I went on a six-day adventure in Canada's Ontario province, including Toronto, the Niagara Falls and capital city Ottowa. Here's what I learned.
Toronto
Toronto is vibrant, exciting, multi-cultural and full of contrasts, with more restaurants and cafes per head than anywhere else in Canada.
With an exciting theatre and night scene, there's plenty to keep you going after you've explored the museums and galleries, taken a ride on the lake, explored Toronto's superb shopping and ascended the CN Tower for incredible views of the city.
Niagara Falls
If this is not on your bucket list then may I suggest you add it. Niagara Falls is one of nature's wonders and Canada's most visited attractions. Every second, over two and a half million litres of water cascade 150 feet to the river below! Or, you could say that every minute enough water to fill 70 Olympic-size swimming pools plunges over the sheer cliffs that form Niagara Falls.
As soon as you arrive at Niagara Falls, you're drawn to the power and noise of the cascading water. Joining a Hornblower boat cruise, you can venture right up to the foot of Horseshoe Falls. Red waterproof ponchos are given out, as you get close enough to feel the waterfall's spray. The water around you churns and froths, and the sound of the falls thunders in your ears. The boat completes a full rotation so everyone gets an equally good view of the falls.
Alternatively, you have the option to join a 40-minute cruise at night, when the falls are illuminated in a rainbow of lights, and fireworks burst overhead. Or for an all-encompassing aerial perspective, you can board a helicopter for a ten-minute flight above the rising spray. As you ascend into the sky, you can see the entire semi-circular shape of Horseshoe Falls obscured by mist. If the sun's out, you might see rainbows bouncing off the water.
In the same area you will find Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Niagara's wine region, where you can sample the famous Canadian Icewine. Both well worth a visit.
Ottawa
Dignified and stately, Ottawa balances the overwhelming presence of government with cultural variety and natural beauty. It was Queen Victoria who chose Ottawa as the country's capital in 1857 after being inspired by the romantic watercolor sketches of the budding town set on the banks of the Ottawa river.
A principle attraction is the Rideau Canal which freezes over in the winter to form the worlds largest ice-skating rink. Many more attractions include 70 municipal parks and national museums housing collections of indigenous and other Canadian art, which has transformed the city into the sophisticated and beautiful place it is today.
Summary
I visited many hotels and places of interest, traveled by plane, train and coach also met some lovely people. If you would like to know more about my experiences or I can help you plan a trip of a life time please do not hesitate to contact me.
