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OFFICIAL BLOG OF NIAGARA FALLS TOURISM |
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ONE OF THE TINEST CHAPELS IN THE WORLD
By GEORGE BAILEY
2010-02-03 10:38:22
|  | Post a comment | Half-way between Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake along the Niagara Parkway is the Wayside Chapel. Countless weddings take place each year in this tiny chapel.
Rev. Gary Sweetman of Niagara Falls marries about 15 couples a year here. Gary told me many of them are from all over the world and the majority are people marrying for a second time.
Years ago when I was escorting Regis Philbin (Regis and Kelly) around Niagara we had to make a stop at the chapel. When I told him the chapel could accommodate only about eight people he said, "that's North Americans, if you're small like me, you could have twice as many".
PHOTO: Rev. Gary Sweetman marries a couple inside the tiny Wayside Chapel
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NIAGARA'S ICE-BRIDGE TRAGEDY
By GEORGE BAILEY
2010-01-28 12:35:08
| | 3 comments Latest by sylvia 02/03/10 01:14:34 EST | As the weather gets colder and we get closer to February I think about a tragic event that took place on February 4th,1912 on the ice-bridge below the falls. For many years it was a popular thing for visitors to venture out on this formation of ice below the falls to frolic on the ice. Some entrepreneurs even set up shacks on the ice to sell pop,whiskey and souvenirs. However all that changed when warm weather broke up the ice-bridge and three people were carried on large chunks of ice to their deaths downriver.
Word had spread about the break-up and thousands of people arrived at the gorge on both sides of the river to watch hopelessly as the three people were swept to their demise. Valiant attempts were made to rescue these people,when ropes were lowered down to the river from the Cantilever Railway Bridge. Even though the ropes were caught, they were unable to secure the ropes and drowned when the ice flows carrying them went to pieces in the lower Whirlpool Rapids.
It is today forbidden (and strictly enforced) to venture out on the ice-bridge.The ice-bridge(it's now starting to form) is a great natural Niagara attraction but see and photograph it safely from the edges of the gorge from both sides of the river.
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NIAGARA FALLS, MANY NAMES
By GEORGE BAILEY
2010-01-20 05:58:27
| | 3 comments Latest by Very nice site! 01/25/10 04:48:58 EST | I just finished reading Niagara Falls Historian, Sherman Zavitz's column in my morning copy of our local paper, "The Niagara Falls Review". He wrote about how Niagara Falls was in the early 1900's called "The Electrical Power City". The reference had to do with the fact three large large generating plants had been built in the city near the Canadian Horseshoe Falls(two of them still operate today).
It reminded me that in the 1950's Niagara Falls was also referred to as "The Baby City". The reference was to the fact that many honeymooners conceived their first child when they visited the "Honeymoon City".
Niagara Falls became known as the Honeymoon City in the 1860's when couples on their "honeylunacy" came to Niagara Falls "to lose themselves in a crowd too busy contemplating the cataract to notice the billing and cooing at their elbows. The sound of falling water acted as an aphrodisiac and the negative ions produced by the cascade served as a stimulant for the marriage bed." The quote is taken from an early Niagara guide book.
Today's Niagara Falls is still stimulating, but you're not obligated to start a family.T here's lots of other ways to enjoy yourself, but maybe not as much fun!
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LIQUID GOLD
By GEORGE BAILEY
2010-01-12 17:33:40
| | 1 comments Latest by sydney backpackers 01/16/10 08:13:34 EST | That's how a lot of folks refer to Niagara Icewines. This stuff is precious. Okay, you say what is it?
Well, when it gets cold...really cold...like it is now Icewine harvesting begins in Niagara. Icewines are created from frozen cluster of grapes(several varities are used) that have been allowed to stay on the vines.Once the temperatures drop below minus eight degrees celius for a sustained period of time pickers arrive(usually in the middle of the night) to harvest these grapes. These grapes are immediately pressed in the extreme cold to extract the luscious nectar.In this process the water content in each grape remains frozen in crystals,leaving only a few droplets of concentrated,intense liquid.Icewines yields are amere 10-15% of an average table wine harvest. Slowly fermented over a few months this nectar eventually becomes Icewines.
Niagara is a world leader in Icewine production.
It all started in the mid-80's when Inniskillin Wines lead the way in the production of this natural wonder.
Today, dozens of Niagara wineries produce their own version of this lovely wine.
Donald Ziraldo and Debbie Pratt sampling Inniskillin Icewines.
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NIAGARA'S CHEAP FLORIDA VACATION
By GEORGE BAILEY
2010-01-05 17:12:13
| | 6 comments Latest by Karen 01/25/10 10:55:25 EST | If you're looking for something warm to do with your family this winter that won't cost an arm and a leg do I have a suggestion for you.
The Butterfly Conservatory located on the Niagara Parkway just 10 minutes north of the Falls will fill the bill.Opened in 1996,it's the world's largest glass enclosed Butterfly Conservatory containing over 2,000 butterflies of up to 50 different species in a lush tropical setting.
Butterflies are much like us they are more alert when the sun is out. Therefore, plan on going early in the morning when the sun hits the conservatory best. Also, wear something colourful. Believe it or not butterflies are attracted to bright colours. Chances are you'll have a number of them using you as a landing pad. The Butterfly Conservatory is open year-round except Christmas Day.
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A FIRST FOR ME
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-12-29 09:48:58
| | 5 comments Latest by cttours 01/11/10 07:40:31 EST | I didn't think I'd ever see it in my lifetime. But when I was at the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls to watch the recent Olympic Torch run I saw it and better still I was able to photograph it. Okay, enough of the suspense. It was the elusive LUNAR BOW.
Years ago these night rainbows were quite common but over the years they seemed to have disappeared,until now. They were so popular the small island, Luna Island, that separates the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls was named after them. Lunar Bows, or Moon Bows are formed when rays of light bounce off water droplets in the air created by waterfalls captured by the light from the moon and not the sun.
Here's the proof attached.
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DID CHARLES DICKENS EVER VISIT NIAGARA FALLS?
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-12-24 13:23:32
| | 1 comments Latest by Accommodation jindabyne nsw 12/26/09 01:26:27 EST | He sure did. Not only did he visit Niagara for 10 days in the winter of 1842 and he also wrote about Niagara.
Arriving first in Buffalo N.Y. he set off by an early morning train to see Niagara. When the train halted at Niagara Falls, N.Y. he descended to the bank below the American Falls and crossed the Niagara River by ferry with two English officers in a small ferryboat to the "British" side at Table Rock.
Dickens wrote,"It was not until I came on Table Rock and looked - Great Heaven, on what a fall of bright green water! -that it came upon me in its full might and majesty. Then when I felt how near to my Creator I was standing, the first effect,and enduring one-instant and lasting-of the tremendous spectacle,was peace.
Peace of mind,tranquility, calm recollections of the Dead, great thoughts of Eternal Rest and Happiness, nothing of gloom or terror. Niagara was at once stamped upon my heart,an Image of Beauty, to remain there,changeless and indelible,until its pulse cease to beat,forever".
I couldn't have said it better.
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WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES TORCH ARRIVES IN NIAGARA
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-12-22 11:01:15
| | Post a comment | On a very cold Sunday evening thousands of people (Including myself)gathered at the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls on Dec. 20 to watch several runners bring the Olympic torch that will burn at Canada's Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver in February pass through Niagara. It was an electrifying evening filled with lots of pageantry and emotion.
On hand to welcome Gord Singleton, Canada's 1976 Olympic Cyclist, who was chosen as Niagara Falls Community Torchbearer, was Niagara Falls Mayor Ted Salci, Rob Nicholson, Canada's Attorney General and Niagara M.P.P. Kim Craitor. Several other members of the Niagara community( part of 12,000 Canadian torchbearers) also had an opportunity to run with the torch.
Here's a photograph of Niagara Falls St. Paul Highschool students who got into the spirit of the evening.
