CANADIAN
SELF GUIDED TOUR
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Cross
the Rainbow Bridge, (start measuring distance when exiting the bridge),
double back to the river's edge after leaving the bridge and proceed
along the Niagara River (away from the Falls) through the City of Niagara
Falls, Ontario, heading North. You can't get lost, because the entire
trip is parallel to the Niagara River.
Golf Club and Cart rental
is available at the Whirlpool Public Golf Course (905) 356-1140. You
may wish to return later; this would be a good time to drop in and find
out about Fees and availability of tee-off times.
The Whirlpool Aero Car, -
The Spanish Engineer Leonardo Torres Quevedo designed and built it in
1916 - crosses far above the river's whirlpool, offering a spectacular
view (C$11.00 adults, C$6.50 children ages 6 through 12).
The Niagara Glen Nature area
offers 2 1/2 miles of hiking trails down into the Gorge to the River's
edge. From Mid-May to Mid-September a Park Naturalist conducts guided
nature walks (Fees charged) ; consult posted schedules. You could devote
half a day to exploring this area.
The one hundred acre Niagara
Parks Botanical Garden (4.6 miles) is Canada's only residential horticultural
school. Students are responsible for maintaining the campus and numerous
display gardens. Over 50 years of dedicated work have resulted in the
extensive floral displays. This is the site of the "World's Largest
Butterfly Conservatory" open from 9AM to 5PM year-around. Admission
C$ 11.00 adults; C$ 6.50 for children 6-12 years old. Plan to spend
a half day exploring here.
The Sir Adam Beck Plant Number
1,built in 1917, was for many years the largest power plant in North
and South America. The newer Plant Number 2 is open for half-hour long
guided tours (Fee is charged). The Floral
Clock (6.0 miles) is replanted each year. About 15,000 plants form the
40 foot diameter clock face. The clock is just north of the Power Plant,
and is worth a brief stop. The adjacent Centennial Lilac Gardens contain
over 1,000 lilac shrubs which bloom in late May.
We
think Queenston Heights Park (6.5 miles) just north of the Queenston-Lewiston
Bridge is one of those undiscovered gems often missed by tourists. The
restaurant, open April to January 1, (905) 262-4274 has an outstanding
view of the Lower Niagara River as well as good food and drink. The
monument to General Brock is closed until further notice. You can find
out more about Gen. Brock and the war of 1812 by visiting the museum
of his regiment near the Cathedral in Salisbury, England. Band concerts
are given in the Park from 3:00 - 5:00 on Sunday afternoon in July and
August.
McFarland House (12.5 miles)
was built in the early 1800's and was used as a hospital in the war
of 1812. This restored house is open to visitors during the summer months;
closed on Monday. There is a Tea Garden on the Patio.
Fort George (14 miles) is
open from late May through early September. Admission cost is C$10.00 for adults, and C$5.00 for children. Family and Senior rates
are available. Fort George and Fort Niagara across the river portray
an era when the river separated two countries at war with each other.
The Shaw Festival across
the road from Fort George offers more than just George Bernard Shaw
plays. Tickets may be ordered in advance from the Festival Office (1-800-724-2934)
and a waiting list is maintained if a performance is sold out. Consider
phoning well in advance of your visit to the area to book. It is worth
a visit.
Niagara-On-The-Lake (14.5
miles) is a pleasant village with many small shops and lots of tourists.
Be prepared to hunt for a parking place, and then plan to walk around
town. The Prince of Wales and the Royal Park Hotels usually offer English
Afternoon Tea. Both are located on Picton Street in the Town Centre.
Queen Street (through about 200 Queen St.) has a number of restaurants.
