Niagara Canada Travel Magazine 2013

canada

niagara TRAVE L

the falls HISTORIC AND HIP

meet the

makers WHAT’S ON THE MINDS OF NIAGARA’S TOP CHEFS?

BEYOND THE SIP AND SWIRL

unique wine country pursuits

PLUS hidden gems

DISCOVER DOZENS OF INSIDER TIPS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

visitniagaracanada.com

2

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

“How cool is this?”

That’s the question I found myself asking repeatedly when I first started making weekend trips from Toronto to explore Niagara. With each visit I found a great restaurant, a new shop, a different winery, and my love for Niagara grew.

While I expected some of Niagara’s novelty might wear off after moving here in 2010, three years later, I continue to be impressed and amazed by just how cool this place I get to call home is. Whether I’m turning on my windshield wipers to clear the mist from the Falls on my commute to the office, enjoying top Canadian talent at an outdoor concert, or zipping out to get a bottle of wine and fresh veggies for dinner directly from the source, I can’t help but feel like I’m the luckiest woman in the world.

The good news is that you don’t have to relocate to Niagara to experience the wonders of this region for yourself. Our second issue of Niagara Canada Travel is filled with all sorts of insider scoops that will help you feel like a local on your next trip to Niagara. Find the perfect club to dance the night away in Niagara Falls. Meet the makers behind Niagara’s red-hot culinary scene. Learn where Shaw actors head for a hit of culture when they step off the stage. Tag along on a very romantic road trip exploring Twenty Valley.

When you’ve finished reading this issue, head to visitniagaracanada.com, and combine your newfound Niagara knowledge with the site’s great travel planning tools. In no time, you’ll have cooked up your own perfect Niagara getaway and you’ll be the one exclaiming, “How cool is this?”

Tina Truszyk Marketing Director The Tourism Partnership of Niagara

DÎNER EN BLANC , NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE. www.visitniagaracanada.com ©

visitniagaracanada.com

44 10 22 48

54 26 4

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

inside 26

features

departments

Niagara Falls: Historic & Hip

NOTABLE NIAGARA

There’s no need to choose between historic wonders and hip excitement.

By Barbara Ramsay Orr

48

Meet the Makers Learn what’s on the minds and menus of some of Niagara’s top chefs.

By Liz Fleming

54

Water Music Discover Niagara’s lesser-known watery delights.

By Liz Fleming

9

34

Find out what all the buzz is about.

18

Leading Ladies

21

Five-Minute Niagara Guide

22

Niagara A to Z

niagara discoveries 14

New & Noticed in Niagara

Meet three extraordinary Niagarans.

Fore! Plan your next Niagara golf game in minutes.

This alphabet is filled with fun.

NIAGARA AGENDA

NIAGARA FOOD AND DRINK Beyond the Sip & Swirl

10

Must See & Do

Raise a glass to these unique wine country pursuits.

13

Been There, Haven’t Done That

17

Wild Things

GREAT DRIVES Hitched-hiking Tag along with a new bride and groom as they explore Niagara’s Highway 8.

Can’t-miss stops for your next Niagara visit.

Shake things up on your next trip to the Falls.

Meet Niagara’s creatures and critters.

By Micah Toub

40

GREAT TRAILS Going in Circles Pedal your way through Niagara on The Greater Niagara Circle Route.

44

HISTORY AND CULTURE Exit Stage Left

IN EVERY ISSUE

65

Niagara 365

75

Niagara Places

Winter, spring, summer and fall, there’s always something happening here.

Find your way to our local tourism organizations.

Find out where Shaw actors head when the curtain goes down.

62

NIAGARA SEASONS Sparkle and Ice and Everything Nice Discover frosty fun in Niagara. visitniagaracanada.com

5

NO CARS, NO TRUCKS, NO BUSES. JUST 125 KM OF THE WORLD’S MOST SPECTACULAR VISTA

IN ONE AMAZING RIDE. Imagine for one day, the best possible cycling roads are closed to traffic. Before you is an epic route with challenging climbs and thrilling descents. All you have to do is focus on the beauty around you. You’re feeling fit and you’re lined up next to the Falls ready for a huge ride with thousands of your fellow cyclists. It’s not a race, so there’s no pressure.

You can ride whatever pace you want. You can even stop for a sandwich along the way - they’re provided. Local spectators are cheering you to the finish and it all ends with a party - and everyone’s invited! Sign up today for the inaugural GranFondo Niagara Falls! For registration and hotel information visit GranFondoNiagaraFalls.com

3 1 0 2 M B E R S E P T E

6

To learn more about other epic rides produced by GranFondo Canada, visit GranFondoCanada.com niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

1 4

T H

canada

niagara contributors TRAVE L

Barbara Ramsay Orr

Publication Director & Marketing Director Tina Truszyk

Barbara Ramsay Orr is a freelance journalist and author of the Frommer’s Guide to the Niagara Region, Day Trips from Toronto and the Travel Guide to Niagara iPhone travel app for Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Wine Country. Her work has appeared in many national and international publications, including Chatelaine, Canadian Living, The Globe and Mail and Readers Digest. Barbara is a Director of the Society of American Travel Writers and in 2012 was the recipient of two Lowell Thomas Awards for Excellence in Travel Journalism. While she has visited and written about exotic destinations, from Thailand to Norway, her heart belongs to her home province. You can follow her adventures at www.upperendtravel.com

Circulation: 775,000 Published by The Tourism Partnership of Niagara 5881 Dunn Street Niagara Falls, ON Canada L2G 2N9 Copywriting, Design & Production Loud+Clear For general information and advertising sales contact: 289-477-5344 info@niagarasrto.com Printed in Canada Niagara Travel © 2013. Niagara Travel is published once a year by The Tourism Partnership of Niagara with funding provided by the Government of Ontario. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permissions is prohibited. All information is current at press time. At the time of publishing, we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible, but details may change. The publisher cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of all information and will not be responsible for errors, changes or omissions. We ask that you refer to visitniagaracanada.com for the most up-to-date information. Special thanks to Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership (OTMPC) and Niagara tourism partners for allowing us to use their photos throughout this publication.

Liz Fleming Liz Fleming is a travel writer whose articles appear in newspapers and magazines across Canada. Though she’s covered the globe – from Botswana to Bora Bora – she’s never found a place she loves more than Niagara. From the breathtaking landscape, to the incomparable local cuisine, and the welcoming people, Liz loves nothing better than writing about Niagara and encouraging others to come and share what she’s sure is the most beautiful place in the world! (photo credit, Jason Dwyer)

Micah Toub Micah Toub is the author of a memoir, Growing Up Jung: Coming of Age as the Son of Two Shrinks. A National Magazine Award-winning journalist, he was also a longtime relationship columnist for The Globe and Mail and his work has appeared in a variety of magazines including The Walrus, Canadian Family, Psychology Today and Report on Business.

He was recently anthologized in The Moment: Wild, Poignant, Life-Changing Stories from 125 Writers and Artists Famous & Obscure. He lives with his wife Bryony in Toronto.

a place of wonders...big and small.

www.visitniagaracanada.com Follow us online for Niagara travel info on the go. @visit_niagara visitniagara VisitNiagaraCanada The Tourism Partnership of Niagara (TPN) was established in 2010 as one of Ontario’s 13 Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs). Representing all of the municipalities within the Regional Municipality of Niagara, the TPN is an independent, industry-led, not-for-profit organization responsible for working with tourism partners to enhance and grow Niagara’s tourism products and marketing activities.

For more information on TPN go to www.niagarasrto.com Images courtesy of Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership (OTMPC), Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) and Niagara Tourism Partners including, , City of St. Catharines Tourism, The Good Earth Food and Wine Co., Illuminaqua, Inn on the Twenty, Niagara Parks Commission, Twenty Valley Tourism, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Photographer Dwayne Coon, Whirlpool Jet Boat, Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Winter Festival of Lights.

photographers

Dermot O’Kane

Nataschia Wielink

Jeff Speed

dermotokane.com

nataschiawielink.com

jeffspeedphotography.com

visitniagaracanada.com

7

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Effect

What is The Niagara-on-the-Lake Effect?

Is it our fascinating history? Could it be our world-renowned wineries?

Maybe it’s our five-star hotels and Inns and award-winning restaurants. Perhaps it’s our quaint homes and landmark shops and old time village friendliness. Maybe it’s The Shaw Festival.

Whatever it is, let us help you plan your stay. Come visit Niagara-on-the-Lake and discover for yourself the delightful effect we’re going to have on you.

NIAGARA ON THE LAKE

8

For full effect or to book reservations in Niagara-on-the-Lake, call Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake 905-468-1950 or visit www.niagaraonthelake.com niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

NOTABLE NIAGARA

New & Noticed in Niagara GO FOR THE GOLD

▲

The iconic Queen’s Landing hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake has earned a coveted place on the Condé Nast Traveler 2013 Gold List of the world’s best places to stay. What sets this gorgeous Georgian retreat apart? Wonderful rooms with beautiful views, fantastic Canadian cuisine and friendly staff at every turn are just the start. www.vintage-hotels.com

ROUNDING OUT THE BAR ▲ Niagara’s made its mark on the international wine stage, but that’s not all that’s fermenting around here. Stop by Dillon’s Small Batch Distillers in Beamsville and have a taste of their vodka and gin produced using local grapes and white rye made from 100 per cent Ontario rye grain. If you steer toward beer, be sure to visit Niagara’s microbreweries, which include Oast House Brewers and Silversmith Brewing Co. in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Merchant Ale House in St. Catharines and Taps Brewhouse in Niagara Falls.

QUEEN’S LANDING EXTERIOR, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, PHOTOGRAPHER RICHARD BAIN.

▲

THE SIZZLE AND THE STEAK

www.dillons.ca; www.tapsbeer.ca; www.oasthousebrewers.ca; www.merchantalehouse.ca; www.silversmithbrewing.com

Serious steak fans are celebrating the arrival of the new Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Niagara Falls. Located in the Four Points by Sheraton Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel and connected to the Fallsview Casino by a glass walkway, just follow your nose to your next sizzling steak dinner. www.ruthschrisniagarafalls.com

SURVEY SAYS ▲ Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Harbour House Hotel was rated as the top Ontario hotel in Tripadvisor’s 2013 Travellers’ Choice ranking of the top 25 hotels in Canada. Not to be outdone, The Charles Inn, also in Niagara-on-the-Lake, was rated as one of Canada’s Top 25 Small Hotels in Tripadvisor’s 2013 Travellers’ Choice ranking of the top 25 small hotels in Canada. www.niagarasfinest.com

visitniagaracanada.com

9

NIAGARA AGENDA

MUST SEE & DO Those who visit Niagara to see the Falls are often amazed by just how much else there is to see. Here are a few suggestions for your next getaway.

▲

SUPER-SIZED RIDE

Think a car-free cycling route that covers 125 km of Niagara’s most scenic views is too good to be true?

That’s exactly what will happen on September 14th when the inaugural GranFondo Niagara Falls comes to town. The signature cycling event will provide competitive cyclists and recreational athletes a unique cycling experience that starts and finishes next to the Falls and takes cyclists into the heart of the Niagara Region, including wine country and several climbs of the Niagara Escarpment. www.niagarafalls.granfondocanada.com

▲

ONE BIG BATTLE

PHOTOGRAPHER FRANCES LEW

If you’ve always wanted to see a historic battle recreated, Canada’s largest re-enactment is the best place to start. Witness the battles that turned Fort Erie into Canada’s bloodiest battlefield during the War of 1812-1814 at The Siege of Fort Erie re-enactment on August 10th and 11th. www.niagaraparks.com/old-fort-erie

JACK DE KEYZER, PHOTOGRAPHER MAKO FUNASAKA

▲

RED WHITE AND BLUES

Love the blues? Don’t miss Thorold’s annual Canal Bank Shuffle Blues Festival from October 17th through 19th.

