Niagara Falls Hidden Treasure.....

NATURE, ENHANCED BY THE SKILLS OF MANKIND REGENERATES THE SPIRIT

 by Julie V. Watson

There is an old saying that the best things are often found right in your own back yard.  That proved true when I was visiting my mother.  She lives just outside of the Niagara Falls region in southern Ontario, but we tended to ignore the area because the crowds and casinos were just not appealing to my almost-90 mom.  She is at a stage in life where she loves to get out, but her energy only lasts till mid-afternoon. After lunch she likes - no needs - a quiet time. Time to put her feet up, relax and even indulge in a wee nap.

At 60-something I like to have time to enjoy my surroundings, to relax, enjoy my camera, catch up on my writing and even just soak up some sun.  So, when I visit I try to find special treats, outings that appeal to Mom without wearing her out and create a balance for both of us.

So there I was mulling over where to take her on a lovely May day when I remembered the gentler side of Niagara Falls - the side I knew as Niagara Parks. The folks at Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) have been preserving and enhancing the falls area and 56 km (32 miles) of Niagara River corridor since 1885.  And a great job they have been doing too. They have created a haven in the midst of bustling entertainment and the business of life that keeps us all too busy.

I knew that because I would often enjoy walks with my dog when taking the spouse to the train station.  Since the train for Ottawa left early Tipsy the mini-schnauzer and I would indulge in a visit to the woodlands after waving him off.

Since both Mom and I enjoy drives in the country, gardens, nature, birds and things with a gentler side, a visit was in order. Deemed “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world” by Sir Winston Churchill, the Parkway drew us like bees to spring blossoms. Indeed the promise of flowers and butterflies lured us to rediscover the joy to be found here.  

I love the drive along the Parkway which follows the rushing waters of the Niagara River from Fort Erie - where water spills into the river from the lake of the same name, to rush towards Niagara-on-the-Lake where it surges into Lake Ontario.   Rapids, both above and below the falls,  are worth a stop just to observe the power of the water surging from one lake to another.

The area seems to be a micro climate for things green and glorious.  Spring arrives early in full  colour.  The rose-gardens are world-famous with more than 2,300 varieties.  They specialize in hanging baskets, and have one of North America’s largest daffodil displays and heritage kitchen gardens. During our visit I was charmed by signs apologizing for a lack of flowers in one area because the deer had feasted on the tulips the night before.  

After a leisurely drive through the splendour of spring blossoms, we arrived at our first destination - the Butterfly Conservatory.  What a wonderful place for my nature loving Mom.  Gentle walking, warm and cozy and the magic of being surrounded by free-flying winged creatures. They tell us there are over 2,000 butterflies to be found in the luscious tropical habitat. We didn’t count them.  Who wants to count when you can enjoy!

Being able to watch the beautiful creatures emerge from their chrysalis and find their way to free flight is enchanting for those who take time to stop and savour the experience.  For my Mom, a butterfly on her finger, clusters of beautiful blue wings dancing in the waters of a waterfall, and  flowering tropical plants made for a perfect morning. 

Before entering the butterfly conservatory do take time to go into the small theatre and watch the film.  It does enhance your enjoyment and appreciation.

Lunch at the Queenston Heights Restaurant gave us time to recharge our batteries.  If you love to try the wines of the region this is a must stop.  Their wine cellar houses a diverse collection called The Best of Niagara.  That, a great menu, and a superb view from the top of the escarpment make this a not to be missed, or hurried, experience.

Leaving the restaurant we found it hard to drive away from the fabulous display of tulips but I did have one more stop in mind.  A little publicized treasure is, for want of a best description, a lilac orchard. Planted in rows, like an orchard many varieties of lilac fill the air with scent. A heady experience, topped by the beauty of the many different colours and flower types  to be found by those willing to wander.  Here we enjoyed a quiet time - recharging for Mom and a chance for me indulge in my favourite hobby, photography.

Our perfect day was ended with a slow meandering drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake, passing beautiful homes, scenic vistas, wineries, gardens and more.  One stop at a fruit market for a cold drink and fresh berries and we made our way back to Fonthill.  

Delightful.  Absolutely delightful to experience this often overlooked treasure to be found in Niagara Falls Parks.

NOT TO BE MISSED

- The Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse, with changing displays and over 70 free-flying songbirds, is open year round.

- The Botanical Gardens made for strolling are diverse and ever changing

- The White Water Walk has been here since 1876, but I was thrilled to find an elevator now takes one down into the gorge to a boardwalk at the very edge of one of the world’s wildest stretches of white water.  Breathtaking.

- The Heritage Trail, a drive with stops at Laura Secord’s homestead, Old Fort Erie’s Chippawa Battlefired, the Mackenzie Heritage Printry and Newspaper Museum and the Sir Adam Beck 2 Generating Station with its history of hydro power.  These are not static.  Knowledgeable folks, some in period costumes, educate and inform during the season, and for special events through the year.

- Queenston Heights Park, the terminus point of the Bruce Trail. High atop the Niagara Escarpment this area is recognized as a world biosphere by U.N.E.S.C.O.

TIPS AND HINTS

- This is one place where it pays to do your homework, Niagara Parks offers great options for visitors so check their web site (linked below) or pick up material at visitor information stops. There are many interesting events held throughout the year, so obtain an Event Calendar to help you plan your visit.

- Niagara Falls is easily reached by bus or train.  In fact the train takes you right into town, just a few blocks from hotels, B&Bs, and motels.  A train ride is a fun thing to do. Plan it right and you can use People Movers to access attractions with no worries about parking, or - my advice, rent a car and really explore the parks.  

- Niagara Parks is a free provincial park.  However it oversees attractions which do charge admission. If you are staying a few days look into the Adventure Pass.  Be careful to work out whether it will save you money. 

- Don’t try to do it all in one day.  There is simply too much to savour and enjoy.  Sit awhile, look around, let nature, enhanced and molded by skilled individuals who obviously love what they create, regenerate your spirit.