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NIAGARA AND PHOTOGRAPHY
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-12-17 14:47:07
| | 1 comments Latest by John 12/20/09 12:03:07 EST | Some of the first photographs ever taken in North America were taken at Niagara Falls in 1840. The first recorded photograph was a daguerreotype made by H.L. Patterson of Newcastle-on-Tyne, England. Photographers at that time wore long white coats and were called, "professors". This photograph produced a one-of-kind positive silver halide image on copper creating a mirror-like image. I have a few of them in my Niagara collection and they always fascinate me.
A great place to view these early images of Niagara Falls is at the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film in Rochester, New York. They're found in the special collection section of this museum. You have to ask to see them.
I'll take a digital image of one of my prints and attach it. Remember,you're looking back in time. I like to wonder what was this, "professor" thinking about when he took this photograph in 1840.
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MORE NIAGARA TRIVIA
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-12-08 10:17:56
| | 1 comments Latest by Yvonne Hopkins 12/14/09 14:46:22 EST | Readers of this blog tell me they like trivia...well, trivia you will get.
- The first international telecast ever made in North America took place in Niagara Falls, Ontario on Sunday, September 12th, 1948 when WBEN-TV (now WIVB-TV) of Buffalo, New York made a live broadcast from Niagara Falls to Buffalo. It took place atop the General Brock Hotel (now Crown Plaza Hotel). The one-hour show had interviews and featured the falls in the background. It was considered a technological achievement for it's time.
- Here's another similar event. In the winter of 1936 the sound of Niagara was broadcast around the world from the Table Rock Scenic Tunnels, now Journey Behind the Falls, as part of a Christmas radio show. You can still hear the roar of Niagara when you walk behind the falls and listen to the waters of 4 Great Lakes comes crashing over the falls. The attraction is open year-round.
1936 Sound of Niagara broadcast
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STYX AND GLASS TIGER HEADLINE NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY IN QUEEN VICTORIA PARK
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-12-01 18:00:13
| | 11 comments Latest by George 12/11/09 11:11:44 EST | The Niagara Parks Commission has just announced legendary rocker STYX and Canadian icons Glass Tiger will headline the annual free New Years Eve party in the park opposite the American Falls. This is one of the main events of this years annual Winter Festival of Lights.The entertainment begins at 8pm.
Two spectacular (yes, they really are) fireworks displays take place over the falls, one at 9pm (for the kids) and another at midnight for us older folks.
The party, as in past years, will be televised nationally.
Hope you and your family can make it. A bit of advice, park your car outside the park and walk in, dress with lots of layers of clothes (it's colder near the falls) and most of all, leave the boos at home! We want this to be a fun night and not a drunk night.
STYX
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A DISCOVERY IN NIAGARA THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-11-24 13:34:30
| | 4 comments Latest by George 12/22/09 07:31:14 EST | That's right. There have been a lot of firsts take place in Niagara Falls but this one was a "biggie".
On the evening of November 15, 1846, in Buffalo, New York Mayor Jewett threw a switch that enabled power from Niagara to energize the transmission system of this city about 21 kilometres away. It was the first time ever that alternating current was used in the world!. Prior to that Direct Current was in use and to use this power you had to be much closer to the source.
The system was invented by a brilliant engineer named Nicola Tesla. Without this long-distance transmission of electricity the world would be a much different place. Thanks Mr. Tesla.
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OUR HERO RUEDI HAFEN
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-11-17 11:51:44
| | 2 comments Latest by George 12/03/09 11:32:12 EST | Regular readers of this blog will recall that I mentioned Ruedi Hafen, owner and chief pilot of Niagara Helicopters was one of four finalists for the Aviator of the Year Award held this past weekend in Dubai, United Arab Emerates. Ruedi was nominated for his "quick-thinking and airmanship" in the rescue of a man in the Niagara River below the falls who had attempted to kill himself. Ruedi lost out to Capt. Chesley Sullenberger who successfully landed his Airbus 320 in the Hudson River with all his passengers being rescued. A most deserving award to the great "Captain Coolest" as the papers named him. Ruedi in his true classic style said, "I feel good just to have been chosen as the only helicopter pilot in the world amongst those airline pilots." Ruedi, you're still our hero.
A reminder that the new "Rink at the Brink" will be opened near the falls on Monday, Nov. 23 and remain open daily until Feb.28th.
Also the Annual Winter Festival of Lights and events is now under way in Niagara Falls . All the lights are there for the whole family to enjoy.
A horse-drawn carriage decorated with lights for the Winter Festival of Lights winds its way through Queen Victoria Park near the falls.
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BURIED NIAGARA TREASURE
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-11-10 15:58:31
| | 2 comments Latest by George Bailey 12/01/09 10:09:20 EST | Lots of stories still persist today that there's plenty of treasure buried along the Niagara border especially during the War of 1812. Here's a few of these stories.
- In 1888 a Welland, Ontario man was searching the bottom of the Chippawa Creek for $250,000 supposedly dropped there by a British paymaster during the War of 1812. He never found it.
- It has also been reported that their is a "pot of gold" buried somewhere under the ramparts of Old Fort Erie. All searches over the years have only turned up relics and human skeletons.
- Another reported war treasure of $100,000 gold coins had been buried in the Niagara Glen along the lower Niagara River by General Sir Isaac Brocks paymaster. I remember many year ago taking a metal detector into the glen in search of the treasure. I came back empty handed and plenty of fish hooks.
Maybe some day someone will find a pot of gold at Niagara.
Regardless, just seeing Niagara Falls is a treasure you'll remember for ever.
Pretty corny right, but makes a nice ending to the blog.
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ROLLING THUNDER
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-11-03 17:11:49
| | 12 comments Latest by Students China Study Tour 01/28/10 05:37:07 EST | You can hear it for miles in the middle of the night or as the sun starts to rise above Niagara Falls. It is the timeless rumbling of the falls.
Familiar as we are with the sound, people living near the falls seldom notice it. But it is one of the loudest continuous noises in the world. Not surprisingly the word "Niagara" was derived from the language of the Neutral Indians who one time lived in the area and when translated means,"thunder of waters".
Although the sound is not as pronounced as it was centuries ago ( We now divert at all times at least half of the water that could go over the falls for power purposes) it is still loud when the wind conditions are right. As I write this blog early in the morning I have opened my office window and can hear the falls a few miles away. Listen carefully!
In the 19th century it was reported heard in Toronto and others report hearing it along the western shores of Lake Erie. So the next time you visit Niagara don't only look at it but listen to it as well. It's music to the ears.
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NEW “RINK AT THE BRINK” OPENS IN NIAGARA FALLS ON NOVEMBER 23
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-10-27 12:49:26
| | 3 comments Latest by George 11/03/09 14:50:56 EST | Here’s something that's been talked about for years in Niagara Falls but finally is becoming a reality. In conjunction with the Winter Festival of Lights and The Niagara Parks Commission a real outdoor rink is being constructed on the lawn just behind the Table Rock area near the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The rink will be keep frozen by a refrigeration unit under its 60’ wide by 120’ long surface.
Here’s a bit more info:
- It will be open Friday, November 23rd and operate from 10am until 10pm daily until February 28, 2010.
- The rink will be enclosed with clear span panels that can be removed when the mist from the falls is not too heavy.
- There will be a public address system and night lighting.
- Bleachers will accommodate 200 people.
- The fee for adults $8.00 (with skate rental $$9.99) Children $5.75 (with skate rental $7.99) children 6 and under free.
I can’t wait to try on a pair of skates!
This is an enhanced image of what The Rink at the Brink looks like.
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SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF KIRK JONES GOING OVER NIAGARA FALLS
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-10-20 14:26:46
| | Post a comment | It was October 20th, 2003 that 40 year-old Kirk Jones of Canton, Michigan decided to take his life by jumping over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Wearing only his jacket and jeans he miraculously survived the plunge without a scratch becoming at the time only the second person to plunge over the falls without protective equipment like a barrel. Originally he told reporters that he was trying to end his life,then later changed his story saying he was a daredevil.
Seven year old Roger Woodward accidentally went over the same falls on July 9, 1960 as a result of a boating accident. Wearing only a life-jacket he survived. He was rescued by crew members of the Maid of the Mist below the falls.
On March 11th of this year an unidentified man also attempting to take his life and survived a fall over the Horseshoe Falls. He was rescued below the falls by Niagara Parks Police who worked with helicopter pilot Ruedi Hafen. He has never been identified.
