News from Ontario’s Niagara Parks Commission
Niagara Falls, Ontario, October 2014 – The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is pleased to offer a variety of great activities and spectacular venues to enjoy the beauty of autumn, as we approach the coming holiday weekend.
One of the many scenic stretches along the Niagara Parkway. File photo courtesy of NPC
Celebrate the serenity and colours of the fall season all along the scenic 56 kilometre Niagara Parkway, which Sir Winston Churchill once described as the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world. Your travels along the Niagara River will offer breathtaking views as you experience the transformation of seasons, through the bold red, gold and orange leaves, which surround you. You can also witness the beauty of the season up close by hiking the Niagara Glen or view of the spectacular scenery of fall on the Whirlpool Aero Car.
A popular destination for hiking and cycling, the accompanying Niagara River Recreational Trail also offers seasonal bicycle rental facilities, operated by ZOOM Leisure, at Smuggler’s Cove in Niagara-on-the-Lake (please call to confirm availability: 1-866-811-6993). The trail is not only beautiful but also educational, with over 100 historic plaques, sites and monuments that mark waypoints along the length of the property.
The popular Niagara Falls Adventure Pass has also been extended into November, so there is still time to plan your Niagara adventure. Bring the entire family and experience the new Hornblower Niagara Cruises boat tour; explore the historic tunnels and incredible observation deck at Journey Behind the Falls; see the amazing class six rapids from the boardwalk at White Water Walk; and discover the story of the Falls at Niagara’s Fury. For more information, visit: www.niagaraparks.com.
The iconic Areo Car still riding people above the Niagara River Gorge 98 years later. File photo courtesy of NPC
Fall Highlights at Niagara Parks
Harvest Display at the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse
Open Daily: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
7145 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario
A harvest-themed display is now in place at the Floral Showhouse alongside the annual Reiger Begonia Show, featuring pumpkins, gourds and other fall décor. The beloved greenhouse will transition to the popular Chrysanthemum Show on October 18. Admission: Adult $5, Child (ages 6-12) $3.75. Children 5 and under FREE. Season Passes are available. For more information, please call (905) 354-1721.
All Hallow’s Eve Ghost Tours at Old Fort Erie
October 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m.
350 Lakeshore Road, Fort Erie, Ontario
Experience the traditions of Halloween, 1812-style, brought to life through the ghosts of Canada’s bloodiest battlefield. Admission: Adult $12.25, Child (ages 6-12) $7.95.
Children 5 and under are FREE. For reservations, please contact: (905) 871-0540.
Falls Fireworks and Coca-Cola Concert Series
Following a day of experiencing all that Niagara Parks has to offer, take in the evening Coca-Cola Concert at the Illumination Stage within Queen Victoria Park, every Friday and Sunday, concluding on Canadian Thanksgiving Monday, October 13.
Following the concerts, Falls Fireworks will be launched at 10 p.m., on Friday, Sunday and Thanksgiving Monday and will continue every Friday and Sunday throughout October. For further information on additional fireworks throughout the year, please visit: www.niagaraparks.com/fireworks.
Dining with a View
Let Niagara Parks’ talented team of chefs do the cooking this upcoming Thanksgiving weekend, featuring unique dining experiences that offer unsurpassed views of the Falls and lower Niagara River. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a fun family night out among the sights and sounds of Niagara, you’ll find great choices along the Niagara Parkway for casual or elegant dining. Visit www.niagaraparks.com/dining for the latest seasonal menus.
October 12
Thanksgiving Sunday Brunch
Queenston Heights Restaurant
14184 Niagara Parkway, Queenston, Ontario
NPC’s prestigious Queenston Heights Restaurant will be serving up a delicious Thanksgiving brunch on Sunday, October 12. Reservations are recommended to ensure that you don’t miss out; call 905-262-4274 to reserve your spot.
October 11, 12 & 13
Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner – Elements on the Falls Restaurant
Upper level of Table Rock, 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Relax and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal with a fabulous view of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls as you enjoy the ambiance and relaxation of experiencing the Falls in autumn. To make your reservations, please call: 905-354-3631
About The Niagara Parks Commission – NPC is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.
(NOW IT IS YOUR TURN. Niagara At Large encourages you to share your views on this post. A reminder that we only post comments by individuals who share their first and last name with them.)
Niagara At Large 
The Niagara Parkway is a true gem – and my never-to-be-written autobiography could include so much activity along it’s northerly length: first real job selling to tourists at Table Rock, printing a commissioned project on an authentic press at the Mackenzie Printery, always making time for a dreamy drive before returning to university after a visit home, working in the Willowbank mansion as a housekeeper/cook and caregiver to resident women when it was a nunnery, cutting and tying grapes just up the road at award winning wineries, being hostess and waitress further up the road, seeing the Queen and Trudeau and Leonard Cohen to name a few while I worked at the newly built Shaw Festival Theatre, stealing afternoon walks along the lake at the golf course in NOTL — and agreeing with Churchill who commented that the parkway is prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world. Even better when you step out of the car and live a little.
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