OUR TRIP INTO NATURE’S POWER – NIAGARA FALLS - CANADA JOURNEY

At last, we reached the much-awaited Niagara Falls. Our coach driver stopped at the Clifton Hill Parking Lot and informed us that we had 4 hours at the Falls and had to be back by the scheduled time. He gave us the priority tickets to Journey Behind Falls and the Niagara cruise.

Niagara Falls consists of three waterfalls on the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA. The Niagara River is a connecting channel between the two Great Lakes, Erie and Ontario.

The Canadian side is renowned for its sweeping, unobstructed, head-on views of all three waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the massive Horseshoe Falls.

The larger and taller Horseshoe Falls is on the Canadian side. It stands about 187 feet, while the American Falls varies between 69 and 98 feet in drop because of giant boulders at its base. Horseshoe Falls is about 2,592 feet wide, while the American Falls is 1,050 feet wide.

Niagara Falls formed 12,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age, and melting glaciers carved the Great Lakes and forced water over the Niagara Escarpment.

The native people lived near the river for hunting and trade before European contact, and French explorer Father Louis Hannepin wrote the first detailed record of the falls in 1678.

Niagara Falls became a major tourism and honeymoon hub in the early 1800s and developed into a pioneer site for large-scale hydroelectric power when the first large-scale electrical plant was opened in 1895. 

The Niagara River is an important bird area due to its impact on Bonaparte’s gulls, ring-billed gulls, and herring gulls. The river and waterfalls appeal to the birds due to their position on migratory routes, foraging potential, and the unlikelihood to freeze compared to other bodies of water.

The Niagara Falls is not the tallest waterfall in the world, but it is impressive due to the amount of water flowing over it and its combination of height and volume.

More than 6 million cubic feet of water go over the crest line of the falls every minute during peak daytime tourist hours.

Niagara Falls has moved back seven miles in 12,500 years and may be the fastest-moving waterfall in the world.

The startling green colour of the Niagara River is a visible tribute to the erosive power of water. An estimated 60 tons of dissolved minerals are swept over Niagara Falls every minute. The colour comes from the dissolved salts and “rock flour", very finely ground rock.

The waters of the Niagara River are used by a combined Canadian/United States population of more than 1,000,000 people for a wide range of purposes, such as drinking water; boating, swimming, bird-watching, and fishing; and industrial cooling water supply. It is a receiver of municipal and industrial effluents, predominantly for hydropower generation.

From the parking lot, we walked along the paved Niagara River Parkway pedestrian path to visit the Journey Behind the Falls at the Table Rock Centre

Originally called "The Scenic Tunnels," the attraction was officially rebranded as "Journey behind the Falls" in 1994 to better describe the immersive experience. 

As we had already booked tickets, we skipped the lines, presented our tickets, and got a complimentary, biodegradable souvenir rain poncho to keep us dry from the heavy water spray.

Then we stood in line for the elevator, which lowered us by 125 feet down directly through the solid bedrock. Instantly, we could feel the dampness and cool air all around us.

The original bare-rock tunnels were damp and prone to small rock falls. In 1944, the tunnels were completely lined with thick structural concrete, and electric lighting was installed throughout the shafts.

We stepped out into The Cave Portals, the 130-year-old and 151-foot tunnel system, and followed the paths to the Cataract Portal, which was located about a third of the way behind the crashing water, and the Great Falls Portal, positioned further down the tunnel. 

We had to look through viewing windows cut straight out of the rock face behind the falls. It was overwhelming to directly stand behind the roaring falls. Shafts of cool air were blowing continually, along with water spray. Tourists had thrown multiple coins into the pool of water near the portals.

We then walked to the end of the tunnel network to access the outdoor, multi-level observation deck located right at the churning base of Horseshoe Falls.

From the observation desk, we could feel the full impact of the Horseshoe Falls and were spellbound by the sheer enormity of the water gushing down.

We were drenched by the water falling on us whenever the playful wind decided to send the water our way. From the desk, we could clearly see the American Falls and the boats cruising to the falls. Suddenly, as if nature were granting us a special favour, there was a beautiful rainbow in the sky.

The huge volume of water rushing from the falls is crushed into the narrow Great Gorge, creating the Whirlpool Rapids that stretch for 1.6 kilometres. The water surface here drops 50 feet, and the rushing waters can reach speeds to 30 feet per second.

Our next experience was a boat ride to the falls from the Canadian side, courtesy of Niagara City Cruises (formerly known as Hornblower Cruises).

We went from the main plaza down into the gorge and presented our printed digital ticket voucher at the Main Plaza entry gates. We followed the designated accessible pathways to travel down the massive cliff-side rock face to the lower landing and the boarding zones below. 

The boat trip would be for 20 minutes. Right before we walked out onto the boarding docks, the staff handed us a signature red, recyclable mist poncho. We put it on immediately and wrapped our phones securely under the plastic layer.

We then stepped onto the large multi-deck catamaran vessel, which had a capacity of 700 people. Luckily, we could find a spot along the railings of the lower deck for panoramic photo angles. 

