Exploring the Wonder of Niagara Falls

The countdown is officially on for Morley to start daycare and for me to head back to work. It's crazy to believe that 10 months have already passed.

To celebrate, we decided we were in need of a little getaway. Just the three of us. 

Living in Toronto, there are many quick getaways at our finger tips. A short 1.5 hour drive down the highway, Niagara Falls, Ontario is the perfect one-day or overnight trip option for those that live in,  around or are just visiting the big city of Toronto. 

Whether you are traveling with family, friends or even solo, Niagara Falls has something to do for everyone. While the Niagara Region may be known for its award-winning wineries, vast network of hiking trails along the Niagara Escarpment and the Falls themselves, it is filled with adventure and activities all year long, making it the perfect mid-winter celebratory getaway for my little family. 

This trip, I wanted something that was unlike anything we'd ever done before in Niagara Falls, but also something that family-friendly. For us, the answer was Niagara Park's Wonder Pass.

Having lived in the Niagara Region for a year during grad school, I was familiar with Niagara Parks. However, I had no idea that Parks also ran many of the great attractions in and around the Falls area, offering a "passport"-type adventure pass to visit them. 

The Niagara Parks Wonder Pass is a great option whether you're visiting the Falls for one day, two or even more. At just $22.95 CAD+tax per adult (*subject to change), the Pass saves you money while offering one time admission to the Park's all-season attractions - Journey Behind the Falls, the Butterfly Conservatory and Niagara’s Fury - plus over $75 in bonus coupons to use during your stay. No car? No problem. It also includes 2-days access to the WEGO bus system, which connects major hotels in Niagara Falls to Niagara Parks.

Take a look at how we explored Niagara Falls with the Niagara Parks Wonder Pass:

Journey Behind the Falls

Journey Behind the Falls allows you to venture deep below and behind the heart of Niagara, and stand in the mist where the mighty Horseshoe Falls tumbles from 13 storeys above! You'll experience the awesome spectacle of one-fifth of the world's freshwater crashing down to the basin below.

This was definitely my favourite part of the Wonder Pass. You really can't get a feel for the amount of water and power rushing over the Falls until you step behind them. 

During the winter months, they close the outdoor viewing platform (for obvious reasons), but there is still plenty to see from the covered areas. The good thing about experiencing this attraction in winter? You don't get wet!

Please note, strollers are not normally permitted in this attraction. We were granted special permission since it was especially quiet on our visit.

Butterfly Conservatory

This magical attraction features over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Paths wind through the rainforest setting, past a pond and waterfall and the Emergence window, where butterflies leave their pupae and prepare to take their first flight!

We spent quite a bit of time at the Butterfly Conservatory. Mostly because Morley slept through half of it, and of course woke up just as we were leaving. We knew she would love to watch the butterflies, so once she was awake, we ended up going through again. 

We're glad we did. Her little giggles as she watched them flying, her shrieks and grunts as she yelled at them laying on the greenery and her delayed reactions as they flew past her face were all priceless. 

Niagara's Fury

Niagara's Fury allows you to discover the ancient story of Niagara Falls, through a 360 degree, multi-sensory experience. Located in the same area as the Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara's Fury is a “4D” Universal Studios-style attraction, to help you fully understand how the Falls were formed and their true power. 

In lieu of this attraction being closed for maintenance during our visit, we were offered passes to the IMAX. While I would have loved to take in this attraction, we didn't think Morley would, so we opted out. 

Floral Showhouse

This Wonder Pass add-on option displays collections or orchids, succulents and other tropical plant species throughout the year, with special floral shows that reflect the changing seasons. Colourful tropical birds fly throughout the greenery to make you truly feel like you are in a lush jungle.

Visiting a greenhouse like this one is not something we would normally do, so taking some time to walk through and enjoy the beautiful spring display was a nice change of pace. And Morley loved watching the birds.

Falls Illumination

This past December, the bi-national Niagara Falls Illumination Board unveiled its new energy-efficient LED illumination system in Niagara Falls. The new lighting system provides more than twice the previous lighting levels, programmable lighting and a wider spectrum of colour, offering both new and returning visitors an entirely new way to experience Niagara Falls at night.

