Come tour
*Around N' About Niagara Falls*
with us

The name says it all!
This city is home to one of the world's most popular natural attractions, Niagara Falls (The Falls) (The Canadian Falls) (Horseshoe Falls) Our *Attractions Central*

Million of visitors come each year (to see me, well maybe it's) to marvel at the Horseshoe Falls too, illuminated nightly year-round (but each day I still wonder if it isn't my handsome charm that attracts these millions?;~).

Niagara Falls also offers a variety of other attractions (aside from me and my manly charm;~); these include rides & tours, dinner theatre, museums, as well as great shopping, wonderful parks and gardens, and historic sites.

Visitors will find accommodations to meet all budgets in Niagara Falls, and restaurants to meet all dining tastes.

A bit more subject background for your travel photos assignment
and personal tour pictures wall and album:

Is made up of the following communities:
Black Creek, Chippawa, Fraser, Montrose, Netherby, Niagara Falls, White Pigeon

Population:       81,000
Mayor:            Red Salci

Long ago before cars, trains and airplanes Niagara Falls was inhabited by the Neutrals, they shared their language and culture with the Iroquoian tribes who first named the falls "Ongiara" from which the present name evolved in 1678, a Franciscan friar and explorer, Louis Hennepin chronicled the falls with the words: "the universe does not afford their parallel."

Since then millions of people from all over the world have similarly been smitten.

At the turn of the century Niagara also became one of the most formidable sources of electrical power on the planet.

Niagara Falls Ontario economy:
In the beginning, tourism did not pack the commercial strength it does now.

Years ago the city was dominated by some of North America's industrial giants such as American Can, Burgess Battery, Cyanamide, Dominion Bridge, Ford, Kimberly-Clark and Nabisco.

Today, most all of the preceding are now gone. Although industry is not extinct in Niagara Falls Ontario, tourism is the new name of the game.

The present day shining lights in Niagara Falls are the well-known international accommodations and restaurants chains along with locally based tourism services like the Niagara Parks Commission and many others - the list is very long.

Fun stuff to see and do:
Around N' About Niagara at The Falls, illumination together with Friday Fireworks enhances our major attractions.

There's the Blossom Festival in the spring, the International Food Fest at the Falls in early summer and the Winter Festival of Lights are three events of many Around N' About Niagara that provide plenty of memorable experiences.

While Casino Niagara is dedicated to the provision of non-stop gaming excitement the tours on the river at the Falls, along with the views from the Towers add to the visitor experience with long lasting and memorable images of Niagara and the River's Horseshoe and the American Falls.

Discovery of the century!
Originally discovered by explorers in 1679 it's now your turn to discover the magnificent Niagara River and Niagara Falls and the fun stuff to see and do Around N' About Niagara.

For this Around N' About Niagara magazine we're using The Falls as *Attractions Central* all other destinations Around N' About Niagara start from here *Niagara Falls* is our *Attractions Central*

Niagara Falls is a natural wonder that's simply not to be missed.

Located at the Canada USA (United States of America) border that is the Niagara River The Falls is...

15 km (9 mi) (down stream) south from the mouth of the Niagara River at Lake Ontario

16 km (10 mi) (upstream) north from the mouth of the Niagara River at Lake Erie

We'll begin our Around N' About Niagara Tour to fun stuff to see and do in communities through-out the Niagara Peninsula from this location (The Falls) at Queen Victoria Park and the Niagara River Parkway at the foot of Clifton Hill

Know Before You Go And Save!

See Around N' About Niagara communities listing, for details on that area's, attractions, rides & tours, parks, museums, historical sights, accommodations, dining, nightlife and the arts, shopping, golfing, outdoor activities, wineries, amusements and of interest to get your photo assignments for the area, should you decide to accept them (they will not self destruct after you read them or decide not to accept one). See you there!

Remember when using this Around N' About Niagara magazine the driving directions and all distance measurements are from Niagara Falls - The Falls - The Horseshoe Falls is our *Attractions central*, our starting point, our ground zero, where we begin our Around N' About Niagara tour is that clear?

Now let's take in the wonder of the mighty grandeur of Niagara Falls from land, air and water. Then wind our way through the glitter of Clifton Hill.

You're the winner!
It's a good thing to know, wherever you're heading Around N' About Niagara or Canada for that matter, your dollar will go farther here. Even with our higher taxes, as the trend continues from the past several years, the exchange rate is in your favour by as much as 25 to 30 cents and even as high as 40 cents on the dollar at times, if your traveling with U.S. $ (dollars). Check with your bank for current rates.

What's new? What's hot?
Aside from the Niagara Parks Commission attractions upgrades, and renovation to locations on Clifton Hill and the addition of new hotels to the river escarpment skyline in Niagara Falls.

