, Cheese Secrets in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake packs a beautiful basket of bread,

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cheese, and charcuterie for a super easy picnic party where you can graze the day away. Pick a spot on the Niagara River Parkway.

The river from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls has dramatic views with beautiful parklands and plenty of picnic tables and open spaces waiting for you. Most spots have vineyard views and wineries for a bottle of wine for a true wine country al fresco lunch. Pre-ordering a must. 905-468-2555.

QUEENSTON HEIGHTS PARK & YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD BUTCHER If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, beautiful Queenston Heights Park with public grills is the best place for al fresco dining fun. Heat up the charcoal and grill a few juicy burgers, sausages or chicken to go with some classic potato or pasta salads. Oh, and don’t forget the gourmet condiments, potato chips and some of Niagara’s finest fruit for dessert. It’s one of Niagara’s most popular picnic destinations. Sometimes when picnic tables are at a premium, you’ll be thankful you’ve packed a blanket to spread out and enjoy.

BALLS FALLS & SAVOIA GOURMET EMPORIUM At Balls Falls it’s all about early Canadian history, the natural beauty of a Carolinian forest and the pristine awe of an unspoiled waterfall.

It’s hard to find a better picnic location anywhere in Niagara so it calls for a great picnic spread. The man who is famous for his luxurious little finger foods, Chef Oscar Turchi of Savoia Gourmet Emporium on Martindale Road is now designing irresistible picnic lunches that focus around warm, grilled Panini sandwiches. Pick out a soup, sushi or fruit salad and something to drink and you’ve got yourself a beautiful and delicious day in the heart of the region. Pre-ordering a must. info@savoiaonline.com.

DUFFERIN ISLANDS & RAVINE VINEYARDS Dufferin Islands in Niagara Falls is a fairytale oasis of calm waters, mature trees, grassy islands and plenty of picnic spots waiting for you on a hot summer day. At Ravine Vineyards in St. Davids they offer flexible picnic options. You can pick up a basket with wine, cheese, charcuterie and condiments. If you want to eat vineyard side, Ravine will supply your blanket. Or you can take your picnic basket with you and dine waterside at Dufferin Islands. All ingredients are available at Ravine Vineyards Grocery Store so you can even prepare your own picnic complete with gourmet desserts from the restaurant bakery.

Pre-ordering a must. 905-262-8463, ext. 30, experiences@ravinevineyard.com.

MORNINGSTAR MILL & GROUNDS COFFEE HOUSE AND BAKERY The old stone gristmill is powered by the beautiful waterfalls and makes a lovely picnic spot. There are picnic tables on the grassy areas or you can spread a blanket at the back of the mill with full view of the waterfalls. It’s restful and relaxing. Pick up a picnic lunch at The Grounds Coffeehouse and Bakery on Schmon Parkway in Thorold. Fill your basket with some pinwheel savoury pastries. Some are stuffed with turkey and Asiago cheese and others are filled with feta cheese and spinach. Don’t leave without a few of their famous cinnamon buns! Preordering a must. info@groundscoffeehouse.com RIDGEWAY BATTLEFIELD PARK & THE FLYING SQUIRREL Ridgeway Battlefield Park is on the corner of Garrison Road and Ridgeway Road in the quaint village of Ridgeway. Manicured lawns sprawl out, dotted with mature trees to offer shade on a hot summers day. There are plenty of picnic tables and also a pavilion to salvage a picnic when an unexpected rainfall threatens to ruin a great afternoon outdoors. The Flying Squirrel is the newest eaterie in town offering delicious picnic lunches that start with free-range egg salad sandwiches to slices of yellow fin tuna under slivers of daikon radish and smears of lemon aioli. Add a salad, a tart and some thirst quenching herbal infused ice tea. Pre-ordering is a must. 905-933-7548 TM

Lynn Ogryzlo is a food, wine and travel writer, international award winning author and regular contributor to REV Publications. She can be reached for questions or comments at lynnogryzlo.com.

A DAY OUT IN WINE COUNTRY

by Lauren Charley

N

iagara Falls is renowned as an exhilarating tourist destination, offering many exciting day and night time activities for visitors of all ages. Beyond the bright lights, wide-ranging attractions, exquisite dining options, expansive nightlife, and of course, the natural wonder of the Horseshoe Falls, the Niagara Region is famous for producing some of the world’s finest wines.

Magnificent Tours, “Niagara’s Preferred Tour Company,” offers visitors the chance to visit the top four most highly rated, award-winning wineries in the Niagara Region: Inniskillin Wines, Peller Estates Wineries, Jackson-Triggs Winery, and Trius Winery at Hillebrand. For a prudently priced $79, guests enjoy an afternoon of cruising along the picturesque Niagara Parkway, through the famous vineyards, on a 37seat bus with their own personal tour guide.

On the tour, the Magnificent Tours guide not only described the beautiful scenery and riveting history along the route to the wineries, but also provided an informative background on the icewine-making process. Icewine is derived from frosted grapes, which can only be harvested when the temperature has remained between -8 and -12

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degrees Celsius for twelve consecutive days. The vines can only be harvested during the night time, and each grape yields only one drop of wine, which explains why the commodity is so pricey. Farmers in the icewine business invest considerable sums in each harvest, which occurs sometime between January and February.

After a scenic ride down the Niagara River Parkway, the first stop on the Magnificent Tour was at Inniskilin Wines, who are famous not only for their range of red and whites, but especially their sweet and delicious, decadent icewines.

Inniskillin Wines

Set back a few hundred feet from the edge of the river, Inniskillin is a respected, pioneering winery committed to providing premium wines from premium grapes. LeeAnn, one of the establishment’s wine experts, guided the guests through a didactic tasting experience. She explained the significance of the “sugar scale”, where wines range in sweetness from 0-30, and why we drink different types of wines from glasses of particular shapes and sizes.

The 2012 “Sparkling Vidal Icewine” combined the sweetness of a dessert wine, with the celebratory sensations of a bubbly beverage; however, sparkling wine is generally less sweet than icewine, as the bubbles reduce the sweetness. The tasting experience also included others from their signature icewine collection, including the 2012 Riesling Icewine with a refreshing citrus character with hints of lemon and green apple, and the 2012 Oak Aged Vidal Icewine, presenting flavours of dried fruit, butterscotch and honey. Inniskillin’s high quality icewines have been credited for first putting Canadian icewine on the international map.

Peller Estates Wineries

As the Magnificent Tour proceeded, the bus continued along the Niagara Parkway, passing by interesting architecture and vegetation, even stopping for a photo opportunity at “The Living Water Wayside Chapel”, a miniature church. The next stop on the tour was Peller Estates Wineries, which is centered on a massive property in the midst of vineyards, down a long driveway near the river off East & West Line.

The enormous building has an elegant chateau-like beauty, with luxurious, palatial interior décor.

The group was escorted downstairs to the barrel cellar for a private tasting, where they were treated not only to a variety of their finest wine samples, but also to hors d’ouves, fresh from Peller’s own on-site kitchen. Each appetizer had been carefully paired with its associated wine by the chef. Jennifer, our guide, offered a tip to those learning about the art of wine culture: “If you still don’t like a wine after three sips, be sure to try it with an appropriate food pairing.”

After beginning the sampling with the “Ice Cuvee Classic”, a sparkling ice wine, the next wine offered was the “2012 Vintage Riesling”. Jennifer advised to swirl the glass to atomize the wine, and pair the Riesling with the restaurant’s Cornish Hen Tart- an exquisite, miniature pastry shell filled with a savoury chicken mousse. Following the Riesling was the “2012 Baco Noir”, featuring hints of cherry and the taste of salty tannins which pair excellently with barbequed cuisine. Peller’s exclusive tour offered for Magnificent presented each guest with a slice of beef sausage with blue cheese and chestnut puree. The tasting at Peller Estates was a treat not only to savour some of Niagara’s finest wines, but also sample its wondrous cuisine.

Jackson Triggs Winery

Continuing the drive through the picturesque vistas of budding vines and fruit trees, Jackson-Triggs Winery was the next destination on the Magnificent Tours itinerary. The building was one of the first in the region to set the trend for a very modern, simplistic design, juxtaposing the traditional look of an old French winery. Again, the group was invited to the barrel cellar for a private tasting accompanied with carefully chosen cheese and chocolate pairings. The Jackson-Triggs wine expert and tour guide, Grayson, recommend pairing red wines and red ice wines with a rich, dark chocolate, and whites, white icewine, or reds with an aged white cheddar cheese, to maximize the flavours received when indulging these signature Niagara delicacies.

First, Grayson gave participants a generous sample of the Jackson-Triggs signature white wine, the 2012 White Meritage, which is a Bordeaux-style blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon grapes. This combination of varietals provided a flavour which was citrusy and zesty, yet displayed nutty components. The red selection which followed was the Jackson-Triggs Grand Reserve 2011, fully fermented with the grape skins, to give it its full bodied flavor with hints of cherry and coffee. Next, the group was treated to yet another of Niagara’s finest icewines: Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Franc Icewine 2008, produced from red grapes.

Icewine Martini: • • • •

1 oz Icewine 1 ½ oz Premium Vodka Splash of Club Soda 3 frozen grapes

Mix the icewine and vodka together in a shaker with ice. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass, add a splash of Club Soda. Use frozen grapes to garnish.

Trius Winery at Hillebrand

Magnificent Tours continued on its journey up Niagara Stone Road, passing by a number of boutique wineries, and family owned farms selling fresh produce by the road side. The bus arrived at Trius Winery at Hillebrand, a beautiful facility with a cobblestone courtyard surrounded by multiple buildings.

