Less is more. We know that saying in relation to art. Specifically modern art. What if that saying applied outside of the world of art? I think we could all learn something, especially when it comes to travel, from this saying. How many times you visited Niagara Falls?
Its not uncommon for us to get sucked into the “check list” style of travel. While in my opinion there is nothing wrong with this style of travelling, I do believe that it doesn’t do the destination justice. I believe that we would enjoy our trips more if we took the time to enjoy them. Sounds simple, right? Yet, how often do we see tour buses, off loading a group of tourists who simply snap a picture of the view and head straight back for the bus? Sure, we all have a bucket list. Things that we want to see at a certain destination, but I believe that the approach can be changed, or at least improve. Instead of packing several things into the days itinerary, wouldn’t we be able to enjoy the trip so much more if we use the approach “less is more” and simply put three things in the itinerary? In the same sense of “less is more”, enjoying three activities to the fullest at a destination instead of piling on several can help us enjoy the trip so much more.
Here is where the Niagara Falls Region comes in.
The Niagara Region is a perfect blend of country living and the city, making it the perfect get away. Wineries, Amazing Hotels, Great People and lets not forget the Niagara Falls… What does this region not have?
So how do we make the most of a trip to the Niagara Region? Below are just some of the events that may get your attention. Plan accordingly!
April – Easter – follow this link to get an idea where to lunch and dine on Easter weekend. And don’t forget to have a reservation!
June – Comic Con is a popular event that takes place on June 3 -5 at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre, Niagara Falls Canada, just steps away from the majestic Falls. This popular event features more than 200,000 square feet of exhibitors, comic books, movie cars, cosplay contests, celebrity autographs and photo-ops, a video gaming arena, Falls Horror Fest and so much more!
Niagara Falls Region Biking
As soon as you wish – If you love your bike and a passionate cyclist – you’ll appreciate this useful info – here.
August – The 28thedition of theCanada’s largest multi-sport event, will take place in Niagara from Saturday August 6thto Sunday, August 21st, 2022. The Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games will celebrate the wonder of sport alongside arts and culture. The Games will honour Niagara’s Indigenous communities and showcase a remarkable heritage of hard work and innovation in one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations. With world-renowned hospitality, the people of Niagara will welcome visitors from across the country.
October 23, 2022 – One of the oldest and most scenic racecourses in North America following the Niagara River and ending at the majestic Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The Niagara International Marathon is truly international with the start in Buffalo, NY and end in Niagara Falls, ON. The Half, 10k, and 5k distances all start and end in Canada.
With new Hotels and Spas opening this year, the Niagara region is a must for anyone visiting the area!
And one last tip – here is a great place to stop for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea – Old Stone Inn.
The house and the park located on 11.5 acre property covered with mature trees. The park offers perfect place for walks and picnincs, beautiful shaded lawns and paths during the summer. The house opens for visitors from October till Chrismas.
Woodside National Historic Site, Entrance
Mackenzie King House
The house dates back to Victorian period, was built by James Colquhoun. After his death in 1877 varuois tenants occupied the house. One of them was the Kings family. They lived in this house from 1886 till 1893. The house was a home for a boy who later became Canada’s tenth Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King. The family had four children, and while visiting the house we can see their rooms and well kept personal items. His father John King was a lawyer, and he taught his kids English, French, math and science. There is a large collection of boks, many of them are rare originals…
Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King
The house has a spacious living room with piano. The room was filing up with various guests during many holidays…
Living room in William Lyon Mackenzie King House
Travel at that time was a challenge, so the house has a nice guest bedroom with all the necessary items…
Guest bedroom in William Lyon Mackenzie King House, Kitchener
The sisters were sharing the bedroom, we can see some of the clothing and original furniture.
We had a chance to enter the room of William, quite small and with very modest furnishings. The bedrooms are all on the second floor and interestingly, there is no heating – only the first floor of the house is heated, so in the winter the heavy blanket and the hot water bottle did the job!
Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King
The most important item of the kitchen is the original wood-buning stove. It is fully operational and if you visit the place during Christmas Holidays you may be lucky to try fresh baked cookies or bread! They say tastes amazing!
Woodside National Historic SIte, house of William Lyon Mackenzie King
The House is not just a museum, there are different events and workshops offered for students.
After lunch at the (nearby) Boston Pizza, we came in to the Bingeman’s Big Splash. After changing into our bathing suits we stepped out on to the deck exited about all of the slides that awaited us. They had many slides to choose from and better yet, the height restrictions are very reasonable so that everyone can go (most of the required heights are around forty inches). My personal favourite slide was the Cyclone.
Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario
Over all, the park quite fairly spread out which makes it feel like there is less of a crowd, there also is a big wave pool
Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario
which has a shallow end
Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario
and a deep end however the tubes have to be rented for five dollars each and Cabana rentals are also available, another thing to note is that most of the rides are one person at a time, however there are a couple that two people can ride on at the same time.
Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario
We highly recommend that you try it out especially if traveling with young ones.
Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario
Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario
Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario
Entertainment Area in Bingman’s Splash Park, 425 Bingeman’s Centre Drive, Kitchener, Ontario
Overall it is the most fun water park in the region.
Adventures during our Perth-Ottawa Road Trip. Summer 2016
We left Toronto early in morning and after about an hour on 401 as usually stopped over at Big Apple. The place is well known for cute cafeteria, large giftshop, children`s outdoor pet zoo, and clean washrooms.
After arriving to Perth, we first stopped over at the Fairgrounds where the place was already prepared for the 200th years celebrations. One could see the rib grillers’ stands from all over Lanark county and the vendors offering foods and drinks to all tastes. There was a mini amusement park for young children with bouncy castles and a climbing tower. The stage was ready for musicians and singers; close by the stone carvers were competing in their art – the winners’ sculptures will become part of the new stone bridge being constructed in Perth and funded mainly by donations.
Building a New Bridge in Perth, Lanark County, Canada
Late afternoon we headed to the McReary’s beach resort. The resort has beautiful and spacious cottages and we stayed in one of them for the next 3 days. The resort is located on the beach and at the same time not far from the main road; that made it convenient for our local day trips exploring the area. Our cottage had fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms, living room and the deck with BBQ. The environment is really family friendly and kids were allowed to go around by themselves.
Paddling in McReary Beach resort
Once settled we all headed for a boat tour that was so much fun!
Fun time at McReary Beach resort
We swam in warm lake water, did spectacular jumps from the boat and raced each other. On the way back to the cottage we saw two eagles high up on a pine tree.
Eagle nest near McReary Beach resort
Next to the beach there one can find a boat house with many canoes and kayaks to borrow, but we were too tempted to relax in the indoor pool; under same roof there is a sauna and hot tub. After dinner we played for a while and later enjoyed a beautiful sunset and the marshmallows roasted on the campfire right behind the cottage.
Marshmallow Party at the Cottage in McReary Beach resort
The next morning we went to Perth to see the 200th year anniversary parade, which was very well organized and included a lot of various performances. After the parade we stopped by the ice-cream shop before heading to the park.
Not far from the park there was a farmers market where we bought local maple syrup and some homemade jams; the stands were also filled with crafts and flowers. It was a fine place to browse…
Farmers Market in Perth
Special edition “200th anniversary of Perth” Maple Syrup at farmers market
In the park the speeches were already underway and we could see the Mayor and other city officials on the stage. At the end of the ceremony the Mayor handed the special capsule with the money collected for the construction of the new stone bridge to the builders.
After the official part everyone headed across the park to the spacious lawn where the dressed up musicians and dancers were getting ready to perform. The Scottish kilts in different colours, traditional musical instruments and actors were all mixed with the arriving public.
For the next hour we all could watch the scenes from the past brought by the musicians and actors to show the history of Perth from 19th century. The show ended by the guns’ salute and marching of the bands.
200th anniversary of Perth Celebration
On the way back to the cottage we stopped again at Fairgrounds to have some ribs, check out the stone carving competition and listen to some music.
The day was almost done, we only had enough time to get back to the cottage for some swim in a pool and dinner.
The next morning we left early for the Blue Heron Golf club. The club house was already busy with the arriving golfers, so we quickly got ready and headed out to the course.
Playing Golf in Blue Heron Golf Club, lanark County, Ontario, Canada
The course has nine holes which makes it suitable for those new to the game or seasoned golfers. The beautiful landscaping adds to the natural surroundings creating pleasant environment – mix of water, forest and green lawns… after golf we all were ready to have good lunch, and decided to go towards Perth.
Beautiful Perth
On the way we stopped by the General store to buy sandwiches. Forget the sandwiches – in the middle of the store there was a small table where a lady was painting the large egg… The painting reminded us some fine antique porcelains, Easter eggs and may be Christmas… the paintings were filled with very fine details such as flowers, birds, butterflies, little bunnies and colourful ornaments. Hard to resist – we bought two beautifully painted eggs and then turned to sandwiches – we were hungry!
Observation Deck in Tatlock Quarry in Lanark County
After Perth our destination was Ottawa. Instead of staying in the city hotel we stopped at the Generations Inn., which is about thirty minutes away. Even before we open our bags right away kids went to swim in a lake… The Inn has three rooms with private bathrooms located in the old estate. The place is quite well known for the fact that the chief for the Ottawa Senators sometimes cooks his famous dishes for the guests, but you have to call in advance to find out when; we didn’t and so had to visit nearby restaurants.
