Making the CGC a Family Affair - Niagara Attractions
This is the 1st time we have located the conference in a tourist destination. Niagara Falls is not just for honeymooners any more. What is particularly unique about this area is that in 1885 the Ontario government passed an Act, creating the 1st provincial park in Ontario. To administer the park, they established the Niagara Parks Commission. They started with 154 ac. Now the Ontario Niagara Parks system covers 3,274 ac. extending along the Niagara River from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. They own the park land and the attractions (i.e. golf courses, historic sites, the Niagara School of Horticultural, restaurants and the Butterfly Conservatory, Maid of the Mist etc.), throughout their property. The Niagara Parks Commission also includes a 56 km walking/bicycle trail, and the Niagara Parkway. They both run along the Niagara River from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Because of their many income streams, they have never required any government funding from the very beginning.
Here is a list of some of the more popular attractions:
- There are several ways that you can experience Niagara Falls:
- Maid of the Mist – a fun “wet” boat ride to the base of the falls - http://www.maidofthemist.com/en/
- Journey Behind the Falls - http://www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/behind-the-falls.html
- Niagara’s Fury - http://www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/niagaras-fury.html
- IMAX movie: "Legends and Daredevils"
- Falls at night – Illuminated by a rainbow of changing colours from 7 pm till midnight
- Butterfly Conservatory - http://www.niagaraparks.com/garden-trail/butterfly-conservatory.html
- Marineland - http://marinelandcanada.com/
- Whirlpool Aero Car - http://www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/whirlpool-aero-car.html
- Heritage Trail (Historic sites) - http://www.niagaraparks.com/heritage-trail/
- 8 Colourful Parks and Gardens – http://www.niagaraparks.com/garden-trail/
- 3 Indoor Waterparks (Americana Resort & Spa, Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex, Great Wolf Lodge)
- Sir Adam Beck hydro generating station tour - http://www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/sir-adam-beck.html
- Map showing all attractions - http://www.niagaraparks.com/plan/interactive-map.html
- Clifton Hill a major amusement area for young people. To find it, click on “The Map Showing All Attractions” above.
- 50% of Canada’s greenhouse floriculture industry is located in Niagara Region
- 60 wineries in the Niagara Region, (some have tours, tastings & restaurants) http://www.wineriesofniagara.com/default.html
- Farm facts about Niagara Region - http://www.niagararegion.ca/living/ap/farmfacts.aspx