I left the Vegas-like atmosphere in Niagara Falls for the village of Niagra on the Lake and St. Catherines. As I continue to follow the coastline they were the next two stops on my research road trip. I could research them both during my stay in the region as they were basically touching each other.
My route getting to both communities was not going to change. I was going to stick to the plan and stay close to the Niagara River while driving the Niagara Parkway along the high bank cliffs of the escarpment. Research showed that there were plenty of spots to pull over to munch and sight see.
Floral Clock
From Niagara Falls to Niagara on the Lake is maybe a 1/2 hour drive – if that. During the drive there were some sweet free sightseeing attractions located along the way. Attractions which get overshadowed by the falls.. I am sure many accidentally miss out and do not make the short trip to the Floral Clock and the Brocks Monument which chronicles the War of 1812.
The clock is a giant working garden clock located just after the hydro dam. There is a goldfish pond and a picnic area with major grass lawns. It is a picture taking destination as many were getting pictures taken.
I pulled into the parking lot the same time as a bus tour of Polish tourist. A lady asked if I could take the groups picture. “No worries,“ I said thinking it would be the good Canadian thing to do. Just as I am lining up the picture, I guy jumps out of the group photo and hands me his camera. And then another one and another one until I had 7 cameras dripping off me. I guess with me carrying around camera equipment I looked like an easy target for picture taking duties.
Brock's Monument
Brock’s Monument is a park with ancient monuments, gardens, fountains, band shell and picnic shelters. It was the battle grounds of 1812 in a war between Canada and USA. Just down the road is Fort George – A historic site of Canada. Brock‘s Monument is in Queenston Heights Park. The tower is very tall towering over the community of Niagara on the Lake. I am sure our USA neighbours can see it too.
The village of Niagra on the Lake is a small garden village. You could tell they take great pride in their village. Out of a story book, the main street is lined with old buildings, flowers hanging from rafters and roof lines.. and sidewalks and streets decorated with floral gardens. Throughout the area are heritage sites like Fort George, the home of Laura Secord, a pumphouse, hotel and some old army barracks.
St Catherines threw me for a loop. I could not find the downtown as I figured it would be on the waterfront like the other communities. I was way wrong. The downtown core of the community is closer to the major highway. I was so use to thinking that the downtowns are near the water I searched the coastline for the downtown and ended up in Port Dalhousie and Lakeside Park.
It happens that Lakeside Park is the major park in the region. Oh well, good time to take advantage of the situation I geared up and went for a walk. The park was a great way to begin my day.
I took a long walk to the end of this massive long cement pier. It provided me with some great pictures of Lake Ontario and a lighthouse. And many were just enjoying the view from one of the many benches located on the pier (Main BLOG Photo).
I continued to polish off park after park making my way into the downtown core. I walked the streets and took many pictures of there old buildings. I am becoming a fan of 1800 and early 1900 buildings. They are so dominant in many Ontario communities.
Woke up the next day to rain and thunderstorms. I am OK with that. I figure it is a good thing as it was going to be a travel day anyway as I leave the Niagara region today and head for Guelph. If your going to get from Point A to Point B then lets do it in the rain and save the sunny days for exploring the outdoors.