These three are the only documented cases of people surviving the plunge without protective equipment.
Between October 24, 1901 and March 11, 2009, 17 different people,including two women have intentionally went over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Two of these people went over twice while two other people went over the falls at the same time in the same barrel (yes,it does get confusing). Five people out of the 17 lost their lives in the plunge.
63 year old Annie Taylor was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel on October 24,1901 and survive. Here she is being assisted after exiting her barrel.
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NIAGARA FALLS HISTORIC TORONTO POWER PLANT GETS $850,000 FROM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-10-13 12:16:50
| | 8 comments Latest by Joan Aitken 12/14/09 12:28:09 EST | It was recently announced the money will go towards improving the appearance of this majestic building found along the Niagara River just above the Canadian Falls. It was abandoned in 1974 after providing power to the Toronto market since 1906. The ownership was then transferred from Ontario Power Generation to The Niagara Parks Commission.
It’s long over do. The money will be used to remove graffiti from the building, abrasive cleaning of the windows and interior steel, installation of electrical and security, roof repair and aluminum clapping of the wheel pit to prevent moisture from entering the building. Work has already begun.
It’s now up to the NPC as what happens to the building when the repairs are made. Any suggestions?
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MORE GOVERNMENT MONEY HEADING TO NIAGARA FALLS
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-10-06 12:02:38
| | Post a comment | The federal and provincial governments are pumping more money, 52.7 million dollars, into Niagara Falls for the development of a People Mover System and re-development of downtown Niagara Falls. The proposed People Mover system will consist of buses that will tie all areas of the city together.
I can remember as a young man in the 60’s visiting the downtown, Queen Street area especially on Thursday evenings to check the ladies out. It was all hustle and bustle.
Over the past three years downtown has been coming back to life with new restaurants, shops, theatre and night clubs. It’s starting to feel like old times. Maybe with the input of this new money I’ll be looking for the ladies again.
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HOW MUCH DOES NIAGARA ERODE EACH YEAR?
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-09-29 06:20:13
| | 1 comments Latest by Robert Orsini 10/04/09 12:14:17 EDT | People have been studying Niagara erosion since the mid 1800’s.
From 1842 to 1905, the average rate of erosion of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls was 1.16 metres (3.8 feet) per year.
When water in 1906 was diverted to feed Niagara Power plants the erosion dropped to .70 metres (2.3 feet) per year until 1927.
With even more diversion today and anti-erosion remedial steps diversion is much less than one foot per year. The predicted future erosion is approximately 1 foot very 10 years.
I have to bite my lip when I’m near the edge of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls in Queen Victoria Park and hear guides tell their groups erosion is up to 3 feet per year.
I’ve been hanging around this area for 50 years and at that rate the falls would have receded about 150 feet. The parapet (stone wall) at this area would have had to be moved several times. It hasn’t been necessary. It just ain’t so folks.
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FALLS HELICOPTER PILOT, RUEDI HAFEN IS UP FOR A PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-09-24 10:53:00
| | 1 comments Latest by John Mc Intyre 11/10/09 12:15:50 EST | I just read in my local papers that Ruedi Hafen, owner operator of Niagara Helicopters has been nominated for a prestigious “Aviator of the Year” award for his daring rescue of a man who was attempting to commit suicide when he went over Niagara Falls on March 11th.
Thanks to Ruedi’s quick thinking and the Niagara Parks Police the man was plucked from the Niagara River alive. This put the unidentified man in the record book as one of only 3 people to go over Niagara Falls without the aid of any protection and live.
There are only four finalists for the award which will be presented at the end of the Dubai Air Show on November 14th. Good Luck Ruedi!
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DO FISH SURVIVE THE DROP OVER NIAGARA?
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-09-22 14:18:42
| | 3 comments Latest by Anonymous 09/26/09 05:21:10 EDT | They sure do. Most fish are much better built to survive the plunge compared to us mere mortals. That’s because they live in water and are much lighter and pliable to survive the drop. Their bodies are built to absorb a tremendous amount of pressure. The volume of water at the base of the falls creates air bubbles making it a much softer drop. The real danger for the fish are the gulls that flock near the base looking to scoop up fish stunned by the drop.
Here’s a story that appeared in a Believe it or Not cartoon that were at one time popular in newspapers:
A Japanese visitor was standing near the base of the Falls looking up admiring the view. All of a sudden he was hit by a three foot salmon making the journey over. Luckily he wasn’t hurt and even managed to grab the salmon. Sightseeing and a salmon dinner in one day at Niagara Falls! How’s that for a Niagara event!
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WHERE DID THE WORD NIAGARA COME FROM?
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-09-15 12:57:51
| | 2 comments Latest by George 09/21/09 20:16:58 EDT | One of the earliest native tribes in the Niagara area was called, “Onguiaahra”.
The first French explorers that came here called this tribe “Neutrals” because they were peace keepers between the two warring Indian nations of Huron’s and Iroquois. Niagara originates from the Neutral Indian name “Onguiaahra”, meaning, “Thundering Waters”. The French and other explorers found the Indian word too difficult to get around their mouths.
The word first appears on a 1683 map as “Niagara”.
Today this world famous cataract continues to wow visitors as water from four international lakes come traveling down the Niagara River crashing over Niagara Falls as it makes its way downriver to Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and the Atlantic Ocean.
Thanks to Rick Berketa and the information found on his excellent Niagara site.
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PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA VISITS NIAGARA FALLS
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-09-08 09:12:33
| | 5 comments Latest by Vicki Johnson 09/15/09 16:40:28 EDT | Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a whirlwind visit to Niagara Falls this past week to visit the site of the new Convention Centre which is under construction in the Fallsview area.
Serge Felicetti, Director of Business Development for the City of Niagara Falls tells me the project is on time and on budget scheduled to open in 2011.
Here's a photo I took which shows from left to right, Convention President, Kerry Painter, City Mayor Ted Salci, Rob Nicholson, Member of Parliament from Niagara Falls who is also the Attorney General, and Prime Minister Harper discussing the Centre.
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THE RAGWEED ARRIVES IN NIAGARA AND SO DO THE FESTIVALS!
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-09-01 12:23:37
| | 2 comments Latest by George 09/01/09 16:02:46 EDT | Just like clockwork, I started to sneeze this week as my annual allergies kicked in with the appearance of the ragweed.
This also jives with the appearance of many festivals and events.
In the nearby Village of Wainfleet the 21st annual Marshville Heritage Festival begins on September 5 and continues until the 7th.The whole family will enjoy the covered wagon rides and wood carving lessons. I like the shingle-making, timber framing, carving and soap making demonstrations. Hundreds of artisans sell unique one-of-a-kind items just in time for Christmas.
In the historic downtown of Niagara Falls there’s an “Invasion of Vipers” that’s the cars, taking place on Saturday, September 19th. Lots of cars and bands crowd historic Queen Street from dusk to dawn.
I live not far from the area and I can tell you this place is now alive with lots of unique restaurants and cafes, and plenty of stores which feature the works of top artists.
Time your visit on a Friday evening and see the spectacular fireworks display over the falls at 10 pm.
Photo by Vince Gircy.
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SOME MORE FACTS ABOUT THE FALLS
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-08-24 21:35:17
| | 6 comments Latest by travel to beijing 12/28/09 08:35:51 EST | Retired school teacher and Niagara historian and author Paul Gromosiak of Western New York has published several interesting books on Niagara.
Here's a few facts and figures found in his excellent Niagara Falls Q & A book.
- The Niagara River never stops flowing because the lakes that feed the river are replenished by precipitation and runoff all the seasons of the year.
- The lakes that feed the river are Lakes Superior,Michigan,Huron,St. Clair and Erie all of which drain a considerable part of the North American continent.
- After the water goes over the falls it flows about 23 kilometres (14 miles) to the north into Lake Ontario. The St. Lawrence River then takes the water from Lake Ontario into the Atlantic Ocean.
- The rapids above the falls attain a maximum speed of about 40 kilometres ( 25 miles) per hour.The rapids below the falls reach a maximum speed of 48 kilometres( 30 miles) per hour.