Blues enthusiasts from across Canada and the U.S. make their way to Thorold each fall to enjoy the signature sounds of some of the biggest names in the industry. www.canalbankshuffle.com

10

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

NIAGARA AGENDA

DIG IT! There’s no better place for gardeners to stop and smell the roses than Niagara. Events and festivals celebrating the great things that grow here are sprouting up all over the place: ▲

VIEW WITH A ROOM

Countless travelers have spoken and the Hilton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls/Fallsview has been ranked by Tripadvisor as one of the world’s top ten hotels with incredible views. This Niagara Falls fave finds itself in good company, including hotels with views of other worldly breath takers such as Machu Picchu, the Eiffel Tower and Cabo San Lucas. www.niagarafallshilton.com

ANNUAL HYDRANGEA DISPLAY Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse, May 1 - 31 SHAW GARDEN TOUR Niagara-on-the-Lake, June 8 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Niagara-on-the-Lake, June 15 BERRIES AND BLOOMS FESTIVAL Beamsville, June 15

▲

CHERRY FESTIVAL Niagara-on-the-Lake, July 6 22ND ANNUAL NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE GARDEN TOUR Niagara-on-the-Lake, July 6 ST. CATHARINES HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY GARDEN TOUR St. Catharines, July 7

▲

▲ MAKE A DATE TO TAILGATE Welcome summer on June 22nd with a solstice party like no other.

This year’s Niagara New Vintage Festival Tailgate Party will be hosted at Fielding Estate Winery, home of the 2013 Grape King. Niagara’s celebrated winemakers will tell their Cool Climate story while local chefs present the tasty bounty from our own backyard. www.niagarawinefestival.com

FIND THE FORCE

Star Wars fans won’t want to miss Niagara Falls Comic Con on June 8th and 9th. This year’s special guests include David Prowse, best known for portraying Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy and Jeremy Bulloch who portrayed Boba Fett in the original Star Wars trilogy. Flash Gordon himself, Sam J. Jones, will also be making an appearance. www.nfcomiccon.com

LAVENDER FESTIVAL Niagara-on-the-Lake, July 13 – 14 COMMUNITIES IN BLOOM GARDEN TOUR Pelham, July 27 PEACH FESTIVAL Niagara-on-the-Lake, August 8 ANNUAL REIGER BEGONIA DISPLAY Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse, September 15 - 30 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS FLORAL DISPLAY Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse, November 15 – January 15 www.visitniagaracanada.com/festivals-events

visitniagaracanada.com

11

gara

Experience Nia

St. Catharines in any season!

Your Wine Destination 2013

Get Fresh in the Valley

April 20 - 21, 27 - 28 & May 4 - 5

Niagara New Vintage Festival June 15 - 23 Niagara Wine Festival

September 20 - 29

Wrapped Up in the Valley

November 9 - 24

2014

Niagara Icewine Festival

January 10 - 26

Twenty Valley Winter WineFest January 11 - 12

thisiswinecountry

Wine We ekend Getaway s

from

$9

9

12

per night

Book toda 1-888-558 y!

-8820

mywinecountry

thisiswinecountry.ca niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

Based on double occupancy, plus all applicable taxes and service fees. Subject to availability, at participating hotels. Based on standard room.

â€

â€

NIAGARA AGENDA

Haven’t ^

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT With so many things to do, there really is no excuse for Niagara Falls déjà vu. The next time you’re playing tour guide, shake things up with an itinerary that’s a treat for you too.

YOUR GUESTS WANT: Knockout views of Niagara Falls

To play tourist

A one-of-a-kind Niagara experience

To shop ‘til they drop

To connect with nature

An out-of-this-world culinary experience

To score some great designer deals

Drop guests off for some time on their own to explore Clifton Hill while you take a hike at Niagara Parks’ Niagara Glen.

Although it’s just eight kilometres from the Falls, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world as you explore paths that wind through the Niagara Gorge. This pristine pocket of Carolinian Forest is home to unique plant species including tulip trees, sassafras and paw paw. www.niagaraparks.com

Niagara-on-the-Lake is just a quick drive from Niagara Falls, and offers dazzling vineyard views to wow your guests and a range of signature dining experiences that will make for an unforgettable meal for everyone. Rated by Trip Advisor as Canada’s #1 Food and Wine Destination, choose from Barrel Cellar dinners, unique tasting menus, meals hosted by winemakers and more. wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com

With 40 brand name stores, Canada One Factory Outlets is sure to please. Guests from afar can stock up on Canadiana at the Roots outlet while you update your wardrobe with designer duds from Coach, Escada, Michael Kors and more. www.canadaoneoutlets.com

YOU WANT: Some time to unwind

THE WIN/WIN SOLUTION: Pamper tired tourist and tour guide toes while enjoying a pedicure with a view. Christienne Fallsview Spa is the only spa in the world that features treatment areas and a relaxation lounge directly overlooking the majesty of Niagara Falls and the only spa in Canada with a Hydrotherapy Infinity Tub. www.sheratononthefalls.com

visitniagaracanada.com

13

NIAGARA FOOD AND DRINK

BEYOND THE SIP & SWIRL

Experience Niagara Wine Country in a whole new way For wine lovers looking to branch out and try something new, there’s never been a better time to visit Niagara.

While traditional touring and tasting programs continue to thrive, increasingly, wineries are introducing creative new ways to experience wine country. These “signature blends” allow visitors to enjoy favourite leisure activities with a unique wine country twist. What’s not to love?

BRING YOUR BOOTS Gardeners and green thumbs appreciate what’s in their wine glass even more after having the chance to help with the harvest. Autumn events like Flat Rock Cellars’ “Pick, Stomp and Taste,” give visitors a chance to hand-pick grapes from the vineyard and then jump into a barrel and stomp around before tasting wines and the current harvest’s grape juice.

It doesn’t get much frostier than January’s Icewine harvest. Wineries including Peller Estates and Strewn offer special packages that allow guests to try their hand at picking Icewine grapes.

Gardeners who prefer to step back and smell the roses will love exploring Reif Estate Winery’s Wine Sensory Garden. The plants featured in this unique garden showcase the colours, aromas and flavours that are characteristically used to describe wines.

SKATING AT RAVINE VINEYARD

A NEW WAY TO WORK OUT

YOGA AT SOUTHBROOK VINEYARDS

14

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

Visitors to Niagara looking to get active can bypass the monotony of the hotel treadmill and head straight for the vineyard. Practice your downward dog with a yoga class set amongst the vines. Break up a day of wine tasting with scenic bursts of cycling with a Bike and Wine tour. Join a Nordic Pole Walking Tour in Beamsville and experience five different Twenty Valley wineries as well as a great new way to work out. During the winter months, enjoy an afternoon of ice-skating at one of the area wineries that build outdoor ice rinks. A post-skate glass of Icewine is a warmer way to enjoy those beautiful frosty vineyard views.

EYARD

DARE TO PAIR

MORE TO EXPLORE

If what’s on your plate is just as important to you as what’s in your wine glass, plan your visit to coincide with one of Niagara’s great winery touring programs that lets food share the spotlight with wine. Twenty Valley’s Get Fresh in the Valley, Wrapped Up in the Valley and Winter Winefest touring programs showcase unique food and wine pairings at 35 of the area’s top wineries. The 27 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake roll out the red carpet for foodies looking for tasty wine and food pairings during the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival as well as with their Days of Wine and Chocolate, Wine and Herb and Taste the Season touring programs.

As wineries continue to introduce innovative new programming, the best way stay on top of all there is to do in Niagara Wine Country is by visiting key event calendars that consolidate the activities of dozens of wineries.

Be sure to check out:

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE ICEWINE FESTIVAL

www.winecountryontario.ca www.twentyvalley.ca www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com

WINE AND HERB TOURING PROGRAM

PICK YOUR PASSION

BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE Music lovers flock to Niagara for the range of great concerts offered at area wineries. The Jackson Triggs Concert Series attracts some of Canada’s top talent, including artists like Chantal Kreviazuk and Gord Downie, to the winery’s open air Roman-style amphitheatre. Pair your concert tickets with a pre-show Barrel Cellar dinner or a gourmet picnic basket for a perfect evening. Trius Jazz and Blues at the Winery serves up premier Canadian musicians with premium wines and Wine Country cuisine and has evolved from a bring-your-own lawn chair event into a best-in-class jazz and blues event with a variety of ticket options and experiences available.

If you prefer a more intimate performance, many wineries offer smaller-scale musical performances including Ravine Vineyards Estate Winery, 13th Street Winery and Stonechurch Vineyards.

JACKSON-TRIGGS WINERY

Chances are you’ll find a related activity at a Niagara winery.

Painting, Fashion, Gardening, Shopping, Yoga, Cycling, Music, Food, Cooking, Chocolate, History, Astronomy, Architecture, Hiking, Golf, Horseback riding.

visitniagaracanada.com

15

MORE FUN FOR LESS!

Stay 2 nights and SAVE 15% or Stay 3 nights and SAVE 20%!

Valid May 27 - Sept 1, 2013. Promotion Code: TPNFUN Offer valid only at Niagara Falls, ON location, and only on dates listed above. Valid per night for multiple night stays, must be mentioned at time of reservation and based on 2013 standard rates. Limited number of rooms available for each date. May not be valid during holiday and blackout periods or combined with any other discount or promotional offers. Multiple night minimum stay applies.

Must stay by date listed above for offer to apply. Offer based on 4 guests per room and may be terminated at any time without notice.

Must have one individual 21 years of age or older staying in each room. Offer is not redeemable for cash.

greatwolf.com/niagarafalls

16

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

800.605.9653 (WOLF)

NIAGARA AGENDA

Wild things look up Animal experiences don’t get much more interactive than letting a giraffe munch a snack from the palm of your hand. Safari Niagara in Stevensville allows guests to get up close and personal with more than 500 animal species. The park features free educational animal presentations, guided tours, animal feedings, a petting farm as well as a splash pad, play equipment and much more. www.safariniagara.com

flutter by The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is an experience like no other. Explore at your own pace on the self-guided walking tour through the lush, tropical environment that over 2,000 butterflies call home.

Don’t be surprised if one of the beautiful residents catches a ride on your shoulder. www.niagaraparks.com

serious horsepower Experience Niagara on four legs with a horseback trail ride.

Trot along the Trans-Canada Trail at Horseplay Niagara in Wainfleet or explore the Niagara Escarpment at Niagara Riding Stables in Niagara-on-the-Lake. www.horseplayniagara.com www.niagarariding.com

bird is the word

LOOKING TO MEET SOME NEW CREATURES AND CRITTERS ON YOUR NEXT GETAWAY? NIAGARA IS A MUST FOR ANIMAL LOVERS OF ALL STRIPES.

Home to over 400 birds, Bird Kingdom in Niagara Falls is the largest free-flying indoor aviary in the world. You’ll feel like you’ve travelled to South America in this 50,000 square-foot, multi-level rainforest setting that features a 40-foot waterfall. www.birdkingdom.ca

visitniagaracanada.com

17

NOTABLE NIAGARA

Leading Ladies

Experience Niagara through the eyes of three extraordinary women

PHOTOGRAPHER KEVIN ARGUE

Sue-Ann Staff

WINE INDUSTRY TRAILBLAZER, PROPRIETOR, SUE-ANN STAFF ESTATE WINERY A fifth-generation grape grower, Sue-Ann has become one of Canada’s top winemakers with over 450 national and international wine awards under her belt. In 2002, she was the first female to be recognized as the “Winemaker of the Year” by the Ontario Wine Society. The International Wine and Spirits Awards of London, England has short-listed Sue-Ann as one of the world’s top “Women in Wine” twice.

In 2008, Sue-Ann made the family dream of owning and operating a winery a reality when she opened Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery on the two hundred year-old Staff estate in Jordan. The small, quality-oriented winery produces only VQA reds, whites and Icewines from grapes grown on the property.