After dinner, we ended the day with a walk along the falls to view the new Falls Illumination. Every evening beginning at dusk, Niagara Falls is transformed into an incredible, multi-coloured water and light masterpiece. These lights work to create a breathtaking view not to be missed.  

Niagara Park's Wonder Pass was definitely the perfectly family-friendly way to see the Falls. It was a busy day, but a fun one. I think Morley agreed.

Visiting Niagara Falls in the Winter

While most people associate visiting the Falls with the summer months, I highly recommend checking it out during the winter.  There were no big lines or even crowds to battle. At times, we were the only ones walking down the street. The majority of attractions and restaurants are still open, and as it is their slow season, most will thank you for stopping in.  That being said, be sure to check ahead before your winter visit, just to be safe.

About Niagara Parks

Since its establishment in 1885, Niagara Parks has remained a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport, entrusted to preserve and protect the land surrounding Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. The Agency offers visitors the opportunity to authentically experience and interpret the 56 kilometre Niagara River corridor through the sprawling parklands, natural attractions, locally-sourced culinary offerings, celebrated golf courses and restored heritage sites.

Planning a trip to Niagara Falls? Let Niagara Parks help with their online trip planner. For more info on the Niagara Parks Wonder Pass, visit Niagara Parks website.

Have you been to Niagara Falls? What was your favourite thing to do or see? I'd love to hear!

Note: This post was made possible by Niagara Parks. I did receive products and/or compensation in exchange for my honest review, however, all opinions are 100% my own. Thank you Niagara Parks for creating lasting memories for my family!

A Sleepover with a View: Niagara Falls, ON

Wow, its been a busy two weeks over here! First, there was a family getaway to Niagara Falls, followed by a girls trip to Cuba, and ending with what should be (fingers crossed) our second-last move for a handful of years to come. I know, I know, tough month.

I can't wait to recap it all for you, but first, we'll start at the beginning with our little family getaway to Niagara Falls, Ontario. Or, as I like to refer to it, our sleepover with a view.

As previously mentioned, the start of daycare and end of maternity leave are fast approaching. As in days away. Cue the waterworks.

To celebrate, we decided we were in need of a little getaway. Just the three of us. 

We chose Niagara Falls, Ontario - the perfect distance from Toronto for an overnight, family-friendly trip. Even in the middle of winter. 

We stayed at the Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview, in a room overlooking the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side of the border.  The hotel is a short walk from many of Niagara's attractions, restaurants, Fallsview Casino and the spectacular Falls themselves. 

The hotel also had an indoor pool, which eventually was the perfect way to wind down our adventure-filled day. 

The day was filled with visiting a few of Niagara Parks' great attractions - Journey Behind the Falls, the Floral Showhouse and the Butterfly Conservatory.

The Niagara Parks Wonder Pass is a great option to explore these attractions and save money while doing so, whether you're visiting the Falls for one day, two or even more.

Aside from the photos and memories, a souvenir to remember Morley's first visit to Niagara Falls was definitely needed. We made a pitstop at Souvenir City, a 15,000 square feet plaza that has become one of Niagara Falls’ largest free tourist attractions and features a vast selection of Niagara Falls and Canadian-themed souvenirs and gifts.  

We had a delicious dinner at Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse, where we dined liked a king, queen and princess on a variety of tasty meats and sides. 

After our bellies were full, we took a walk down by the Falls to see the new Falls Illumination, the new new energy-efficient LED illumination system. Every evening beginning at dusk, Niagara Falls is transformed into an incredible, multi-coloured water and light masterpiece. These lights work to create a breathtaking view not to be missed.  

After a good night's rest and a big breakfast, our last stop of the trip was to Bird Kingdom, the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary. Morley loved watching the exotic colourful birds fly freely in the multi-level rainforest. She even got to meet a few, including one that sang to her. We were so impressed! She loves animals, which makes this animal-loving mama very happy. 

