Toronto Day 6: Niagara Falls and Nathan Phillips Square
Save the best for the last! This day is my fiancรฉ’s 40th birthday. I decided to get a private tour of Niagra Falls instead of DIY-ing it myself. Niagara Falls is about 2 hours away from Toronto, and with this weather, it would have been a painful experience for us to do all the commute and transfers just to see the falls. I figured it was more convenient to just pay a little bit more for a private tour where all we have to do is relax while we are being driven around the area, and most importantly, we are being guided through the history of the place.
Here are some interesting facts about Niagra Falls!
- Three Waterfalls, Two Countries: Niagara Falls consists of three separate waterfalls: the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls in the United States, and the Horseshoe Falls, the largest of the three, straddling the border between the U.S. and Canada.
- Volume of Water: An astounding amount of water flows over the falls. The average is over 3,000 tons per second!
- Hydropower Production: Niagara Falls is a significant source of hydroelectric power. The falls’ powerful flow is harnessed to generate massive amounts of electricity for New York and Ontario.
Our day tour is operated by Niagara and Toronto Tours. The meeting area is near the CN tower on Bremner Boulevard. We took a Lyft there as it was only about CA$ 9.00 for the ride, much better than walking and taking street cards considering the time. We grabbed some breakfast at Aroma Espresso Bar before boarding our bus. The tour guide was interactive and kept us awake and excited on the way to Niagara Falls. He had plenty of trivia for us, not just about Niagara Falls but also Canada! One of the things that awed me was that Canada has more than 800,000 lakes and is dubbed the country with the most lakes in the world!
Our first stop is Niagara On The Lake. It is often called “The Prettiest Town in Canada” due to its beautifully preserved 19th-century village charm. The town is known for its well-maintained Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets, and lush flower gardens. This aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by the town’s location on the shores of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. The town is also home to the Shaw Festival, a major theatrical festival celebrating the works of George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries, making it a cultural hub. Combining historical significance with stunning visual appeal, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a unique and charming experience for visitors, distinguishing itself from other neighborhoods in the Niagara region.
Another charming attraction in the region is the Living Water Wayside Chapel, often cited as the smallest chapel in Canada. This tiny chapel is known for its diminutive size, measuring only about 10 feet by 6 feet. Despite its size, the chapel is fully functional and includes six-person seating, a pulpit, and stained glass windows. Its quaint and picturesque appearance has made it a popular spot for photographs and small wedding ceremonies. The Living Water Wayside Chapel is a testament to minimalist architecture and is a unique point of interest for visitors exploring the Niagara region. This little chapel encapsulates a sense of intimacy and charm that contrasts with the grandeur of nearby Niagara Falls.
The next stop is the Whirlpool Rapids. The Whirlpool Rapids are some of the most intense in the world, classified as Class 6 rapids, which are considered nearly impossible to navigate safely. This classification is due to the incredible speed and volume of water, along with the turbulent conditions. The rapids here result from the massive volume of water from the falls rushing into the narrowest section of the Niagara Gorge, creating extremely turbulent and fast-moving waters.
Finally, the highlight of the day: The Niagara Falls itself!
From the Canadian side, visitors are treated to a sweeping, uninterrupted vista of all three waterfalls. The Horseshoe Falls, the most powerful waterfall in North America and the most expansive of the three forms a dramatic curve that is best appreciated from this vantage point. The view is especially breathtaking because one can see the entire breadth and journey of the Niagara River as it plummets over the falls and continues down the gorge. Adding to the spectacle, the falls are illuminated every evening with colorful lights, creating a mesmerizing visual experience. On certain days, this spectacle is further enhanced by fireworks displays over the falls, making for a truly unforgettable sight. And the best part of all, you can see it live any day at www.niagarafallslive.com
It was freezing on the boat, but the majestic view was worth the ride! After the boat cruise, we took a stroll around Clifton Hill – one of the most famous attractions for tourists. It’s like a mini Las Vegas with casinos for adults and an amusement park for kids. We didn’t stay long enough to experience the rides, but we will do so for our next visit! To know more about Clifton Hill, visit their website at: www.cliftonhill.com
On our final day, we decided to make the most of our stay. We met with my fiancรฉ’s long-time friend, Byron, at Eaton Centre. They were excited to see each other again after a long time. After having a little shopping and snack at the mall, Byron took us to the famous ice skating rink with the huge Toronto sign in Nathan Philips Square. Luckily, there was an event going on during our visit, so the entire area was festive and lit up, and we were able to enjoy that as well!
