Oh Canada, Eh?!

Jeff and I made it back from our weekend bus trip to Niagara Falls in Canada. The weather was definitely winter like all the way from Western MA to the Buffalo area. Then it was just overcast while we crossed the border (oh, and cold too).

We were early arriving so the bus was able to stop on the American side at the Duty Free store. Yes, there was more then alcohol in the store, but all the drinkers on the trip where able to stock up on their favorite drinks for the weekend (we were able to take the purchases into Canada since we were there more then 24hrs).

Our hotel was right along the main road that runs along the falls/river. Our hotel had stores, restaurants, Starbucks, a casino and other shops within walking distance. It was pretty neat how everything was connected from the inside that was affiliated to the hotel so you didn't have to bundle up and go outside if you didn't want too.

Our Hotel

Friday evening after supper, the group was on our own for entertainment. So, a bunch of us went and explored the street behind our hotel which is catered to the tourists. It has arcades, haunted houses, wax museums, other fun museums, souvenir shops and anything else you can think of, including a few rides.

View from our room of the entertainment district

The ride we checked out was the Skywheel (the large Ferris wheel pictured above). The awesome thing about it was the cars on the Skywheel were climate controlled. They were encased and the riders are either warm in the cold months or cool in the hot months. I liked that idea! It was nice to take a ride, look over the town, the falls and warm up at the same time. Yeah, it was $10 (Canadian) for each person, but it was worth it to see that beautiful view.

The cute couple on the Skywheel

On Saturday, we had a jammed packed day that was planed for us through the tour company. We shopped during the day in Niagara by the lake and went for high tea for a snack and warmed up after wards. There was some free time back at the hotel after tea so Jeff and I explored the stores not affiliated with our hotel. Then it was off to a guided tour (in the bus) with a local tour guide. We were able to see an indoor Christmas display of beautiful flowers, an outside drive through Christmas display of lights and finally the falls.

The thick ice on the falls railing

We didn't get to the falls until it was dark, so my pictures of the falls at night really didn't come out too good. But, what I was fascinated with was the ice that formed with the spray from the falls on the railing's and the area along the water. It was so thick and beautiful. I just wish I could have seen it all during the day to see how the sun reflected off of it all, but we did have a lot to cover. There is always next time!

After our quick stop at the falls, it was time to head to our dinner and show. The show we watched was The Christmas Carol and it was done by the same drama company who typically puts on Oh Canada, Eh. Its a group who does the play with mistakes built in as a comedy routine. Its was pretty funny!

On the bridge exiting Canada - The America Falls on the left with the Canadian Falls in the mist in the center

Then Sunday morning after breakfast, it was a brief stop at the Canada side Duty Free store and then it was time to head home. I picked up a nice bottle of Ice Wine that is exclusively made in Canada. I know that it'll be close to a year before I can try it, but wine should formant for some time, right? We learned that the ice wine is made with frozen grapes rather then regular grapes from the Niagara area. I was told the ice wine is a little sweater then normal wine, so I can't wait to try it.

So, it was a great fun filled weekend. With lots of eating, walking and shopping. I mentioned to Jeff that I'd love to go back when its a little warmer to be able to explore more outside in the area and be able to see the falls up close and personal, maybe on the Maid of the Mist! We'll see what the future holds!