While we would have loved to check out the other attractions Niagara Falls has to offer, such as the infamous Clifton Hill, it was quickly approaching nap time. So, to the car it was. That was ok with us because we also didn't want to get stuck in the dreaded rush hour traffic on the way back into Toronto.

Most people associate visiting the Falls with the summer months, but I highly recommend checking it out during the winter.  There were no big lines or crowds to battle, and, at times, we were the only ones walking down the street. The majority of attractions and restaurants are still open, and as it is their slow season, most will thank you for stopping in.  That being said, be sure to check ahead before your winter visit, just to be safe.

A BIG thank you to Radisson Fallsview, Niagara Parks, Niagara Falls Tourism and Souvenir City for making Morley's first visit to the Falls a huge success and creating lasting memories for my family!

Where we stayed in Niagara Falls:

Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview

6733 Fallsview Blvd  //  905-356-1944

Where we ate in Niagara Falls:

Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse

6361 Fallsview Blvd  //  905-353-7187

Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5:00-10:00pm; Friday 5:00-11:00pm; Saturday, 4:30-11:00pm

Where we visited in Niagara Falls:

Journey Behind the Falls

6650 Niagara Pkwy  //  905-354-1551

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00-6:00pm

Floral Showhouse

7145 Niagara Pkwy  //  (905) 354-1721

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30-5:00pm 

Butterfly Conservatory

2565 Niagara Pkwy  //  (905) 358-0025

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00-5:00pm

Souvenir City Headquarters

 4199 River Rd  //  866-344-0985

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00-5:00pm

Bird Kingdom

5651 River Road // 905-356-8888

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30-5:00pm

*Hours, contact information and admission prices subject to change.

Have you ever been to Niagara Falls? What was your favourite place to visit? I'd love to hear!

Weekend Getaway to Niagara-on-the-Lake

One of my favourite places in the world is a little pocket in southern Ontario called Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL). Not Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Although the two places are close together, they are very very different. One is a tourist trap with pretty well known water falls, and the other is an oasis for those who want the ultimate food and wine experience. Surrounded by Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, in NOTL you'll find everything from large estate wineries, to medium–size operations and smaller boutique wineries, and not to mention the cutest little town you ever did see. This region is not only know for its award winning grapes, it is also pretty historic, and played a huge role in Canadian history.

I'm probably one of the worst people on Earth when it comes to Valentine's Day - I think cards are a waste of paper, flowers are a waste of money and am not a fan of chocolate. But wine, I can do wine. So, to celebrate Valentine's Day/the last year of my husband's "roaring 20s", we decided to take a little winter getaway to NOTL.

Peller Estates Winery

After a snowy and cold 1.5 hour drive, our first stop was at Peller Estates. This large estate winery has been in the family for over 50 years and has won many many prestigious awards for signature products, like Icewine, as well as Chardonnays and Rieslings.

Favourite wine from Peller Estates: Signature Series Chardonnay Sur Lie 2012 ($31.95 / not sold in the LCBO).

Pillar & Post Hotel

We spent the night at the Pillar & Post Hotel, a small boutique type hotel tucked into the town of NOTL. The hotel's original structure was built in the late 1890s as a canning factory, and since has been lovingly transformed into the award winning inn and spa.

Trius Winery at Hillebrand

After checking in, we put on our fancy clothes and headed to Trius Winery at Hillebrand, where more tastings and dinner were waiting.  Our visit to Trius was a complete sensory experience - each menu item was perfectly paired with a glass of wine to compliment the seasonal and local food. 

Favourite wine from Trius: Trius Barrel-Aged Chardonnay ($19.95 / sold in the LCBO).

It was declared a "technology free" dinner, but with a few eyes rolls, I was able to sneak a before and after shot. Dinner was delicious. You can't get much better than a 3 course meal with wine pairings.

And then, after that many glasses of wine later (plus a few not pictured), we were in bed by 8pm. 

Successful night away in the books.

Where we drank, ate and slept:

Peller Estates

290 John St E, NOTL, ON

1-888-673-5537

www.peller.com 

Trius Winery

1249 Niagara Stone Rd, NOTL, ON

1-800-582-8412 // 905-468-7123

www.triuswines.com

Pillar and Post Hotel

48 John St W, NOTL, ON

1 888-669-5566 // (905) 468-2123

www.vintage-hotels.com/pillarandpost/

Have you ever done a wine tasting? What's your favourite wine? I'd love to hear!