Unlike the previous tastings, the Trius offering was presented at an outside bar on the patio. Josh, the Trius representative, then served the “Trius White Blend 2012”, an aromatic and flavourful wine with notes of local fruits such as pears, peaches, and apples, combined with the exotic zest of melons, lemons, mandarins, and lime. Next was the “Trius Red Blend 2011”, an extra dry red wine with hints of oak, vanilla, cocoa and wood flavours. Saved for last was everyone’s favourite delight, the “Trius Vidal Icewine 2012”, with essence of delicious maple syrup and honey.

In addition to the sampling, the group participated in a guided tour of the facilities. Guests were exposed to the panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards from a high lookout point, overlooking Chardonnay and Riesling grapevines. Trius Winery owns over 260 acres of vineyards scattered throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake, 38 of which are at the winery’s main location. The tour also included a visit to the red wine cellar, full of wines being aged in oak barrels. Next was the sparkling cellar, with over 500,000 bottles extending back 17 feet. Finally the tour was presented the white wine cellar, where the wine was stored in either stainless steel barrels, or oak for the premium wines.

Trius Winery at Hillebrand did a wonderful job of providing the group with both a delightful tasting and an educational background on the wine making process.

Only Magnificent Tours offers visitors to the area this particular, unique tour customized especially to their guests. The four wineries chosen are all state-of-the-art, award-winning facilities, sampling the finest wines and providing the best hospitality to make guests feel welcome and educated during their visitation. Magnificent provides a professional excursion with excellent customer service for the perfect outing in wine country’s famous Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Pick-up locations in Niagara Falls include the Marriott Fallsview, Marriott Gateway, Hilton Fallsview, and Sheraton on the Falls.

Tours leave Niagara Falls daily throughout October 2014, departing at 1:30pm, and returning by 5:30pm.

The Jackson-Triggs experience in particular provided a detailed explanation of icewine production and some interesting facts comparing the process in different countries.

todaymagazine.ca 27

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LIFESTYLE & CULTURE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

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PAN AM GAMES

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NIAGARA’S GOLF TRAILS

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HORNBLOWER

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DINOSAURS|

SUMMER READING

Get Up, Get Down, & Get Outside LEISURE | ACTION | THRILLSEEKERS

Megan Pasche todaymagazine.ca 31

Here Fishy, Fishy Fishing Around Niagara

Niagara is full of great fishing spots; off the ends of piers, in small lakes and ponds, and of course in Lakes Erie and Ontario that surround the peninsula. Regardless if you want to fish from a boat, the shore or the dock, Niagara has a spot for you.

Twelve Mile Creek Catch of the day: catfish, largemouth bass, northern pike and carp.

Welland River

Some of Niagara’s best fishing spots (and what you may catch) Queenston Docks

Catch of the day: smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch and pan fish.

Catch of the day: trout, salmon, pan fish, yellow perch, bass, catfish, pike, carp and walleye.

This is a fishing paradise there is access to the lake, as well as several inland fishing spots. Best part? You can eat what you catch! Download a fishing guide from portcolborne.ca

Jordan Harbour Catch of the day: smallmouth bass, northern pike, largemouth bass, chinook salmon, rainbow trout, yellow perch, catfish, brown trout and black crappie.

Lake Erie Catch of the day: whitefish, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, rainbow trout, lake trout, brown trout, coho salmon, chinook salmon, catfish and whitefish.

Lake Ontario Catch of the day: northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch, rainbow trout, lake trout, brown trout, coho salmon, chinook salmon, catfish and whitefish Martindale Pond Catch of the day: northern pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, carp, black crappie, yellow perch and pan fish.

Niagara River Catch of the day: northern pike, yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, coho salmon, chinook salmon, catfish, whitefish and

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muskie.

Port Colborne

Fishing Tours Head out with an expert fisherman as your guide Niagara Fishing Adventures We caught up with Captain Aldo Nava, who gave us a brief rundown of why fishing in Niagara is so great!

What is unique about fishing in Niagara?

“Fishing in Niagara is unique because of the geographic location of the peninsula, which is surrounded by water. Lake Erie to the south, Lake Ontario to the north and the Niagara River to the east. Because of the Great Lakes and where Niagara is located we are fortunate to have a world class fishery for salmon, trout, bass, walleye, musky and almost every freshwater fish species.”

What can a person expect when they go on a fishing tour with you?

“A person can expect to have an exciting fun day on the water, trolling on Lake Ontario for drag screaming and adrenalin pumping, king

(chinook) salmon, steelhead, brown trout and lake trout from mid April till October. We also do scenic drift fishing on the Niagara River for steelhead, brown trout and lake trout, with the beautiful Niagara River as a backdrop from November till mid April.”

Do you have a favourite Niagara fishing spot you can share?

“My favorite fishing spot in Niagara, is out on Lake Ontario out of Port Dalhousie where the big king salmon are plentiful and are the best fighting fish in the Great Lakes.”

Captain Aldo Nava has been fishing since the age of three and will be sure to take you on a fishing tour of a lifetime. He offers more intimate tours for groups of 3 to 6, or tours for large groups or corporate outings. Fishing takes place in Lake Ontario from April to October, and in the Niagara River from November until Mid April. Get more details at niagarafishingadventures.com Cast Adventures This company is owned and operated by Paul Castellano, a fisherman who is an expert in tracking and catching certain kinds of fish. He offers full day and half day fishing adventures, as well as a full day walk and wade adventure.

More information is available at castadventures. ca Fishmaster Ultimate Charters Captain Steve Hardcastle has a wealth of experience fishing in the Great Lakes, and pretty much guarantees a fun filled, fish filled day on the water. More information at fishmastersultimatecharters.com

Take Your Om Outside Outdoor Yoga

Yoga can be relaxing and stress relieving at the best of times, but what’s even better is really connecting with the world around you by participating in an outdoor yoga class. It allows for a little more clarity, and a better appreciation of how nice it is to just be still and concentrate in an outdoor setting. Tracy Duru of Moksha Yoga located in St. Catharines notes that they held outdoor classes last summer that ranged from 30 to 70 people and they are hoping this summer will bring out even more.

We caught up with Tracy to chat briefly about outdoor yoga, and how easy it for everybody to get out and give it a try.

really change how you feel.”

What are the benefits to practicing yoga outdoors as opposed to indoors?

“Participants can expect to be surrounded by a great community. People come alone and in groups. No experience is necessary, flexibility is not a requirement. A well trained teacher will guide the class through the postures giving options to modify the postures if necessary. For many it may be their very first yoga experience

“The benefits of the yoga practice are the same, it’s just the experience that changes.

It’s a very pleasant experience, being closer to nature in open air while breathing mindfully and stretching and strengthening the body can

What made you want to start offering outdoor yoga classes?

“Offering yoga in the park really opens up the practice to a bigger audience. A yoga studio can be perceived as an intimidating place that only ‘yogi’s’ go. Although this is not at all the case, the ‘yoga scene’ still carries a certain stigma that it’s only available to certain people. Being outdoors seems to take away the barriers that the stigma seem to hold up.”

What can somebody expect if they have never been to an outdoor yoga class before?

and it’s important to know that you don’t have to show up and be “good” at anything. Just come as you are.

Can you talk about the outdoor yoga classes you offer?

Yoga in the Park will be offered at Montebello Park (in St. Catharines) every Wednesday night at 5:30pm from June 4 to July 23 and August 6 to September 10. This year each class will be offered on a pay what you can basis and the majority of the money collected will go to the New Leaf Yoga Foundation, a charity supported

by Moksha Yoga St. Catharines. Participants must bring their own yoga mat. A waiver must be signed before class and can be done so online at mokshayogastcatharines.com

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Who Let the Dogs Out Niagara’s Dog Parks

Niagara has some great dog parks: the perfect places to take your canine companion to get some exercise and socialization. Just make sure to follow the rules of the parks and keep an eye on your dog at all times. It is good to have a basic understanding of canine behavior before heading out to a dog park, that way you can prevent any incidents before they get out of control.

St. Catharines Burgoyne Woods (Edgedale Rd) This leash free dog park located in south St. Catharines has two separate areas, one for small dogs, one for large dogs.

Catherine Street Park (69 Catherine Street) This park is located near downtown, and is a large area for dogs of all sizes.

Niagara Falls Niagara Falls Dog Park (corner of (Mountain and Dorchester Roads) Located in Fireman’s Park, this area is divided into a fenced in area for large and small dogs.

Fort Erie Lion’s Sugarbowl Dog Park (at corner of Gilmore Rd and Central Avenue) This 1 acre fenced in area is open from dusk until dawn. 7 days a week. Parking is available at the Railway Museum or on Gilmore Rd. Port Colborne Elm Street Naturalization Park This brand new park is situated on the former site of the Elm Street Landfill and Organics Composting site, and accommodates both large and small dogs.

Rocking in the Treetops All Day Long Bird Watching

Birders flock to Niagara and with good reason: there are so many different kinds of birds (some of them rare) to see. During the spring, raptors migrate, making for some great viewing from places like Beamer Memorial Conservation Area. Grab your binoculars and you’ll get a great view of thousands of hawks, falcons and eagles.

The Niagara River Corridor, which stretches 56

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km from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, has been designated a Globally Significant Important Bird Area by conservation groups in Canada and the United States. You’ll find ducks, geese, swans and over 19 species of gulls.

Mud Lake Conservation Area is a great place to go to scope out some birds since it is located on a migratory path. Located in Port Colborne,

beside the Old Welland Canal; it is a great spot for both novice and experienced bird watchers.

At the Wainfleet Wetlands Conservation Area, birders might see yellow warblers, great blue herons, egrets, gulls, terms and sandpipers.

These Boots Are Made For Hiking Hiking

Niagara is full of amazing places to get outside and explore, especially 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.

Niagara Glen 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.

Louth Conservation Area 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.