Paul's books are published by Western New York Wares Inc. at www.wnybooks.com.
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WHEN THE AMERICAN FALLS WAS SHUT-DOWN
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-08-18 14:02:03
| | Post a comment | I can remember as a young man the time the American Falls was coffer dammed off just above the falls by the U.S. Corps of Engineers to study if anything could be done to stop the erosion of the American Falls.
In 1969 I was managing one of Niagara’s hotels- the Sheraton Foxhead Hotel located directly across from the falls. The falls were “turned-off” on June 12th and studies continued until November 25th when the coffer dam was removed. A lot of hoteliers thought it would bring more visitors to our doors but it had the reverse effect. Most visitors thought there was no reason to visit because the falls weren't flowing. They didn’t realize the Canadian Horseshoe Falls was still flowing. Business was poor during that time period.
After studying the information for seven years, the Corps of Engineers it was decided not to remove the huge piles of talus (rocks) at the base of the falls and leave the falls to erode naturally. Environmentalists were happy.
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SPOTTED A DEER TONIGHT
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-08-11 09:16:48
| | 4 comments Latest by Ilana 08/28/09 21:19:25 EDT | I went for a bike ride just before dusk along the lower Niagara River Recreation Trail and had a break at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. There’s a little known path near the back of the gardens that’s very seldom used by visitors.
This is also the location of the School of Horticulture where 12 students a year take a three year course to learn about horticulture, arboriculture and floriculture .Behind their residence (a stately stone building) is a magnificent vegetable garden and a small enclosed area where animals and birds are kept. Get a load at the magnificent peacock. When I was there he (she) spread their magnificent feathers.
When you follow the path behind the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, found at the same location, chances are you will see some wild deer or foxes. Tonight I spotted a dear who seemed to pose for me. I’ve attached the photo that I took.
I also took time to write down the names of some of the perennial plants (they are all listed with their common name and botanical name on small black plaques) that I want to get for my garden next year.
If you visit the 100 acre park, about 15 kilometres north of the falls, along the Niagara Parkway admittance is free and so is the parking. Bring your camera and a pen and pencil to write down your favourite plants.
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STRANDED SCOW IN UPPER NIAGARA RIVER IS STILL STRANDED
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-08-07 08:35:29
| | 2 comments Latest by Linda 01/11/10 15:33:49 EST | August 6th was the 91st anniversary of the scow that has been stranded in the upper Niagara River Rapids just above the falls for these many years. How did it get there you ask?
Well, here’s the story.
It broke loose while being towed by a tug about a mile above the falls.
Two men on board, James Harris and Gustav Loftberg feared they were going to go over the falls. In a last effort to save themselves they dropped the scows anchor and opened the bottom dumping doors. It worked. The scow settled onto the bed of the shallow river.
Getting them off the scow (still fearing it might break away) wasn’t so easy. Remember it was 1918 –no helicopters.
Large crowds gathered to watch as preparations were made to send a line out to the marooned men from atop the nearby Toronto Power House. When after great difficulties a breeches buoy was attached to the line and after 20 hours the men were each successfully rescued.
Chances are the scow will still be here when you visit Niagara Falls. It will no doubt rust out before the river claims it.
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BIG BECKY IS BORING
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-08-04 09:10:37
| | Post a comment | Ontario Power generation continues to bore a tunnel 14.4 metres wide and 10.2 kilometre long from Queenston, Ontario under the City of Niagara Falls to a point above the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. To accomplish this massive feat the largest hard-rock Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) in the world, nick-named “Big Becky,” works around the clock. The project is expected to be complete in 2013. Once operational it will produce enough electricity to meet the needs of 160,000 homes annually.
How Electricity is Produced
- Water is diverted from the Niagara River above the falls at a high elevation.
- It makes a detour around the falls through underground tunnels to hydroelectric power generating stations, where the drop to the lower Niagara River is 89 metres.
- In the station it rushes through a pipe called a penstock where it strikes rotating blades of a turbine.
- The water makes the turbine spin very fast.
- These blades are attached to a shaft, which in turn is attached to the generator’s electro magnets. These spin very quickly.
- When the spinning electromagnets pass through stationary coils of wire, electricity is created.
- The electricity travels along electrical wires to transformers where the voltage is increased for long distance transmission over power lines.
For more information on the tunnel and water power go to: www.opg.com. Daily tours are offered of the Sir Adam Beck 11 Generating Station from 10am to 5pm. Check out the Niagara Parks website for more details.
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FLOWERS, FLOWERS EVERYWHERE
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-07-28 11:18:04
| | 2 comments Latest by George 08/03/09 07:43:51 EDT | On my daily bike rides or walks along the Niagara River Recreation Trail, I never forget how lucky I am to live in this beautiful part of the world. This week I rode the trail north to the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and was amazed to see a flower at the gardens that I had never seen before. It’s probably been here but for me, it was new.
When I asked one of the students at the School of Horticulture (the gardens are their learning grounds), she told me it was a Camassia. It was a spectacular cylindrical blue tall plant. That’s one of the nice things about visiting the grounds (admission is free), there’s always a mass of colourful plants to feast your eyes on. This is also the location of the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory set back of the Niagara Parkway in a forest of trees. Leave your blackberries at home (I don’t have one) and soak up the peace and quiet of the area.
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HERE COME THE JUDGES
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-07-23 09:57:03
| | 4 comments Latest by George 07/27/09 21:18:00 EDT | This week two judges are in Niagara Falls sizing the city up as part of the annual Communities in Bloom competition that is held throughout the province. They’re looking to see how Niagara Falls measures up to other communities when it comes to overall tidiness of the community, environmental awareness programs and heritage conservation programs to name a few.
I’m accompanying the judges and the committee as their photographer. Boy have I had my eyes open. There are lots of beautiful floral displays to be found at loads of Niagara homes. Entering this program seems a natural fit for our city. Many of Niagara hotel's have also got into the spirit of the competition. Check out the flowers in front of the numerous hotels and restaurants, especially in the Fallsview area.
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NIAGARA AND PHOTOGRAPHY
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-07-17 09:21:53
| | Post a comment | Some folks may not realize but some of the earliest photographs taken in North America were of the Falls. Early daguerreotype photographs were taken by H. L. Pattinson when he traveled from England to Niagara Falls in April of 1840. The apparatus he used took the form of a large gentleman’s traveling case. It cost about $50.00 (lots of money in 1840). The exposure could take anywhere between 3 and 30 minutes.
Soon after Pattinson’s visits daguerrotypists and photographers (also called professors) became a common sight at the falls. Many of these early photographs were taken with visitors in a studio with a fake backdrop of the falls. Later photographers started to take images using the actual falls as their backdrop and people waited in line to have their photos captured for eternity as the accompanying photo testifies. Taking a photo of the falls today is much easier and quicker with digital cameras.
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MY FAVOURITE SPOT ALONG THE NIAGARA PARKWAY
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-07-14 08:59:26
| | 4 comments Latest by george 07/20/09 22:02:28 EDT | People always ask me what my favourite spot along the Niagara Parkway is. Well, I’m going to let my secret out of the bag. It’s Locus Grove. Okay, you’re saying where is it? It is eight kilometers north from the falls. But you have to look carefully to find the entrance. Only a small sign just before the traffic circle in front of the entrance to Queenston Height Park indicates the roadway to the grove. This is a piece of heaven. It’s like entering an outdoor cathedral of tall gracious trees. You’ll find you’re on the edge of the Niagara River and across the river is where the falls began some 12,000 years ago.
Here’s where the world slows down. Take a book or newspaper to read and watch the kettle of Turkey Vultures as they float on the warm air currents over the forest of trees and Niagara River. Chipmunks and squirrels put on a great display as they play amongst the trees. Bring some peanuts. This morning I rode my bike along the Niagara Recreational Trail to the grove and when I was there I happened to even spot a bald eagle. Life couldn’t get any better than this.
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BIRTHDAY FACTS
Since Canada just celebrated its 142nd birthday, here’s some “Canadiana” for you
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-07-07 11:20:45
| | 4 comments Latest by MUHAMMAD ARIF 07/12/09 15:26:30 EDT | - A few funny guys and musicians born in Canada: John Candy, Dan Ackroyd, Martin Short, Rick Moranis, Leslie Nielsen, Jim Carrey, Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Anne Murray, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Paul Anka (who performs regularly at the Fallsview Casino and the Tragically Hip.
