Niagara Falls has certainly grown over the last thirty years. When I was a kid, I remember that it was Niagara Falls itself as the only real attraction here. This natural wonder of the world consists of two main falls; the semi-circular shaped Horseshoe Falls where daredevils in buckets have thrown themselves off and the smaller American Falls to the left of it. The Floral Clock, Maid of the Mist boat rides that take visitors up close to the falls were already there as well as the cable gondola over the whirlpool just minutes up north but that was about it. The Minolta Tower was also there but the newer Skylon Tower had not been built yet. Niagara Falls was still known as a honeymooner's destination with hotels that had heart shaped jacuzzis and other romantic features. Today, the Maid of the Mist and other original attractions are still there but the city of Niagara Falls has exploded with growth in hotels and tourist attractions including a large casino added in recent years.
Niagara Falls is 30 minutes from the Buffalo airport and 90 minutes from the Toronto airport. Although there are hotels on both the US and Canadian sides, most tourist facilities and attractions are on the Canadian side. The best views of both falls are from the Canadian side as well. There are hotels and motels that suit every budget from large hotel chains, smaller well known motel chains down to independents. The same with restaurants as there's lots of fast food outlets up to the classiest restaurants with views of the colored lit falls during the evenings. Attractions now include high tech rides, an Imax theatre, power jet boat rides and much more. Some folks say that the growth of the touristy side of Niagara Falls has made the destination a bit tackier with the addition of such attractions as mini-golf, was museums and Ripley's Believe It or Not. This is part of Niagara Falls trying to be something for everyone including families.
Close by is Marineland which is the Canadian equivalent of the Sea Worlds in Florida and California. This attraction is probably the best of its kind in Canada with both marine and land animals. In addition to excellent shows with the standard killer whales, dolphins and sea lions, Marineland added Beluga whales from the high Arctic. One often missed attraction is the nearby town of Niagara-on-the-Lake which is an easy 10 minute drive north. This town of quaint, elegant boutiques and the home of the Shaw Festival theatre is totally different from the busier and more touristy Niagara Falls. One should definitely pay a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake to enjoy a nice break from the crowds of the falls area. For cyclists and inline skaters, there's a wonderful trail not to be missed nearby.
For wine enthusiasts, there are numerous wineries in the surrounding Niagara area in Ontario. Many of these wineries are open to the public for taste samples as well as tours of their orchards and facilities. The Niagara area is where the famous ice wines of Ontario are made. If you haven't tried this premium dessert wine made from frozen grapes picked in the middle of the Canadian winter, there's ample opportunity to do so here in the Niagara region at both the wineries that make them as well as the many restaurants that feature them.
Niagara Falls is still a great attraction but there's much more to see and do besides the usual touristy things so heavily promoted. If you haven't been to Niagara Falls, it's definitely worth a visit, especially if added on with a trip to Toronto. For those who have been to Niagara Falls but haven't been for many years, a return visit will reveal much more than ever before, especially in the surrounding areas such as Niagara-on-the-Lake that might have been missed out on prior trips.
Clint Leung is owner of Free Spirit Gallery http://www.FreeSpiritGallery.ca, an online gallery specializing in Inuit Eskimo and Northwest Native American art including carvings, sculpture and prints. Free Spirit Gallery has numerous information resource articles with photos of authentic Inuit and Native Indian art as well as free eCards.
Your RV Lifestyle - Try It First!
Whether you are contemplating an RV purchase or an RV lifestyle, it's critical that you know what you are getting into. As fulltime RVers, we did a lot of research before we jumped in.
Anything RV, Inc.(TM) Announces the Launch of its Anything Trucker and Anything Cleaning Websites
Anything RV, Inc.(TM) was created to capture the potential of the Internet, as a marketplace that showcases products and services that will enhance the recreational experience. Since our launch in December 2005, our company was designed to be a road-map toward a safer and more fulfilling journey. We are committed to featuring 'cutting-edge' products and services that consistently deliver high quality, direct from the manufacturer to the customer at competitive pricing. It is our mission to provide a convenient, one-stop source with an unsurpassed dedication to quality and customer service.