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Bruce Trail 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. 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-toend 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.

Rockway Conservation Area 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 historically significant as the spring was thought to be used as far back as 1792.

Short Hills Provincial Park 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.

Ball’s Falls 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.

I Want To Ride My Bicycle Cycling

There are over 200 scenic routes available for cycling options in the Niagara Region, so it is easy enough to find itineraries for every level of rider, every type of scenery and every length of ride. Many trails wind through several cities in the region, so it’s easy to tour the region by bike.

What follows are just some highlights of what’s available.

Welland Canals Parkway Trail This paved recreational trail links the cities that the canal passes through and extends from Port Colborne to St. Catharines. The full length of the trail is 42 kilometres, and it’s great for walking, hiking or rollerblading.

You’ll get the unique opportunity of watching the ships as they go through the canal, and for the most part, the path runs right alongside it.

Niagara River Parkway Trail This is a beautiful 56-kilometre bike path that links Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie. It’s paved, so it’s accessible, and is great for both walking and cycling. This path 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 This bike friendly path runs 16 kilometres across Fort Erie, and winds through farmland,

villages, watersheds and residential areas. Not only is it great for cyclists and walkers, but it is also wheelchair accessible. Parking is available on Ridge Road, Crescent Road, and Lakeshore Road.

Waterfront Trail The Waterfront Trail stretches from Niagaraon-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 neigbourhoods. It is a multi use trail and is good for cycling, walking or rollerblading.

Trail maps are available online from the Waterfront Trail official website.

Gordon Harry Conservation Trail This is a 13km section of the Trans Canada Trail that runs from the Western border of Port Colborne to Wainfleet, out to Haldimand County. It’s a great spot for mountain biking, and links together numerous conservation areas in Niagara.

Greater Niagara Circle Route 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.

Choose Your Own Bike Route The Niagara Region website has a handy feature available when you are trying to plan the perfect bike route. You can devise a bike trail based on themes like heritage or culture, by terrain and surface, the length of the route and by difficulty. Check it out at niagararegion.ca

A Horse is a Horse of Course, of Course Horseback Riding

Niagara is a beautiful place to saddle up and hit the trails, and spring/summer is the perfect time to do it.

Horseplay Niagara Located in Port Colborne, this company offers several different options, even picturesque rides on the beach. No experience is necessary, and there are rides available for every level of rider.

More info at horseplayniagara.com Niagara Riding Stables Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Riding Stables offers scenic rides on the Niagara Escarpment. It’s the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon! More info at niagarariding.com todaymagazine.ca 37

Fly Like An Eagle Skydiving Skydiving is one of those things that appears on a lot of people’s bucket lists; a once in a lifetime experience (or more, if you end up really loving it). And what better place to take the plunge than right here in Niagara, where you’ll be rewarded with the view of a lifetime?

Imagine skydiving over the beautiful stretches of Niagara wine country, the sparkling waters of the Lakes surrounding the Niagara Peninsula, and the long, sandy stretches of beach. It would be the view of a lifetime.

Q&A with Mike Pitt of Skydive Burnaby We caught up with Mike from Skydive Burnaby to chat about the thrill of skydiving in Niagara, and what is so great about it!

What can a first time skydiver expect?

“What a skydiver can expect during their first jump is a hard question because every individual has their own unique experience.

You often hear a first jumper say ‘everyone has to do this’.. Or they just become speechless! It’s a whole new world up there that is introduced

Make Like a Montain Goat Rock Climbing

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to them for the first time. The beauty of seeing the ground beneath you, the different colours of the land, the angles of the land and the blue of the skies above.

Freefall is exhilarating and you truly get the sense of flying and an overwhelming feeling of freedom and often we hear is a great stress reliever. That’s always a good thing isn’t it? I do agree everyone should do a skydive ‘at least once’ in their lifetime.”

What would you say is the best part of skydiving?

“Another hard one because there is so much going on in skydiving but we can say it is definitely an ‘in the moment kind of experience.’ When you are skydiving nothing else enters your thoughts but what is happening right at that moment. The energy that one feels from someone who skydives is contagious. You can’t help but feel the excitement and happiness surrounding the landing area after a flight of jumpers have landed.”

“What’s unique about skydiving in the Niagara Region is by far the view! We are very lucky to be located where we are, with views of the endless shores of Lake Erie, Niagara Falls, the Allegany mountains, the Grand River and on really clear days you can see the CN Tower in Toronto. When the plane is flying to the altitude we jump from which is anywhere between 10500 -13500 feet, looking at all of these amazing sights is a priceless and wonderful experience to have.”

Skydive Burnaby are experts at tandem skydiving, which is the only option if you are a first time jumper. It basically allows the jumper to experience the rush of skydiving, but with added security in the form of a professional instructor who is harnessed to the jumper.

Check out more info at skydiveburnaby.com

What is unique about skydiving in the Niagara Region?

The Niagara Glen is probably the most popular bouldering area in the Niagara Region.

Bouldering is a style of rock climbing that is done without a rope and is composed of short climbs on large, natural boulders. Because there is not much safety equipment used while bouldering, if you are a first time boulderer, you might want to practice a bit at a place like Peaks Indoor Rock Climbing, so you can get the hang of it when there are mats to fall on.

Hundreds of boulders lay scattered throughout the Niagara Glen, and the setting itself is very beautiful, with greenery on one side, and the Niagara River on the other. A permit is required

to go bouldering in the Glen, and the annual fee for it is $20. These permits are available from the Niagara Glen Nature Centre which is located on the Niagara Parkway.

If having a guide to go rock climbing with is more your style, check out zenclimb.com, which offers an escarpment climbing adventure which includes things such as top rope climbing, rappelling and more. The instructors can tailor the experience however you want, as well as help with technique and form.

I’m on a Boat Kayaking

With all the water surrounding the Niagara Peninsula, it only makes sense that there are tons of great places to go out and kayak. The best part is, you don’t even have to have your own kayak to take part, there are numerous spots you are able to rent a kayak from:

Located in the Jordan Harbour, you can rent a kayak (or canoe) for around $15 a day. More information at niagararowingschool.com

has quite a current, so novice paddlers may want to avoid it.)

Where to Paddle

This is a place for experienced paddlers, as you might have to paddle against a bit of a current.

You can gain access right off the Niagara Parkway, where there are two parking areas.

You can paddle right across to Navy Island, and John says paddlers should make sure to hug the shoreline to avoid the worst of the current, and to also bring your passport along with you on your paddle, just in case you run into the coast guard. Navy Island is a National Historic Site of Canada, and was at one time proposed to be the site of the United Nations. Nowadays, you will just find a whole lot of wildlife, and a great place to visit for a couple of hours.

John Wolfenberg, a member of the Peninsula Paddlers Kayaking Club gave us the low down on some of the best spots to go kayaking, for novices, right through to more experienced paddlers.

Welland Recreation Canal This is a great place to kayak, especially for beginners. This area used to be part of the old Welland Ship Canal, and has since been converted. It has an easy launch area, and there are no motorized vehicles allowed. Kayaks, paddle boats and canoes can all be rented from here. One of the coolest parts, is that during the summer, the Illuminaqua music festival is happening, and paddlers can kayak up close to the floating stage and enjoy the concerts from the water. More info at canalcorp.ca Henley Island

Outdoors Orientated You can rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards from here, along with all necessary accessories.

Located at 420 Vansickle Rd. More information at outdoorsorientated.com Niagara Kayak Rentals You pick the launch spot, be it Niagara-On-TheLake, Jordan Harbour, Queenston Heights or Port Dalhousie, and they will show up with your kayak, and then meet you down river. More info at niagarakayak.com The Niagara Rowing School

There are plenty of places to paddle and routes to explore once you launch from the shore.

The main pond is where the rowers often are, so make sure to watch out for not only rowing shells, but the motorized power boats the coaches use. But if this main area is free and clear, it’s a big open space to paddle in. There are also several other offshoot routes that will take you into the Twelve Mile Creek or a swampier, yet more scenic area. John notes that your best bet is to paddle around the shoreline, where you can eventually follow Martindale Pond or the 12 mile creek (which he mentions

Niagara River

Chippawa Creek John explains that the best time to go paddling here is during the spring, as the water levels are higher, making it easier to paddle. He also notes that there is a bit of a current here, so it’s best to stay by the shoreline. There is also a boat launch here that makes for easier access to the water.

E.C Brown Park Located on River Road in Pelham, this 36 acre site provides great paddling opportunities where you can paddle your way through wetlands, meadows and forests. A boat launch is available.

Do you love kayaking but don’t have a friend to go with? Check out Peninsula Paddlers Kayaking Club; they organize kayaking excursions throughout the summer. Peninsulapaddlers.com

Up, Up and Away Niagara Region Helicopters

There is really no better way to see Niagara Falls and the surrounding region than by flying high above it and getting a birds eye view of not only the falls itself, but of the sprawling vineyards, farmland and towns that make up Niagara.

Niagara Helicopters This company provides a thrilling, one-of-akind experience, that will allow even those who live in Niagara, the opportunity to see the area in a whole new way.

heli-golf, heli-fishing and heli-wine tours.

More info at niagarahelicopters.com National Helicopters This company provides another opportunity to discover Niagara from a whole new perspective.

Many different sightseeing tours are available, as well as romantic getaways, winery tours, as well as wedding packages. More info at nationalhelicopters.com

In addition to sight-seeing tours of the area, Niagara Helicopters also offers heli-weddings, todaymagazine.ca 41

BUFFALO NIAGARA The Nearest Faraway Place

A T R AV E L E R R E V I E W

“Just GO – it was brilliant!!!”

