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We return to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls time and again because the area has so much to offer. It’s all the stuff we like to do – outdoor, natural splendor, and touristy. We revisited several favorites and added some new experiences, too. The weather was perfection, and it’s a gorgeous ride cruising Niagara Parkway. The drive is dotted with islands of flowers and fountains, and the profusion of colors is simply wondrous. Walking paths alongside disappear invitingly into lush woods, and the air is clean and crisp.
The Niagara River is never far away. It begins at Lake Erie, and after a lively trip through this area, finds its way to Lake Ontario. Traveling 109 kilometers over the Falls, the river then gets squeezed though a narrow canyon, creating a stretch of wild rapids. There’s a boardwalk where you can walk alongside the white water – foamy and bright green from limestone deposits. These are Class 6 rapids, considered “unrunnable” due to the steep vertical drops and huge boulders.
After the rapids, the rivers attempts a 90 degree turn to the right. The result is the Great Whirlpool – a huge turbulent eddy that swirls and circles until at last the water finds its way out. For the first time we rode the Aerocar – an open-air gondola suspended above the circling whirlpool. There’s also a Jetboat ride, which splashes the more adventuresome right into the worst of the vortex
We visited some of our other favorites: Temple of Ten Thousand Buddahs, the Floral Clock, and the best souvenir store in Canada.
Early afternoon found us setting up camp at King Waldorf’s Tent and Trailer Park. Our campsite was on a small bluff overlooking the Welland River which feeds into Niagara River. It’s only a mile or so from the Falls, and an easy ride to the central attractions.
King Waldorf’s is a large campground managed by Marineland. Discount tickets to Marineland are available for campers, and the main gate is right around the corner.
We opted for the premium site, and set our lounge chairs with a view of the blue-green waters of the river. We were highly amused as a boat-full of bold teenagers decided to disembark and jump off the bridge, right in front of us.
We stayed at King Waldorf’s during the busy Civic Holiday weekend. Every site was full, primarily with tent campers who set up elaborate villages with muliti-family cooking areas. Even though folks were mighty friendly, we were grateful that our premium site gave us a little privacy. When we return - and we will soon - I’d like to stay in this same spot again.
Website:
http://www.marineland.ca/camping/
January 11, 2023