A Family Trip to Great Wolf Lodge, Niagara Falls

Looking for the perfect family adventure in southern Ontario? Whether it’s minus twenty or pouring rain outside, it’s always warm and sunny at Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Read on to learn why Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect indoor vacation destination for families in southern Ontario.

Last month, we escaped the big city and spent a night at Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, Ontario. 

With a water lover at home, we had talked about a visit for about a year. We went back and forth for some time, hesitant to book not knowing if it would be too old for our almost 3 year old. We were a bit afraid that it would be a waste of money, and that there would be nothing there for her to do.

Boy, were we wrong.

After receiving a gift certificate for Christmas, we were given the push we needed to book a stay. And, after talking with friends that had also visited with young children, we realized it would be the perfect time to take the girls.

And, we’re so glad that we did.

Located along the Niagara Gorge, just five kilometres from Niagara Falls, Great Wolf Lodge is one of North America’s largest indoor waterpark resorts, and the perfect family-friendly indoor vacation destination.

We arrived at 4:00pm, check in time. Walking in, I was in awe - the grand lobby was filled with kids in their bathing suits running around and parents trailing after them. With a massive fireplace, antler chandeliers and a fishing cabin-theme, I knew we were no longer in the big city. With two little ones in tow, vacations are no longer what they used to be. Stepping foot in the lobby for the first time, I instantly realized what we were in for - from here on out, it’s all about the girls. 

Let’s get straight to the point. The highlight of Great Wolf Lodge?

That would be the humongous 103,000 square foot indoor waterpark, featuring 2.5 million litres of water, 13 water slides, 6 pools and a four-storey tree house water fort. The best way to describe it? Wow. Just wow.

The waterpark is an ideal escape for everyone, offering an environment that provides for family bonding time as well as safe, supervised, yet independent kid-friendly fun. It is open from 9:00am to 8:00pm daily, and on the day of arrival, guests have access starting at 1:00pm (3 hours prior to check in).

We were a bit worried Morley would be restricted to the wave pool and lazy river, so we were happy to see that there really is something for everyone at the waterpark, from toddlers all the way to adults. (See also FAQ below regarding appropriate age.)

Upon walking in, children are measured and given a different coloured wristband depending on their height. The colour corresponds to which slides they can go on. We spent the majority of our time in Chipmunk Cove - a shallow water area with a fountain forest - and on the kiddie slides (located in the same area), perfectly sized water slides with gentle slopes and tiny dips and turns. It was so fun to watch Morley break out of her shell and go down the slides all by herself. We also explored Fort Mackenzie, a multi-level water fort tree house and took a dip in Rainbow Lake (the wave pool) and Crystal River (the lazy river).

While we brought our own, we were happy to see that life jackets are available for use. They have a few different sizes and can be found first come, first serve at the entrance to the waterpark.

After some time spent in the pool and watching Morley brave the kiddie slides, it was time to head back to the room to warm up and fill our bellies. Instead of enjoying one of the many sit-down restaurants, we opted for room service, ordering a pizza to the room from Northwoods Pizza. (See also FAQ below regarding food.)

One thing that I appreciated about the resort was that there was never a need to carry a wallet or purse. A good thing when you’re around 2.5 million litres of water! Instead, it’s all in the RFID waterproof wristband, which acts as your room key, credit card for purchases in all retail shops, bars and restaurants and for all services, and even identification, say if you get separated from your children.

After a quick bite, it was back to the lobby for nightly story time - a chance for the kiddos to put on their pjs, grab their favourite stuffy and sit down to hear the forest friends and a very lively staff member read a few favourite storybooks.

Throughout the day, the lobby is fun (and dry) source of entertainment for the kids. Aside from story time, there are performances featuring animated friends of the forest who come to life and sing, dance parties, character meet and greets and more.