Reviewed by acrossthepond1, a TripAdvisor traveler » Toronto » August 23, 2013

ALBRIGHT-KNOX ART GALLERY “If you did not know you were in Buffalo you would only expect this level of quality in New York, London or Paris. Just blew us away with the variety.”

Dear Canadians, You’ve tailgated at the Ralph. Caught a flight, found a bargain, been to a game and returned home the same day. You’ve been here, done that.

But do you really know Buffalo?

Have you seen a Broadway show at Shea’s? Tried the beef-on-weck sushi at Seabar? Quaffed a craft brew at Cole’s? Toured a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece?

Walked and gawked and windowshopped in the Elmwood Village?

Sportsmen’s Tavern? Been to an opening at the Burchfield Penney? Segwayed through Delaware Park? Stopped to smell

BIFF HENRICH

Caught an alt-country show at

the flowers at Garden Walk? Taken the kids to the Buffalo Zoo? Had an artisanal cocktail at Vera?

Been to a classical concert at Kleinhans?

KC KRATT

Kayaked through Elevator Alley?

Gone to a food truck rodeo at Larkin Square? Tried your luck at the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino?

No? Then what are you waiting for? That’s 15 things you didn’t know about Buffalo Niagara. Pop over the Peace Bridge and see for yourself. The nearest faraway place is just a short drive away.

Sincerely,

RHEA ANNA

Buffalo Niagara

VISITBUFFALONIAGARA.COM

IGNITE YOU COMPETITIV SPIRIT PAN AMERICAN GAMES 2015

By Jill Tham

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UR VE

M

ost top athletes participate in many events before they reach the highest level of competition. The Pan American Games is an important milestone in an athlete’s career. The Pan American Games is the world’s third largest international multisport games occurring every four years. Canada has had the privilege of hosting the Games twice; both times in Winnipeg, MB. In 2015, Canada will have a third shot at hosting the Games; this time with events happening in our own backyard. Toronto, ON., will be the official host of the Games and will utilize many venues in different cities across southern Ontario.

Approximately 400 events in 36 sports will take place between July 10 to 26 and the Parapan Am Games from August 7 to 15. “In the Pan Am Games, there are a few different sports that are not in the Olympics such as bowling, karate, racquetball and wakeboarding,” says Mike Strange, former Pan American Games athlete and Olympic boxer. “It makes them distinct from other competitions.”

“The vibe of the Pan Am Games is just like the Olympics. You get to experience the same jitters and excitement of an opening ceremony. For a boxer, the Pan Am Games is probably the toughest games, other than the Olympics, because of the incredible talent from Cuba and the United States,” states Strange. Mike has a positive outlook for Canada’s success at the 2015 Pan American Games. “I look forward to seeing the athletes compete for gold in our community,” says Strange.

One of the venues for the Games in the Niagara area will be the Welland International Flatwater Centre. The centre will host canoe and kayak sprinting. The Welland Canal is a man-made passageway that enables cargo ships to transport goods between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The Canal is an important part of the St. Lawrence Seaway as it moves ships up and down the escarpment through a series of locks. Several decades ago, an area of the canal in Welland, was rerouted, leaving the old shipping lane perfect for flatwater sports and competitions. Since construction, this section of the Canal has been used by the city and its members to compete and train in the areas of swimming, sculling, canoe polo, kayaking, dragon boat, triathlon, canoeing and water polo.

The City of Welland has been working diligently to upgrade the facility in preparation for the Games. Efforts include widening a section of the canal and building a timing tower, an athletic centre and permanent seating for 500 spectators. With ten million dollars of upgrades, the Welland International Flatwater Centre will now provide an off season location perfect for training.

“The addition of the only multisport moving water training tank in Canada provides for a unique legacy opportunity. Owning the podium starts in Welland and every Canadian athlete participating in a flatwater sport will make their way to the Olympics, World Championships, Pan American Games and podium via the Flatwater Centre,” says Stephen Fischer, Executive Director of the Welland Recreational Canal Corporation and Welland International Flatwater Centre.

“We look forward to welcoming the Toronto 2015 Pan Am athletes to our state-of-the art facility, renowned as one of the fairest and fastest canoe kayak courses in the world. Dating back over a century, Welland has a rich history of flatwater sports and because of our newly completed International Flatwater Centre, an incredible future in these sports. It is truly a world class facility where the unique characteristics of Welland’s waterway will give every athlete the chance to make their dream of standing on the medal podium a reality,” states Barry Sharpe, Mayor of the City of Welland.

Only a short drive from Welland to St. Catharines, one can find the calm waters of the Martindale Pond, home of the Royal Canadian Henley Rowing Course. The Henley is no stranger to the thrill of competition as it has hosted several rowing events and North America’s largest annual rowing regatta. The Henley’s storied history made it a natural choice as the site for 14 rowing competitions. In preparation for the Games, upgrades will be made to the main bridge that connects the rowing facility to the mainland.

The summer of 2015 will be an exhilarating one for both residents and tourists of the Niagara Region as they welcome hundreds of athletes and thousands of visitors.

Niagara invites you to come for the spectacular view of the falls and stay for the Games. All unaccredited quotes are taken directly from www.wellandcanal.com and www.toronto2015.org

todaymagazine.ca 45

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Nothing quite says summer like golf.

Once the air warms up and the greens dry out, courses become flooded with golfers – and the Niagara Region is no exception.

An internationally respected golfer’s paradise, the Niagara Region boasts over 50 of the most beautifully tailored and artfully designed golf courses in the world – creating the greatest concentration of golf facilities in a single region in Canada.

But, with 50 golf courses throughout the Niagara Region, it can be hard to decide which courses to schedule into a vacation. Niagara has simplified the choosing process, compacting seven of the must play courses open to the public into the Niagara Golf Trail.

Heralded as a golfer’s dream, the Niagara Golf Trail has something for every golfer. Whether you are a seasoned

veteran or a casual player, there is a course that caters to your individual ability, price range and preference.

The trail’s courses range from world class to entry-level, all designed by the best in the sport. Featured courses on the trail include Beechwood Golf and Country Club, Grand Niagara Golf Club, John Daly’s Thundering Waters Golf Club, Legends on the Niagara Golf Complex, Royal Niagara Golf Club, Whirlpool Golf Course and new this year is Seneca Hickory Sticks Golf Course, the first American course to join the trail.

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To find out more about the Niagara Golf Trail, golf packages and green fees, visit niagaragolftrail.com.

todaymagazine.ca 47

GRAND NIAGARA GOLF CLUB When a course is designed by an architect as internationally celebrated as Rees Jones, you are guaranteed an exceptional round of golf. In its tenth season, the Grand Niagara Golf Club does not disappoint, with uniquely crafted holes that pay homage to world-renowned courses.

Known as the “Open Doctor,” golf architect Rees Jones is famous for revitalizing PGA championship courses across North America.

Upon completing his design for Grand Niagara, Jones told reporters he had “built a golf course worthy of a major championship.”

Bob Culig, PG member of Canada and head golf professional at Grand Niagara, says what Rees Jones has done for this course is make it user friendly.

“All skill levels can come and enjoy the course and what we have to offer,” said Culig. “Even the most experienced golfer can receive a challenging game while someone less familiar with the game can get out, have fun and enjoy the nature of the course while learning how to golf.”

But as a championship golf course only minutes away from Niagara Falls, crowds could be a worry; but Culig guarantees golfers never feel rushed at the Grand Niagara.

“When you are playing it is like you and your partners are out by yourself,” said Culig.

“There is so much land, it is a large property, and even though you’re not by yourself, it feels like it – even on those busy days. [Rees Jones] has taken a large piece of property and made it very nice for the golfer who enjoys being out in nature.”

Operating as a semi-private facility, the Grand Niagara caters to locals who are looking for memberships and individuals who want to drop in for a game.

BEECHWOOD GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

LEGENDS ON THE NIAGARA GOLF COMPLEX The largest of the seven courses on the trail, Legends on the Niagara Golf Complex has not one, but two exceptionally crafted eighteen hole championship level golf courses.

This natural setting is a golfer’s dream getaway, sitting on one thousand acres of natural turf, water hazards, sand traps and landscaping. If this wasn’t enough, the course also plays host to an extremely large driving range and bonus 9-hole course.

The impressive Battlefield course is located on the north side of the Legends on the Niagara property. Designed by Canadian golf architect Douglas Carrick, a veteran who has created a truly unique course that challenges every level of golfer.

The course features a nice mix of wide, links style holes with generous fairways and greens that are bound by dense forest and brush.

The second course, Ussher’s Creek, located on the south side of the property, is one of Canadian golf architect Thomas McBroom’s finest achievements.

“The course has five sets of tees so it is accessible to all calibers of players,” said Amoff.

The golf club’s three individually designed championship level 9-hole courses allow golfers who place a high premium on originality to thoroughly enjoy themselves.

Amoff said it is the unique layout of the course and its convenient location to the border that keeps tourists coming back to their courses each season.

WHIRLPOOL GOLF COURSE Revered as one of the highest rated and renowned golf courses in Canada, Whirlpool Golf Course is an 18-hole championship public course in the Niagara Region. The course features challenging designs by renowned golf architect Stanley Thompson, one of Canada’s most accomplished and respected golf course architects.

Before Thompson’s premature death at 59, Thompson designed and remodeled over 145 golf courses– with the majority throughout Canada. Known for his strategic design tactics, Thompson was steadfast in his belief that golf must be played with the mind as well as the body. His courses reflect this thoughtful design tactic in its artfully crafted sand traps and bunkers.

Dramatically situated next to the Niagara whirlpools, it is hailed as one of the most challenging courses on the Niagara Golf Trail. But this should not dissuade any golf lovers to try out this course. Its intrinsic design and prestige that accompanies its 72year heritage makes for an appealing course for all experience levels.

