Experience Energy, History, and Fun Activities in Niagara Falls
05 Oct 2021
These attractions were part of a press trip with the Travel Media Association of Canada, of which I am a member. Cost of attractions were covered by Niagara Falls Tourism, Niagara Parks, and Parks Canada. Opinions are my own.
Niagara Falls is one of my favourite places to visit. I love playing tourist and visiting all of the popular attractions. But I also love learning about the history of the Falls, and how the power of the water creates power. But it’s not just the actual waterfall that I love about Niagara Falls. It’s the importance of the battles during the War of 1812 in the Niagara region that played in the creation of Canada.
On a recent press trip to Niagara Falls, we got the opportunity to not only learn about the importance this region played in Canada’s history, but to try new things, and experience the power of the Falls. As well, I got to knock off an item off my bucket list that I was previously scared to do.
Maple Leaf Place
You may drive by and think that this is just a Niagara Falls souvenir shop. While you can get some pretty awesome and high-quality souvenirs at Maple Leaf Place, it is so much more than just a souvenir shop.
They have several art installations in their new extension, including this beautiful massive crystal maple tree, made up of 100,000 crystals! It represents the changing of the seasons, and beautifully reflects the colours and light from the outside.
But the highlight of Maple Leaf Place is the freshly made chocolates, fudge, and maple syrup. Visitors can come in and purchase a flight of maple syrup with mini pancakes. They are so good!
Location
Maple Leaf Place is located at 4199 River Road in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Niagara Falls History Museum
Located within the old Stamford Township Hall, the Niagara Falls History Museum provides a unique look into Niagara Falls’ past.
The museum is just steps from the Drummond Hill Cemetery, which was the scene of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane, considered by historians as the “bloodiest battle” of the War of 1812.
Galleries include:
• Gale Family War of 1812 Gallery
• Community Gallery
• The Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Temporary Exhibition Gallery
• The Theatre
Guided tours are available, and must be booked in advance.
Location
Niagara Falls History Museum is located at 5810 Ferry Street in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Lundy’s Lane Battlefield
On July 25th, 1814, the British and Canadian army defended the hill from an invading American army in Battle of Lundy’s Lane during the War of 1812. There were over 1,731 casualties including 258 killed in one of the deadliest battles ever fought in Canada.
Now known as Drummond Hill Cemetery, you’ll find a large cenotaph and several historic figures buried beneath the former battlefield, including great Canadian heroine Laura Secord, who walked 20 miles in 1813 to warn the British forces that the Americans were going to attack.
Location
Lundy’s Lane Battlefield is located at 6115 Lundy’s Lane #6113 in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Fort George National Historic Site
A tour of Fort George National Historic Site is a great way to learn about the War of 1812. You can view cannons around the fortification, the soldier’s barracks, and a stone powder magazine. This military post defended Upper Canada against American attacks. You can even see a redcoat soldier fire a musket!
Location
The Fort George National Historic Site is located at 51 Queen’s Parade in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Niagara Parks Power Station
If you want to see how the flow of the mighty Horseshoe Falls can create power, then a tour of the Niagara Parks Power Station is in order.
Years after the turbines stopped operating, new facilities were built further north up the river (Sir Adam Beck I Generating Station, Sir Adam Beck II Generating Station, Sir Adam Beck Pump Generating Station).
Niagara Parks Power Station has been converted into a tourist attraction, with interactive exhibits and restored artifacts that make the tour very fun and educational.
I recommend the guided tour, as the tour guides always give you more information than you will find on the signs around the building.
Location
Niagara Parks Power Station is located at 7005 Niagara Pkwy in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Phone: 1-877-642-7275
Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed
“Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed” is a new must-see attraction that features an electrifying light and sound show that reacts to your presence. Watch as an incredible sensory experience reawakens the Niagara Parks Power Station through colour, lights, imagery, and an exhilarating musical score.
Currents is powered by:
• 23 laser phosphor projectors on 5 distinct surfaces (wall + floor + 3 turbines) using 3D mapping to create an immersive video environment
• 32 channels of immersive and interactive audio content are fed through 35 different speakers
• Reactive elements use proprietary projector auto-calibration and an interactive tracking system with 6 infrared blasters
• Architectural LEDs throughout the station, accenting the building highlights with complementary lighting and atmospheric effects
Location
You can experience “Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed” at the Niagara Parks Power Station, located at 7005 Niagara Pkwy in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Phone: 1-877-642-7275
Niagara City Cruises
If you are looking for an up-close and personal view of the mighty Niagara Falls, then look no further than Niagara City Cruises. This 20-minute boat ride gives you amazing views of the American and Bridal Veil Falls and gets you very close to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Protective recyclable red ponchos are provided as you will get wet with the mist from the falls. If you want to experience the full “wet” experience, go to the top level.
If you want to stay a little dryer, stay on the bottom level. If you want to stay completely dry, there is an indoor area where you can stand and still have a pretty good view of all three falls as you pass.
Location
Niagara City Cruises is located at 5920 Niagara Pkwy in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Accommodations in Niagara Falls
There are lottos hotels in Niagara Falls. Here are some great options that have fantastic views and are close to the brink of the Falls:
Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa
6740 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON
Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel
6080 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON
Embassy Suites by Hilton Niagara Falls
6700 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON
Hilton Fallsview Hotel & Suites
6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON
Sheraton Fallsview Hotel
5875 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ON
Experience Niagara Falls
Most people stick to the attractions located on Clifton Hill, but there is so much more to the Falls than haunted houses and go-karts. If you are planning a trip to Niagara Falls, make sure the attractions and experiences listed above are on your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!
Cheers,
Big Daddy
If you would like me to review your product, service, restaurant, or travel destination, please send me an email at craig@bigdaddykreativ.ca or tweet me at @BigDaddyKreativ
Craig Silva
Craig is a husband, father, team leader, travel and food writer, senior youth group coordinator, designer, brander, community builder, volunteer, and social media strategist. He likes to travel, go camping, go on road trips, watch movies, build stuff, operate the grill, and sing with his band. Craig is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and Travel Media Association of Canada. If you are a PR agency or brand and would like Craig to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send him an email.
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