Why Rent An RV?
This year for our vacation we thought that we would try something quite different for us. We usually have our travel agent book us reservations for some resort where we can relax with luxurious accommodations and visit interesting attractions nearby. Most of the time we fly to our destination, but we have driven if it is not more than a few hours away. This year we decided that we would like to try roughing it in an RV. We have never done anything like this before, so we thought that it may be fun.
Touring The Wine Country With The Whole Family In Sonoma
Parents want to taste wine, Children want to have fun is there a happy medium. Yes . If your going to be in the Sonoma wine country for two or three days a consideration might be to have a nanny service watch your children for one or two of the days. The nanny service that comes recommended by the Sonoma mission inn The lodge and Macarthur place is Nanny on call. This agency is the best. With them you either have the option of having your children stay behind with the nanny or you can bring the nanny along for the ride to help with the children.
Rv Fresh Water System
Fresh water is one of those things that many people take for granted. If you are an RV owner, be sure to keep your fresh water system properly maintained and in good working order. Don't let a faulty fresh water system spoil your hard-earned vacation.
RV Rentals of Oklahoma / Rent-a-RV to Partner with Motorhome, Motor Coach and Travel Trailer Owners Nationwide
Motorhome rentals are on the rise. Rent-a-RV's (http://www.rentarvnow.com/rv_rental_home_based_business.html) new national reservation center has been overwhelmed by motorhome reservation request and they are now seeking owners of motorhomes, travel trailers, and coaches to fill the demand.
RV Travels: How To Stay Healthy On The Road
It's no secret amongst experienced RV travelers: self-reliance saves money. The more independent you are of tourist parks, power hook-ups and all those other so-called necessities, the further your budget will stretch. And the greater will be your freedom.
RV Solar Inverters
A power inverter converts DC (Direct Current) power from your solar or wind charged battery into AC (Alternating Current). Anything that plugs into a wall outlet in your home runs on AC.
RV Vacations: Ten Tips
Perhaps you have wondered about taking an RV vacation. It seems like fun and you'd like to try it, but you aren't sure if it's for you.
RV Lifestyles: Staying Safe On Remote Campsites
Considering several shocking occurrences in the Australian outback over recent years, it?s hardly surprising that many people are easily put off the idea of camping in remote areas because of what they see in the media. With crime seemingly on the increase, the comparative safety of bricks and mortar becomes ever more comforting.
RV Seminar Series DVD Training Expands at a Rapid Pace
RV Education 101's new RV Seminar Series DVD library continues to expand; providing the RV consumer with training on all aspects of using and maintaining their RV. Expert Mark Polk demonstrates everything the RV consumer needs to know about their RV in an easy to understand video format.
Bathroom Furniture For An Rv
Life in an RV can be wonderful or frustrating, depending on what you make it. The author lived full-time in an RV for two years, working on a commissioned book. Actually, she lived in two RVs, one after the other. The first was a 20' motorhome. Those of us who were "full-timers" rather than vacationers joked about the way to get along with your spouse in a small RV. Whenever you meet going in opposite directions, hug and pivot. We hugged and pivoted in the tiny 20' motorhome for 365 days. Then we "moved up" to a 30' 5th wheel and continued to hug and pivot for another 365 days. It was part of keeping a happy marriage while living 24/7/365 in a small RV.
Living Aboard An RV: Are You Ready For It?
One of life's many paradoxes is our constant desire to gain maximum control over our 'operating environment', despite the knowledge that so many aspects of daily life remain beyond our influence. Result being, we spend considerable time, money and effort attempting to get everything just right before taking 'the plunge'.
Traveling By RV: Tips For Winter Travel
When we think of traveling by RV, one of the first thoughts that come to mind is summer. Although summer is known as one of the most popular times to travel by motor home, it is important to remember that you do not have to limit yourself. In fact, many RV owners travel by motor homes all year round, including in the winter.
RV's Are Good for the Environment
The cheapest (and most environmentally friendly) way to travel:
A recent survey was taken of over 2,000 RVers 78% thought RVing was the cheapest way to travel compared to renting a hotel room