Sue-Ann offers a number of options for visitors to experience the winery, including group tours, a Winemaker’s Boot Camp, food and wine pairing seminars and private group dinners around the century-old family dining table. www.staffwines.com

18

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

Juliet Dunn

JAZZ SINGER, JAZZ PROMOTER, JAZZ FM 91 HOST Fans of Niagara’s many festivals will recognize the silky voice of Juliet Dunn. Originally drawn to Niagara by a position with the Shaw Festival, Juliet has since become a crowd favourite on the local music scene. Her self-named Juliet Dunn Quintet has performed at many Canadian jazz festivals and in 2011 Juliet joined Toronto’s JAZZ FM 91 team where she hosts “Sunrise” on weekend mornings.

Committed to growing Niagara’s jazz scene, Juliet co-produces the Twilight Jazz Series, which brings jazz ensembles together every other Thursday night in St. Catharines. Since its launch in 2011, the Twilight Jazz Series has grown and now showcases Canadian jazz headliners alongside Niagara’s jazz musicians in an intimate concert setting. www.julietdunn.ca

NOTABLE NIAGARA

Laura Secord CANADIAN HERO

On the evening of June 21, 1813, Laura Secord overheard a conversation between American officers that she knew she could not ignore. Realizing their intent was to capture a British outpost located 32 km away, Laura embarked on a dangerous journey through enemy lines to warn the British and their First Nations allies of the impending attack. Thanks to Laura’s advance warning, Lt. James FitzGibbon was able to position his troops and allied First Nations forces and secure the surrender of nearly 600 American troops at the decisive Battle of Beaverdams. www.friendsoflaurasecord.com www.discover1812.com

Celebrate the 200th anniversary of this epic journey this summer at The Laura Secord Commemorative Walk Event, on Saturday June 22, exactly 200 years to the day since Laura Secord walked into history.

A modern-day approximation of Laura’s route has been established that can be negotiated safely by hikers of average abilities. The five-stage route along the newly established interactive Laura Secord Legacy Trail follows everything from ancient forested First Nations trails to modern city sidewalks.

Walk the entire 32-kilometre route or enjoy a shorter “Laura Secord Experience.” Events at the Laura Secord Homestead and DeCew House that day and other celebrations throughout the weekend will help to commemorate Canada’s most famous heroine on this historic anniversary. www.friendsoflaurasecord.com

Go to visitniagaracanada.com for more of Niagara’s history & heritage.

visitniagaracanada.com

19

20

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

NOTABLE NIAGARA

FIVE- MINUTE NIAGARA GUIDE

Having trouble deciding where to book a tee time?

We can help with that.

With over 40 courses, Niagara has the greatest single concentration of golf facilities in one region, anywhere in Canada.

Photo Credit: Thundering Waters Golf Club

tight on time

up for a challenge

the niagara bucket list

Niagara Parks Oak Hall Golf Course Niagara Falls • www.niagaraparksgolf.com You can hear the roar of Niagara Falls from this great little course that takes only about an hour to play.

Grand Niagara Golf Club Niagara Falls • www.grandniagaragolf.com This classic Rees Jones course showcases the designer’s signature fairway angles, positioning of hazards and exquisitely contoured greens.

St. Davids Golf Club Niagara-on-the-Lake • www.worldgolf.com This par-70 course with multiple tee boxes caters to players of all abilities.

Royal Niagara Golf Club Niagara-on-the-Lake • www.royalniagara.com Three nine-hole courses nestled between the Welland Canal, the Bruce Trail, and the Niagara Escarpment feature sculpted fairways, undulating greens, cavernous bunkers, and an abundance of water.

Play North America’s Oldest Course With a proud history that began in 1875, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club has stood the test of time, and the view of the lake from the patio on the 19th hole is breathtaking. www.notlgolf.com Play the toughest hole in Niagara Some say that hole four of Fenwick’s Peninsula Lakes Golf Club’s Hillside course holds the title of Niagara’s most challenging hole. Take a swing for yourself and see if you agree. www.penlakes.com

Legends on the Niagara Golf Course Niagara Falls • www.niagaraparksgolf.com With two 18-hole championship courses, a nine-hole short course, and an incredible 45-acre, 360-degree, driving range, this facility has something for everyone.

Play Ontario’s longest 400-yard hole Put your long game to the test at Welland’s Hunter’s Pointe Golf Course. The fourth hole on this modern links course measures 440 yards from the back tee. www.hpgolf.ca

Eagle Valley Golf Club Niagara Falls • www.golfeaglevalley.com The leafy front nine of this par-63 course is a great place to work on your short game.

Sawmill Golf Course Fenwick • www.sawmillgolf.com Situated in the centre of Niagara, this course is just a short drive from wherever you’re staying in the region.

PACK

your

CLUBS!

Thundering Waters Niagara Falls • www.thunderingwaters.com John Daly’s first “Signature” golf course in Canada highlights his high risk-reward style.

Playing as long as 7322 yards from the championship tees, this par-72 course will challenge even the best players.

Play your way through Niagara’s Golf Trail The Niagara Golf Trail features six great area courses open for public play that are known for their beautiful views, challenging courses and fabulous food at the club houses. www.niagaragolftrail.com

Go to visitniagaracanada.com to plan your next Niagara golf getaway visitniagaracanada.com

21

NOTABLE NIAGARA

Niagara A to Z

26 FUN WAYS TO EXPERIENCE NIAGARA

Aerial Views Love a bird’s eye view? Be sure to check out some of Niagara’s many sky-high attractions including the SkyWheel, Skylon Tower, Whirlpool Aero Car and Niagara Helicopter Tours. www.cliftonhill.com www.skylon.com www.niagaraparks.com www.niagarahelicopters.com www.nationalhelicopters.com

Beamer Memorial Conservation Area This hawk stop is a hotspot. The view from this Grimsby vantage point is considered by many to be the perfect perch to observe the annual hawk migration. www.npca.ca

22

Comfort Maple You don’t have to be a tree hugger to love this landmark. Pelham’s Comfort Maple is widely believed to be the oldest and finest sugar maple tree in Canada.

The 530-year-old beauty towers about 24 meters (80 feet) at its crown and has a trunk circumference of 6 meters (20 feet). www.npca.ca/ conservation-areas/ comfort-maple

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

Devil’s Hole Rapids Take a Whirlpool Jet Boat ride and brave waves that reach up to 6 meters (20 feet) in these Class 5 rapids. www.whirlpooljet.com

Green Energy Capital Find out why Niagara is Canada’s Green Energy Capital on the guided tour at Sir Adam Beck Generating Station. This natural, non-polluting power source has worked in harmony with the Falls for over four decades. www.niagaraparks.com

E-bikes

Looking for some clean, green fun? If you can ride a conventional bicycle, you can ride an eBike! Rent one for the day and discover some new picturesque Niagara routes. Don’t forget to keep your camera close by.

Fort Erie and Fort George History lessons come to life with a visit to one of Niagara’s two historic forts.

Plan your visit around this year’s great War of 1812 1814 Bicentennial activities for a truly memorable adventure. www.pc.gc.ca www.niagaraparks.com

The Henley Since The Royal Canadian Henley Rowing Regatta settled in Port Dalhousie in 1903, the annual regatta has grown to become one of the top amateur rowing events in North America with almost 3,000 men and women from over 150 rowing clubs from Canada, the U.S., Europe, Australia and Latin America competing for Henley Gold. www.henleyregatta.ca

Icewine Goodies

Latitude & Longitude

Sure, you may have sipped on Canada’s liquid gold, but have you slurped it in an Icewine slushy, or tasted the gooey perfection of an Icewine marshmallow roasted over an open fire?

Niagara’s Icewine festivals are a great place to start.

Cache-in! Geocaching is a great way to explore a new area.

Bring along your GPS device and enjoy a high tech treasure hunt on your next trip to Niagara. Sites like www.geocaching.com feature some great Niagara caches.

www.twentyvalley.ca www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com

Jump If you’re not quite brave enough for the real thing at Wainfleet’s Skydive Burnaby, head to Niagara Freefall, in Niagara Falls, where you can experience the thrill of skydiving in an environmentally controlled indoor vertical wind tunnel. www.skydiveburnaby.com www.niagarafreefall.com

Merritt Island Head to Welland and explore this great little island that features a 4.2-kilometre multi-use trail that runs between the old canal and the Welland River.

Niagara Falls International Marathon This scenic marathon is one of the world's few marathons that starts in one country and ends in another. Runners begin at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo NY and end in Niagara Falls, Ontario. www.niagarafallsmarathon.com

Oenology

Queen Victoria Park Happy 125th! Queen Victoria Park in Niagara Falls celebrates its 125th anniversary on Victoria Day, May 24th, 2013. www.niagaraparks.com

Rides Thrill seekers looking for their next adrenalin rush should head to Niagara Falls.

Marineland’s Sky Screamer, the world’s highest triple tower ride and Clifton Hill’s Piledriver are sure to get a few screams.

That’s the fancy word for the science and study of all aspects of wine and winemaking, and there’s no better place to learn than in Niagara Wine Country.

Watch for the blue Wine Route signs and stop in for a tour at one of the area’s many award-winning wineries.

Poultryfest King-King This second best hand in Hold-em Poker is nothing to sneer at. Try your luck in the comfort of the dedicated poker rooms at Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara. www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com www.casinoniagara.com

Don’t be a chicken! Head to Smithville for this fun family festival and celebrate all things poultry. Don’t miss the Chicken Chariot Race! www.poultryfest.ca

South Coast Arts & Culture Route While you explore this 50-km route through Wainfleet, Port Colborne, Ridgeway and Crystal Beach check out local museums, antique shops and meet the painters, potters, sculptors, glass artists, and fine artisans who are inspired by the local landscape. www.portcolborne.ca

visitniagaracanada.com

23

NOW YOU KNOW OUR ABC’S...

How about sharing some of yours? We’d love to hear your ideas.

Connect with us through Facebook facebook.com/visitniagara or tweet it to us @Visit_Niagara. For more alphabetical inspiration, be sure to check out our Pinterest board www.pinterest.com/visitniagara.

Tea Time Make time for a spot of tea if your travels take you to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The ritual of afternoon tea is observed by many of the town’s hotels and inns.

UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve There are only 610 UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves on the planet, and the Niagara Escarpment is one of them.

Take a hike though one of Canada’s most biologically diverse gems. www.unesco.org

Waterparks For guaranteed family fun, just add water! Niagara Falls is home to three great indoor waterparks.

Choose between Great Wolf Lodge, Waves Indoor Waterpark at the Americana Resort and the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark which features direct connections to the Sheraton on the Falls, Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview Hotel and the Skyline Inn. www.greatwolf.com www.americananiagara.com www.fallsviewwaterpark.com

You-pick Niagara’s farm fresh produce can’t be beat, and several of the region’s growers let you pick your own berries, cherries, peaches, pears and apples.

X (as in kiss)

Vintage Finds Antique hunters love Niagara. Spend an afternoon poking around for treasures in Niagara’s eclectic mix of antique shops.

24

Legend has it that for everlasting luck and happiness in your relationship, simply pucker up with that special someone on Thorold’s Kissing Rock. www.thoroldkissingrock.com

… zzz After a fun-filled day exploring Niagara you’ll be ready for a good night’s sleep. Whether you’re looking for luxury pampering, hotel convenience, a charming inn, a comfy B&B or a budget-friendly motel, you’re sure to find a perfect choice in Niagara.

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

destination-lure-sky

destination-lure-skylon-full-2011 1

3/13/12 5:57:25 PM

NiAgARA fAlls

historic & hip Can one place be steeped in tradition and cool at the same time? is there anywhere you can take the kids that will fill their days with action and interest but also provide sophisticated adventure? Historic wonders or hip excitement? Niagara Falls has both, in spades.

BY bARbARA RAMsAy oRR

26

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

Go to visitniagaracanada.com for more itinerary ideas.

Location

nIaGara Falls aT nIGHT.

visitniagaracanada.com

27

heritage that comes alive for everyone

Are you looking for a place where the history is colourful, complex and multi-dimensional?