Funtime at “Generations Inn”
Next morning we were in Ottawa. First we visited The Museum of History, Children’s Museum and Parliament Hill, later the Airspace Museum and we finished the day watching the amazing Light Show that is projected right on the Parliament building.
In the Museum of History “Napoleon” and “Gold Rush” special exhibits were well worth to visit. Going back in times of Napoleon and learning about his personality and various projects was really like visiting France and Europe of that time. In the halls of “Gold Rush” we were able to wash some golden nuggets and learn about gold mining history. At the exit the special scale displayed the value of your weight as gold equivivalent in $$ – so we all got on! Worth millions!!
Children’s Museum is always full of kids and their parents. It’s a wonderful world of real things scaled to toy size. One can be a banker, another a salesman of Turkish rugs or spices, be a sailor or mechanic or dress up and go on stage!
After lunch on the French side in a small lovely café and some rest we headed to the Airspace museum. And that is where we spent a lot of time learning about airplanes, history of aviation and space exploration.
Aircraft tourbine in Ottawa Aerospace Museum
Fighter jet Simulator in Ottawa Aerospace Museum
A bit tired we went back to the city to have dinner. And again we went to the Airspace Museum this time for the conference to meet the real astronauts Jeremy Hansen and Robert Thirsk.
Precious moments! Robert Thrisk autographed a book!
Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen autographed my book
They were presenting the launch of the new recruitment campaign and there were various officials and a lot of fans. We even got a chance to chat with them and get autographs.
Children and Canadian Astronauts Jeremy Hansen and Robert Thirsk in Ottawa Aerospace Museum, July 2016
After such an exciting evening we were back to the Parliament Hill for the Light Show that presented the history of Canada in projected images accompanied by narration and music.
Parliament Hill light show, Ottawa, Canada
Tired after such a long day full of events we were ready to go back to Generations Inn for a good night sleep…
Next morning we were on our way back home. We decided to stop over in Peterborough and visit the unique lift locks. Dated back to 1900 the locks operate based on the natural powers created by the weight of the water in the tubs – this is the largest hydraulic lift lock in the world that raises boats up to about 65 feet high! It was a lot of fun to watch the boats go up and down – they looked so small compare to locks’ structure!
Before getting back on the road we stopped over for pizza lunch and then drove all the way home talking about places we liked most…
When I visited Qingdao, China on my first trip, right from the first day, I came up with ideahat I have to come again with my whole family. Children must see the different world, different culture and traditions,..show to them that not the whole world speak English…That there are places where you have to struggle with comprehention of foreign language.
Our trip to China was in November 2014. First of all, children are small enough, that in many placetickets either free, or half-priced, and also large enough to remember the trip and apreciate the excitement of travel.
We bought our airflight tickets, and booked hotels during the summer, when the prices were extremely low…Also, the High Travel season in China concidered in Spring and Autumn: August, September and October. We decided to travel in November, enjoying low volumes of tourists, while catching Indian Summer feel. Although Beijing weather was getting cold at nights, during the day it was just perfect, with clear bright skies, and no wind at all.
Traveling in Beijing is easy, inexpencive and fast.
Subway ssystem is clean,and easy to navigate, almost everywhere signs in Pynyin, so it’s easy to comprehend. Beijing Subway system is fast and efficient , platforms are equipped with mostly glass walls, and gates to access the tracks, ensuring safety, that none will fall on tracks.
#1st Day
We hired a taxi (600-700RMB for round trip from downtown) to visit China Great Wall section at Mutianyu. If you want to take a skylift and on the way back toboggan, it’s better to take the furtherst skylift, so while on the wall hiking you will be decending to toboggan ride, and wouldn’t have to come back. Views at Mutianyu Great Wall were breathtaking, with clear sky and visibility to thousands kilometers…
We spent almost whole day at Mutianyu, enjoying panoramic views, and warmth of Autumn Sun,and tranquility of surrounding mountains.
One of the practicalities came up to my mind is to bring some snack, and a bottle of water with you on the wall, and keep yourself hydrated and energised, so you can enjoy more time on the wall.
#2nd day we visited Forbidden City and Wangfujing Street
Forbidden City is a must place to visit., although after first half an hour it’s boring to kids. We found the clock museum, with enormous collection of mechanical clocks from miniature to gigantic waterclocks, worth visitng to return an interest of kids.
Wangfuijing Street has an interesting part as Wangfujing Snak Street where you can encounter weird snacks, like fried scorpions, starfish, fried seahorse, lizards…
That evening we spent in Red Theatre, watching performance on Shaolin…Performance was well horeographed, and performed.