- The border between Canada and the United States is the world’s longest border between two nations. And it’s still friendly.
- Canada has the longest coastline of any country in the world at 243,042 kilometres.
- Our estimated population (give or take a few) is 33,592,686.
- Canadians, to name a few, invented the Blackberry, Zipper (where would we be without it), Wonderbra, Plexiglass, and instant mashed potatoes (does anyone still use these)?
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ON YOUR NIAGARA FALLS HONEYMOON
By GEORGE BAILEY
2009-06-29 13:19:29
| | 3 comments Latest by lily 08/13/09 16:50:53 EDT | Here’s something you want to get if you’re in Canada on a Niagara Falls honeymoon. Be sure to pick up an official “Honeymoon Certificate” signed by Niagara Falls, Ontario Mayor Ted Salci. Not only is it a nice reminder of your visit, it also has value. Along with the certificate, a free pass for one is offered at numerous attractions in Niagara Falls. Get the certificate before you begin your visiting from either the Niagara Falls Tourism Office on Robinson Street (next to the IMAX theatre) or the Ontario government Tourism Office on Stanley Avenue. You need proof to get the certificate. Those on a “trial run” do not qualify.
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NIAGARA FALLS FUNAMBULISTS
By George Bailey
2009-06-19 16:26:07
| | Post a comment | June reminds me of the "Great Blondin-Jean Francois Gravelet", Niagara’s first Funambulist. Okay, what’s a Funambulist? It’s a tightrope walker. And it was in June 30, 1859 that Blondin first walked successfully across the Niagara Gorge on a two-inch manila rope from the U.S. side to Canada in 15 minutes. He made the return trip in seven minutes. He made the trip several times. On a trip in August 1959, he even successfully carried his manager, Harry Colcord on his back above the Niagara River.
Between 1859 and 1897 nine different walkers used a tightrope to successfully cross the gorge and one even rode a bicycle-velocipede. Today, it is illegal to cross over the Niagara River on a tightrope without the permission of the American and Canadian Park Commissions. My late friend, Niagara historian George Seibel in his book "Niagara Falls, Canada – A History" tells of these early Niagara Funambulists.
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NEW BORDER CROSSING REGULATIONS NOW IN EFFECT
By George Bailey
2009-06-12 15:37:28
| | 3 comments Latest by george 07/05/09 16:37:38 EDT | In case you haven’t already heard, people crossing the U.S. /Canadian border now require one of the following: a valid passport, a NEXUS or FAST card, or an enhanced driver’s license/enhanced identification card. Canadian citizens 15 and younger will only require proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. For more information visit www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.
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IS IT THE NIAGARA RIVER OR THE NIAGARA STRAIT?
2009-06-12 15:35:40
| Did you know the Niagara River that flows between Lake Erie in the south and Lake Ontario in the north is not really a river. It is technically a strait and early maps identify it that way. A strait is defined as ”a narrow channel of water connecting two large bodies of water.”
Over the years it has been referred to as a river. Most rivers in North American flow from north to south but this one doesn’t. This “river” flows from south to north. The distance between the two lakes is 58 kilometres (36 miles) and the elevation between the two lakes is approximately 99 metres (326 feet).
Click here to learn more interesting facts about the Falls.
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NIAGARA DAREDEVILS
By George Bailey
2009-06-01 18:48:40
| | 3 comments Latest by Amy Wagner | Camping 07/22/09 04:41:39 EDT | As the weather starts to warm up I’m reminded of the Daredevils that intentionally went over Niagara Falls in all types of contraptions from a rubber ball to a kayak.
The first person to go over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls (no one has tried to go over the American Falls because of the heavy concentration of rocks below it) was 63-year old Annie Taylor from Bay City, Michigan. She survived. The last person claiming to be a daredevil to go over the falls wore only street clothes. Kirk Jones on October 20th 2003 became one of the luckiest people on this planet when he survived. Most people (including me) believe he was trying to kill himself and was not doing it as a daredevil.
On March 11,2009 an unidentified man jumped in the water above the Canadian Horseshoe Falls in an attempt to commit suicide. Miraculously, he also survived the plunge over the falls and was rescued 30 minutes later from the Niagara River below the falls by Chief Pilot Reudi Hafen of Niagara Helicopters. To this date the man has never been identified. He became the third person to go over Niagara Falls without some kind of protection and survive. Seven-year old Roger Woodward accidentally went over Niagara Falls wearing only a life jacket on July 9, 1960 and survived.
To date 16 different people, including two women, claiming to be daredevils have intentionally tried to “beat” Niagara Falls. Two of these people went over Niagara at the same time in the same barrel. Five of these people lost their lives in the attempt. My book, “Daredevils Over Niagara,” provides more details. It is illegal to attempt such a feat.
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HOW NIAGARA FALLS WAS FORMED
By George Bailey
2009-05-26 11:51:27
| | 5 comments Latest by Amy Wagner | Camping 07/22/09 04:45:20 EDT | The falls of Niagara are about 12,000 years old give a take a few hundred years. This is young compared to other falls found in Africa or South America that are up to 2.5 million years old. The falls were formed during the Glacial Age (500,000 to 2 million years ago), when glaciers melted and formed lakes. Where Lake Erie is now found, a lake called Algonquin overflowed and ran downhill to Lake Iroquois (where Lake Ontario is now found). The rushing water carved out a channel we now call Niagara River. The falls was created when the riverbed dropped off suddenly like an underwater cliff forming Niagara Falls.
Even though I’ve lived in Niagara Falls most of my life I never take this majestic waterfall for granted. It’s mesmerizing at any time of the year.
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MARILYN MONROE AND THE MAKING OF NIAGARA
By George Bailey
2009-05-18 21:40:55
| | 9 comments Latest by George 09/05/09 06:58:47 EDT | For two sun-filled weeks in June of 1952, Niagara Falls, Canada took “second billing” when movie icon Marilyn Monroe visited to make the movie “Niagara.” I was only eight at the time but I can remember my father, who was first mate on the Maid of the Mist, telling me he “starred” with Marilyn in the movie. He is actually in the film, about a click of the finger. He’s the handsome guy wearing the uniform on the gang plank to the Maid. Anyway, when the technicolour (a rarity at the time) movie was released in January of 1953, it put Niagara Falls on the map for many years and helped re-establish it as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World".
I wrote a book, “Marilyn Monroe and the Making of Niagara,” several years ago on the making of this movie, and even today I still get requests for copies of this book. It is no longer in print and I see copies on e-Bay go for $125.00! I originally sold it for $10.00. I have two copies myself.
Here’s a copy of a photo from my book.
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SPRING ACTIVITIES IN NIAGARA FALLS
By George Bailey
2009-05-14 12:43:17
| | 3 comments Latest by George 08/06/09 06:54:51 EDT | Spring brings many new outdoor activities in Niagara Falls. The bulbs in Queen Victoria Park near the falls have popped their heads out of the ground in an explosion of springtime colours. You’ll see about 75,000 daffodils - no need to try and count them just take my word - near the falls. The original ones were a gift from the people of Holland for Canada’s help in the second World War.
Other great places to check out for new life at this time of the year are The Glen about ten minutes north of the falls. Here’s where you can walk to the river’s edge. Along the way wildflowers can be spotted under the canopy of mature trees that are also starting to bud. You need to be in pretty good shape for this one-hour hike into the gorge. The walk back can be exhausting.
An easy walk is Dufferin Islands just above the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The skunk cabbage in this area is an interesting plant to see and photograph.
Another nearby attraction that indicates Spring has arrived is to visit the Welland Canal at Lock Three in Thorold (about one-half hour from the falls) and see the ships that begin travelling through the canal for another shipping season.