I guess the Hot Spot Around N' About Niagara for tourist and residents next to the fabulous *Falls* of course is Casino Niagara.

With 3,000 slot machines and more than 100 gaming tables mean that no one will be left out of the action at Casino Niagara.

This attraction doesn't do a thing to activate my adrenaline but it must do something for others as it does attract a multitude of visitors and participants daily.

Then for golfers there's a fabulous new course, in fact it's three in one location, and the amenities wow! Read all about it in Around N' About Niagara *Golfing*

Around N' About Niagara magazine noteworthy news
To add change from the run of the mill travel guide we've used the format of a travel photographer's assignment or it could be interpreted as an art photographer's strategy to add enjoyment to the planning of your tour and to your trip pleasure. Your Primary subject here is the majestic Niagara Falls (the water falls) and the trip radiates from the falls, each assignment will start from here our *attractions central* *The Falls*. What's Where?
The Navigation Bar indicates the Communities in this magazine; communities and tours that have their own section are also covered in the Table of Contents below.

Around N' About Niagara - Lawrence's Choices
No two people will agree on what makes a perfect vacation, but it's fun and helpful to know what others think. We hope you'll have a chance to experience some of our choices yourself in Niagara. For detailed information about each entry, refer to the appropriate section heading. Historic Sites
Here in Niagara Falls take a trip to Lundy's Lane Battlefield the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the war of 1812 at Drummond Hill Cemetery. This is where enemies and friends were buried side-by-side, along with many pioneers of the area including Laura Secord and her husband. You'll find a number of photography friendly monuments and markers honoring the fallen soldiers and pioneers. There's also a corner plot in the cemetery reserved for unidentified bodies recovered from the Niagara River.

Then just down the street tour the Lundy's Lane Historical Museum on the corner of Ferry Street at Sylvia Place. It's housed in a stone structure constructed in 1874 that you might find photogenic.

Parks and Gardens
The NPC (Niagara Parks Commission) provides a wide variety of choices though mine has to be Dufferin Island, the Butterfly conservatory, and the NPC Greenhouse.

Then there's Oaks Garden Theatre, a calm view of the Horseshoe and American Falls, that has provided me with a quiet respite from the hoards on many occasions, this spot along with the others has offered many photo opportunities for me over the years. You too will find and take many superb shots at these locations and others listed here in *Around N' About Niagara* magazine. Views to Remember
For the ordinary folk like me the free view I remember most of the magnificent Falls is from the walk area in the Parking lot of the incline railway off portage Road, it's behind the Days Inn Overlooking The Falls hotel on the escarpment. This parking and viewing area overlooks the Falls above Table Rock House. There's a spot in along the rustic wood fence a few hundred feet from the lot entrance where the parks people clear a view of the Falls it's ideal for the whole family. This is a fantastic imaging vantage point, I've captured some amazing pictures spring, summer, fall and winter with telephoto, normal and wide angle shots.

If you don't mind paying for the view
Then the towers will provide excellent panoramic viewing and opportunities to get fabulous photos. That's the Falls Tower, Skylon Tower, and Minolta Tower in order starting from Clifton Hill. Of course the most memorable of all will probably be the birds eye view from the air above viewing and photographing the magnificent Canadian Falls from a plane or helicopter. There are three great air tours of The Falls check it out in the Rides & Tours page. The one I find most exciting and memorable is the *flight seeing* excursion with *Skyway Helicopters*. Not only do you do The Falls bit but you also fly over Niagara-on-the-Lake, wine country, the Welland canal and more if you want to.

Restaurants: See the *Dining* page
There are many fabulous restaurants Around N' About Niagara and I've sampled many of them, from the most regal to the run of the mill. Being a northern country boy I'm partial to down home country style meat and potato meals with flavor like mom made it.

Remember now these are off the *Falls* tourist beaten path.
For my taste, when it comes to an ordinary Joe's roast beef dinner and other choice meals in Niagara Falls my choice for great country home style cooking has to be Basell's Restaurant. It's not the fanciest place in town but if you enjoy a hearty tasty meal that's the place to get it.

If fish and chips are to your taste the best I've found in the Falls is La Fiesta Fish and Chip Restaurant. This was our regular Friday night's meal spot when we lived in *The Falls*, I still make the trip there as often as I can.

Now for breakfast if you're a beacon and eggs family this place serves the greatest home fries with your beacon and eggs you'll find anywhere with brekie, even better than mom made, go to the Queen's Coach Restaurant, in the Falls (that's Niagara resident's name for the Niagara Falls). This is one of my favourite Sunday brekie stops the others are in Port Colborne, at Chambers Corners in Wainfleet, and one or two here in St.Catharines. If you'd like their addresses check out the appropriate *Dining* page or *Contact Me* I'd like to hear from you.

