Niagara Parks
The Class 6 rapids in the Niagara Gorge.
Words by Steve Fennell
What we find so special about the Niagara Region is the variety of attractions that make for great overnight trips, weekend getaways, or multi-day vacations. The old saying ‘if you’ve seen it once, you’ve seen it a thousand times’ doesn’t really apply to the Niagara region as it does to other trendy destinations. Sure, there are the world-class wineries, the sites at Clifton Hill, and even ‘The Falls’ themselves, which are pretty amazing. But there is much more to this area than meets the eye. From educational experiences and outdoor activities to unique tours, here are a few places that we have enjoyed that’ll provide a new perspective of the region.
Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
Who doesn’t appreciate the unique lifecycle and fluttering of a colourful butterfly?
One of the largest, glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America, The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory – located on the popular and RV-accessible Niagara Parkway – features more than 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies among the natural surroundings of exotic plant life and a variety of green spaces.
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Niagara Parks
Your kids will be in awe as you stroll among the indoor rainforest settings, a pond, and waterfall at the Butterfly Conservatory; more than 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies can be discovered.
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Niagara Parks
Your kids (and even adults) will be in awe as you stroll along the designated, self-guided, 180 m (590 ft) path, which leads alongside indoor rainforest settings, a pond, waterfall, and what is called the Emergence Window. This is where the butterflies leave their pupae and dry their wings before their first flight. There are even feeding trays at various points where they congregate, allowing better views of their vibrant, patterned colours. Don’t understand anything about butterflies? The walking tour starts with an informative, educational, and close-captioned video presentation.
The duration of the tour is about an hour, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. If you’re looking for more naturally-inspired attractions, there’s also the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens that shares the property with the conservatory.
White Water Walk – Boardwalk by the Rapids
We like this attraction for two reasons. One, it’s away from the tourist trap of Clifton Hill (although your kids will love all of those dazzling museums). And two, it’s an exciting reminder of how powerful Mother Nature is.
Approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) from where tons of the water crashes down from the falls, this section of the Niagara Gorge is a swirl of turbulent, rushing class 6 rapids that blast as fast as 48 km/h (30 mph). Speeds of up to 109 km/h (67 mph) have even been recorded during extreme weather.
Niagara Parks
The boardwalk you’ll take during the White Water Walk.
Access to this natural rush of water is via the Niagara Parks building on River Rd. where an elevator takes you down 70 m (about 230 ft) to a 400 m (1,300 ft) boardwalk, which leads along the shores of the deep, narrow gorge just above river level. While the best views are from the upper and wheelchair-accessible observation deck, a set of stairs leads down to two other platforms for more up-close experiences of the rushing water, tide pools, and winding gorge. Tours are available from April to November and free parking is available.
https://www.niagarafallstourism.com
Dufferin Islands
After a morning of checking out some attractions, The Dufferin Islands is a natural space that we stumbled upon and it piqued our curiosity. Named after the Canadian Governor-General Lord Dufferin, who was instrumental in establishing this parkland, Dufferin Island is easy to access by RV and located about 1 km (.6 mi) past Horseshoe Falls, again, on the Niagara Parkway.
Once a site of a saw and gristle mill that was torched by U.S. soldiers during the War of 1812, the islands were formed after the Toronto Power Generating Plant was being built in the early 1900s (that stopped operating in 1974). The facility replaced its excess landfill in the area’s fast-flowing inlet, thus creating a series of islands. Today, the Dufferin Islands remain a secluded park where you can enjoy quiet afternoons and long relaxing walks on the interconnecting footpaths and bridges.
During our visit, we enjoyed a picnic lunch on one of the picnic tables, and then took a stroll among its grounds. The area is also popular among birders who come to see the variety of waterfowl including Gadwalls and Mallards, along with Bald Eagles, colourful Northern Flickers, and American Coots.
For more information visit Niagaraparks.com
Jock Rutherford
The Brock Monument in Queenston Heights Park.
Queenston Heights Park
The Niagara Region was the location of many significant battles during the War of 1812, including The Battle of Fort George in 1813 and the siege at Fort Erie in 1814, which was one of the last (and one of the fiercest) battles of the war. While all are significant events, this park is the site of The Battle of Queenston Heights in 1812 and is just one of the historic areas that commemorate the conflict in the region.
Located on the Niagara Escarpment, the park encompasses scenic, forested parklands and is where U.S. soldiers were forcibly driven back by the British and Canadian forces. The area was designated a National Historic Site in 1968 and includes the Brock’s Monument, which stands 58 m (190 ft) tall and commemorates the loss of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock who was killed early in the battle; and the Laura Secord Monument, who is famously known for her arduous efforts of informing Canadian and British forces of an upcoming U.S. attack.
Niagara Parks
The Laura Secord Homestead is another attraction worth checking out.
The Laura Secord Homestead, which is available for public tours (but at the time of publication was temporarily closed), is about three minutes from the park. You’ll also want to see the Six Nations and Native Allies Commemorative Memorial that signifies the sacrifices made by The First Nations during this period.
Known as the birthplace of Niagara Falls, the park makes for a great afternoon - with two picnic pavilions, children's splash pad and playground, tennis courts, and the Queenston Heights Restaurant – before moving on to your next insightful attraction in the Niagara region.