Our last day in Beijing we were busy visiting Temple of Heaven.
The wintry conditions of the past weeks will hopefully bring us a good harp seal observation season scheduled from February 26 to March 12, 2015. Every February, the Chateau Madelinot team feverishly prepares to greet its many visitors. It is with pride that our enterprise exploits and commercializes this ecotourism activity for more than 30 years.
Again this year, people will be coming from very far to live this unique experience: Japan, China, New Caledonia, Israel, Australia, Germany, Italy, and France. We are witnessing an increase of reservations from recent past years: the Management explains this increase from the feedback of an excellent 2014 season. Obviously, the show “L’Été Indien” co-animated by Julie Snyder and Michel Drucker has given an impressing visibility to the Destination Iles de la Madeleine, but also to the winter product, the harp seal observation.
As well, a delegation of six important travel agents from France, Germany and the United Kingdom will come experience for 3 days the harp seal experience which also includes a guided visit of the Islands, as well as snowshoeing, cross country skiing, sunset photographing and other outdoor activities as well. This famtrip is anchored with the commercial project package which includes the Ice Hotel.
Joining our team again is the Japanese interpreter Mayumi as well as the well renowned Japanese photographer Rei Ohara who have become, with time, real Madelinots of adoption!
The Hotels Accents are proud to participate in the winter tourist development of the destination and to contribute to the economical life of the archipelago during a period of the year generally considered quiet, says the general manager, Mr Gino Thorne.
St. Kitts Breaks Ground on Agro-Tourism Demonstration Farm
20-Acre Farm Designed to Become A Local Tourism Attraction
Pictured: At left, artist rendering of the Sugarcane Labyrinth at the Agro-Tourism Demonstration Farm; At right,Minister of Health,Culture, Community and Social Development and Gender Affairs, the Honourable Marcella Liburd; Minister of Public Works, Housing, Energy and Utilities, the Honourable Dr. Earl Asim Martin;Minister of Tourism & International Transport, Senator Ricky Skerritt; St. Kitts & Nevis’ Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil L. Douglas; Senior Minister and Minister of International Trade, Industry, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Agriculture, Marine Resource and Cooperatives, the Honourable Dr. Timothy Harris; and Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Miguel Li-Jey Tsao conducting the ceremonial groundbreaking on the Agro-Tourism Demonstration Farm.
Basseterre, St. Kitts (February 2, 2012) – The groundbreaking ceremony for a 20-acre Agro-Tourism Demonstration Farm took place on January 31, 2012. The farm is located on the site of a former sugar cane plantation, Sir Gillies, and is scheduled for completion in two years. The project is a collaboration between the Governments of St. Kitts & Nevis and The Republic of China (Taiwan).
“This project is unlike any other in this part of the Caribbean,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of Tourism & International Transport. “It is entertaining while also being educational, and represents a unique marriage between agriculture and tourism. The Farm is an opportunity to showcase and promote community tourism and I commend it.”
In keeping with St. Kitts’ commitment to sustainability, the Farm will incorporate various “green” elements in its construction and upkeep. It will feature local indigenous fruits and vegetables alongside crops originating from Taiwan, so that visitors can appreciate the crop diversity of both countries. A Botanical Garden will have medicinal plants from both St. Kitts & Nevis and Chinese medical herbs. Also gracing the gardens will be a traditional tea-house. A visual highlight of the Farm will be a “Sugarcane Labyrinth” in the shapes of both St. Kitts and Taiwan, commemorating the sugar industry that once was an economic driver in both nations.
Once operational, the Farm will conduct workshops and seminars for local youths who want to pursue opportunities in agriculture. The design of the Farm was created by Taiwanese landscape and architecture experts who were sent to St. Kitts to compose a blueprint for the project.
To commemorate the groundbreaking, the Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil L. Douglas, joined with Resident Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Miguel Li-Jey Tsao, in planting a memorial tree. The ceremony also included the opening of the preparatory office of the Farm.
St. Kitts was named one of the “Top 12 Spots that should be on your list for 2012” by Caribbean Travel + Life magazine and the island’s Brimstone Hill Fortress was named one of “10 Great Places To Explore The World’s Best-Kept Secrets” by USA Today. As of summer 2011, the destination also ranks #1 on a list of the 16 Best Caribbean Vacations by US News & World Report. Last year, St. Kitts was named a top destination for 2011 by both AOL Travel and British Airways. Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, it offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history. The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s former sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and more traditional vacation pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at St. Kitts’ exclusive casino or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches. Accommodations range from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels and resorts.
For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube.
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