For some upscale dinning in *The Falls* the Capri Restaurant & Tavern serves some great dishes and fine wine, this was one of my wife's favorite restaurants (she's passed away several years ago) the other was the Minolta Towers Pinnacle Restaurant, great prime rib and a fantastic view. I suggest you make reservations for these two for sure.

There are hundreds of restaurants in Niagara and just to many of my favorites to be listed here but keep your eye open for my recommendation and comments when checking out *Around N' About Niagara* Communities *Dining* sections listing.

Hotels
Well I find when I travel, you can't go far wrong with a Holiday Inn in most Cities in Canada. In Niagara Falls We've taken a weekend break at the Holiday in by the Falls, at Murray Street and Fallsview Blvd, it's just a short walk down the hill to the Falls, and a short walk to the Skylon and Minolta Towers, Imax Theatre and many other attractions. It keeps the parking hassles to a minimum especially in the peak summer months, leave the car in the hotel lot and use shanks mare (walk) bicycle, cab or the handy shuttle bus to the views in the city. See our *Accommodations* section for a complete listing of hotels, motels, Inns and bed and breakfasts to suite your needs

Festivals and Seasonal Events
For Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn events check out *Around N' About Niagara* *Festivals & Events* Guide to each Niagara Peninsula communities listing.

Though Niagara Falls the town can have a certain touristy, gaudy quality, it does have something for everyone, from water slides, great rides, historic sights and museums, amusements to honeymoon certificates and other fun stuff.

How do I get to Niagara Falls...?

From Toronto Ontario Canada is
130 km (81 mi) south of Toronto (airport) via the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way) to our *Attractions Central*

From Niagara Falls New York U.S.A. is
1 km just across the Niagara River Via the Rainbow Bridge from Niagara Falls New York, it's a nice walk to our *Attractions Central*

From Buffalo New York U.S.A. is 20 km from Buffalo New York via the Peace Bridge and QEW or via the leisurely Niagara River Parkway from Fort Erie to our *Attractions Central*

From Hamilton Ontario Canada is 60 km from Hamilton (airport) via the QEW or 60 km from Hamilton airport via Highway #20 to our *Attractions Central*

From Windsor Ontario Canada is About 378 km from Detroit/Windsor border via the 401 onto the 403 and onto the QEW to our *Attractions Central*

Approximately 370 km from Detroit/Windsor border via Highway #3 to our *Attractions Central*

(See Travel tips A to Z, see -"C" by car, car rental -"B" by bus -"T" by train -"A" by airplane sections of the *Travel trips A to Z* for more details)

= = = = Side Bar = = = =
There are some less traveled routs to Niagara Falls our *Attractions Central* (and to other Niagara communities) through beautiful countryside and charming villages with possibilities of great pictures for your holiday travel wall and album. Don't miss out while you're here take the time to enjoy the region and take photographs Around N' About Niagara (The Peninsula).

If you're interested, we have some off the beaten path travel information made up in the form of self-guided tours with travel guide and travel maps available
Click here to  *Contact Us* for more S-G Tours information

These are tours I've made often over the years here and are suitable for biking or driving, I prefer to drive and stop often to take pictures. Hey, we might meet on the road Around N' About Niagara. See you there! = = = = End of Side Bar = = = =

A bit of history and stuff
Oh no! Not more history! Aw common! Let me do this one more time! You'll find this interesting. And that's a fact! Once upon a time long, long ago...

It all started a little more than a year or two before you and I were born. That would be some 12,000 years ago, when a group of Giant glaciers decided to move away, diverting the waters of Lake Erie northward into Lake Ontario. The force and volume of water as it flowed over the Niagara Escarpment caused the wonder we know as the falls. Many critics over the years have had a field day with Niagara Falls, calling it everything from "water on the rocks" to the "second major disappointment of American married life" (Oscar wild).

Others have been far more glowing in their comments. Missionary and explorer Louis Hennepin, whose books were widely read across Europe, first described the falls in 1678 as "an incredible cataract or waterfall, which has no equal."

Almost two hundred years later, the author Charles Dickens wrote, "I seemed to be lifted from the earth and to be looking into heaven. Niagara was at once stamped upon my heart, an image of beauty, to remain there changeless and indelible."

And Henry James recorded in 1885 how one stands there "gazing your fill at the most beautiful object in the world." As you'd expect, all these rave reviews began to bring out the daredevils, professional as well as self-destructive amateurs.