Niagara Falls is layered with stories and heroes that engage all ages. Niagara Falls is well stocked with fun-filled family adventures, and many of them deliver compelling history lessons too.

DANGER, DAREDEVILS AND DRESS-UP The newly opened Niagara Falls History Museum is an example of history that comes vividly alive and offers the

The Journey Behind The Falls attraction gives visitors a close encounter with the rushing water, but in addition there are entertaining plaques placed along the tunnels, which illustrate

perfect destination for family travel. The light-filled display

important moments in local history.

galleries offer relics and stories, as well as the opportunity to

In Niagara’s Fury, a 4D multi-sensory show, visitors can follow

try on authentic copies of War of 1812 uniforms. It is easy

the creation of the Falls from its beginnings, guided by Chip, a

to understand the difficulties of a soldier’s life once you’ve

precocious beaver, and Beth, an owl. The chilling wind, rain and

lifted the heavy muskets they marched with.

quakes suggest the power of the natural forces that shaped the

In the upstairs galleries, artefacts tell the stories of Niagara

Falls so many years ago. It covers ten thousand years of history

Falls’ early days. One case displays the costume worn by

and makes it both fun and memorable.

The Great Blondin when he became the first man to walk a

The White Water Walk brings you up close to one of the fastest

tightrope over the Niagara Gorge. On another wall, there is a

stretches of white water in the world, as well as highlighting

collection of souvenirs of Niagara Falls from its beginning days

interesting information about the characters who participated

as a tourist attraction. Some are beautiful, some are strange,

in Niagara’s story.

but all are interesting to see. It is an attractive and accessible

All three of these experiences are part of the Niagara Falls

museum with something for all ages.

WHERE THE PAST IS LARGER THAN LIFE The IMAX movie, Legends and Daredevils, tells the stories of indigenous peoples and the early explorers who first visited the Falls. Portrayed on the six-story-high movie screen in a darkened theatre, the legends behind the creation of the Falls take on a haunting beauty. There are also dramatizations of the people who, accidentally or deliberately, went over the Falls. Before the movie, you can tour the Niagara Daredevil Gallery where many of the barrels, boats and strange contraptions used in attempts to go over the Falls are on display. Probably the most interesting is the barrel that carried Annie Taylor over the edge. She was the first person, accompanied by her pet black kitten, to survive the trip.

ICE AGE TALES AND WHITE WATER Niagara’s history weaves through almost every one of its attractions, adding texture to many experiences.

28

Adventure Pass offered by The Niagara Parks Commission.

THE FAMILY SLEEPOVER For a family-friendly stay, book into the Doubletree Fallsview Resort and Spa, just a short walk from the Falls. Guests get warm cookies when they check in! For a sleep with history, consider The Crowne Plaza, where royalty and Hollywood legends have stayed, including the iconic Marilyn Monroe.

DINING ‘EN FAMILLE’ Dining with the family in Niagara Falls is only difficult because there are so many choices. Historically, Niagara Falls has had a large Italian population, many of whom moved to the area after World War II, so there are lots of great, authentic choices for Italian dining here.

One good bet is Romano’s Macaroni Grill in the Hilton Fallsview, a relaxed and cheery place where pasta dishes and pizzas can be child-sized. Zappi’s is smaller, family run and totally casual, ideal for deconstructing a busy day over calzones and bruschetta.

OPPOSITE PAGE: JOURNEY BEHIND THE FALLS, NIAGARA FALLS.

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

“Niagara’s history weaves through its attractions.”

“Niagara Falls is a city of cool clubs.�

30

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

the hip side Looking for the coolest dance floor in the country, a swinging club or a spin of the wheel of fortune? Niagara Falls has that too. There is a vibrant nightlife that parties late at the edge of the Falls offering so many ways to explore the hip side of Niagara Falls.

ROLL THE DICE Consider the casinos – decadently exotic, the gambling halls here are glamorous and glitzy. Fallsview Casino Resort positively sparkles. Put on something spunky and hit the rooms where money can be won – or lost. But don’t worry – you can try out one of the one-armed bandits for as little as a penny. It’s the experience of watching the high rollers and sharing in the excitement of big wins that makes a visit here so entertaining. As well as the gambling rooms, the casino has

Clifton Hill. The Breezes Martini Bar is a popular choice with the LGBT community.

QUEEN STREET BEAT The original heart of the city, Queen Street is a work in progress, with galleries, cafes and shops adding buzz to the area. Stroll along the street to find original art, one-of-a-kind treasures and inviting coffee houses, like the Euro Café just off Queen on Valley Way.

shops, upscale restaurants like 21 Club and Ponte Vecchio, and the Avalon theatre where big names perform regularly.

For an evening of cool sophistication, hang out at R5, a stunning fifth-floor lounge, to experience Niagara by night.

This almost-secret bar possesses one of the best views of the Falls from its floor-to-ceiling windows, or from the edge of its balcony. Snuggled into big sofas beside your own fireplace, enjoy custom-made cocktails and nibble hors d’oeuvres with quiet music in the background while fireworks illuminate the evening sky. Note to lovers - Niagara Falls is probably the most iconic place to propose in Canada.

DANCE ON THE EDGE Niagara Falls is a city of cool clubs. Dragonfly, steps from the Fallsview Casino Resort, is an Asian-inspired space with long red velvet curtains where things get rolling after eleven p.m.

The Hard Rock Club has doors that open to the street so you can see the Falls while you dance. At Rumours, in the middle of the bustle of Clifton Hill, you may have to line up to get in, but the huge video screens, great music and laser show make the wait worth it. At Se7en, the atmosphere has a very New York vibe, with exposed brick walls, expansive industrial style spaces, and a large outdoor patio. The club is always busy on Saturday nights, with VIP booths and bottle service adding to the experience. Guests at Club Mardi Gras party New Orleans

More Zen then Zing Maybe a chance to meditate answers your desire for edginess. The last thing you might expect in Niagara Falls is an authentic Buddhist temple, but there it is, looming elegantly right beside the White Water Walk. The Cham Shan Temple, also known as the World Peace Ten Thousand Buddas Sarira Stupa Temple, sprawls across three acres of land on the brink of the Niagara River. It’s an interesting and tranquil place to visit.

style, with masks, beads and music, on the patio overlooking OPPOSITE PAGE: NIAGARA FALLS.

visitniagaracanada.com

31

COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: R5 LOUNGE AND THE TOWER HOTEL, NIAGARA FALLS.

THE ART OF DINING

For more information, please visit:

For a different spin on dining, have a meal surrounded by

www.niagarafallsmuseums.ca

great Canadian art at the Krieghoff Gallery and CafĂŠ. The food is Canadian inspired and sourced, and the atmosphere is casual. You can pick up high-quality reproduction prints in the gallery, before dinner. Or, if you want something with a bit more action, drop in to the Hard Rock Cafe on Falls Avenue where you can dine with Elvis or The Beatles, surrounded by memorabilia from the coolest stars of rock music. Be sure to try the hot fudge brownies.

STAY IN THE CLOUDS End your day in funky style at the Tower Hotel. The rooms are dominated by a wall of windows that look out over the city and the Falls. This boutique hotel has bold colours, artsy furniture, and is less than 500 metres from the Falls.

Funky or familial, historic or hip, you’ll find your groove in Niagara Falls.

32

www.imaxniagara.com www.niagarasfury.com www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/white-water-walk www.doubletree3.hilton.com www.niagarafallscrowneplazahotel.com www.niagaramacgrill.com www.zappispizza.com www.krieghoff.ca www.niagaratower.com www.fallsviewcasinoresort.com www.dragonflynightclub.com www.hardrock.com www.rumoursnightclub.com www.clubsevenniagara.com www.clubmardigrasniagara.com

U A

T fe p P T

S g H

H H

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

FAR_Ni

UNLIMITED FUN AND ADVENTURE AWAIT YOU ON FALLS AVENUE RESORT The whole family will love the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark – a 3 acre aqua extravaganza, featuring sixteen thrilling waterslides (some as high as six stories), a massive indoor wave pool, a year round outdoor sundeck and activity pool, the mammoth “Beach House” Aqua Play area and much more.

The waterpark also features direct indoor connections to all 3 resort hotels.

Spend some time at Adventure City where you‘ll enjoy bumper cars, mini putt, arcade games and more! Fill your appetite at the Hard Rock Cafe, Rainforest Cafe or Planet Hollywood then head over to our 7,000 sq.ft. Hershey Store for some sweet treats.

Hotel Rooms from $79 Hotel Waterpark Packages from $179

NIAGARA FALLS FALLSVIEW

FAR_NiagaraTravel1.indd 1

FallsAvenueResort.com y 1.866.939.5241

visitniagaracanada.com

33 13-02-26 1:54 PM

Niagara River

34

GREAT DRIVES

BY MICAH TOUB

Newlywed Micah Toub shares some snapshots from the first road trip of his marriage along Niagara’s Highway 8.

Picking the right one Duncan Smith pulled apart a tender Red Haven peach with

Left alone, we wandered through the rows of trees and filled

his thumbs, split it into two and handed one half to my wife

up our basket as rain began to sprinkle. Bryony’s wellies sunk

Bryony and one half to me. “This type is good for freezing,”

into the softening dirt while I, in my sneakers, hopped around

he told us.

from one dry patch to another. “Picking fruit is so sensual,”

Two Century Farm, on the outskirts of Grimsby, Ontario, where

Bryony said, and planted a kiss on my tart lips.

Mr. Smith’s family has been growing fruit for six generations,

When the rain started to pour, we made a run for the car.

was the first stop of our road trip east along Highway 8. Also,

I flipped on the windshield wipers, and we headed east on

it was the first stop of our first road trip as a married couple

the two-lane highway, the Niagara Escarpment rising gently

just six weeks after our wedding. As we devoured our halves,

off to our right.

I imagined a future freezer filled with the fruit and the many peach cobblers that would bring our future children the same smiles we wore. “Pull the peach off with your whole palm, not with your fingers,” Mr. Smith instructed us, pointing out the approximate size of a peach that is ready to pick. He cheerfully plucked two for himself and dug into one of them with his teeth. “I’m headed home,” he said as he trotted away. “I know it’s hard to believe I have to go elsewhere for lunch, but I do need some variety in my diet!”

Setting down strong roots When I first moved into Bryony’s tiny one-bedroom apartment in Toronto, we celebrated with a nice dinner out. We shared a Fielding Estate Riesling that night and, a year later on the road between Grimsby and Beamsville, found ourselves standing on a deck overlooking the vineyard where that bottle had been born.

visitniagaracanada.com

35

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BALL'S FALLS, HIGHWAY 8, FIELDING ESTATE WINERY, A NIAGARA VINEYARD.

Keep exploring and keep perspective Fielding Estate Winery is a relatively young winery, started by

Ms. Doran had told us the rain that day was a welcome

Ken and Marg Fielding from Haliburton in 2001. Kim Doran, the

change from a dry week, but we were happy it cleared up by

wine club coordinator and our tour guide, explained that they

the afternoon. We wanted to get a better view of the region

cut the Riesling vines short for the first few years in order to

so we took a random exit off the highway and up the steep

grow strong roots. “We can grow Rieslings this high up because

incline. Cresting the escarpment just as Etta James sang

it’s a hardy grape,” she added. “It can handle the frost.”

At Last on the radio, we found ourselves circling and then

We tasted a Riesling that was only available on site – it was

heading straight into the middle of Megalomaniac’s rows of

light and sweet like a lemon drop – and I worked up a suitable metaphor in my mind. “Our marriage will be just like this grape – resilient,” I said. “Totally,” Bryony agreed. “And it’s good we’ve stayed in our small apartment for now, because that way we can send all the nutrients to our roots.”

vines. The black stone road that leads to the winery is spare and cinematic, taking you right to the ridge of the escarpment before depositing you at the parking lot. From there, Bryony and I viewed miles and miles of misty green to the soundtrack of crickets. We called up my niece to sing her Happy Birthday, and it wasn’t hard to imagine we could see her all the way down in Colorado.