“”

Having recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, the Beechwood Golf and Country Club boasts a rich history along with a tough game of golf. Located in St. Catharines, it sits on preserved history, a landmark which was once the scene of “musket fire and fighting,” and the site of the Battle at the Beech Woods in 1813.

This par 72 layout and semi-private establishment features gently rolling terrain, contoured fairways and strategic water hazards that combine to make each hole a unique experience – and equally as difficult.

Golfers can expect to find eighteen classically designed holes, each moderately difficult. Another semi-private facility, Beechwood is a welcome course for locals and tourists alike.

JOHN DALY’S THUNDERING WATERS GOLF CLUB A landmark golf course in Canada, Thundering Water’s Golf Club is famed golfer John Daly’s first signature golf course in the country. Located in Niagara Falls’ Fallsview Tourist District, it is a mere 1,500 yards from the iconic Horseshoe Falls – and just as impressive in stature.

Sitting at a challenging par 72, this John Daly signature course is not to be taken lightly.

Designed in collaboration with Canadian golf architect Bo Danoff, Thundering Waters brings Daly’s “risk for reward” strategy to

48

life and places it onto the fairway. Combining nature’s tranquility with obstacle treachery, Thundering Waters features sweeping fairways, sculpted bunkers and creeks all nestled between sand dunes, which combine for a difficult, yet, enjoyable, game of golf.

These aesthetically pleasing sights also function as interesting obstacles for the gentleman golfer. The course tests your accuracy and offers a challenge for golfers to improve their game. Though not for the weak of heart, the course is friendly to golfers of all skill level.

WHEN YOU ARE PLAYING IT IS LIKE YOU AND YOUR PARTNERS ARE OUT BY YOURSELF

This challenging course features thick stands of trees, wetland hazards, knee-high fescue rough and impeccable conditioning from tee to green. These all combine to make Ussher’s Creek a classic parkland course.

Both courses feature four sets of tees, catering to all levels and encouraging play from juniors to the most advanced golfers.

ROYAL NIAGARA GOLF CLUB

Known as a must play course of international standing, the Royal Niagara boasts 7,000 yards of sculpted fairways, rolling greens and water, designed by landscape architect Ted Baker. Baker, the founding member of the Stanley Thompson Society, is known for preserving famed golf courses throughout North America.

Tucked away next to the historic Welland Canal, Bruce Trail and Niagara Escarpment, the unique golf course incorporates natural landscapes to make for a difficult course.

Although heralded for being a championship golf course and fairly challenging – it was host to the Telus Skins Game in 2003 – Velizar Amoff, operations manager at the Royal Niagara, says the course has a little something for every level of golfer.

SENECA HICKORY STICK GOLF COURSE

A new partner with the Niagara Golf Trail, Seneca History Stick Golf Course is the trail’s first American partner. Located in Lewiston, New York just over the border from Niagara Falls, this picturesque public course is aptly named to reflect the presence of the rare and protected Shellbark Hickory trees that line the course.

Designed by architect Trent Jones, whose repertoire consists of over 500 golf courses throughout the United States, is known for working with nature when designing a course – and Seneca Hickory is no exception. The course mirrors with its natural surroundings of lakes and mature trees to create a serene course for all playing levels.

And don’t overlook warming up before you hit the greens. Seneca Hickory Stick boasts some of the most realistic practice facilities in the area, including a natural grass driving range, vast putting green and designated grass and sand chipping areas.

Off The Trail International Country Club of Niagara

ICC is a beautiful 27-hole golf course located in Stevensville, and has a wide variety of hole designs. It is a great mixture of large greens, wooded areas, several bunkers and ponds, making for a stunning visual, as well as a challenging course.

SECRET GARDEN & GALLERY

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Angie’s impressionist style and understanding of colour Her “secret” garden and gallery areashidden have made her work popular worldwide, it just from seemsbehind to makeapeople happy. view lovingly restored 1850’s Victorian farmhouse and her home for the past forty years.

Now, for the first time, the artist has opened her Enter garden gateCentre and you’ll discover secretthrough Garden, the Gallery & Crafts to the public, and invites visit her wonderful English country where she fiyou ndstoher inspiration. garden and charming gallery,&tucked away behind her A tranquil fish pond waterfalls, abundant lovingly restored 1860’s Victorian farm house which is with waterlilies and hyacinths, leads you to a also her home. rambling English perennial garden, showcasing an Enter through the gardenof gate and you’ll overwhelming variety exotic and discover native plants where she finds her inspiration; a tranquil fish pond && fl owers. It’s no surprise this was the residential waterfalls abundant with waterlilies and hyacinths, garden chosen thebushes, Town when it won the title as rambling Englishbyrose colourful hydrangeas, and a multitude of exotic and native plants.

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Walk under a graceful sixty foot weeping beech tree sixty high weeping Beech oil tree to find her toafind her foot studio.

It’s filled with original paintings &wonderful art prints on gallery. canvas, accompanied by sterling It features the artist’ssilver original jewellery, pottery, silk scarves, and ceramics oil paintings, art prints on canvas & paper, cards, All of the amazing treasures she sells are handmade, handmade jewellery and gifts.

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treasures she sells are unique ... and surprisingly This unique place is much more than just a shopping affordable! experience. It’s a world filled with beauty and charm Thisincludes specialAngie, placewith is amuch moreasthan - which personality brightjust a shopping world filled with and colourfuladventure as her art ... ... it’s andaan inspiration to all beauty who meet and her. charm - including Angie - with a personality as vibrant as her art ... and an inspiration to all who meet her.

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“Battle of the Titans� dinosaur exhibit is open daily from 9am to 10pm. Admission is $11.95 for adults, $9.95 for children, or a family pass for two adults and two children for $34.95 plus taxes. More info at battleofthetitans.ca

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BATTLE OF THE TITANS

Discover “The Ultimate Dinosaur Event of the Year” at the Skylon Tower By: Lauren Charley Photos: Mike Farkas

Step back in time through history to the alluring supercontinent of Pangea, when dinosaurs dominated the land in the Jurassic period. Walk between the legs of an Apatosaurus towering over you. Run from the jagged, razor sharp jaws of a T-Rex, feeding on the carcass of a brave Triceratops who sacrificed his life to save his family.

Hear them roar, watch them feed, and see them roam in their natural habitats, all in this astonishingly life-like exhibit situated in the one of Canada’s favourite family tourist destinations: Niagara Falls, Canada.

Located inside the famous Skylon Tower, in the heart of the Clifton Hill tourist area, comes a new and exhilarating experience for tourists and locals to enjoy. The “Battle of the Titans” dinosaur exhibit acclaimed as “the ultimate dinosaur event of the year,” is the perfect outing for families and adventure seekers who want to participate in a one-of-a-kind, hands on learning experience about the largest and most unusual creatures to ever exist. The exhibit opened for March break 2014 and will run until January 2015. Children and parents can engage in this educational activity daily this summer. Attendees will learn about many of history’s monstrous species, featuring the two “behemoths”, the Tyrannosaurus Rex and the Triceratops.

The exhibit is created by DV3 Imagineering Inc./ Dino Daze Inc. and David van Velzen, whose past projects have included historical presentations about the Titanic, JFK, Princess Diana, The Vatican, and China’s Imperial Palace, The Forbidden City. Battle of the Titans this year is five times larger than it was during the 2012 exhibit at the Royal Botanical Gardens, now offering over

20,000 square feet of custom sets, animatronic dinosaurs, and hands-on educational activities. The design and construction of the site began on December 15 2013, and although it is almost completed, the project is still currently acquiring new additions each week.

Visitors are welcome to engage in a self-guided tour of over a century of scientific research, which includes visual reading material and interactive learning tools.

The interactive encounter features life size models of the dinosaurs with realistic audio, cast fossils, video clips, and living dioramas of the creatures. The dinosaurs recreate a life-like experience for guests who can see them feed, move, roar, and even fight! Kids and their parents will be educated about the habitats when dinosaurs ruled the remnants of Pangea. Students coming with their school on a field trip are provided with an optional learning curriculum activity for an even more enriching experience. The popularity of the exhibit has attracted visitors from schools in Niagara Falls to Toronto, and some enquires have even been made from institutions in the United States.

David van Velzen, the “Chief Imaginator” of DV3 Imagineering Inc. and the man behind the marketing and creation of the “Battle of the Titans” exhibit, believes in offering young people the chance to study prehistoric history through an interactive and visual learning experience. He believes strongly in the concept of “edutainment”, with his philosophy being “when people are entertained, it is easier for them to keep engaged, and therefore easier for them to learn.” For this reason, David and his colleagues have designed the attraction with many hands-on

activities for everyone to enjoy. One unique activity is a motion captured video game where the player imitates the flying action of a Pterasaur while they hunt for fish and avoid predators, by standing in front of a green background which presents the motions on a TV screen. Kids can also experience what it’s like to be a paleontologist by digging for bones either in the virtual dig pit, or a mock fossil site where dinosaur parts are uncovered by sifting through rubber sand. In addition to the life-size models, visitors can operate a pneumatic robot, controlled by levers using air. One unique feature of the dioramas is that the plants on display are 100% real, requiring watering on a regular basis.

When guests enter the marvelous attraction, families are given the opportunity to take their photo on a green screen, which is then transferred to a souvenir photo, superimposed on a backdrop of luscious vegetation featuring the monstrous behemoths themselves. The souvenir photos, along with puzzles, mini dig-pits, books, toys, and educational games are available for purchase in the DinoStore gift shop at the end of the journey around “Battle of the Titans.”

DV3 Imagineering Inc. hopes that “Battle of the Titans” may stay at the Skylon Tower for two seasons; however, the exhibit has received interest from groups in cities in the United States, as well as Macau, China. For now, the Niagara Falls exhibit this season is a great opportunity for locals and visitors to engage in a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.

todaymagazine.ca 51

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SUMMER READING Hot Days and Great Books

By: Megan Pasche Some books seem like they are written just for summertime.