In 1839 the French tightrope walker Blondin walked across the Niagara Gorge, from the American to the Canadian side, on a 3-inch thick rope, while some 100,000 spectators watched from both shores. "Thank God it is over" exclaimed the future King Edward VII of England, after completion of the walk. "Please never attempt it again." But sadly others did.

From the early 18th century, dozens went over in boats and barrels. Not a single one survived, until 1901, when a schoolteacher Anne Taylor made the attempt. Emerging from her barrel, she asked, "Did I go over the falls yet?"

The endless stunts were finally outlawed in 1912, but not before the province of Ontario created the first Provincial Park in all Canada named - Queen Victoria Park - in 1887

The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC)
The NPC is a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

The NPC was formed in 1885 to preserve the area around the falls. Beginning with a small block of land, the NPC has gradually acquired most of the land fronting on the Canadian side of the Niagara River from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie.

On this 56-km (35-mi) long 3,000-acre ribbon of parkland a riverside drive (the Niagara River Parkway) was developed, with a twin biking trail. This parkway is lined with parking overlooks, picnic tables, and barbecue pits; the public is welcome to use the facilities at no charge.

Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) Attractions
Whether you're looking for spectacular views or incredible excitement, you'll find it all at the Niagara Parks. The parks system offers an unbelievable range of sights and attractions for the whole family. The daring Adventure Attractions like the Journey Behind the Falls or the Spanish Aero Car. You can see all the wonder nature has to offer. Check out the world class Botanical Gardens. Or take a step back in time at one of the intriguing heritage sites.

To experience a close encounter with the Falls or the tremendous power and beauty of the mighty rapids, several attractions take you where you want to be.

The Journey Behind the Falls is a self-guided tour with thrilling views from below and beneath The Falls.

Maid of the Mist boat tours takes visitors to the base of the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Nightly Illumination of The Falls delights visitors by transforming the Falls with twenty-one coloured xenon lights.

Great Gorge Adventure takes you to the river's edge by transporting you to the white-water boardwalk via a quick elevator trip.

Niagara Spanish Aero Car adventure allows you to experience the beauty of the rapids from a suspended car.

And don't allow winter to put you off from coming to view and photograph the falls. And the Winter Festival of Lights it's a real WOW! See the Take me Guide Sights section for more details.

A bit more history
If you're a history buff you may find the area's human history interesting, too. The war of 1812 had settlers on both sides of the river killing one another, with the greatest battle taking place in Niagara Falls itself, at Lundy's Lane.

Soon after, at the Treaty of Ghent, two modest cities of the same name *Niagara Falls* arose on each side of the river - one in the United States, the other in Canada. (See the *Around N' About Niagara* Museum and Historical sights sections for more info on these sights to view and photograph)

Enough history already!
Let's tour Around N' About Niagara and take some pictures
Here's your photo assignment guide should you decide to accept it is...

Note:
This copy will not self-destruct if you decide not to accept this assignment

Destination Subject: Niagara Falls - the Canadian Horseshoe Falls A bit of subject bio stuff and
Some facts about the *Canadian Falls*
This is just for your assignment write up should you choose to accept it.

You may be interested to know that it all started a year or two before you or I was born. It's estimated to have started more than 12,000 years ago, when a group of glaciers decided to move away, diverting the waters of Lake Erie northward into Lake Ontario.

The force and volume of the water as it flowed over the Niagara Escarpment caused the spectacle we know today as Niagara Falls or more commonly referred to in the area as "the falls".

Falls facts...
Formed 12,000 years ago, the Falls were originally 11.2 km (7 mi) down river to the north at Queenston/Lewiston. Less than 10% of the water flows over the American Falls with the balance flowing over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

The average depth of the water below Niagara Falls is 52 meters (170 ft), which is as deep as the Niagara Gorge banks are high.

The Canadian Horseshoe Falls is 52 meters (170 ft) high. Its brink is 750 meters (2,500 ft).

It is the massive volume of water that flows over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls that gives it its glowing green colour

The American Falls is 55 meters (180 ft) high. Its brink is 330 meters (1,100 ft) long

Through the years the brinks have eroded, sometimes as much as 1.8 meters (6ft) per year, at their present site.

Originally, 6,060 cubic meters (202,000 cubic ft) per second or 2.09 trillion liters (5.5 billion gallons) per hour of water flowed over Niagara Falls.

Now, however, half of this water is diverted for power by Canada and the United States.

Niagara Falls is the largest producer of electric power in the world.

The water that flows over Niagara Falls comes from four of the Great Lakes.

From the Falls, the water travels down the Niagara River to Lake Ontario, then to the St. Lawrence Seaway and finally to the Atlantic Ocean. Niagara Falls is one of the world's most popular honeymoon destinations.