36

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

GREAT DRIVES

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: HISTORIC CABIN AT BALL'S FALLS, THE GOOD EARTH FOOD AND WINE CO.

At dusk, we were back down the hill and in the vegetable garden

cliff layered with geological history. It was a sunnier day, and

at The Good Earth Food and Wine Co., watching the sunset turn

at the end of the trail, at the lower falls, camp children milled

the willow trees in the near distance orange. Our stomachs

about in an old barn. Inside sat one of those cross-sections of

were pleasantly full from a shared salmon plate and I spotted

an enormous tree that show all the famous dates that it lived

the heirloom tomatoes that had gone into our Caprese salad.

through. “This tree was cut down the year you were born,”

An empty chicken coop at our feet made us wonder where the

Bryony pointed out, and I thought about all the rings of years

chickens had gone off to. Perhaps they had made their way into

that were inside of us, and all the events that might happen.

the building behind the restaurant, where Good Earth has been running cooking classes since 1998. Or, if they’d run off into that sunset beyond the vineyard, I couldn’t blame them.

Those two views were rounded out by the hike we took the next day through Ball’s Falls Conservation Area. In late summer, the water is low, so we sat at the edge of the riverbed of the upper falls and watched the Twenty Mile Creek trickle down a

“...if they’d run off into that sunset beyond the vineyard, I couldn’t blame them.” visitniagaracanada.com

37

Go to visitniagaracanada.com to plan your next couples getaway.

38

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

GREAT DRIVES

OPPOSITE PAGE: JORDAN VILLAGE, TWENTY VALLEY. CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: INN ON THE TWENTY PATIO, RELAXING AT THE SPA, A TWENTY VALLEY VINEYARD, CAVE SPRING CELLARS IN JORDAN VILLAGE.

Romance is an art form “That’s my pseudo-sciatica,” Bryony told her masseuse and

continued reading to the part where Amelia is struck by

I laughed because I thought she was making it up. “It’s a real

lightning. “Don’t worry, it’s just a metaphor for the summer

thing!” she said. Other than that light moment, we mostly

ending!” I told her.

just made pleasant humming sounds during our side-by-side

We had better luck at the Jordan Art Gallery next door, where

massage at the Spa on the Twenty in Jordan. When the onehour massage was over, the spa’s staff led us down to the living room where they finished off the experience with a plate of fresh fruit and a Cave Spring Chardonnay.

a group of seven local artists exhibit their work. Mori McCrae showed us around, including her sculptures in the shape of translucent books, which incorporated short poetic phrases. I leaned in to read one that said, “I’m stuck on you, unless I melt

Blissed out, we strolled through the shops across the street. At

into liquid and turn into love, too.”

the S&B Antique Gallery, an enormous room filled primarily with

I showed Bryony. “That’s so romantic” she crooned. And then

fine European furniture and jewellery, Bryony asked the man behind the counter to hand her a ring with a tiny Victorian head sculpted on it. She asked who it was, but the manager said it

we headed to the car, back onto Highway 8 and back to our apartment in the city, with plans to return.

was “just a Victorian head.” Secretly, I planned to buy her one

For more information visit:

for our first anniversary (I hope she forgets after reading this!).

www.twocenturyfarm.com

I dragged her over to the bookshelf to see something: Character

www.fieldingwines.com

Sketches of Romance Fiction and the Drama, a two-volume

www.megalomaniacwine.com

illustrated encyclopedia of fictional lovers published a long, long

www.goodearthfoodandwine.com

time ago. I read a random entry out loud, about Caladin

www.ballsfalls.ca

and Amelia from a little known story about a couple caught in

www.innonthetwenty.com/spa

a thunderstorm. “Tis safety to be near thee,” I proclaimed in my

www.sbantiquegallery.com

best impression of an English romantic bard, then unfortunately

www.jordanartgallery.com visitniagaracanada.com

39

40

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

GREAT TRAILS

FOOT TO PEDAL. WHEELS TO TRAIL. THE GREATER NIAGARA CIRCLE ROUTE IS A WONDERFUL WAY TO GET TO KNOW NIAGARA. It started out as a well kept secret. As word got out, an increasing number of cars en route to Niagara started sporting bike racks. Today, the Bike Train whistles its way through Niagara during the spring, summer and fall sending the message loud and clear that Niagara has become one of Ontario’s premier cycling destinations.

The Greater Niagara Circle Route boasts over 140 kilometres of mostly off-road, paved trails that form a circle connecting seven municipalities, two Great Lakes and the Niagara River. The trails pass by charming towns, wineries, waterways and shorelines, agricultural areas and the Niagara Escarpment. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the majority of the route, making it a safe haven for cyclists, walkers, runners and rollerbladers.

While cycling the entire Circle Route is a great option for those looking for a multi-day trip, those looking for a shorter pedal can hop on and off the route to create a trip that matches their interests and schedule.

visitniagaracanada.com

41

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: NIAGARA RIVER, WHIRLPOOL AERO CAR, WELLAND CANALS PARKWAY TRAIL.

Anchors Away

Breezing By Beaches

The north section of the Greater Niagara Circle Route makes

In Port Colborne, the Circle Route connects with the Friendship

use of the Welland Canal Parkway Trail, which stretches from

Trail, which follows the north shore of Lake Erie for 16 kilometres

Lake Ontario in St. Catharines to Lake Erie in Port Colborne.

and through the town of Fort Erie. Thanks to its first life as a rail

As cyclists make their way along this 20-kilometre section

line, the majority of the trail is quite level and smooth, making

they enjoy a front row seat to watch ships making their way

for a leisurely pedal as you soak in the beach breezes and

through the canal’s eight locks.

beautiful views. History buffs will want to plan a stop at Old Fort Erie, the first fort built in Ontario by the British in 1764.

BORROW A BIKE Niagara is home to a number of great bicycle touring companies and many offer individual bike rentals for those that prefer to explore on their own.

ZOOM LEISURE BIKES’ Niagara-on-the-Lake location has direct

access to the Circle Route and its Niagara Falls location is just one block from the Circle Route. If you’d prefer to explore a different section of the Circle Route, ask about their delivery service. www.zoomleisure.com

MAC’S BIKES in Niagara Falls makes it easy for folks

travelling by GoTrain to add a bike excursion to their itinerary. Mac’s will bring your bike to you when you arrive, and at the end of the day you can leave it in a bike rack at the GO Train station. www.macsbikesniagara.com

42

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

Renting a bike from CANAL CITY CYCLE in downtown Thorold is a great choice for those looking to cycle the Welland Canal Parkway section of the Circle Route. www.canalcitycycle.com

iPhone users can download a GPS app to take the Greater Niagara Circle Route bike map on the go at www.niagararegion.ca/ exploring/cycle

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE FRUIT STAND, AERIAL VIEW OF OLD FORT ERIE AND WELLAND CANALS PARKWAY TRAIL.

Gorgeous Gorge Views

Farm Stand Fresh

From Fort Erie, the Circle Route connects with the Niagara

In Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Circle Route showcases

River Recreational Trail, a paved path that stretches 53

the Waterfront Trail, meandering along the Lake Ontario

kilometres along the Niagara River. For those looking for

shoreline. Farm stands abound, offering the perfect

a shorter route, this section of the trail is divided into four

place for a roadside snack of just-picked seasonal

sections that range from quick, 30-minute cruises to

produce or a freshly baked treat. Just west of Port Weller,

longer two-hour rides:

the circle is completed when the Circle Route reconnects

• FORT ERIE TO BLACK CREEK

with the Welland Canal Parkway Trail.

• BLACK CREEK TO CHIPPAWA • WHIRLPOOL AERO CAR TO QUEENSTON • QUEENSTON TO NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE

The Niagara River Recreational Trail has markings every

Go to visitniagaracanada.com to plan your next outdoor getaway.

500 metres, making it easy to keep track of your distance.

Over 100 monuments and plaques along the way make for an interesting ride that tells the stories of our country’s past.

visitniagaracanada.com

43

44

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

exit

HISTORY AND CULTURE

stage left

So, just what do actors from The Shaw Festival Theatre do in Niagara when they step off the stage? We went straight to the source to find out.

Kelly Wong

Kiera Sangster

“I love Angie Strauss’ newly renovated

“I prefer a low-key wind down, like

gallery! It’s now located right in her

sushi in Niagara Falls followed by a

backyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake. On

walk down to the Falls to listen to

your way in, you walk through her

the power of something so simple.

incredible garden, which is inspiration

My favorite treat is to enjoy a glass

for a lot of her paintings. She’s

of wine at one of the many great

extremely charismatic and always

restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

willing to chat about her process.”

I call it date night with my town!”

Catch Kelly this season at The Shaw

Catch Kiera this season at The Shaw

playing Rusty Charlie in "Guys and

as Rosalie in "Lady Windermere’s Fan"

Dolls" and Giuseppe Naccarelli in "The

and Mimi in "Guys and Dolls."

Light in the Piazza."

OPPOSITE PAGE: THE SHAW FESTIVAL THEATRE, COMPANY PHOTOGRAPHER, DAVID COOPER. ALL ENSEMBLE IMAGES TAKEN BY COMPANY PHOTOGRAPHER, DAVID COOPER.

visitniagaracanada.com

45

46

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

Patrick McManus

Sharry Flett

“The Niagara Pumphouse Visual

“I love to walk, whether it’s past the

Arts Centre is located right on the

historic homes in Niagara-on-the-

river in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Lake’s Old Town or the loop along

It’s a beautifully restored space

the Niagara River and past Fort

with interesting showings. Brock

George. The Niagara-on-the-Lake

University offers a great program

Museum is also a jewel of a place

of live music every year, and we’ll

to visit with exhibits that are

definitely be taking our daughter

extremely specific and informative.”

to a show at Carousel Players.”

Catch Sharry this season at The Shaw

Catch Patrick this season at The

playing Lady Plymdale in "Lady

Shaw playing Mr. Dumby in "Lady

Windermere’s Fan" and Constanza in

Windermere’s Fan" and Bernard

"Enchanted April."

Nightingale in "Arcadia."

The Shaw Festival Theatre’s 2013 Season Playbill Our Betters APRIL 3 – OCTOBER 27

Trifles (Lunchtime One-Acts) MAY 29 – OCTOBER 12

Guys and Dolls APRIL 12 – OCTOBER 12

Faith Healer JUNE 13 – OCTOBER 6

Major Barbara MAY 2 – OCTOBER 19

Enchanted April JUNE 25 – OCTOBER 26

Lady Windermere’s Fan MAY 9 – OCTOBER 19

The Light in the Piazza JULY 4 – OCTOBER 13

Peace in Our Time: A Comedy MAY 19 – OCTOBER 12

Arcadia JULY 14 – SEPTEMBER 7

OPPOSITE PAGE CLOCKWISE: LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN, BY OSCAR WILDE; GUYS AND DOLLS BY DAMON RUNYON; ARCADIA BY TOM STOPPARD AND ENCHANTED APRIL, BY MATHEW BARBER. ALL PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY EMILY COOPER.

visitniagaracanada.com

47

M MEET the MAKERS

Get the inside story on Niagara cuisine from some of the region’s master chefs.

BY LIZ FLEMING

One sunny September afternoon, we invited three of Niagara's finest culinary creators, Stephen Treadwell, owner and head chef at Treadwell Farm-to-Table Cuisine in Port Dalhousie, Therese DeGrace, head chef at The Pillar and Post Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Ryan Crawford*, head chef at the Stone Road Grille in Niagara-on-the-Lake to share their thoughts over some great charcuterie and delectable local wine at 13th Street Winery, near Jordan. We think you'll find their insights on the local food scene quite delicious.

LEFT TO RIGHT: RYAN CRAWFORD, TERESE DEGRACE AND STEPHEN TREADWELL AT 13TH STREET WINERY.

