Niagara Falls

Horseshoe Falls

I arrived in Niagara Falls from Fort Erie, trailer in tow, via the Niagara Parkway which follows the same route as the the Niagara River. The route provided me all the qualities of a good road trip – no traffic, plenty of space to pull over and lots of scenery.

Everyone born in Canada, most likely, has heard of Niagara Falls. Many of us have seen pictures or video of the falls and have heard stories about the falls. There are some who travel from the far corners of the earth to get married in Niagara Falls.

But I am concerned because… what sometimes happens in communities is that everything is focused on one attraction. Putting all your eggs in one basket is a dangerous game in tourism. It limits the type of people who visit your community too. Why not market some of your other key activities.

In this case Niagara Falls puts all its efforts into the falls and very little attention is paid to two other top notch attractions – the Botanical Gardens and Niagara River Trail.  Attracting people who enjoy wandering amongst gardens is big business – just ask Butchart Gardens In Victoria.

Attracting biking enthusiasts or bike groups would be a cash cow also by promoting the 50+ kilometre Niagara River Trail which connects to the Friendship Trail in Fort Erie and the Waterfront Trail in St. Catherines. It is popular for bikes, jogging and sightseeing. Much of the route is filled with amazing scenery of cliffs, rapids, waterfalls, bridges and our neighbors in the USA. The trail connects to attractions, heritage sites, historic monuments, gardens and marinas. It is in the shadow of the falls.

I am not saying the falls will disappear anytime soon, because they won’t in my lifetime. But what I am saying is that why narrow your options for attracting people to the community.

Rose Garden

Botanical Gardens is one of the largest gardens in the province. On the grounds of the garden is a Horticulture School and many acres of different types of gardens and connecting paths. There are fountains, sculptures, viewing benches and attractions. Each plant and tree is well labeled. The Rose Garden was by far my favorite.  A field of colors with a fountain and arches. A strong rose scent in the air. I would of almost missed the garden.

The falls themselves are spectacular.  The big falls, called the Horseshoe Falls, are on the Canadian side. And did you know there is another monster falls just across the way on the American side called the American Falls.

The pathway along the waterfront viewing the falls is well represented with shops and buildings. There are lookout points and viewing telescopes. However it is a very busy walkway. Walking the route was like playing pin ball, except you are the ball getting bumped around. It was crowded and you had to fight for your rail space near the falls.

On my visit,  just as I was positioining myself on the rail for some pictures,  a rainbow appeared.   First the massive rose garden and then the rainbow at Niagra Falls. (Main BLOG Photo) Sweet!