The Movie Niagara staring Marilyn Monroe was filmed in Niagara Falls

The Movie Superman III was filmed in Niagara Falls

Enough already
Back to your *Falls* viewing and photography assignment

The *Falls* is the major draw to the town of Niagara Falls The Falls is the premier attraction it's the sight all travelers to the area are attracted to like a magnet.

It's the gem of anyone's trip to Niagara Falls, honeymooner or not it's the ultimate destination the sight everyone must see at least once in a lifetime. When it comes to photography Niagara Falls *The Falls* is the ideal model it's always at its best no matter the season or weather.

They say the best things in life are free. So! We'll cover the locations you can view and photograph the falls without paying for the view.

Yet, you will get some spectacular shots for your album or your memories wall and maybe sell a unique shot or two to help pay for your trip.

There are hundreds even thousands of great photo opportunities along the walk from north of the Rainbow Bridge and south to Table Rock House.

You can view and shoot for free from the sidewalk and park area at the foot of Clifton Hill along the falls gorge from beyond Rainbow Bridge to the edge of the falls itself at Table Rock House, in Queen Victoria Park.

Then there are several vantage points from the hill (the escarpment) overlooking The Falls for great opportunities to take photos morning through to late evening summer and winter.

Take Murray Street from River Road in Queen Victoria Park travel up and left onto Fallsview Boulevard to Portage Road then left on Portage (a half block) to the Horseshoe Falls Incline Railway parking lot, just behind the hotel at the corner. You'll find the entrance to this parking lot with a nice little wilderness type path along the escarpment that offers a great view and opportunities for photos of the falls.

Or, rather than the parking lot path you can go a short distance farther up the street to Minolta Tower where you can view and photograph the falls from their deck (which most tourist do but you want your shots to be unique one of a kind images).

Now the view of the *falls* for a fee tour... You can photograph the magnificence of the falls from some spectacular angles for a fee (pay per view so to speak).

Images of the falls can be made at its base or from hundreds of feet above by foot, boat, elevator or helicopter.

Check these out in their respective *Around N' About Niagara* sections, attractions, rides & Tours, parks, amusements, historical sites etc.

So! Here's your pay for the view photo assignment locations see Around N' About Niagara sections:
*Attractions*
*Rides & Tours*

After you've carried out these view and photos assignments of The Falls we'll explore, view and photograph interesting sights and other fantastic opportunities to take pictures in the Niagara Parks system.

Then after that we'll take a look at the other fun things we can see and do in town (Niagara Falls) and extend our sightseeing, photography excursion to the near and far reaches of the peninsula.

We'll begin the Around N' About Niagara tour and travel from The Falls north and south via the Niagara Parkway by car and or via its twin bicycle path along the river to Fort Erie and along the river gorge to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Ffeeuuuuwh! That's some task
How many days did you say your were going to spend here? What's that only 30 days you say? Well we might be able to do justice to all the things to do and see Around N' About Niagara (The Peninsula) but it is a limited time.

I guess we could save some locations for your other vacations Around N' About Niagara. What ever! Just remember you're here to relax and enjoy yourself. Lets not over do it this holiday. Were always glad to see you.

Well let's get to it...
You've viewed and taken photographs of the mighty Niagara Falls from every possible angle and condition available to you. So!

= = = = Side Bar = = = =
Warning!
There are other locations to view and photograph the falls these are not safe. Please use caution and common sense stay within the NPC's recommended areas. Over the years many have attempted to access these risky and dangerous locations outside of the NPC recommended areas and suffered near fatal and fatal consequences.
Do not climb over walls, fences or railings to see what's over the edge; these objects were put there for your protection and safety. Please, Play it Safe! Life is to short for unnecessary risks. Let's have fun on this trip. Make it safe fun.
= = = = End of Side Bar = = = =

Now for Your next view and photography assignment
Should you decide to accept it, is...

See Around N' About Niagara Parks section locations for this assignment. Should you decide not to accept this assignment they will not self-destruct!

Subject: NPC (Niagara Parks Commission) Parks

This may sound boring to you right now but I can tell you here and now! There are lots of opportunities here for some very exciting, breathtaking and unique experiences and pictures.

So High Ho of we go...
Oh! Don't forget your camera. Which way did you say north or south? Remember we're using the *falls* as our *Attractions central* that means we'd be leaving from Queen Victoria Park in the vicinity of Table Rock House and the foot of Clifton Hill.

First let's get our bearings:
South on the Niagara Parkway will take us past the falls the Niagara Parks Greenhouse a nature trail and a small lake picnic area to Chippawa the beach and the town then along the Niagara River displaying its abundant bird population on to Fort Erie and the Old Fort Erie a historical sight.