48

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

hroomwen g

Q:

What sets the Niagara food scene apart?

RYAN :

It’s the fruit definitely, the fruit.

STEPHEN :

The produce in general, and the opportunity to deal directly with the growers. It’s great for them to know they have big consumers like our restaurants to count on it’s so much easier than selling their goods at the roadside.

THERESE : This is my first full year in Niagara and I’m really excited to be working so closely with the farmers. So many things I use are locally sourced - I’m even encouraging next year’s brides and grooms not to preselect the vegetables for their meals so we’ll be able to take advantage of the very freshest and best summer produce.

Q:

Which Niagara wines and beers do you enjoy most?

Which do you use most in your recipes?

STEPHEN :

My son James is the wine expert so I let him choose – he knows I like heavy reds. We bring in local winemakers and do tastings – then we buy 12 or 15 cases of whatever we like. Actually, Treadwell’s is really well known for what we have on tap – local beer. (Stephen chuckles here…) One night when we’d just opened, a guy drove up in a Porsche and told me he wanted a Bud. When I said we didn’t have Bud and suggested that he try one of the beers we did have - something local - he wasn’t

50

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

Q:

impressed. He told me if we weren’t going to serve beers like Bud, we’d be closed in a month. I convinced him to try the local beer we had on tap. Funny thing…he was back the next night – and we’ve been in business now for seven years.

RYAN :

The Stone Road Grille serves only Niagara VQA wines and we try to educate our customers. We often have people who say they want Californian or European wines but we convince them that there’s really amazing wine being made right here in Niagara.

THERESE :

It’s true. People are surprised by how good our Niagara wines are.

STEPHEN :

And they don’t know about the range of choice available. When I bring in people to plan a reception or an event, I ask a local winery for two wines at two different price points so they can find something good that works for their budget. I want people to experience quality local wines.

If you’re creating a quintessentially Niagara menu, what locally grown Niagara ingredients do you feature?

STEPHEN :

Blackberries! I buy them all summer and freeze them, so I have them all winter long.

THERESE :

I love the honeycomb I get from Rick Jackson, at Just Veggin’ on the East-West Line. It’s delicious.

And we got all our produce this summer from Quiet Acres

- the MacSween Farm. It’s so good; we kept a basket of complimentary fruit in our lobby for guests to sample.

Q:

RYAN : I believe in walking the walk and talking the talk when it comes to local food, so my favorite ingredients are from the pigs I raise.

Q:

As you interact with people from outside Niagara dining in your restaurant, what do they find surprising about the local culinary experience?

RYAN : I think people are surprised by how much there is to Niagara.

STEPHEN :

We know wines are shaped by their ‘terroir’ but can you taste Niagara in the local produce?

They can’t believe how many wineries there are and how much choice they have.

RYAN :

THERESE : As someone who’s just experiencing the full range of Niagara seasons, I’m surprised by the completely different way of life here. It’s amazing how much the local ingredients are celebrated.

THERESE :

STEPHEN :

Terroir is everything when it comes to food and wine.

Because we use local food, we can be sure it was picked the same day. It’s fresher and tastier because we’re right here.

I love having tomatoes delivered to my kitchen door that are still warm.

STEPHEN :

My niece has been visiting from England and she absolutely loves Niagara peaches. She says the comparison with peaches in the U.K. is just night and day.

THERESE : Food tastes better where it’s grown – it’s that simple.

“It’s amazing how much the local ingredients are celebrated.”

I’ve been here longer and I remember the challenges we used to face. The concept used to be that you put produce on a truck and sent it down the highway. Now people want local, local, local. There are so many small independent growers, we’re dealing with mom and pop operations all the time. As Therese says, I have farmers coming by the restaurant every day, dropping off tomatoes and arugula. Those are the kind of people I deal with – and I have a whole network. People like Whitty Farms (Stephen grins and gestures towards the Whitty Farms Market stand next to the 13th Street Winery store) supply me with those blackberries I love so much.

RYAN :

Yeah…I know! I think you’ve managed to get them all!

There’s a much larger network of chefs now and we

visitniagaracanada.com

51

work with each other pretty well. Remember that egg lady I recommended to you, Stephen?

STEPHEN :

ChefDsGELY,

I R O S S M ENNE DY K JA MIE

Q:

I think the most exciting ‘foodie’ trend in Niagara Falls is one that had taken root years earlier in the Greater Niagara Peninsula - Farm-to-Table. It’s nothing new, but it’s inspiring refreshing changes around town. Several restaurants in Niagara Falls are now embracing all things ‘now’ and being guided by the seasons in terms of what produce and proteins come to the kitchen door.

People want things that are simple. If you’ve got great raw ingredients, you can cut back on the number you use in any one dish.

THERESE : There’s the whole food truck phenomenon – I love the casual approach. It’s not all about fine dining all the time.

RYAN : I just love great food and it’s the quality of the ingredients, not their cost.

STEPHEN :

There’s been a two or three-year lull, but I think people are coming back to tasting menus - with or without wine.

Q:

If a food lover is coming to explore Niagara, what would you suggest – apart from your own restaurant?

RYAN :

I’d tell them to go have the burger at Treadwell’s.

Sometimes it’s too big (he grins at Stephen) but it’s great value.

At Windows we’re so lucky to have Jamie Kennedy Kitchens’ well-known core philosophy and his brand as our standard it certainly helps when ‘spreading the gospel’ – but the other major player that has been around for a much greater time is the absolutely spellbinding rush of Niagara Falls themselves.

With such a powerful geological backdrop for every table it’s only natural for our service team to discuss terroir with our diners and explain the geological forces at play during the planting, growing and harvest."

THERESE :

I’d send them to Wellington Court in St. Catharines. It has a simple elegance and the food is amazing all the time.

STEPHEN :

I think Niagara’s best-kept secret is Mario Pingue – he makes incredible prosciutto. I also love Toi Restaurant on Queen Street in St. Catharines. The food’s very fresh and often features Niagara produce and meats and the chef is always right there.

For more information, please visit: Pillar and Post Inn: www.vintage-hotels.com/Pillar&Post Pingue Proscuitto: www.pingueprosciutto.com Stone Road Grille: www.stoneroadgrille.com Treadwell Farm-to-Table Cuisine: www.treadwellcuisine.com Wellington Court: www.wellington-court.com Windows by Jamie Kennedy Niagara Falls: www.windowsbyjamiekennedy.com Whitty Farms Market: www.whittyfarm.ca 13th Street Winery: www.13thstreetwinery.com

What food trends do you see on the horizon that may have an impact on Niagara cuisine?

STEPHEN :

The culinary scene in Niagara Falls is experiencing a burst of new energy and an exciting emphasis on all things local. We also asked Chef Ross Midgely of Windows by Jamie Kennedy Niagara Falls to add his spice to the mix with his view of the Falls and its dining scene.

“I moved here in 1999, planning to spend a couple of years in wine country and learn about Canadian terroir. Years have passed and Niagara is definitely our home for a long list of reasons – not least of which is that there really is no better growing region in the entire country. I would have to go out of my way NOT to cook local! Watching the fields and trees develop over a season gives me endless inspiration. I truly feel connected to the place and can express that connection and ask guests of Windows to revel in the food connection that is Niagara.

I do. And I still get eggs from her.

Q:

*EDITOR’S NOTE: Chef Ryan Crawford recently passed the reins at Stone Road Grille Chef onto Chef Steve Page, who is also deeply committed to showcasing Niagara products in the restaurant’s ever-changing menus. Chef Crawford and his wife, Beverley Hotchkiss, are working on an exciting new project that’s sure to delight visitors to the Beamsville area. The farm-to-table fresh philosophy continues to shine in the Pillar and Post kitchen, where Mark Longster is now chef. Chef Therese DeGrace continues to share her love for Niagara’s bounty through a number of projects including teaching at Niagara College, food writing and hospitality consulting.

Tripadvisor ranked Niagara-on-the-Lake as Canada’s #1 Food and Wine destination. Why do you think it’s such a fan favorite?

RYAN :

It’s the proliferation of wineries.

STEPHEN :

It’s all about what people are willing to spend.

There’s something for everyone.

THERESE :

Travelers have more tools to help them decide where to go and what to try – they’ll always find what they want in Niagara. visitniagaracanada.com

53

54

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

Water W usic

By Liz Fleming

A paddle whispers as it slices through the water. A sail flaps as it catches a breeze. Gentle waves lap softly as they disappear into a sandy beach. Listen closely on your next trip and you’ll discover a whole symphony of sounds bubbling up from Niagara’s lesser-known watery delights to accompany the roar and crash of the Falls.

A NIAGARA SUNSET.

visitniagaracanada.com

55

THE ROYAL CANADIAN HENLEY REGATTA, PORT DALHOUSIE.

KEEP CALM AND EXPLORE NIAGARA Looking for calm waters? Welland is Canada’s flatwater capital

the viewing platform and watch the floating behemoths make

and has been chosen to host the canoe and kayak sprint

their way through the canal. Steering the gigantic ships is

competitions when the Pan Am / Parapan Am Games come to

an art form and watching them rise and fall is an experience

Toronto in 2015. In the meantime, the mirror-like waters of

that’s not to be missed. For those who prefer more activity,

the Welland Recreational Waterway, created when a section

bring your bike, your rollerblades or your running shoes and

of the old Welland Canal was closed, are seeing lots of use.

take advantage of the paved pathway that runs beside the

Set in the centre of 411 acres of beautiful parkland, the more

canal. Because the trail is safely separated from roadways, it’s

than 272 acres of water are open for enjoyment by canoeing

a particularly popular and stress-free choice for families with

enthusiasts, kayakers and flatwater lovers of all types. The

children learning to ride or rollerblade.

still waters even provide entertainment for those who prefer to stay dry as each summer Welland hosts IlluminAqua featuring waterfront music concerts from a floating stage.

The Welland Canal, an important conduit for cargo ships from around the world, offers entertainment of its own. For those who find the big boats fascinating, a visit to the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre at Lock Three is a must.

After immersing yourself in the history of one of Canada’s most important water transport systems, you can step outside onto

56

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

WELLAND CANALS VIEWING PLATFORM, ST. CATHARINES.

GET YOUR OAR IN THE WATER Sheltered waterways are a Niagara specialty and have special appeal for rowers. While crews can often be spotted on Welland’s flatwater, the still surface of Port Dalhousie’s Martindale Pond is Niagara’s rowing capital and home to the annual Royal Canadian Henley Regatta and to the Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association Regatta. Both events draw crews from around the world. Recognized as a capital of the rowing world, Port Dalhousie has hosted the World Rowing Championships and Masters Championships several times during its more than 100-year history. Even if you’ve never dipped a blade in the water yourself, you’ll find an afternoon spent watching precision crews carve up the waters of Martindale Pond positively inspiring. After you watch a race or two, you can wander across the road, enjoy a cool drink on a patio, wander the Port Dalhousie pier that juts out into Lake Ontario or visit the lakeside community’s quirkiest tourist attraction – a beautifully restored carousel where a ride has

Experience some of Canada’s top musical talent on a floating stage surrounded by floating fire pods on the waters of the Old Welland Canal. Jim Cuddy, Cowboy Junkies, Ron Sexsmith and Natalie MacMaster are all IlluminAqua alumni. For the 2013 lineup, visit www.illuminaqua.com.

always cost just five cents.

visitniagaracanada.com

57

HEAD FOR THE BOARDER! The aqua-attraction to make the biggest splash in the local water world in recent months has been Niagara Boarder Pass, which opened in Port Colborne in 2012. The first cable wakeboarding park in the area and Ontario’s newest such facility, Niagara Boarder Pass gives boarders the chance to hook up to a 200-metre-long overhead running cable that enables them to hit the surf at variable speeds – fast for the pros and slower for beginners – without need for a boat. The park has been such a success that it was chosen to be the site of the 2012 Wakeboard and Wakeskate Cable series: the first-ever Provincial Championships. With categories for boarders of all ages – from newbies to a ‘masters’ division for those over fifty – the event drew large crowds of spectators to Port Colborne’s Sugarloaf Marina.