In total, the resort has 406 guest rooms made up of 10 different configurations, all designed with the rustic charm of a Northwoods cabin. We opted to stay in a Family Fireplace Suite which included two queen-sized beds, a full-size sleeper sofa in the semi-private living space and a fireplace. If we are to visit again when the girls are a bit older, we would definitely book a KidKamp Suite which features a tent-themed sleeping area with bunk beds.

The majority of the resort’s suites open onto a large deck or patio (perfect for a summer visit) and also include a semi-private living area, full-size bath, one or more TVs, in-room safe, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, hair dryer, free WIFI and more. Pack and play cribs are also available upon request.

After a much needed sleep and a quick bite to eat, we put our bathing suits back on and headed down to the watermark one more time before saying goodbye to our forest friends and making the 1.5 hour drive back to Toronto. It’s safe to day, both girls slept the entire way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions, as asked by YOU the readers on social media. (If you have any more, feel free to include them in the comments below and I will answer and update the post. Remember, if you have the question, chances are someone else is wondering the same thing, so don’t hesitate to ask!)

What age is appropriate?

This is a BIG one, and one of the reasons we almost didn’t book a stay.

At just shy of 3 years, our oldest had a blast! For that age, I recommend only one night. They can take part in all of the free activities (story time, character meet and greets, etc.) while still enjoying the waterpark for a good length of time.  Between the wave pool, lazy river and kiddy area (with four slides), there was enough for Morley to do that she didn’t even notice the bigger slides. 

In order to ride the kiddy slides in Chipmunk Cove, I strongly recommend they be comfortable and confident enough in the water as they have to ride the slides by themselves (parents can wait at the bottom). 

Our 6 month old also loved sitting in the water watching all of the kids in the pool. She had a grin from ear to ear as she splashed and watched her sister.

As kids get older, the pricier the trip gets (like anywhere, I guess). For kids 6 years plus, I recommend 2 nights. They can ride more slides in the waterpark (ability to ride goes by height) and take part in more of the paid activities at the resort (arcade, MagiQuest, etc.).

Is it clean?

With the volume of people they see, I was surprised how clean the resort was, both in and out of the waterpark. 

The water is obviously heavily chlorinated, and you will be smelling it for days after your visit. For example, I took a few showers to get the smell out of my hair and two washing cycles to get the smell out of our clothes. That being said, I would rather it be heavily chlorinated than not enough chlorine.

For the amount of chlorine, you would expect the decor to look “aged”. This is what I experienced at a previous indoor waterpark I had visited. However, there didn’t seem to be any wear and tear to the decor and structures, which means it is well cleaned and maintained. 

Isn’t it expensive?

Yes, it does come with a bit larger of a price tag than other hotels, but remember that with the room cost, you are also receiving admission to the waterpark on both days. 

There are ways to make your visit more cost effective. When choosing when to visit, select an off-peak time of the year, such as a week day, have your kids ask for gift certificates as gifts (like we received for Christmas), avoid areas with paid programming and services (as much as possible, I know easier said than done with kids) and even take advantage of the fridge and microwave in the room and bring your own food. (See also FAQ below regarding food.)

Be sure check out the “Special Offers” section on their website to learn more ways to save. 

How is the food?

Before visiting, I asked friends this same question. Their advice was that it is expensive and that we should bring our own food in terms of snack, lunch and breakfast. And so, we did. I loaded our cooler bag and to be honest, we didn’t end up eating half of it. A few reasons why - we were only there one night (total 22 hours) and we are a small family with young kids. 

For dinner, we ordered a pizza (and two beers) delivered to the room. A large Hawaiian was $22.99 and beers were $7.99 each, which we thought was comparable to if we went out to a restaurant. For our two adults and one child eating, this was a reasonable cost. However, if you have a larger family, or kids that eat more, I could see it being more expensive.

If you are going to bring your own food, there is a mini fridge and microwave located in the room. Keep in mind, outside food is not allowed in the waterpark. There are two restaurants in the waterpark area to order from.

By the way, the pizza was delicious.

Have you been to Great Wolf Lodge? Where is your favourite family-friendly vacation destination? I’d love to hear!

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