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EARLY SPRING IN NIAGARA: OUT OF THE WOODS AND INTO THE (BOTANICAL) GARDENS
By George Bailey
2009-05-07 10:35:47
| | 8 comments Latest by Mendy 08/04/09 23:14:28 EDT | Looking for things to do in Niagara Falls this Spring? I asked Lorne Fast, instructor at The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture at the Botanical Gardens to tell me what's happening in the ground. Here’s what he had to say:
“As early May is upon us, the Niagara area is out of the woods as far as the risk of winter-like weather. Weather stats give the following temperatures for May 1st in Niagara Falls: average high a pleasant 17C (62F), average low 6C (42F), (yes, it did once fall to -3C (27F), but that was back in 1881). As spring hits its stride, the pace of unfurling the season’s new colours quickens as plants are warmed by the sun. This is most evident in the spectacular array of plants at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.
In early May, the early and mid-season tulip buds in the rose garden are just beginning to show some colour. Their hardier cousins on the south side of the student residence, having been emboldened by the warmth of the sun, are confident enough to go all the way, splaying open their petals for all the world to see. But the real action is in the woodland garden behind the student residence. The ephemeral woodland plants beneath the trees are in a hurry – they need to get their flowering done before the warm sun is blocked by the canopy’s emerging leaves. Here the white Dutchman’s breeches are out in full bloom(ers), hanging upside down from the plant’s newly created temporary laundry line. The fumewort (corydalis) has also opened its flowers to create a smoky purple haze over the leaf strewn forest floor. The forget-me-not flowers of the Siberian bugloss emerge in a hazy light blue cloud above tender new foliage.
As you move out of the woods into the rock garden, you'll find the dwarf mat and cushion-forming plants from high alpine meadows happily blooming in the cool mid-spring air. Blue & purple aubrietas, bright yellow basket-of-gold, dwarf narcissus and hardy dwarf species tulips show off their ephemeral colours against the grey pitted limestone rocks. Across the drive, the large pink saucer magnolia flowers bloom against the clear blue sky. Further down the drive the clear soft yellow ‘Elizabeth’ and ‘Yellow Bird’ magnolias are just beginning to open. As you explore the Gardens further, other shrubs also are at the front of the line to show off their wares before the foliage takes over: Corylopsis, with pendulous clusters of pale yellow, early pink Korean rhododendrons, the aptly named ‘Big Dude’ magnolia with its huge rose purple & white tepals.
All of these can be explored at your leisure, now that we're out of the woods and into the Botanical Gardens.”
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A GOOD READ ON NIAGARA HISTORY
By George Bailey
2009-04-23 13:40:47
| | 2 comments Latest by George 04/24/09 11:36:35 EDT | I just finished reading Niagara Falls Historian Sherman Zavitz's latest book, "Looking Back-Niagara Falls-Historic Notes". For anyone who likes to read of Niagara's past this is a must-read. It contains 45 vignettes about the city from the late 18th century to the middle of the 20th century. I thought I knew a fair amount about Niagara's history, but after reading Sherman's book I realize there's lots more to learn. The book talks about many Niagara Falls attractions that are still around today. Lots of them have colourful tales about Niagara honeymooners and a few of the Niagara Daredevils that went over the falls.
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MAID OF THE MIST BOATS OPEN THIS WEEK
By George Bailey
2009-04-20 11:20:22
| | Post a comment | The Maid of the Mist boats open Thursday, April 23rd for the 2009 season. Visitors can board either at the Canadian or U.S. dock at 10 am and tours depart every 15 minutes, with the trips last about 30 minutes. New this year on the American side below the American Falls is a 1.5 million boarding dock, one of the three planned for both sides of the border over the next few years. The Maid of the Mist boats have been operating since 1846.
The Maid of the Mist passes in front of the American Falls on its way up the Niagara River to the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
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THE SHAW OPENS 2009 SEASON
2009-04-06 15:36:08
| | 12 comments Latest by Purchase VPXL England | If you like live theatre then head to the Shaw Festival found just down the road from Niagara Falls in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The 2009 season has just begun.
Jackie Maxwell, Artistic Director of Shaw (as the locals call it), tells me one of the highlights this year is Sunday in the Park with George (no, it's not me). It's a moving musical love story which originally opened on Broadway in 1984. This season there are eleven productions on stage at the Shaw and several special events.
I can remember when Niagara-on-the-Lake was a sleepy little town with a small main street anchored by a bar where "Women and Escorts" entered through a separate door. All that changed when in 1962 when a local lawyer and playwright, Brian Doherty, introduced this little theatre to produce the dramatic works of Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. It's not sleepy anymore.
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SPRING HAS ALMOST SPRUNG AT NIAGARA
2009-03-26 11:03:51
| | 18 comments Latest by george 07/24/09 09:27:10 EDT | One sure sign that Spring is just around the corner is that the Crocus in Queen Victoria Park near the falls are starting to pop there heads through the ground. In a few weeks we should see the Daffodils joining them.
Another sign, the ice-bridge below the falls has almost completely gone. I took this photo at 9:30 in the morning and it appears the American Falls is on fire. That’s because the air is warmer (hallelujah) than the cold water. Check out the large chunk of ice that’s stubbornly hanging around. It will probably be here until early April.
Once all the ice from Lake Erie above the falls has floated down and over the falls and clears the Niagara River into Lake Ontario we can expect to see the Maid of the Mist boats enter the water again for their 163rd season!
I think Old-Man Winter has finally left us. Good riddance to him. He won’t be missed.
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WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GO TO NIAGARA FALLS
2009-03-18 09:16:31
| | 9 comments Latest by George 05/11/09 03:49:57 EDT | I‘ve finished my walk to Timmies for my morning coffee and newspaper. In today’s local paper, The Niagara Falls Review, there’s a story about how the number of visitors to Niagara Falls during March Break are stronger then ever. This doesn’t surprise me. During my many years in the hospitality industry, I always found when times were tough people still took time to enjoy themselves. Our destination is especially popular because there are so many things to do in Niagara Falls with the family and it’s easy to get to being close to large metropolitan areas. Visitors from nearby the United States also receive and extra bonus of about 25 cents on their dollar. But ask before you pay to make sure you get the full benefit of your dollar. Your best bet is to exchange your U.S. dollars at a bank before you spend it in Canada.
Even during the Depression, folks were still visiting the Falls. This photo was taken in the 1930s.
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LOOK AND LISTEN TO NIAGARA FALLS TO LEARN WHAT THE DAY WILL BRING
2009-03-06 12:34:42
| | 25 comments Latest by george 11/12/09 23:15:31 EST | When I started this blog late last year, I said I'd talk about how you can look and listen to the falls and predict the weather for the day.
Well, when I opened the second floor window of my home (I'm about five kilometres from the falls) a few days ago I could hear the deep roar of the falls was much louder than it normally sounded. There was also no high plume of mist in the air hanging over the falls. These were two sure signs of impending gloomy weather. I knew that the day would be a stormy one. Why?
The loud sound meant that shallow Lake Erie (approximately 60 feet or 18.2 metres) in the south was being churned up by storms and pushing more water to the southwest over Niagara Falls. Hence, the falls were louder. The fact there was a low plume meant low humidity, which also is an indicator of poor weather. Old Timers are often quoted in early Niagara Falls Guidebooks about these signs.
By the way, the weather that day was cloudy and rainy. Bang-on!
When I worked in the tourist industry years ago this also meant increased business in Niagara restaurants, attractions and gift shops. Today, it's still the case.
The photo below shows what the plume looks like on a nice day in Niagara.
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CAN’T WAIT TO SMELL THE FLOWERS...THEN DON’T
2009-02-23 17:32:18
| | 2 comments Latest by George 03/03/09 15:57:33 EST | Niagara is in bloom all year round. That’s right. All you have to do is plan a visit to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory along the lower Niagara Parkway where the temperature is always in the eighties and you’ll be surrounded by a lush tropical oasis under glass. The free-flying butterflies complete the atmosphere. When I go there, which is often, I wear bright coloured clothing. Butterflies can actually see colours and they are attracted to bright colours. Chances are they’ll land on you. Adults are $11.50, children 6-12 years are $6.80 and under five are free.
Here’s another tropical destination… Bird Kingdom near the Canadian end of the Rainbow Bridge on River Road has over 400 free-flying birds. I especially like to hear the sounds these birds make. Prices vary. When I visit either of these Niagara attractions I try and go when the sun is out. They’re much like us, and more active when the sun shines!
