Niagara Falls – Whenever nature is one of the biggest attractions in town, it’s pretty impressive. But the word “impressive” fails to describe what can be considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Located a quick 1 hour and 30 or so minutes from Toronto traveling the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Niagara Peninsula is an entire day of exploration and awe. Bridal Veil Falls and The Horseshoe Falls collectively make up Niagara, with the Canadian Horseshoe Falls being the biggest attraction. Stunned is a good word to describe how you feel standing in the presence of 600,000 gallons of water per second falling 178 feet. While viewing both falls is an event in it of itself – the 19-miles of Niagara Parks is not something you can do in a couple hours. You’ve got to justify the $18 CAD you spent on parking. So make it a day. Make the best of it by buying an all day pass on Niagara Falls’ People Mover bus ($7.50 CAD per adult, $4.50 CAD per child 6-12 years old, under age 5 rides free). The transportation will take you to the many “adventure tours” you can take of the Falls and its surrounding attractions (i.e. the Butterfly Conservatory). In the Falls’ immediate area, they are well stocked with eateries, bathrooms, and souvenir shops. Best of all…there’s endless space for you to capture on film or digital photography the natural souvenir that is the falls. Tip: Due to the amount of water flying through the air, it does get a bit damp out there. Don’t get caught having to buy the cheesy yellow poncho – bring a hat, umbrella, raincoat, or hoodie with you to cover up!
Maid of the Mist – Some would say that going on the Maid of the Mist is one of the cheesiest things you can do. But you know what? It’s probably the best – and most cost effective way – to get close to the falls and appreciate the American and Canadian side in all their glory. For a mere $14 CAD per adult ($8.60 CAD per child 6-12 years old, under age 5 rides free), you get to experience Niagara Falls first hand, from the foot of the Falls. Operating ferry boats since 1846, Maid of the Mist has helped thousands of tourists “Explore the Roar” every year, April through October. Bring your cameras and done the traditional blue poncho and hit the docks. The Maid crew has been operating so long; you will be amazed at how efficient they run their whole operation. With boats leaving every 15-20 minutes, even at its busiest, the Maid of the Mist experience is about an hour or so from start to finish. Trust me – once you do this – you’ll never forget Niagara Falls as long as you live!
Clifton Hill – Located up the hill from the Niagara Falls Park, it SCREAMS “tourist trap.” My first impression: OMG! TOONTOWN IS LOOSE! Every inch of this hill is covered in retail, restaurants, arcades, and tired parents trying to keep up with their boundless children. So, if it’s this way…why go there? Clifton Hill museum alley! If you have a twisted side to you (as Lenny does), you’ll find these fascinating. Also, Clifton Hill souvenir shops provide you with a (little) price break for those souvenirs that say NIAGARA FALLS…in big pink or orange letters! Seriously though, if you can wade through what’s worth it (The RCMP Store! The Hershey Store!) and what’s not (The Casino!); you can have a good time on Clifton Hill.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum – The last time I went to a Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, was in San Francisco. Lenny and I were not yet married and he was all jazzed about it since he was a big fan of the show. He had told me that his original Ripley’s experience was at the Niagara Falls location. While I put up a good front of “Ewww…I can’t believe I have to go through this AGAIN…” I have to admit that the museum was well worth the price of admission ($13.99 CAD). A mish-mosh of artifacts, taxidermy, and wax figures create a big part of the exhibits. But the interactive quality of many of the displays keeps it from being repetitive. It can also be home to MANY photographic moments. If you have a good sense of humor and like the idea of the biggest traveling side show you’ve every seen – I say take a break from the mid-afternoon heat and humidity to wander Ripley’s.
Chinatown – Did you know there are SIX major Chinatowns in the Toronto area? It’s a good thing Lenny and I research before we go on trips. The Chinatown everyone wants to go to is what they call “main” Chinatown, located along Dundas Street between Nathan Phillips Square and Spadina Avenue. As you might expect, Chinatown is home to many Mom and Pop storefronts. Lenny and I walked through on the way to the campus of the University of Toronto right as shops were beginning to open. It’s a fascinating sight to watch the street start to come alive with produce vendors, herbalists, restaurateurs, and regular neighborhood people. Considered one of the largest Asian populations in North America, Chinatown is an unbelievable mix of Far East Asians and Pacific Islanders. Keep and eye out while walking – if it’s been a long time since you’ve had specific Asian treats, clothing items, etc.; chances are you’ll find it in Chinatown.
CN Tower – The Canadian National Tower was completed in 1976 as an ode to Canadian industry and served as a communication platform for TV and radio. Somewhere along the way, someone thought it would be a great idea to sell tickets for people to go up in excess of 1400 feet in the air. And the acrophobic and thrill seeking alike have been clinging to the walls of the elevator up ever since. The CN Tower offers many packages (or “experiences”) in which to test your mettle. However, they seem pretty pricey at someplace where people go to “observe.” If you do go, your best bet would be the $21.49 CAD Observation Experience. The package includes access to the ground floor attractions (a great history lesson if you like to read stuff), the glass floor observation deck, and the external Look Out. Go early, before the field trips and tour buses arrive and take a moment to participate in a CN Tower tradition by lying down on the glass floor to have your picture taken. It’s a lot harder than it sounds – but a thrill once you get back up on your feet.
Rogers Centre – Take me out to the ballgame! The Toronto Blue Jays call the Rogers Centre (formerly the Skydome) home during the summer and the CFL’s Argonauts take over the rest of the year. Known as the first ever retractable roof, Rogers Centre is a great place to spend an evening during your vacation. Asides from the field, it boasts a hotel and several eateries (aside from your regular ballpark fair). Lenny was able to pick up his requisite baseball pennant from the Team Shop and even had time to take a picture with the statue of the team mascot. If you are a baseball fan – try getting your seats around left field towards the third base side. During our game, we seemed to have some rowdy regulars! It certainly made the game more fun. Don’t want to pay the online ticket vendor their outrageous surcharges? Simply walk up to Gate 14’s automated ticket kiosk and swipe your credit card, press a few buttons and jog into the stadium in time for the anthems.
Hockey Hall of Fame – On the corner of Yonge and Front sits a building that at first inspection looks like a church. In a way, it would be right. On the grounds of what is known as Exhibition Place is the temple to all things hockey. This had to be the best bargain out of all our sightseeing adventures, as well as one of my favorite things on this trip! Even for the casual hockey fan, one cannot deny the long and colorful history of the sport. The museum’s exhibits pay homage to the history and are visually exciting. It’s fun for everyone in the group. If you have a “reader” who wants to read every placard available (like Lenny), there’s tons of information for them to absorb. If you have a “rester” who likes the sights, but is a little tired from all the excitement, there are several seating areas where they can catch their breath! Total damage: $13 CAD per adult, 4-hours, and a dead camera battery halfway through the exhibit. Can’t wait to go back!
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