Frozen Fantasy: The Niagara Falls

Winter in Niagara Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, may be off-season but that does not mean its spectacular beauty is any less. Rather, the frozen cascades and the snow heighten the attraction of the famous Falls, which is nearly 130 km by road from Toronto, the capital of Ontario province, Canada.

It is extremely cold and you have to dress in layers and protection to beat the chilly wind. But it is also the time when you don’t have to wait for the crowd to part at the fencing to allow you a glimpse of the Falls.

What’s more, the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights, Canada’s largest illumination festival, turns the surroundings into a magical land.  The Fallsview Casino Resort presents the Niagara Falls Winter Fireworks. These are but two of the diverse attractions to mesmerize you.

The Festival of Lights, on till Jan 31, 2017, transforms Niagara Falls into a palette of colours with millions of sparkling lights and animated displays, located within the Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands and surrounding tourist districts.

Niagara Falls Winter Fireworks at the Queen Victoria Park, which will run until Jan 27, 2017, is a spectacular fireworks displays over the mighty Falls.

To help tourists make the most of their visit to the Niagara Falls in winter, Ontario Canada, the government tourism body, has drawn up an itinerary that will help you make the most of your visit. Along with the Niagara Parks Commission’s WonderPass for access and discounts to great attractions and services, such as WEGO transportation system, the itinerary will guide you about family-oriented indoor and outdoor attractions, kid-friendly entertainment, exciting events and great restaurants.

The 3 days/2nights itinerary as devised by Ontario Canada is:

DAY 1
Get the family settled at Great Wolf Lodge, every kid’s fantasy winter resort. With a huge indoor water park, plus a full program of activities and entertainment for kids of all ages, it’s quite possibly every parent’s fantasy accommodation too. The Rainforest Café makes dining a wild adventure. As you enter through the 80-foot bubbling volcano the rainforest comes alive with animatronic snakes, elephants, and gorillas. Cross off one of your holiday gift list items with a themed souvenir from the gift shop. Follow the five-kilometre lighted route along the Niagara Parkway and admire the Winter Festival of Lights, then take in a new holiday themed 3D light & sound show projected onto the façade of a Fallsview District hotel.
DAY 2
After breakfast at the rustic-themed Camp Critter in Great Wolf Lodge, bundle up and explore the mighty Niagara Falls. Watch an IMAX movie that tells the colourful story of the Falls’ legends and daredevils, then check out Niagara’s Fury, a 4D experience that takes you back to the creation of the Falls. Journey Behind the Falls offers you a unique vantage point of this world wonder. Zappi’s Pizzeria is a family favourite, featuring classic pizzas, subs and pasta – your kids even get to make their own pizza. Make a splash with the whole family back at Great Wolf Lodge in the water parks and pools. Combine dinner with Las Vegas inspired mystery and illusion at the Greg Frewin Show, one of the most decorated magicians in the world.
DAY 3
Explore Cliftons Hill’s haunted houses, arcades and wax museums, followed by lunch with the stars at Planet Hollywood. Make a stop at the Hershey Store, a chocolate lover’s paradise. Sample gourmet fudge and pick up unique gifts and souvenirs such as chocolate strawberries and chocolate dipped pretzels. The whole family will love touring the Niagara Parks Commission Butterfly Conservatory, 10 minutes north of the Falls along the scenic Niagara Parkway, with over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush greenery.

Modify the itinerary if required but do not stop yourself from enjoying this magical winter extravaganza.

For more information: https://www.ontariotravel.net/ind/home

Images: Ontario Tourism

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