For reading while lying on a beach towel in the sand, lounging on a dock while the water laps at your feet or all curled up in a cozy chair while a summer rainstorm pelts the outside world.

Books that are easy to get lost in, and are such page-turners that hours seem to turn into minutes. The books you race to finish, but make you a little bit sad when they come to an end.

Reading really is the perfect summer activity.

With all these options (and so many more) to choose from, your summer reading list should be a full one. So sit back in a comfy chair or hammock, grab a drink, enjoy the sun and have fun being transported to all the different worlds these novels bring to life.

These are some of my favourite page-turners to date:

DIVINE SECRETS OF THE YA-YA SISTERHOOD

by Rebecca Wells This book sat on the bestsellers list for 68 weeks, and inspired a movie of the same name. It’s a great summer read that tells the story of a life long friendship between four Southern women.

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THE JOY LUCK CLUB

THE NIGHT CIRCUS

MIDDLESEX

THE BEACH

This book tells the story of four Chinese American immigrant families, who start having regular meetings that they call ‘The Joy Luck Club’. The story focuses on the four mothers of these families and their American born daughters.

This fantasy novel tells the tale of a magical travelling circus that comes and goes with no warning. The Cirque des Reves is open only at night and it revolves around two young magicians-Celia and Marco, as they duel with magic.

This fascinating epic tells the story of the effect of a mutated gene on three generations of a Greek-American family. The protagonist is Calliope (Cal) Stephanides, who was born with alpha-reductase deficiency, causing him to be born with female characteristics.

The latter part of the novel shows Cal’s journey from his hometown of Detroit out to San Francisco.

This book tells the story of English backpacker Richard, who is given a map to a hidden beach located in the Gulf of Thailand. The book traces his journey to the island and what happens once he arrives there.

by Amy Tan

by Erin Morgenstern

by Jeffrey Eugenides

by Alex Garland

NIAGARA AUTHORS Red Means Run, Crow’s Landing, Shoot the Dog

BY BRAD SMITH

This trilogy follows Virgil Cain, a farmer in upstate New York, who constantly seems to find himself in precarious situations. The author, Brad Smith, lives in Dunnville, Ontario, and has written several more books in addition to the trilogy including: All Hat, Busted Flush, Big Man Coming Down the Road and One Eyed Jacks.

Benny Cooperman Novels

BY HOWARD ENGEL

This detective series, which contains 13 novels so far, takes place in Grantham, Ontario, a fictional city that closely resembles St. Catharines, Ontario, the city Engel grew up in.

OTHER NOTABLE PAGE TURNERS THAT MAKE FOR GREAT SUMMER READING: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café by Fannie Flagg, To Kill

Clara Callan

BY RICHARD B. WRIGHT

a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The

This book, written in epistolary form, tells the story of Clara, a spinster school teacher living in small town Ontario during the Great Depression, and her sister Nora, who recently left Ontario to go live the big city life in New York City. The author, Richard B. Wright, lives in St. Catharines, Ontario and won numerous prizes for this novel including The Giller Prize and the Governor General’s Award for Fiction.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton, Ten Thousand Saints by Eleanor Henderson, Sarah’s Key by Tatiana De Rosnay and Geek Love by Katherine Dunn.

A WALK IN THE WOODS

by Bill Bryson

Bryson uses his usual humour as he regales the reader with the tale of his attempt to hike the entire Appalachian Trail.

THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL SOCIETY

by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

This book tells the story of Juliet, a newspaper columnist who receives a letter from a man on the island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. The correspondence continues, as Juliet is drawn more and more into the eclectic lives of the people on the island.

THE LOST GIRLS

SUMMER SISTERS

If you have ever dreamt of throwing caution into the wind and going to travel the world, this book might be just what you need to convince yourself to take that leap.

This book focuses on the friendship between two girls: Victoria Leonard and Caitlin Somers. The novel traces their friendship as they spend every summer together as they grow up, and focuses on how their relationship becomes more complicated the older they get.

by Jennifer Baggett, Holly Corbett and Amanda Pressner

by Judy Blume

THE YONAHLOSSEE RIDING CAMP FOR GIRLS

by Anton DiSclafani

Set in the 1930’s Southern United States in the middle of the Great Depression, this book follows Thea Atwell as she is sent to an equestrian boarding school for debutantes after her involvement in a family tragedy.

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Soak up the summer with all that Buffalo has to offer.

From the more than 750 summer activities at Canalside to the action and entertainment of the Cobblestone District and the food trucks and entertainment at Larkin Square on Tuesdays, there is no denying that Buffalo is In the midst of its renaissance.

This summer, when downtown is your destination, you’ll find a new beacon in the city of light – Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.

Gather with friends and plan the night over delicious local favorites at Buffalo Savors Grill, or meet-up and regale tales of triumph or catch a game at Stixx Sports Bar. Make a great night even better with Buffalo’s only full-service casino featuring hot, action-packed table games and the newest slots.

FOOD TRUCK TUESDAYS

THURSDAYS AT CANALSIDE

Larkin Square 726 Exchange Street

Buffalo’s $295 million dollar waterfront redevelopment is front and center with more than 750 summertime events and activities for all. Discover something for everyone on the water – outdoor yoga, arts and crafts for the kids and the Thursday Canalside concerts featuring nationally recognized acts.

Every Tuesday, you’ll find a variety of Buffalo and Rochester based food trucks, live music, a host of healthy food offerings, beer, wine, hula hoops and more!

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Visit www.canalsidebuffalo.com

June 12

Shaggy with DJ Milk and Soul Rebels

July 17

Lake Street Dive and the Oh Hellos

June 19

Moe with Conehead Buddah

July 24

Extreme

June 26

Sam Roberts Band with July Talk

July 31

Sheila E

July 3

Gord Downie and the Sadies with Hey Rosetta! and Boy & Bear

August 7

BPO Rock Show: Earth Wind & Fire and Michael Jackson

July 10

Fitz and the Tantrums

August 14

TBA

Go to VisitBuffaloNiagara.com to see what this summer has in store.

1 Fulton Street Buffalo, NY 14204

1-87 7-8-SENECA (873- 6322) SENECA BUFFA LOCREEKCASINO.COM

SHEA’S PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

BUFFALO BISONS

WATER BIKES OF BUFFALO

June 10 – 15

Evita

Bisons Homestands

July 8 – 13

Menopause the Musical

June 1 – 8

Pedal through the history of Buffalo’s waterfront on a water bike.

June 20 – 27

Plus, now featuring pedal cars for kids!

www.sheas.org

October 7 – 12 Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

www.bisons.com

www.waterbikesofbuffalo.com

July 2 – 3 July 10 – 13 July 23 – August 1 August 11 – 14 August 19 – 26 todaymagazine.ca 57

experience A whole new way to Niagara Falls

Voyage To The Falls Boat Tour

T

he legendary boat tour of Niagara Falls is Canada’s most iconic visitor experience. It’s been thrilling millions from all over the world for more than 150 years.

You may have seen it before. But you’ve never seen it like this.

Forget everything you know about the traditional Falls boat tour, and prepare for awe-inspiring journeys from sunrise to sunset, and fully licensed extended evening excursions under the unforgettable Niagara night sky with Hornblower Niagara Cruises.

Hornblower Niagara Cruises introduces a whole new way to experience Niagara Falls, with all-new and utterly thrilling boat tours designed to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. A ride into the heart of Niagara Falls aboard Hornblower Niagara Cruises is an absolute must.

New Boats!

Visitors will experience the famous boat tour of the Great Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and of course an up-close and very personal connection with the thundering water, awesome power and incredible mist of the mighty Horseshoe Falls. Brand-

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new state-of-the-art catamaran boats feature tiered decks for 360 degree unobstructed glorious views, retractable glass doors for dry viewing, and all the on-board amenities a passenger could desire – including comfortable seating, multiple washrooms, and onboard concessions. All visits will receive a complimentary souvenir Mist Poncho before boarding.

Extended hours of operation translate into multiple new tour options. Visitors can now explore a selection of daytime boat tours and extended evening cruise options. Among the many boat tours and cruises are the Early Morning Sunrise Tours that offer stunning views of Niagara Falls while the morning sun expands over the Niagara Falls horizon. If mornings aren’t your cup of tea, the daytime ‘Voyage to the Falls’ boat tour offers visitors a chance to experience the refreshing cool mist on the 15-minute excursion through the Great Gorge past the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and into the heart of Niagara Falls. Both promise a once in a lifetime, upclose and personal connection with the thundering water, awesome power and amazing mist of the mighty Horseshoe Falls. Get set for the thrill of a lifetime!

New Experiences!

And because no trip to the Honeymoon Capital of the world would be complete without a little romance, Hornblower Niagara Cruises now offers the Sunset Cocktail Cruise. Visitors can sip and savour fine Niagara wines while enjoying tasty snacks and listening to musical entertainment on board a romantic evening cruise. As the night advances catch a glimpse of magic in the starry skies above as the colours whirl and the sparks fly during the Falls Illumination or Falls Fireworks cruises. Set to romantic evening sunsets, the dazzling city skyline and the Falls Illumination and Firework spectacles, these extended half hour cruises are all complete with on-board licensed bar, snacks and music.

With millions of international visitors travelling to Niagara Falls each year, Hornblower Niagara Cruises makes it their commitment to offer an educational experience for all guests and visitors with a personal Souvenir Audio Guide, available in eight languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese,

Chinese Mandarin and Korean. The guides offer an informative, entertaining and engaging 30-minute narrative on the evolution and history of iconic Niagara Falls. Packed full of history, facts and figures the souvenir audio guide is the perfect accompaniment to any tour.

