Along with the infamous houses of horror, wax museums and world-record venues along the main Niagara Falls strip, the Niagara Region has something for everyone.
Start your visit by feeling the spray of six million cubic feet of gushing water (every minute!) as you make your first stop in Niagara Falls — which is only 120 kilometres from Toronto’s city centre. The mist will cool you off as you walk through the gardens, stop for a picnic lunch and catch a glimpse of the American Falls across the river. Check out the newest attraction at the Falls: The Fury. Visit www.niagarasfury.com to find out about this interactive multimedia experience exploring the formation of the falls.
Worried about waiting in line with squirmy kids? You needn’t be. Nathalie Prezeau, author of Toronto Fun Places (www.torontofunplaces.com), says you can buy tickets in advance at the attractions’ ticket booths and simply show up 15 minutes before the booked time slot.
Once you’ve tired the kids out, travel down the highway to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake to experience the beauty and taste of Ontario’s largest fruit and wine growing region. Slip in a couple of quick wine tastings while the kids are eating fresh peaches, plums and berries, then take a stroll down the beautiful main street, where the kids are sure to discover the candy shop, and you’ll have to drag mom out of the unique clothing and jewelry boutiques.
What’s louder and filled with more battles than the backseat of your car? Fort George, which served as a British Headquarters during the war of 1812. Located on the Niagara River just minutes from Niagara-on-the-Lake, the music and artillery demonstrations will educate and entertain your own little soldiers.
End it with a stop at Marineland, where the rates drop later in the day, and the crowds have thinned out, to give even the littlest visitor a bird’s eye view of the animals.
