One thing the Canadians have better than the Americans – Niagara Falls

So whilst in Toronto, we had pre-booked to do a tour to see Niagara Falls and had decided on one that took in the falls with its colourful night-time illuminations and fireworks. We got picked up at 12:40 from our hotel and after a couple more pickups were then on our way to Niagara. Fred was our guide for the afternoon and was informative with his dialogue.

Enroute to the falls we did stop for half an hour at a winery which specialised in Icewine – which is a very sweet dessert type wine and is produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. and only a small amount to be consumed at one time.

We then drove through Niagara-on-the-lake which looked like a town from the movies, before arriving in Niagara Falls. There was an optional tour of going on a helicopter tour over Niagara Falls for an additional $160 CAN pp, we as most of the bus decided to pass and be taken to the falls where we were given 90 mins to experience the falls.  The Canadian Falls was definitely a sight to see, and we even saw a rainbow through the mist. The American side did not look quite as spectacular.  It was then time for dinner and we were taken for a buffet dinner at the Fallsview buffet in the Sheraton Hotel.

After dinner, we then walked down to take the boat trip on the Maid of the Mist to the base of the Horseshoe Falls, where ponchos are provided free as unless you stay inside on the lower deck you are going to get wet. The boat trip took about 25 minutes and then we had free time until 10 pm for when the fireworks were on.

Fred suggested to go up Clifton Hill and as we walked up the road i then realised how touristy, tacky and American they had made it, with fairground rides, souvenir shops, fast food restaurants etc.  Around 8.30 was when the illuminations started to show more on the falls so we went and sat in the park across the road and watched them change. After the fireworks it was then time for the coach to head back to Toronto and we got back just before midnight.

If you are going to Niagara then I would suggest either a day tour from Toronto like we did or to stay just one night as I am not sure what you would do for longer.

Have a good couple of weeks

Kerry