The excitement continues with a more intimate experience with Hornblower’s private charter tours complete with on board catering. Whether it’s a birthday, retirement, anniversary or corporate event, Hornblower will create the ultimate unique experience on board the 150-passenger private charter boat or one of the 700-passenger catamarans. Whatever the special occasion, Hornblower is sure to create an unforgettable event that will keep family, friends and associates talking about it for years.

New Conveniences!

Visitors to Hornblower Niagara Cruises have multiple ticketing options. New online ticket sales and date-and-time-select reservations allow visitors to better plan their trip and avoid unnecessary waits. On site self-serve ticket kiosks and online tickets and smart phone codes mean travelers can grab their tickets in advance from virtually anywhere and skip the lines altogether. These traveler conveniences along with a brand new and expanded ticket plaza ensure a quick entrance experience for everyone. Visitors will also appreciate the ease of multiple payment options, with cash, debit, and all major credit cards accepted. Enjoying the whole experience while avoiding the lines is always a bonus especially when touring Niagara’s most exciting and popular new experience.

Before visitors board, they can now browse the Mist Gear Retail Shop where they will find last-minute essentials before embarking on their journey. The Mist Gear line of Comfort, Health and Memory accessories includes a variety of quality items designed especially to ensure the ultimate visitor comfort and convenience.

Whether it’s a waterproof carry bag, tablet case or cell phone cover; waterproof footwear or a Hornblower souvenir Mist Poncho, the Mist Gear retail shop has it all.

With Hornblower Niagara Cruises revolutionizing the traditional Falls boat tour, travelers from around the world will now experience the mighty and thundering Falls in a whole new and exciting way.

Interested in booking tickets?

niagaracruises.com or 1-905-394-NIAGARA

Fully Licenced Fireworks Cruise

Fully Licenced Sunset Cocktail Cruise

Fully Licenced Falls Illumination Cruise

todaymagazine.ca 59

HERE. SEE. DO. EVENTS

|

THEATRE

|

CONCERTS

Niagara Falls Summer Events NIAGARA FALLS RIBFEST June 13 to 15 This annual finger licking fundraiser will be taking place at Niagara Square this year. From Friday, noon to 1am, Saturday, 11am to 1am and Sunday, 11am to 8pm, you can enjoy delicious ribs, live music, all for a good cause. More info at www.niagarafallsribfest.com TERRI CLARK & FRIENDS June 27 This eight time CCMA Entertainer of the Year will be performing at the Scotiabank Convention Centre this summer. Joining her will be Dry Country and Lindsay Ell. Tickets are available from fallsconventions.com SUMMER OF THRILLS Clifton Hill District June 27 to September 1 Enjoy free performances of death defying street performers all summer long. There will be a highwire sky cycle and a wheel of fate atop a 10-story hotel. It will need to be seen to be believed. It’s all taking place on the top of Clifton Hill!

ONE LOVE: ORDER AT THE BORDER July 4 to July 6 This inaugural reggae and soul music festival is taking place at The Grove (located in Niagara Parks near the Floral Showhouse).

Some of the artists who will be performing include: R. Kelly, Dahlia Anderson, Pamela Facey, Johnny Osbourne and more. Over 35 international artists will be featured, and it is the biggest festival of its’ kind in North America. Tickets and more information available at oneloveniagara.com 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF LUNDY’S LANE July 25 This once in a lifetime event will be taking place at the Drummond Hill Cemetery beginning at 7:30 with a commemorative service. A walk will take place beginning at 8:30 (with participants getting to choose their side in the battle) with both sides coming together and meeting on the battlefield. More info at niagarafallsmuseums.ca FALLS FIREWORKS ILLUMINATION COCA COLA CONCERTS Enjoy spectacular fireworks every Friday, Sunday and holiday until November 30. Additional shows will be happening every June 18 to August 20, and every day from August 25 to 29. Shows begin at 10pm. Concerts take place every Friday and Sunday at 8pm. Admission is free.

ELTON JOHN, THE MUSIC OF ELTON JOHN August 6 at the Greg Frewin Theatre Enjoy celebrity impersonator Ron Camilleri’s dead on impression of Elton John. You will enjoy hearing all of Elton’s greatest hits, as well as the sounds of the seven piece band. This is a show that shouldn’t be missed! Tickets and more information at gregfrewintheatre.com FLEETWOOD NICKS AND PRACTICALLY PETTY August 27 Enjoy two different bands during this lively show that will bring you back to the heyday of Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty. Showtime is at 6:15, dinner is at 7:30. More information and tickets are available at gregfrewintheatre.com todaymagazine.ca 61

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ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE

COURT HOUSE THEATRE

Arms and the Man

The Charity that Began at Home: A Comedy for Philanthropists

BY BERNARD SHAW

Running until October 18

BY ST. JOHN HANKIN

All’s fair in love and war-or is it? Worlds collide with delicious results when two opposing soldiers vie for the heart of an idealistic girl. Set during the 1885 Serbo-Bulgarian War, Raina Petkoff is a young woman in love with love-and with Sergius Saranoff, one of the heroes of the war. One night, a Swiss mercenary solider, Captain Bluntschli, bursts through Raina’s bedroom window and begs her to hide him. When he reassures her that he carries chocolates instead of a weapon, Raina agrees. After the war ends and both soldiers return for Raina, the real battle for true love begins. Subtitled, “an antiromantic comedy,” it became one of Shaw’s most popular plays and one of his first commercial successes.

Running until October 11

When We Are Married

The Sea

Running until October 26

Running July 11 to October 12

When is nice too nice? Lady Denison and her daughter Margery are about to find out when they invite the dullest, most unpleasant people they can find to their house for the weekend. After all, anyone can be kind to the pleasant, but who will care for the mean, the boring and the disagreeable? As the weekend unfolds, love blossoms between Margery and a young man who have been involved in some unseemly dealings, and we learn what true charity means.

Shaw called Hankin “the most gifted writer of high comedy of the kind that is stirring and important criticism of life.

BY EDWARD BOND

BY J.B PRIESTLEY

A second chance at love or a sweet escape? Married life is about to get interesting for three upstanding couples who have gathered to celebrate their joint silver wedding anniversaries. As the evening progresses, a stunning secret is revealed: none of them are actually, legally married. And as each couple grapples with this news, their relationships are vigorously and hilariously put to the test. Do they really want to be married after all? J.B Priestley was keen to deflate the pomposity of the middle classes, and this play has been called “the funniest and among the most enduring plays that J.B. Priestley wrote.”

Juno and the Paycock

BY SEAN O’CASEY

Previews: June 28 | Runs: July 25 to October 12 One of the great plays of the twentieth century, and a portrait of a family torn apart by the chaos of the Irish Civil War. Captain Boyle is known to his neighbours as the “paycock,” and he and his crony Joxer spend most of their time drinking and playing cards. Juno, the spirited matriarch of the Boyle household, tries to keep her family together in their tenement flat while it is being pulled apart by growing political unrest. When the family learns of an inheritance from a distant relative, the money is happily spent before it even arrives. But can they transcend the world that conspires to keep them in their place? The play’s mix of humour, drama and politics has made it a contemporary classic.

In a great storm, a man is lost at sea. Willy Carson has survived a boat accident-unlike his friend Colin. The loss affects the whole village, including Louise Rafi, who rules the town’s society and performs yearly in the town’s production of Orpheus and Eurydice.

Hatch, the local draper, decides the accident is proof that extraterrestrial aliens are about to invade. A mix of comedy and politics, one critic described it as “equally influenced by The Tempest, The Importance of Being Earnest and Invasion of the Body Snatchers.”

This is the Shaw’s first production of play by Edward Bond, a contemporary master.

A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur

BY TENNESSEE WILLIAMS

Previews: June 28 | Runs: July 12 to October 11 On a warm June morning, Dorothea does her calisthenics while her roommate Bodey fries chicken for their picnic at Creve Coeur Park.

Dorothea is waiting for the phone to ring-she’s sure the principal of the high school where she teaches civics is about to propose. Bodey thinks her twin brother Buddy is the right guy for Dorothea, but his love of beer, knockwurst and cheap cigars doesn’t appeal. Meanwhile, Dorothea’s friend Helena comes by to make secret plans, and grieving German-speaking neighbor Sophie drops in for coffee and comfort. Williams envisions the comic side of heartbreak in this rarely produced one-act play.

STUDIO THEATRE

The Mountaintop

BY KATORI HALL

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Photo by Emily Cooper

Previews: July 16 | Runs: July 26 to September 7 A storm rages outside as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. settles into Room 306 at the Lorraine Motel. He is exhausted, having just delivered his powerful “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech about his hopes for the days ahead and the view he has seen of the Promised Land. When room service arrives, he meets a beautiful and slightly mysterious young hotel maid. Through their intimate and ultimately transformative conversation, we hear the hope and fears of King-both the leader and the man-as he is forced to confront his destiny and his legacy.

Critics call it, “wondrous, hilarious and heartbreaking.”

Niagara Helicopters Flightseeing Tours

For the thrill of a lifetime!

Explore Niagara from above

Niagara Helicopters 3731 Victoria Avenue Niagara Falls, ON

905-357-5672 www.niagarahelicopters.com

Travel Tips

JUST SO YOU HAVE NO SURPRISES WHEN TRAVELLING IN AND AROUND NIAGARA, HERE ARE SOME TRAVEL TIPS TO HELP YOU MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR TIME HERE.

1 2

The legal drinking age here is 19, anyone over that age can purchase alcohol from the LCBO, Beer Store or a bar. Drinking hours in establishments that are licensed are 11am to 2pm.

