Niagara's Other Side:
Canada's Niagara
Article and photos by Kathleen Walls
When we talk of going to Niagara Falls we tend to
think New York. Don't forget, our nearest northern neighbor shares that
magnificent natural wonder. Canada knows how to surround Niagara Falls
with glamour and glitz also.
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Night skyline of the Canadian side |
While our American side is beautiful and relatively
quieter, Canada has put on the Ritz around the falls. It's sort of a
cross between Vegas and nature. If you are looking for more glamour and
excitement, then the Canadian side is for you. Of course it's a simple
matter to cross the Rainbow Bridge and see both sides.
When I visited it was a simple matter. Regulations
have tightened lately. Here are the latest regulations, "If you are a
citizen of the United States, you do not need a passport to enter
Canada. However, you should carry proof of your citizenship, such as a
birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, as well
as photo identification. "Although, you can get into Canada easily be
sure you have what you need to return. You will need a Passport Card
crossing at the Rainbow Bridge back into the United States. A few states
are using an enhanced drivers license that will work. The border agents
will check before you can re-enter the U.S.
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The falls taken from the Rainbow
Bridge |
Be sure to stop and take a photo of the falls from
the bridge. It is a beautiful shot. Once across, you step into a busy
setting. Casinos, midways, hotels, motels, even McDonalds are all
positioned as close as they can get to the falls. MacDonalds is an
attraction in itself. It is topped by a giant Frankenstein munching on a
Whopper.
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Not sure if "Frankenstein eats here" is a big inducement |
The biggest attraction in the area, literally, is
Skylon Tower. It stands 520 feet above street level and offers fantastic
views of the falls. It has two restaurants at its top, the lower
Revolving Dining Room] and the upper Summit Suite Buffet and is topped
by an observation deck. You can rise rapidly up the outsides to the top
via a Yellow Bug Elevator which whisks you up the top in 52 seconds.
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The Skylon Tower is the tallest
building on Canadian side skyline |
There are several boat experiences. Hornblower's
"Voyage To The Falls" Niagara Cruise is similar to the US based "Maid in
the Mist" and a great way to experience the power and beauty of the
falls. For the maximum beauty trip, try the night time Fireworks Cruise.
Fireworks over the falls are popular on both sides and if you visit on a
weekend you are pretty sure to witness some. The illumination is nightly
and due to the winds and water flow as well as the randomly changing
colors, it is hypnotic and worth the trip all by itself.
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Fireworks are fairly common on both
sides |
No matter where you walk around the falls area,
there are attractions. There's Movieland Wax Museum and Louis Tussaud's
Waxland each featuring celebrities of movies and history and their
musical competitor, Rock Legends Wax Museum. Ripley's Believe It or Not
features King Kong atop a toppled Empire State Building.
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King Kong atop Ripley's |
For the Trivia Pursuit fact collectors, don't miss
the Guinness World Records Museum. On the opposite end of the spectrum,
the adrenalin junkies might want to try Niagara Freefall and Interactive
Center offering simulated sky diving, mechanical bull riding and a
multitude of other scary activities.
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Want to break some records and climb
that rope? You might break something besides records. |
There are almost too many theaters to count, most
3D or 4D. "Legends of Niagara Falls" is currently playing at the Skylon
Theater. It is a good account of the evolution of the falls and its
history. Arcades, midway rides, and souvenir shops are all over. There
is even something for the nature lover with the Bird Kingdom and the
Butterfly Conservatory.
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Movieland is always popular |
In the grownup amusements, there are two casinos,
Casino Niagara and Fallsview. Fallsview
Casino Resort offers more than just the gaming. It has a hotel with a
great view of the falls, dining, spa, tons of shops, nightclubs and
nightly entertainment.
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Fallsview Casino and Resort |
Even if you are not staying or gambling
it's worth seeing the casino dome and fountian |
This is just the tip of the iceberg, the streets
right next to the falls. Venture a bit farther and you will find
Canada's Seaworld, tons of historical attractions and even wineries. You
won't be bored when you visit our neighbor.
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The streets around the falls are always
busy |
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