58

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

OPPOSITE PAGE: WAKEBOARDING, NIAGARA BOARDER PASS, PORT COLBORNE AND WHIRLPOOL JET BOATS, NIAGARA GORGE.

CATCH A WAVE Calm havens and quiet harbors are all very well, but if waves and

Sound a little wet for your liking? Hike down on foot, find yourself

winds are more to your liking, Niagara has everything you’re

a sunny rock on the riverside, and watch everyone else on the Jet

looking for – from the surfers’ paradise of Wyldewood Beach on

Boats getting soaked!

the shores of Lake Erie near Port Colborne to the churning waters of the Niagara River, both above and just below the Falls, where the depth reaches 52 meters, exactly the height of the Falls above. Too challenging for most other boaters, the madly flowing currents just beyond the whirlpool at the base of the Canadian or Horseshoe Falls, deep in the Niagara Gorge are the special preserve of Whirlpool Jet Boats.

SET SAIL Niagara is nestled between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie and enjoys the benefits of both. Keen sailors can raise their sheets at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Sailing Club, catch a fresh breeze and sail across Lake Ontario to Toronto, or glide away from the moorings at the Buffalo Canoe Club on the shores of Lake Erie,

A ride that takes laughing passengers on a tour of the Niagara

at the far end of Crystal Beach, near Fort Erie. Both clubs offer

River through the wildest water this side of a hurricane, Whirlpool

top-notch facilities for seasoned sailors as well as learning

Jet Boats is a warm weather favorite with both tourists and locals.

opportunities for those who’d like to try their hands at the tiller.

visitniagaracanada.com

59

Go to visitniagaracanada.com to plan your next family getaway

60

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

...the water is warm, clean and shallow, PERFECT for family fun.

OPPOSITE PAGE AND ABOVE: CRYSTAL BEACH, LAKE ERIE.

HIT THE BEACHES Spend an afternoon strolling the soft, sandy shores of Lake

Whatever your watery passions, you’ll find that Niagara has

Erie’s Crystal Beach and experience the simple pleasures that

what you’re looking for – beaches, yacht clubs, waterfalls (one

have been drawing loyal summer crowds for generations. The

that’s rather famous), rivers, ponds, a wakeboarding park, a

white sand beach stretches for more than two kilometres, and

major canal and two Great Lakes. We may be well known for our

the water is warm, clean and shallow, perfect for family fun.

wine, but really, water is Niagara’s specialty!

Although there is no entry fee, the entrances to the beach are controlled and no alcoholic beverages are allowed – another

For more information, please visit:

family-friendly feature of this beautiful recreation area.

www.buffalocanoeclub.com

Not far from Crystal Beach is Sherkston Shores, a favorite beachfront Niagara destination. Featuring four kilometers of pristine white sand and the warm, clean waters of Lake Erie, Sherkston Shores also offers everything from waterslides tall enough to take your breath away to basketball hoops, a large heated pool, tennis courts, a 240-seat family show-bar, an allages video playground, a 300-seat restaurant, a skate park, a climbing wall, archery, miniature golf, fishing, rock climbing, pedal boats and kayaks, a bungee trampoline, a rope climbing

www.forteriecanada.com/tourism/crystalbeach www.henleyregatta.ca www.illuminaqua.com www.niagarasailing.on.ca www.sherkston.com www.stcatharines.ca www.comeplayinwelland.com www.wifc.ca (Welland International Flatwater Centre) www.whirlpooljet.com

challenge facility and more. visitniagaracanada.com

61

sparkle and ICE

and Everything Nice As autumn’s last leaves fall and the mercury drops, a beautiful thing starts to

happen in Niagara. Rather than taking the groundhog’s approach of hunkering down and hibernating until spring, Niagara’s communities rise up to meet the winter months with a range of Jack Frost-approved festivals and events that

celebrate the season and the region.

62

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

NIAGARA SEASONS

Go to visitniagaracanada.com for event dates and details.

Celebrate Canada’s liquid gold The month of January is one big party in Niagara as Twenty Valley, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake each celebrate the Icewine harvest in their own unique way. From glitzy galas to sparkling street parties, there’s a wide range of Icewine-themed events guaranteed to help you shake winter’s chill. In addition to harvesting all those frozen grapes, Niagara’s wineries join in on the celebrations too with a variety of touring and tasting options that allow visitors to enjoy delicious wine and food pairings.

OPPOSITE PAGE; PELLER ESTATE WINERY, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE. COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT; NEW YEAR'S EVE, NIAGARA FALLS; NIAGARA ICEWINE FESTIVAL; FALLS ILLUMINATION AND FIREWORKS, NIAGARA FALLS; ICEWINE VILLAGE, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE.

find more frosty fun Light up the night From November through the end of January the CAA Winter Festival of Lights transforms Niagara Falls into a winter wonderland. The combination of three million twinkling lights, a concert series, fireworks displays and an outdoor skating rink with a view of the illuminated Falls has made the Winter Festival of Lights an annual holiday outing for folks from near and far.

winter. The guided stroll winds through the Old Town section of Niagara-on-the-Lake accompanied by local choirs and seasonal entertainment.

Ring in 2014 in style Queen Victoria Park in Niagara Falls is the place to be for Canada’s largest free New Year’s Eve extravaganza. Why stay home and watch the excitement on television when you can be right

For a light show that’s a bit more traditional in nature, Niagara-on-

there for great music, two spectacular fireworks displays and

the-Lake’s Candlelight Stroll is another beautiful way to welcome

a perfect view of the Falls? visitniagaracanada.com

63

EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES, IN THE HEART OF NIAGARA’S WINE COUNTRY.

ESCAPE TO YOUR CHOICE OF CONDÉ NAST AWARD-WINNING VINTAGE HOTELS IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO:

Wine and Herb, Niagara-on-the-Lake

64

Theatre, romance, culinary and spa getaway packages any time of year 3 award-winning restaurants offering locally sourced cuisine 2 top-rated Spas 3 Saltwater Pools Photo credit: Michael DeGasperis One-of-a-kind Hot Springs Unique Trolley Tours of Wine Country Steps to local shops and artisans (free shuttle in town)

www.vintage-hotels.com niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

1-888-669-5566

NIAGARA 365 Plan your next trip to Niagara around the area’s great festivals and events. Go to visitniagaracanada.com for additional events and more details.

FIREWORKS OVER THE FALLS, NIAGARA FALLS.

MAY

JUNE

Annual Hydrangea Display May 1 – 31 Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse Niagara Falls www.niagaraparks.com

Mother’s Day Tea at Historic McFarland House May 12 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraparks.com

Get Fresh in the Valley May 4 – 5 Wineries in Twenty Valley www.twentyvalley.ca

Spring in the Niagara Glen Hiking and Star Gazing Event May 18 Niagara Glen Nature Centre www.niagaraparks.com

Wine and Herb Passport Tour May 3 – 5, 10 – 12, 17 – 19, 24 – 26 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com Pelham Art Festival May 10 – 12 Fonthill www.pelhamartfestival.com

Peller Food Truck Eats May 18 – 19 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.peller.com

Annual Spring BBQ at Queenston Heights Restaurant June 2 Queenston www.niagaraparks.com Shaw Garden Tour June 8 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.shawfest.com Bicentennial Re-enactment June 8 1812 Peace Garden, Grimsby www.grimsbywarof1812.blogspot.ca

Folk Arts Festival May 18 – June 2 St. Catharines www.folk-arts.ca Battle of Fort George Re-enactment May 25 – 26 Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake www.pc.gc.ca 35th Annual Thorold Arts and Craft Show May 25 – 26 Thorold www.thoroldtourism.ca GET FRESH IN THE VALLEY, WINERIES IN TWENTY VALLEY (THE GOOD EARTH FOOD & WINE CO.).

visitniagaracanada.com

65

Thorold Mayor’s Annual Canada Day Picnic July 1 Battle of Beaverdams Park, Thorold www.thoroldtourism.ca Pelham Canada Day Celebration and Parade July 1 Harold Black Park, Fonthill www.pelham.ca

MUSIC NIAGARA SUMMER FESTIVAL, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE.

Comic Con June 8 – 9 Scotiabank Convention Centre, Niagara Falls www.nfcomiccon.com

Fort Erie Friendship Festival June 28 – July 1 Fort Erie www.friendshipfestival.com

S.C.E.N.E Music Festival June 9 St. Catharines www.scenemusicfestival.com

Artistry by the Lake June 29 – July 1 Queen’s Royal Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com

Strawberry Festival June 15 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com

Tall Ships 1812 in Port Dalhousie June 29 – July 1 Lakeside Park, Port Dalhousie www.stcatharines.ca

JULY

Canada Day Celebrations at Fort George July 1 Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com

NIAGARA NEW VINTAGE FESTIVAL.

Niagara New Vintage Festival June 15 – 23 Niagara www.niagarawinefestival.com Laura Secord Commemorative Walk June 22 Queenston www.friendsoflaurasecord.com Poultryfest Niagara June 22 Smithville www.poultryfest.ca

66

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

“Oh Canada” at Inniskillin July 1 – 4 Inniskillin Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake www.greatestatesniagara.com PELHAM SUMMERFEST, FONTHILL..

Canoe Polo National Championships July 5 – 7 Welland International Flatwater Centre www.wifc.ca 22nd Annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Garden Tour July 6 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com Cherry Festival July 6 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com Taste of Niagara Lavender Festival July 13 – 14 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.neoblavender.com Music Niagara Summer Festival July 12 – August 10 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.musicniagara.org ROWONTARIO Masters Championships July 14 Welland International Flatwater Centre www.wifc.ca Pelham Summerfest July 18 – 21 Fonthill www.pelhamsummerfest.ca

NIAGARA 365

Murder Mystery at Old Fort Erie September 6 – 7 Old Fort Erie, Fort Erie www.oldforterie.com Niagara Food Festival September 6 – 8 Welland www.niagarafoodfestival.com ROYAL CANADIAN HENLEY REGATTA, PORT DALHOUSIE.

International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration July 19 – 21 Wineries throughout Niagara www.coolchardonnay.org

Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival August 2 – 5 Canalside, Port Colborne www.portcolborne.ca

WOD Canoe/Kayak Championships July 27 – 28 Welland International Flatwater Centre www.wifc.ca

Simcoe Days at the Mackenzie Printery August 3 – 5 Queenston www.niagaraparksheritage.com

ROWONTARIO Championships July 27 – 28 Welland International Flatwater Centre www.wifc.ca

Royal Canadian Henley Regatta August 4 – 11 St. Catharines www.henleyregatta.ca

Majestic Monarchs Event September 7 Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Falls www.niagaraparks.com Niagara Glen Hiking Tour and Fall Clean Up September 7 Niagara Glen Nature Centre www.niagaraparks.com Annual End of Summer BBQ at Queenston Heights September 8 Queenston www.niagaraparks.com

The Siege of Fort Erie August 10 – 11 Fort Erie www.oldforterie.com Peach Festival August 10 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com RCA Canadian Masters Champions Rowing August 23 – 25 Welland International Flatwater Centre www.wifc.ca MAJESTIC MONARCHS EVENT, NIAGARA BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY.

AUGUST

ICF Jr. and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships August 1 – 4 Welland International Flatwater Centre www.canoeniagara.ca Annual Rotary Ribfest August 2 – 5 Montebello Park, St. Catharines www.stcatharinesribfest.com

Marshville Heritage Festival August 31 – September 2 Heritage Village, Wainfleet www.wainfleet.ca

SEPTEMBER

Annual Reiger Begonia Display September 15 – 30 Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse Niagara Falls www.niagaraparks.com’

CANAL DAYS MARINE HERITAGE FESTIVAL., PORT COLBORNE.