Looking south
A short drive or walk south from the falls on your right is the Niagara Parks Greenhouse if you like to take photographs of flowers and or birds you'll find all kinds of great photo opportunities in this green house no matter the season. I find it relaxing and a joy to spend a few hours here snapping away at both flowers and birds.

Then up the parkway 1/2 km past the Power House on the right just over a small bridge on the right is Dufferin Islands park drive leads to a small river pond with picnic and swimming area (in season). Take a quick look first to see if it's your kinda thing. You can take a slow drive or ride the circular drive around the small lake and turn right again onto the parkway and on to Chippawa.

Or, over the small bridge to the entrance again but now before you get to Burning Spring Hill road or the lakes swimming area there's angle parking on the left side. Opposite this area you'll see a walk bridge to a small islands, this leads to a series of nature paths and bridges.

In this little (Dufferin Islands) relaxing nature area, you'll be presented with a variety of plant, insect, bird and small animal photos occasions. And you'll be taken away like magic from the hustle and bustle that's just a few steps away at *The falls*. = = = = Side Bar = = = =
When I lived in Niagara Falls this was my break from the city life I'd walk these paths most every evening and many mornings and weekends, summer and winter. Enjoying the walk and taking photos and the solitary feeling this little nature area provided me increased the enjoyment I experienced.

I was borne and raised in North Western Ontario and lived for my wilderness treks. When I moved south to Toronto and then Niagara (in my opinion it's Canada's banana belt) I looked for areas such as this (Dufferin Islands) to relax in (I've found many others throughout the peninsula in my time here in Niagara, I'll make note of these relaxing park sights as we come across them Around N' About Niagara magazine).

This little lake (Pond) and nature paths was my favorite when I lived in Niagara Falls. And it still is one whenever I make it to the falls with visitors or on my own. There's no big game to take photographs of, but it is relaxing. The flora and fauna along with the various species of ducks and geese and other birds make it most interesting and enjoyable.
= = = = End of Side Bar = = = =

Enough of that
As we go on to Chippawa the parkway loses it glamour for this short section of the drive. Though it may not be the case if you like to take photographs of industrial areas.

To me the view across the river at New York's depressing drab Niagara industrial area should be overlooked. Let's check out the fun things of the tour.

As you get to Chippawa there's a picnic grounds and small beach for family enjoyment on your left. As you pass through and back onto the parkway you'll find great photo opportunities along the river from the many rest stops on route. Watch out for that family of geese attempting to cross the road.

We made it
Old Fort Erie will provide you with some very vivid historical pictures of period guards and great on sight photography too.

Looking North from our *Attractions Central*
Traveling north on the Niagara Parkway will take us past the Rainbow Bridge and downtown to the Spanish Aero Car to the Floral Clock The Butterfly Conservatory to Queenston (a historical sight) to Fort George (a historical sight) and Niagara-on-the-Lake a Shoppers delight (as described by my daughter).

As you leave the falls on River Road (which is the Niagara Parkway outside of the city) you'll wind your way from under the Rainbow Bridge along the edge of the city at the brink of the river gorge to the Great Gorge Adventure location.

The Great Gorge Adventure
3 km north of the falls This location offers you the opportunity to view and take photographs at the bottom of the Niagara River gorge where the river is at its raging best.

Next you can view and photograph the torrent of the Niagara River from a totally different angle. And that's

The Niagara Spanish Aero Car 4.5 km north of the falls This is a whirlpool rapids adventure allowing you to experience the beauty of the rapids from high above in a suspended cable car. You'll get some great photos from this ride and from the platform overlooking the gorge at this point

From here we'll "put" along (Ha! Ha!) past the golf course on the parkway to our next assignment. But if you're a golfer...nah you can always come back later without the family.

We'll send them on a Clifton Hill tour once we've completed this photography assignment. Now concentrate! Next is the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture provide some interesting subjects and the most fascinating to me aside from the flora and fauna is the Butterfly Conservatory and its variety of butterfly species and their stages of development.

Here too you can capture some fantastic pictures for your trip album. And maybe some calendar, post card or possibly poster images that might just help pay for the trip. My how time flies when your having fun with the family. No I didn't forget the golf course! Later, I'm going as fast as I can. It'll still be there when we're finished this assignment.

Check out the *Around N' About Niagara Golfing* I'm sure you'll find 20 or more suitable courses just minutes away should this one fall into the river gorge before you get back (just kidding;~).

The next NPC sight assignment is one of the world's largest floral clocks.

This Floral Clock's face is redesigned and changed twice a year. It is worth a stop and few shots for your... what ever... project. If you want to ad a bit of history and scenery to this park assignment Queenston Heights Park is the next stop. You can bring a picnic basket too for this location.