If you still need a lift, go to the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse just south of the falls. Admission is free. The Spring show continues until Easter. For two to three weekends around Easter the greenhouse features Easter Lilies and forced spring bulbs.
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DOES THE NIAGARA RIVER FREEZE?
2009-02-09 11:22:32
| | 4 comments Latest by george 02/22/09 06:13:25 EST | I've had some questions recently about whether or not the Niagara River ever freezes up?” The answer is no. The water going over Niagara Falls continues to flow at a rate of 4 to 8 miles per hour. The volume of water going over the falls (at this time of the year about 100,000 cubic feet per second, give or take a few cubic feet) and speed of the water prevents the water from freezing.
During a very cold winter an ice bridge usually forms below the falls. However, these ice bridges aren’t like they use to be. The last real big ice bridge was formed in 1954. An international ice boom installed at the mouth of the Niagara River at Lake Erie has prevented the build up of these big ice bridges.
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BLAME THE ROMANCE ON NIAGARA'S NEGATIVE IONS
2009-01-30 09:28:41
| | Post a comment | That's right! The negative ions (don't let the name fool you, they're good-guys) at Niagara Falls created by the falling water produce the largest source of negative ions in the world. That's not just me talking. A medical doctor published a book several years ago called, "The Ion Effect" confirming this fact. In the book he says you can't help but feel romantic and happy when you're near the falls. It's much like walking in a light rain, visiting the beach or taking a sauna. Millions of people choose Niagara Falls to "pop the question".
How can you spot a couple on a Niagara Falls honeymoon? First of all, they don't know anyone else is around them. You can see them twirling their wedding rings and kissing a lot! I like to wish them the best and see the expressions on their face.
This Valentine’s Day, plenty of hotels have created Niagara Falls romantic getaways that will put the spark back in your love life — and you can’t lose with the falling water beside you.
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“ICE-BRIDGE PUSHES THE HONEYMOON BRIDGE INTO THE GORGE”
2009-01-23 11:59:41
| | 2 comments Latest by David Ruiz 01/27/09 15:35:28 EST | That was the headline in Niagara Falls newspapers 71 years ago when the Honeymoon Bridge collapsed into the Niagara River when severe winter weather pushed ice against the hinge supports of the arch on the American side and bent and twisted the bridge’s girders. The collapse took place at 4:20 p.m. on January 27th.
It was already known the bridge was doomed for disaster and people were restricted from the bridge. As a result, there were no injuries. Only one newspaper photographer, Frank Seed, was able to photograph the collapse. His photo is below.
A new rainbow Bridge was constructed in 1941 just down river from the foundation of the Honeymoon Bridge. While this natural Niagara attraction can still be seen during severe winters, chances are the ice bridges will never reach the heights they did in 1938.
Anyone still around that remembers the collapse?
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NIAGARA’S ICE WINES ARE READY TO BE SERVED
2009-01-16 09:23:45
| | Post a comment | How many of you folks out there have heard of Ice Wine? If you haven’t, let me tell you about it.
Today, making Icewine is a Canadian game and Niagara is the perfect place to make it. It’s because we have long, warm summers and cold winters (like we are getting now) creating the ideal conditions for producing this “liquid gold” as some people call it. When the temperatures drop below minus 8 degrees Celsius for a period of two or three continuous days, frozen grapes that have been left on the vines are picked by hand. When they are pressed, the natural water portion of the juice remains with the grape skins in the form of ice crystals. A tiny portion of this highly concentrated juice is expressed. This juice is fermented for several months and the result is a sweet and flavourful Icewine.
If you can make it to Niagara, take in the Niagara Icewine Festival that occurs between January 16 and 25th. Dress in layers of clothing, many of the events take place outside.
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NIAGARA FALLS IS FOR THE BIRDS AND THE BIRDERS
2009-01-07 17:12:54
| | Post a comment | It might come as a surprise to some of you that Niagara Falls from mid-November through the end of January literally hundreds of “birders” flock to witness one of Niagara Falls natural attractions. They’re here to see the largest and most diverse concentration of gulls in the world.
In 1996 the entire Niagara River corridor between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario became the first site in North America to receive international recognition as a “Globally Significant Important Bird Area” by major conservation groups in Canada and the United States.
Speaking with a group of “birders” I spotted above the falls (they talked out of the side of their mouths because they kept their eyes through their binoculars) they told me that about 19 individual species of gulls have been identified on the Niagara River this winter (there are 43 species worldwide).In addition numerous species of ducks, geese and swans congregate here. Apparently they like the abundance of fish in the river.
A sure fire spot to see birds in Niagara Falls at any time of the year is at the Niagara Falls Aviary.
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OH CANADA EH
2008-12-17 11:49:13
| | Post a comment | Okay, well I’m still getting my feet wet in this blogging thing. I’m not quite sure yet if I should mention businesses specifically. I don’t want this blog to sound like a commercial. However, my sister, Olive (that’s right, we’re originally from Newfoundland and that’s definitely a “Newfie” name and I can hear you saying okay that why he’s like he is) recently attended the Oh Canada Eh Dinner Show to see The Farndale Christmas Carol. What a hoot. Not only was the 5 course dinner a hit, the play was in the same category.
Owner Ross Robinson is a classy guy and since 1994 has grown this live theatre, with his original partner Jim Cooper, into must-see Niagara entertainment. It will put you back about $50.00 each but worth every penny. The show runs each evening until the end of December. If you like this type of thing put on your list to see The Greg Frewin Theatre and Las Vegas style Magic Show. You didn’t know Niagara Falls was that classy did you. All this good stuff is found on the Niagara Falls Tourism site. Break a leg.
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BROCK'S MONUMENT
2008-12-10 18:28:04
| | 1 comments Latest by mukesh 06/22/09 00:28:53 EDT | If you’ve driven the Niagara Parkway towards Niagara on the Lake you can’t help but see Brock’s Monument at Queenston near the Canadian end of the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge (Canadians call it the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge but the official name is the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge) wrapped in scaffolding.
Brock's Monument is a tribute to Sir Isaac Brock. Brock was a British General who lost his life at the Battle of Queenston that took place on this site on October 13, 1812. It was one of the major battles of the War of 1812-141 where the British (Canadians) came out on top. Ron Dale, superintendent of Parks Canada for the Niagara region says the 56 metre monument which was built in 1853 was long overdue for repair. The mortar had deteriorated and the statue of Brock which stands atop the monument was ready to fall apart. The work on this Niagara attraction, which began early in 2008, is expected to be completed by the spring of 2009. Dale says the monument has even undergone work that now makes it earthquake proof!
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NIAGARA FIREWORKS
2008-12-03 09:41:36
| | 4 comments Latest by Hi, you have a great site! I also recommend this site: g1nou , thanks! 05/19/09 06:41:11 EDT | I was in Queen Victoria Park last Friday near the falls showing a few friends the illumination of the falls. I’ve seen it a million times but the lights on the falls still wow me, especially if you stand under the beams of light that shine above your head when you stand across from the tower (it was at one time the overflow tower for the water that backed up from the Ontario Power Plant, now abandoned, found at the edge of the Niagara River just below the falls) where the lights are found.
Anyway back to what I wanted to tell you. I hadn’t realized there was a fireworks display over the falls at this time of the year. I checked and learned that a Niagara Falls fireworks display takes place every Friday this month at 9 pm with the final display at the same time on January 2nd. It’s all part of the Winter Festival of Lights, an annual Niagara event that is now taking place.
A little known fact is that the huge light casings that hold the bulbs to light up the falls are the same casings that light up the skies over London during the Battle of Britain.
Here’s another tidbit. The nightly illumination is not only paid for by The Niagara Parks Commission but equal partners are the cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario and New York, The State Reservation of New York found in Niagara Falls, New York and Hydro One. The two main operators who change the lights each evening 365 days of the year, Peter Gordon and Dick Mann have been doing this almost as long as the lights have been existence. (only kidding guys). The lights were first put on the falls in June of 1925.