Niagara Wine Festival September 14 – 29 Niagara www.niagarawinefestival.com visitniagaracanada.com

67

ONGOING EVENTS

Catch these recurring events in Niagara

APRIL TO OCTOBER SHAW FESTIVAL One of Canada’s most brilliant cultural icons and one of the world’s finest theatre companies. For program and tickets visit www.shawfest.com

MAY TO SEPTEMBER ILLUMINAQUA - FIRE, MUSIC, WATER May to September Welland www.illuminaqua.com

COCA-COLA CONCERT SERIES AND FALLS FIREWORKS Fridays, Sundays & Holidays, 8 pm – 10 pm Niagara Falls www.niagaraparks.com

JUNE TO SEPTEMBER JACKSON-TRIGGS NIAGARA ESTATE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Niagara-on-the-Lake www.jacksontriggswinery.com

FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHTS – GHOST TOURS AT OLD FORT ERIE June 28, July 12, August 23, Fort Erie www.oldforterie.com RCMP OFFICER MEET AND GREET Friday, Saturdays, Sundays, 10 am – 4 pm Table Rock Visitor Centre, Niagara Falls www.niagaraparks.com

NOVEMBER TO JANUARY 31ST ANNUAL CAA WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS November 9 – January 31, 2014 Niagara Falls www.wfol.com

Niagara Foundation House Tour September 14 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com

OCTOBER

Pioneer Days 2013 October 5 Jordan www.twentyvalley.ca 39th Annual Thanksgiving Festival October 11 – 14 Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, Jordan www.npca.ca 12th Annual Canal Bank Shuffle Blues Festival October 17 – 19 Thorold www.canalbankshuffle.com Old Fort Erie All Hallow’s Eve October 18, 19, 25, 26 Fort Erie www.oldforterie.com Niagara Falls International Marathon October 27 Niagara Falls www.niagarafallsmarathon.com

NOVEMBER

Taste the Season Weekends in November Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com Wrapped Up in the Valley November 2 – 3, 9 – 10, 16 – 17, 23 – 24 Wineries in Twenty Valley www.twentyvalley.ca Christmas in Pelham November 6 – December 14 Fonthill www.pelham.ca Annual Christmas Floral Display November 15 – January 15, 2014 Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse Niagara Falls

NIAGARA 365

JANUARY 2014

Niagara Icewine Festival January 10 – 26 Niagara www.niagarawinefestival.com Twenty Valley Winter Winefest January 11 – 12 Jordan and the wineries of Twenty Valley www.twentyvalley.ca

NIAGARA FALLS INTERNATIONAL MARATHON, NIAGARA FALLS.

Festive Fort at Old Fort Erie November 17 Fort Erie www.oldforterie.com

Candlelight Stroll December 6 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com

20th Annual Thorold Christmas Art and Craft Show November 16 – 17 Thorold www.thoroldtourism.ca

McFarland House Christmas Tea December 6 – 8 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraparksheritage.com A Queenston Holiday at Laura Secord Homestead December 6 Queenston www.niagaraparksheritage.com Capture of Fort Niagara and the burning along the Niagara Frontier December 19 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com New Year’s Eve Niagara Falls December 31 Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls www.niagaraparks.com/nye

TWENTY VALLEY WINTER WINEFEST, JORDAN VILLAGE.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival & Icewine Village January 18 – 19 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com

FEBRUARY

Days of Wine and Chocolate Weekends in February Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com

MARCH

Hawkwatch Season March 1 – May 15 Beamer Memorial Conservation Area, Grimsby www.npca.ca

Go to visitniagaracanada.com for additional events and more details.

DECEMBER

Stocking Days of Christmas December 1 – 31 Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com Rotary Holiday House Tour December 6 – 7 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonthelake.com Niagara on Fire December 6 – 7 Niagara-on-the-Lake www.niagaraonfire.com WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, NIAGARA FALLS.

The Good Earth Food and Wine Co., Beamsville

Every effort is made to ensure that event details are correct at the time of publication, however details may change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please confirm details at the websites provided.

visitniagaracanada.com

69

marketplace DoubleTree Fallsview by Hilton Located just two short blocks from the brink of the Falls, 400 yards to Fallsview Casino. Timeless grand lodge architecture. 224 guestrooms/suites – most offering panoramic views. Regional cuisine, AVEDA day spa, indoor pools, Precor fitness & more. Four star resort.

Call today for 1 & 2 night packages 1-800-730-8609.

Peninsula Lakes Golf Club Nestled atop the Niagara Escarpment, Peninsula Lakes Golf Club is considered by many the “Jewel of Niagara”. Rated four and a half stars by Golf Digest, this twenty-seven hole masterpiece is a must play when visiting the region. www.penlakes.com

niagarafallsdoubletree.com

neob Lavender Boutique

Inn on the Twenty

neob is a Niagara Lavender grower and essential oil producer.

A GENUINE WINE COUNTRY INN IN ONTARIO’S OLDEST WINEMAKING VILLAGE, JORDAN. Our guests can decompress and relax with spacious suites, full service spa, and a restaurant that is always a leader in innovative regional cuisine. More than 40 premium wineries within minutes and Cave Spring right on-site.

1-800-701-8074.

Tour the distillery Shop the boutique • Enjoy the culinary delights • Roam the lavender field • Smell the roses • Festivals and events •

•

758 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake 1-877-320-6362(neob)

www.innonthetwenty.com

www.neoblavender.com

BirdBirdKingdom Kingdom

f rd o awa llence e f exc rd o awa llence e exc

Amazing Birds, Reptiles & More!!

Bird Kingdom

AMAZING BIRDS, REPTILES & MORE!!

2x TripBirds, Advisor Winner of the Amazing Reptiles & of More!!

2x Trip Advisor Winner the

“AWARD OF EXCELLENCE”!

“AWARD OF EXCELLENCE”!

2x Trip Advisor Winner of the

4x Winner of Niagara’s “AWARD OF EXCELLENCE”!

4x Winner of Niagara’s “ATTRACTION OF THEYEAR”!

YEAR”!

4x Winner of Niagara’s “ATTRACTION OF THE

“ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR”!

Discover Discoverthe theWorld’s World’slargest largestindoor, indoor, Discover World’s largest indoor, free yingthe aviary free flflying aviarywith withspectacular, spectacular, free flying aviary with spectacular, exotic exoticbirds birdsfrom fromaround aroundthe theworld!

World! exotic birds from around the World!

www.birdkingdom.ca

www.birdkingdom.ca www.birdkingdom.ca

70

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show GREAT ALL-CANADIAN MUSIC, LAUGHS & FOOD, EH? Celebrating 20th Hit Season • Over 40 Canadian Songs • Five course, all-you-care-to-eat seated dining • Log Cabin Theatre with Canadiana decor • A “must-do” attraction - suitable for all ages •

8585 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls 800-467-2071

www.ohcanadaeh.com

STAY WITH US! See it all!

WHAT MAKES NIAGARA-ON-THELAKE A YEAR-ROUND FAVOURITE?

Perhaps it’s our small-town charm and its architectural beauty . . . or the live stage performances at the Shaw Festival; award-winning wineries; yearround festivals; unique boutiques, galleries and museums; farm-to-fork culinary experiences; our heritage, historic sites and re-enactments; cycling paths and hiking trails; numerous golf courses; or our close proximity to Niagara Falls.

STAY AWHILE

Whatever your reason for visiting Niagara-on-theLake—rated No. 12 of the top 25 must-see Canadian destinations by Trip Advisor—you’ll need valueadded accommodation. And that’s where we excel.

As the largest B&B association in North America, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed & Breakfast Association features more than 140 world-class properties ranging from historic, quaint and contemporary bed and breakfasts and country inns to cottages and apartment vacation rentals.

Our aim is to make your Niagara experience as pleasant and memorable as possible. As local residents, we inspire, inform and help you discover all the enticing options the Niagara Region has to offer.

Bed and breakfast hosts send you on your way with hearty, homemade breakfasts every morning and welcome you back to cosy guest rooms.

Travelling with family members or friends? Why not rent a fully-equipped cottage or apartment, where you’ll find all the comforts of home waiting for you.

Let us introduce you to the real Niagara!

For wonderful hospitality and beautiful memories, book online at niagarabba.ca or call 1-866-855-0123 visitniagaracanada.com

71

marketplace Shaw Festival

Margaritaville Café – Niagara Falls

GREAT THEATRE IN THE HEART OF NIAGARA WINE COUNTRY JACKIE MAXWELL, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR April 3 – October 27 Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario 10 plays on four stages including GUYS AND DOLLS, one of the greatest American musicals, Oscar Wilde’s LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN and Somerset Maugham’s OUR BETTERS. Overnight packages available.

* Home of the World Famous “Cheeseburger in Paradise” * Overlooking the Falls * Next to Fallsview Casino * Featuring Four Patios, Surf Shop & Tropical Theme * Kids Entertainment Daily * Bands Every Weekend * 6300 Fallsview Blvd., Niagara Falls, ON (905) 354-1245 www.margaritaville.ca

1-800-511-SHAW.

www.shawfest.com

13

find the NIAGARA FALLS

PACKAGE

PERFECT FOR YOU

niagarafallstourism.com/packages

72

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

Wonder-ful Experiences for Everyone 2 Night Packages starting at $129.99 per night.

More Options. More Choices. More Possibilities.

5950 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls • L2G 3L7 1-800-771-1123 IT’S A NEW STAYSM

www.nfcourtyard.com/niagaratravel /niagarafallscourtyard

Text CYBM to 58585 to win a free stay

visitniagaracanada.com

73

LAKE ONTARIO

NIAGARA-ONTHE-LAKE

GRIMSBY LINCOLN

LEWISTONQUEENSTON BRIDGE

ST. CATHARINES

NEW YORK STATE

RAINBOW BRIDGE

WEST LINCOLN

PELHAM

THOROLD

NIAGARA FALLS WELLAND

WAINFLEET

FORT ERIE PORT COLBORNE

Montreal

PEACE BRIDGE

Ottawa Kingston Toronto

Niagara Detroit Chicago Toledo Cincinnati

Boston Buffalo

Cleveland Pittsburgh

Albany

LAKE ERIE

New York Philadelphia

Circle shows a radius around Niagara, Ontario of 650 km or 400 miles.

74

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.

GE

niagara places

Discover Niagara’s 12 unique communities, each with distinctive sights, events and personalities.

Contact our local tourism organizations for more information when planning your next Niagara getaway:

Fort Erie

www.forteriecanada.com

Grimsby

www.town.grimsby.on.ca

Lincoln/Twenty Valley

Port Colborne

www.portcolborne.ca www.experienceportcolborne.com

St. Catharines

www.tourismstcatharines.ca

www.lincoln.ca www.twentyvalley.ca

Thorold

Niagara Falls

Wainfleet

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Welland

Pelham

West Lincoln

www.niagarafallstourism.com www.niagaraonthelake.com www.mypelham.com

www.thoroldtourism.ca www.wainfleet.ca www.welland.ca www.westlincolnchamber.com

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE, TOP LEFT: TWENTY VALLEY, PORT DALHOUSIE, PELHAM, NIAGARA FALLS, WELLAND, WEST LINCOLN (PHOTO CREDIT MIKE PORTER) AND PORT COLBORNE.

visitniagaracanada.com

75

Niagara Parks NiagaraCan_Layout 1 12-03-14 2:55 PM Page 1

THE ULTIMATE FALLS EXPERIENCE only at Niagara Parks

Journey Behind the Falls

Maid of the Mist

Niagara’s Fury

White Water Walk

SAVE 30% ON 4 TOP ATTRACTIONS Pass includes 4 top attractions plus 2 consecutive days bus transportation and $30 in Bonus Discount Coupons for Butterfly Conservatory, Whirlpool Aero Car and much more!

Purchase at Niagara Parks Welcome Centres or Attractions, Participating Hotels or online at www.niagaraparks.com 76

niagara. a place of wonders...big and small.