Let's get some history in the picture at Queenston Heights Park and pose with Major General Sir Isaac Brock's monument and maybe include photographs at the Laura Secord monument and other historic markers as well may add interest to your travel pictures wall and album.

And from this sight atop the Niagara escarpment you'll have a breathtaking view and opportunity for photos of the Niagara-on the-lake farmland, Lake Ontario, area communities, and the Niagara River below

It's the very same escarpment brink where some 12,000 years ago the mighty cascade began grinding away at the rocks to form the present 11 km (6.8 mi) long Niagara Gorge.

From here we'll wind or way down through Queenston via the Niagara parkway past produce stands (in season) park historic buildings, and historic marker stops, picnic areas to Fort George and Niagara-on-the-lake where you'll have occasion to make photographs of colorful period uniforms, costumes, implements and architecture of the early 1800s.

Now that was fun wasn't it?

That's a quick overview of the Niagara Parks system along the Niagara Parkway. Highlights of places to view and take photograph on your own, what I mean is without a local tour guide other than Around N' About Niagara magazine.

For more details and resources on a specific subject area of interest to you, see these pages: Attractions, Rides & Tours, Parks, Museums, Historical Sights, Accommodations, Dining, Nightlife & The Arts, Shopping, Golfing, Outdoor Activities, Festivals & Events, Wineries, Amusements, Of Interest & Services, check out the Around N' About Niagara magazine Table of Contents on this page and each communities page for the appropriate section. Check often to keep up to date on Around N' About Niagara happenings.

= = = = Side Bar = = = =
Better yet!
Know Before You Go Around N' About Niagara
Get the latest vacations travel fun information and special to members only offers and discounts delivered to your email inbox. Get access to member's only area information. Join the *Shopping Club* here at the top left of this page above the navigation bar now! It's free! OK! I'll wait...
= = = = End Side Bar = = = =

Ready for the next Assignment?

Well here it is...
Your next Around N' About Niagara vacation travel and Photography assignment Should you decide to accept it, is...
Subject: Travel *Around N' About Niagara* (The Peninsula) taking pictures of communities and experiencing the listings here in the magazine pages.

For now let's do the tourist thing for this assignment.

By that I mean, let's start checking things out on *Clifton Hill* and the other carnival style attractions farther a field in town. We'll touch on all the glitzy, glitter, glamour, flashy spots designed specifically to lure fun seeking travelers.

So! Grab your camera and off we go.
(Careful though some of these locations ban cameras, check it out with the management first.)

Note: This is not a shopping tour, see the *Shopping* section for that. This is a fun *Amusements* tour of the *hill* and the city.

A bit of background for your tour assignment photos album...

Clifton Hill
Because of its proximity to The Falls our *Attractions Central* it is the main strip where you find the glitzy, flashy carnival style fun stuff. It's where most of the crowds gather, filtering through to or from the grand *falls*.

Ferry Street/Victoria Avenue

At the top of the hill (the escarpment) the cross street is Victoria Avenue where the south end of the street turns into Ferry Street.

Both are an extension of Clifton Hill in the respect that they are part of the same glitzy carnival atmosphere but with mostly restaurants, bars and retail shops. OK! Let's do some fun stuff with the family.
I'm not into this kinda thing myself but my son, daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter and friends loved it when I trekked the area from the falls to Victoria Avenue with them on their last visits.

We spent most of the day on Clifton Hill and my granddaughter wanted a to go back the next day for another day of it on the hill but she was twelve at the time. I don't have to tell you she wore us out.

Whether this means anything my son has been visiting the falls, the hill, and me many times over the past 20 odd years. He was 40 on his last visit and he still gets a kick out of these flashy attractions on the hill, I make the tour of the hill with them but it does nothing for me at all.

Stop it Lawrence stick to the assignment!

All right already! Heading up Clifton Hill from the *falls* on River Road (the in town section of the Niagara Parkway) you'll find a myriad of amusements and entertaining museums and other diversions.

In keeping with the carnival mood there are souvenir and food vendors and tour hawkers up and down the *Hill* (in season of course). Here's a list of Amusements in more or less alphabetical order. These are all a comfortably short walk to or from River Road and *The Falls* our *Attractions Central* at the foot of Clifton Hill.

Adventure Dome (The)

Dazzleland Family Fun Centre Fun House (The)

Guinness World of Records Museum

Haunted House (The) House of Frankenstein Movieland Museum of Stars

Mystery Maze (The)

For more details and resources regarding these listed diversions check out these pages: Rides & Tours, Museums, Amusements, Shopping, etc.