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WINTER HAPPENINGS AROUND NIAGARA FALLS
2008-11-26 12:40:21
| | 1 comments Latest by Frank 01/25/09 15:52:10 EST | A few days ago Melissa asked me what was happening in Niagara at this time of the year. Twenty-five years ago I would have said nothing. Boy, have things changed. If you haven’t been here recently you know Niagara Falls no longer puts up the closed sign for the winter. This whole month is alive with Winter Festival of Lights events.
The biggie is the free televised New Years Eve outdoor event held outdoors near the falls. With fireworks over the falls at midnight. Even our downtown area of Niagara Falls (no, it’s not Clifton Hill... that’s the visitors downtown) is having a re-birth. The area has taken on an arts and craft theme and it’s a great place to stroll.
Anyone remember walking in Queen Victoria Park with the snow drifting down in front of the beams of light that illuminate the falls each evening? I do. It was magic and still is. Even better if you are holding the hand of the one you love. Okay, I’m a hopeless romantic.
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NIAGARA ON A WINTER MORNING
2008-11-20 09:52:49
| | 18 comments Latest by George 07/28/09 14:22:45 EDT | A photo I took this morning of Murray Hill after this winter's first snow fall on Nov. 20th. You can see the winter icicles and the falls in the background. Very cold morning!
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NIAGARA SUNRISE
2008-11-19 09:14:54
| | 3 comments Latest by Darline 11/20/08 21:59:59 EST | This morning I grabbed my camera and headed off at 6 am walking to the falls (it’s about a 20 minute walk for me) to capture, what I think, is one of Niagara’s best kept secrets: the sun rising in the east over Niagara. Okay, lots of cities talk about great sunsets but few about great sunrises. Ours in Niagara Falls, Ontario should get the red ribbon. I’ve attached one of the photos I took to make my point.
There are several others benefits to looking at Niagara as the day comes alive. There are few people (if any) around. You can personably own Niagara and with the exception of the sound of the water rushing over Niagara Falls, it’s quiet. A rarity in this hectic world around us. If there are others there, conversation is easy. I’ve ended up having a coffee later in the morning with people from all over the world. This morning it was with a man and a woman out jugging from Germany.
I remember years ago getting a request from an assistant of Lech Walesa, President of Poland from 1990 to 1995, to take him to the falls to do what I have been doing for years at all times of the year...look at the sun rise over Niagara. I picked him up at his hotel just the two of us (yes, just the two of us… no security or hangers on), and I left him to have his own
Niagara experience alone at the brink of the falls. We didn’t talk, because he didn’t speak English and Polish isn’t in my vocabulary. His assistant later told me it was one of the best experiences of his life. I could see it on the expression on his face when we got back in the car. If you need some sunrise in your life, you now know where to find it.
George
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THE NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT IN NIAGARA
2008-11-10 10:49:17
| | 5 comments Latest by michael carter 07/13/09 08:55:09 EDT | If you’re 42 years of age and born in July of 1966 there’s a chance you might have been conceived as a result of what happened here in Niagara on November 9th. I can remember that day clearly because all the lights in the city went out at 5:16 pm. I was showing a few folks how to turn the lights on the falls when everything went dead. Boy, I thought I was in trouble. I soon learned it wasn’t me. It was because of a major power failure at the Sir Adam Beck No.2 power plant in Queenston. It was a cold November evening, not like what we’re getting now, and power for heating, lighting and cooking was at its max.
When a maintenance employee incorrectly set a protective relay on one of the transmission lines a chain reaction occurred and cut off power effecting 25 million people and 80,000 square miles in Ontario and the Northeast United States were left without electricity for 12 hours. Later it’s reported the birth rate in these areas soared in July of 1966!
Today, Ontario Power Generation (I still think of it as Ontario Hydro) is digging another tunnel, ”Big Becky” under Niagara to divert more water from above the falls to the generating plants at Queenston. Once completed in 2010 the 14.4 metre, 10.4 kilometre tunnel will deliver enough water from above the falls to power a city of 160,000 people. For you techies, that’s 1.6 billion kilowatt hours. Just in time for our hybrids! Anyone else remember the black out? What were you doing (be careful) when it happened?
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THE GENERAL BROCK HOTEL AND TWO GREAT SHOWS
By George Bailey
2008-11-04 19:14:49
| | Post a comment | One of Niagara Falls landmarks is the Crowne Plaza Hotel, originally named the General Brock Hotel. It’s Niagara Falls’ oldest hotel built in the late 1920's and still one of the classiest with a top notch view of the falls from your room. This Niagara hotel had lots of attention over the years.
When Marilyn Monroe wasn’t filming the movie ”Niagara” in June of 1952, she stayed for two weeks in Suite 801 of the General Brock Hotel. Customs officers from the Rainbow Bridge across the road reportedly brought binoculars into work for those two weeks.
A year later in the same month, the first live TV broadcast in Canada was made from the roof of the hotel. Host of the Today Show Dave Garroway interviewed politicians and paraded couples on a Niagara Falls honeymoon live for two eight-minute segments. They were aired each hour for the three hour show. CBS Affiliate WBEN-TV of Buffalo carried the segment. Any one still hanging around that remembers this?
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PRINCESS DIANA AND ME
2008-10-24 12:27:17
| | 10 comments Latest by cod Evista | October 26th is a day that will always stand out in my mind. On this day in 1991 I was lucky to be able to escort Princess Diana and her two children William and Harry on a personal tour of Niagara Falls and take them on a ride aboard the Maid of the Mist. What a lady she was.
Not because she was a Princess but because she was genuine. She was nice to everyone. No snob here. Her kids were polite and even after a private lunch before the boat ride in the Refectory Restaurant they cleared their plates from the table and placed them on the side table.
While on the Maid she and her children even posed for me while I snapped photos of her at the wheel and on deck. The paparazzi on shore must have been going nuts. After she left the boat she thanked me and even referred to me by name.
When she left I was approached by one of the paparazzi and offered two-thousand dollars for the little disposable camera that I took the photos with. I refused. I still cherish those photos.
By the way I had nothing to do with Princess Diana’s breakup a while later from Charles, so you can put the rumour to rest.
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LOOK THERE’S A RAINBOW
2008-10-17 11:34:59
| | 6 comments Latest by George 05/29/09 11:01:10 EDT | Hey, as I look out my window this afternoon I’m mesmerized by a glorious high rainbow in the sky. Niagara Falls has the best rainbows in the world on sunny days. They’re caused by the sun beams hitting the heavy mist from the falls. You see the rainbows when the sun is about 33 degrees behind your shoulder. I can almost predict when the rainbow will appear because I’ve been hanging around so long. You see Niagara Falls rainbow on the U.S. side of the border in the morning when the sun rises in the east and from noon until the sun sets in the west they’re seen on the Canadian side of the border.
This reminds me of the time when a number of year ago I was escorting Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, his wife and teenage sun around the falls. When we were nearing the falls I picked up my big clumsy cell phone ( they were new then) and spoke into the receiver and said,” Can you turn the rainbow on for the Prime Minister?” Wahala...the rainbow appeared just as we got near the falls. Man, were they impressed!.
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MR. NIAGARA FALLS
Welcome to my Blog!
By George Bailey
2008-10-06 13:30:56
| | 15 comments Latest by George 08/28/09 23:16:10 EDT | Okay, I have to admit I never knew what a Blog was. I thought someone was spelling the word Bog incorrectly. Then the folks at Niagara Falls Tourism told me no there is such a word and then explained it to me. This should tell you something about my age. But I’m game for anything and since they consider me their “Niagara Guy” I agreed to be their Niagara Blogger.
I'll be putting together my own personal experiences on what I’ve learned hanging around this waterfall for the past 50 or so years. I’ll touch on Niagara history, but I won’t live there. There are just too many exciting things happening today at Niagara Falls.
I'm writing these Blogs from my second floor home office about six kilometres from the falls. On a clear day (like today) as I look out my window I see a spectacular plumb of mist from the falls rising high into the sky. This is a sure sign it’s going to be a nice day. More about this in one of my later blogs.
If I cock my ear and open my window I can sometimes hear the falls. Help me make this Blog come alive. I welcome your questions, criticisms ( keep it gentle folks ) and comments. Thanks. Here goes...
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