3

Driving • turning right is allowed at red lights (after you have come to a complete stop) • seatbelts are required by law • speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour. Highway speed limit is 100km per hour, rural highways and country roads are 80km per hour, and intercity roads are 50km per hour.

4 5

Ontario has a sales tax of 13% HST and it is applicable to most goods, purchased gifts, food/beverages and services.

6

Good things to always pack are: comfy walking shoes (not new shoes), a hat (be it winter or summer), safety pins and rain jacket.

Currency is in Canadian dollars, though many establishments will take American money, you’ll want to convert the Canadian dollars to get the best exchange rate. Money can be exchanged at Ontario Travel Information Centres, Duty Free Shops, and in most hotels around the area.

Always have a copy of your passport, that you keep separate than the rest of your documents. It will greatly speed up the process of getting a new one on the off chance you lose yours. A scanned copy that you’ve mailed to yourself will work.

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get up close & personal

with the biggest headliners for june, july & august

stomp

June 4 – 14 (Excluding June 9) Critically acclaimed physical theatre performance, STOMP uses household and industrial objects to create unforgettable rhythms. Experience the international percussion sensation STOMP and its infectious, inventive pulse-pounding entertainment!

June 4 & 11 ................................. 8:30 PM June 5, 10 & 12: ........... 3 PM & 8:30 PM June 6 & 13: .................................... 9 PM June 7 & 14: ....................... 3 PM & 9 PM June 8: ................................ 3 PM & 7 PM Tickets start at $30

gladys knight June 20 & 21

Seven-time Grammy Award winning empress of soul, Gladys Knight is known for her outstanding powerful vocals and R&B staple hits such as “Midnight Train to Georgia”, “Neither One Of Us (Wants to be the First to Say Goodbye)”, “I’ve Got to Use My Imagination”, “Friendship Train” and “Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me”.

June 20 & 21 ................................... 9 PM Tickets start at $50

sally yeh 葉蒨文

train

June 22 & 23

July 17 & 18

With a unique voice and singles that cover a wide range of musical genres, multi-award winning Sally Yeh has enormously contributed to the Hong Kong music industry with hits such as 祝 福, 秋去秋來, 情人知己, 讓我歡喜讓我 憂 and 黎明不要來.

With sold-out performances worldwide, three-time Grammy Award winning pop rock group Train bring their Top 40 hits to Fallsview such as “Drops of Jupiter”, “Meet Virginia”, “Calling All Angels”, “Hey, Soul Sister” and “Marry Me”.

June 22 .............................................7 PM June 23 ...................................... 8:30 PM Tickets start at $95

little anthony & the imperials June 27 & 28

With their signature smooth style, doowop soul vocal group Little Anthony & The Imperials created some of the most memorable hits of the 60’s such as “Tears On My Pillow”, “Goin’ Out Of My Head”, “Hurt So Bad” and “Shimmy, Shimmy Ko-Ko-Bop”.

June 27 & 28 .................................... 9 PM Tickets start at $20

the spinners July 11 & 12

70’s R&B soul quintet The Spinners have sold over 60 million records and received 6 Grammy nominations for their Top 10 hits including “Then Came You”, “Working My Way Back To You/ Forgive Me, Girl”, “Cupid (I’ve Loved You For So Long)”, “I’ll Be Around”, “The Rubberband Man” and “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love”.

July 11 & 12 ...................................... 9 PM Tickets start at $20

July 17 ......................................... 8:30 PM July 18 .............................................. 9 PM Tickets start at $80

songwriters

in the grand hall July 19

With decades of crafting legendary songs that have influenced a span of musical genres, Desmond Child, Kevin Griffin and Bob DiPiero share their innate talent for songwriting. Experience their award winning hits from music’s biggest stars including Bon Jovi, KISS, Aerosmith, Barenaked Ladies, Sugarland and Tim McGraw.

July 19 ......................................... 8:30 PM All tickets are $20

ballando con milly carlucci host of ballando con le stelle July 19 & 20

Hosted by Milly Carlucci of Italy’s Dancing With The Stars. Discover an allstar cast of 10 internationally acclaimed dancers, performing 5 rounds of astounding choreography in an intense competition, live at Fallsview Casino!

July 19 .............................................. 9 PM July 20 .............................................. 7 PM Tickets start at $80

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rocket man – a tribute to elton john July 24 - August 2 (Excluding July 30)

A full-scale production celebrating one of the most highly acclaimed solo artists of all time, Rocket Man – A Tribute to Elton John features live performances of platinum hits such as “Crocodile Rock”, “Tiny Dancer”, “Daniel”, “Bennie and the Jets”, “Your Song” and many more!

dance temptation August 13 - 21 (Excluding August 18)

Bigger and better than ever! The hit show returns with new sizzling headliners Peta Murgatroyd and Tristan MacManus from Dancing With The Stars. A supersized production of 16 internationally acclaimed dancers, stunning visual effects and fascinating choreography live at Fallsview Casino.

Tickets start at $25

August 13 & 14 ......................... 8:30 PM August 15 ....................................... 9 PM August 16 ......................... 3 PM & 9 PM August 17 ......................... 3 PM & 7 PM August 19 & 21 ............ 3 PM & 8:30 PM August 20 ....................................... 3 PM

the four tops

Tickets start at $35

July 24, 28, 29 & 31 .... 3 PM & 8:30 PM July 25 & August 1 ...........................9 PM July 26 & August 2 ............ 3 PM & 9 PM July 27 ................................3 PM & 7 PM

August 8 - 9

kevin james

60’s powerhouse four-part harmony group The Four Tops attained instantaneous across-the-board success with their soulful industry changing singles such as “Baby I Need Your Loving”, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)”, “It’s The Same Old Song”, “Reach Out I’ll Be There” and “Standing In The Shadows of Love”.

August 23 - 24

August 8 & 9 .................................. 9 PM

August 23 ....................................... 9 PM August 24 ....................................... 7 PM

As the fan favourite Doug Heffernan on the hit sitcom The King of Queens, Kevin James brings his popular stand-up to Fallsview. Kevin James is widely known as the star of big-screen comedies including Grown Ups, Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Hitch.

Tickets start at $25 Tickets start at $80

edmund leung 梁漢文 & william so 蘇永康 darius rucker

August 10 - 11

August 27 - 28

As finalists in Hong Kong’s esteemed New Talent Singing Awards, singer songwriters William So and Edmund Leung have produced numerous international hits in both Cantonese and Mandarin such as 七友, 衣櫃裡的男 人, 移情別戀, 越吻越傷心, 那誰, 情來 自那方 and 男人不該讓女人流淚.

Country newcomer Darius Rucker first attained multi-platinum status as the lead singer of the Grammy Award winning band Hootie & the Blowfish.

Experience Darius Rucker’s highenergy performance with his new #1 singles including “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It”, “I Will Love You Still”, “Alright”, “Shine” and “Radio”.

August 10 ....................................... 7 PM August 11 ................................... 8:30 PM

August 27 & 28 ........................ 8:30 PM

Tickets start at $95

Tickets start at $60

todaymagazine.ca 69

AN INTERACTIVE

DINOSAUR

EXHIBIT

TAKING OVER THE TOWER

OR CALL 905.356.2651

GrabJab.com

The easiest decision you’ll make all day.

The Ultimate Whitewater and Historical River Tour

“Niagara’s Most Awesome Experience” Climate-controlled comfort, safe and dry ... unless you want to get wet; we can do that too!

Ask about our FREE shuttle

We are just 15 minutes north of Niagara Falls, NY Minutes from international Niagara River bridges Book at niagarajet.com or call 855-NJA-TOURS (652-8687) 555 Water Street, Youngstown, NY 14174

Open Mid - May to Thanksgiving

* These attractions available from June to Labour Day.

Safari Niagara will be closed August 13th for a private function.

116 Queenston St., Queenston (NOTL), ON Summer 2014 Exhibitions Female Self-Representation and the Public Trust: Mary E. Wrinch and the AGW Collection Organized and Circulated by the Art Gallery of Windsor John Abrams: Land Mark Combine 35: Women Artists in the Riverbrink Collection The War 0f 1812-14: People and Places A Childish View: Scenes of Childhood from the Riverbrink Collection

RiverBrink Art Museum features exhibitions of fine art organized from the Samuel E. Weir Collection and temporary loans from both public and private fine art collections.

John Abrams, Land Mark Combine, 2000-2001, oil on canvas, detail, Collection of The Robert McLaughlin Gallery

www.riverbrink.org

Open Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM

905.262.4510

Facts Niagara Falls

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Y

T T N

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

ou 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.

fter the water flows over the Falls into Lake Ontario, it travels to the St. Lawrence River, then out to the Atlantic Ocean. he deepest part of Niagara River is 170ft, and it is located right below the Falls. he speed of the Whirlpool Rapids can travel as fast as 30 feet per second.

he 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.

iagara 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.

H

T

S

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

T

undreds 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.

he 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.

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THIS YOU WILL WILL THIS IS IS WHAT WHAT YOU TALK THE WAY WAY HOME! HOME! TALK ABOUT ABOUT ALL THE Rainbow Inc. Invites You And Your To Family Rainbow Air Inc. Air Invites You And Your Family Experience To Experience The Splendor Of Niagara The Splendor Of Niagara

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Featured On: • Good Morning America • The Huffington Post • The Tonight Show • Funny Or Die

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716−284−2800

rainbowairinc. c om • info@rainbowairinc. c om

A CITY GUIDE TO SAVE YOU MONEY ALONG THE WAY 10:20

Restaurants Bars & Nightlife Calendar of Events Coupons Maps Attractions And more...

FREE APP AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON ALL PLATFORMS The GPS based guide that quickly allows you to search and find establishments in the city.

www.saveabuck.com

T

ONY

SHOCKING SURVIVOR TESTIM