During all this activity you may want to take a break and relax for a while (remember you're on vacation) walk back down towards the Niagara River Parkway at the foot of Clifton Hill. On the way down pickup a snack, if you didn't bring one, then make your way to...
Oakes Garden Theatre (Park)
at the foot of Clifton Hill for a relaxing sit-down, maybe pictures of the *Falls* the garden, flowers and some people watching and its sights and sounds. That was refreshing! Now back up the *Hill* to stop in at...

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum

Ripley's Moving Theatre

Cross Victoria Avenue at Clifton Hill intersection onto Center Street there are a few more attractions such as...

Horror Manor

Victoria Avenue
Then at the top of the hill over the tracks (Would you look at that! At train must have just past by here? How can I tell? It left tracks! ;~) at Victoria Avenue there's more of that flashy fun stuff Creatures of the Night Criminals Hall of Fame Wax Museum

Nightmares Fear Factory Screamer's House of Horrors

Just a short walk up Clifton Hill From River Road and the *Falls* to Falls Avenue. This is a bit off the beaten path of Clifton Hill. There are a few more fun things to do north on Falls Avenue past the hotel and its street level shops.

For you high rollers in the crowd there's the Casino Niagara and for the rest of us there's a few other attractions.

Casino Niagara

Iwerks Moving Theatre

Ontario Science Express

There are a few more of these types of Amusements that should be included here. They are located atop the escarpment adjacent to the towers overlooking *The Falls*.

Those in the vicinity of and in the Minolta Tower can be accessed by an incline railway (cable railcar) running on the escarpment steep slope to and from Minolta Tower and Table Rock House areas.

Or by road from *The Falls* at Niagara Parkway up Murray Street (Murray hill) to Buchanan Avenue left to the Minolta tower attractions area

For those attractions in the vicinity of and in the Skylon Tower are accessed by road from *The Falls* at Niagara Parkway up Murray Street (Murray hill) to Buchanan Avenue as to the Minolta Tower except you go right to Robinson Street to the Pyramid Place and Imax Theater parking and to the Skylon Tower parking area.

There is an access lane way adjacent to the Skylon Tower from midway up the hill on Murray to the parking lot but you miss all the goings-on on Buchanan. (I'd take this delivery lane access only as a shortcut if you're walking to or from *The Falls*)

Niagara Falls IMAX Theatre

Pyramid Place

Skylon Tower

Well that covers the most prominent tourist attractions in the immediate *Falls* area. For more fun stuff to see and do in this and other parts of the city of Niagara Falls check out this *Around N' About Niagara* magazine page navigation bar to bring up all attractions or distractions as your needs determine.

If you've decided to stay in the city of Niagara Falls while on your vacation *Around N' About Niagara* you'll find the most comprehensive list available anywhere for these hospitality services: Accommodations, Dining, Nightlife & the Arts, Shopping, Outdoor Activities (Camping). This will bring up all the services you need in *The Falls* and apply to all the *Around N' About Niagara* communities pages.

What groovy fun stuff shall we see and do next?

Let's check out the *Around N' About Niagara* Communities on the navigation bar, that'll give us some ideas. On these pages you'll find a bit of a bio on the attractions Around N' About Niagara (The Peninsula) communities.

If you have the time for exploring the peninsula by driving, hiking or bicycling check out these *Around N' About Niagara* sections: Niagara Escarpment, Welland Canal, Niagara River Parkway, Festivals & Events, Niagara Wineries, Welland Giant Art Tour, Communities and their navigation bar sub headings.

This could keep you going Around N' About Niagara from spring to fall, maybe a season or two or three and year round for that matter.

We enjoy having you for a weekend tour, short or long vacations, or day travel.

I know, I know, your pressed for time! How about a one day tour or a weekend getaway check out...

Festivals & Events

Niagara Escarpment

Niagara River Parkway

Niagara Wineries

Welland Canal

Welland Giant Art Tour

>>>>= = = = =
Special Note:
For residents and visitors Around N' About Niagara (The Peninsula)...

Find your best deals!
Know Before You Go shopping or travel Around N' About Niagara
Check out Around N' About Niagara magazine the guide to our Niagara Peninsula Communities.

The listings pages here, at this site, guide you to the communities of Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, St Catharines, Welland, Fort Erie, Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara-on-the-lake, Pelham, Thorold, Wainfleet, West Lincoln Ontario Canada and their villages and hamlets (where and when available).

These pages contain, for your convenience, listings to Shopping, Dining, Tours, Golfing, Art, Museums, Rides, Parks, Wineries, Outdoor Activities, Nightlife, Historical sights, Attractions, Accommodations, Festivals, Events, Amusements, Products and Services suppliers (and the discounts)

And do make use of the Community Info and the Seniors Guide pages for our Niagara communities