Gradually, the boat filled up and started to cruise right past the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls where we could get a close upward view of the massive boulder piles at their base and water crashing over them, before steering directly into the roaring, high-wind mist at the churning base of the massive Canadian Horseshoe Falls. 

We could also see the tourists enjoying the Cave of the Wind on the US side and the tunnels and their openings on the Canadian side.

Experiencing the Niagara City Cruises boat ride was an intense, multi-sensory adventure. We were totally at the mercy of the falls.

As usual, my apprehensive inner voice was sternly inquiring if any accident had occurred on these cruises; I tried vehemently to hush it!

As the boat approached the Horseshoe Falls, we could clearly hear a deep, deafening rumble that was like a vibration in the chest. 

The wind was so powerful that sudden, heavy gusts almost blew us over. As we reached the falls, we got very wet, despite wearing the poncho. It was as if we were standing in a heavy, high-speed rainstorm. 

The highlight of the trip was entering the deep curve of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and finding ourselves surrounded on three sides by a massive, 170-foot-tall wall of churning, emerald-green water. 

At the closest point, the mist became so thick that it created a temporary "whiteout" effect, and we were looking into a dense cloud of water vapour. 

It was the ultimate moment of joy, shock, and jubilation that enveloped and rendered us speechless, and the roar of the falls didn’t allow our voices to be heard.

Presently, there are two 700-passenger double-stack catamaran tour boats named Niagara Wonder and Niagara Thunder.

Every evening, the falls are lit up in vibrant colors. During peak seasons and holidays, the city also hosts spectacular nightly fireworks displays over the water. Niagara Falls receives over 20 million visitors annually, with summer as the peak period. It is both a daytime and evening attraction. 

The only recorded freeze-up of the river and falls was caused by an ice jam on March 29, 1848. No water fell for as much as 40 hours, water wheels stopped, and mills and factories shut down.

In 1912, American Falls was completely frozen, but the other two falls were still flowing. In 1885, 1902, 1906, 1911, 1932, 1936, 2014, 2017 and 2019, there was partial freezing of the falls.

We emerged from the boat thoroughly soaked, but our hearts were full of joy and happiness, disposed of our ponchos and spent some time at the Niagara Parkway.

This scenic, pedestrian-friendly boulevard stretches along the Niagara River, offering stunning, unobstructed views of both the American and Horseshoe Falls.

Looking at the rapidly flowing Falls water, I recalled that hundreds of people have gone over Niagara Falls, either intentionally or accidentally. The first recorded person to survive going over the falls was school teacher Annie Edson Taylor, who in 1901 completed the stunt inside an oak barrel. In the following 125 years, thousands of people have been swept over the falls, but only sixteen people have reportedly survived the feat.

All instances of people having survived the trip over the falls have been over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Following the death of one daredevil in 1951, stunting at Niagara Falls has been illegal and subject to fines of up to $25,000 US dollars and arrest.

The falls are beautiful year-round, although the peak tourist season runs from May through October when all boat tours and walkways are fully open.

The cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, and Niagara Falls, New York, United States, are connected by two international bridges. The Rainbow Bridge, just downriver from the falls, affords the closest view of the falls and is open to non-commercial vehicle traffic and pedestrians.

One can easily walk or drive between both sides of the fall via the Rainbow Bridge if one carries a valid passport.

The Whirlpool Rapids Bridge lies 1.6 kilometres north of the Rainbow Bridge and is the oldest bridge over the Niagara River. It is restricted exclusively to pre-approved NEXUS cardholders and Amtrak trains.

We later went to the highly commercialized and bustling, tourist district on Clifton Hill with casinos, hotels, and restaurants. Known as the "Street of Fun," this vibrant strip features attractions like the Niagara Sky Wheel, haunted houses, arcades, and wax museums. We didn’t linger there but went back to the parking area and waited for our coach, which arrived on time. 

Our last stop for the day was the Skylon Tower. We went to the tower and went up, 520 feet in an exterior glass elevator to an observation deck, where we could see panoramic views of the falls and the surrounding region, even as far as Toronto. 

Helicopter tours of the falls from both the US and Canada have been offered since the early 1960s, and despite many fatal crashes, they are popular. The Canadian side is served by operators like Niagara Helicopters and the US side by Rainbow Air, both of which provide daily aerial tours, weather permitting.

Finally, after a tiring but thrilling day, we returned to our hotel in Toronto.

CHASING WONDER AT NIAGARA FALLS -CANADA JOURNEY

It was our second day in Canada, and we planned to go to Niagara Falls on a day trip through Air Links Travel. I was very excited to see the mighty Niagara Falls from the Canadian side.

We had our breakfast at the hotel restaurant and took a cab to Bay Street, which was the pickup point for our day tour to the falls. I observed that most of the cab drivers in Canada were Pakistanis and were very polished and well-mannered.

As we went quite early and our pickup time was at 10.30 am, we decided to cross the road and have a look at the harbour. 

Bay Street is Toronto's primary north-south financial and media hub and houses the headquarters of Canada’s major banks and the Toronto Stock Exchange. 

Originally named "Bear Street" due to frequent bear sightings in early Toronto, the street was renamed in 1797,  after it was extended to connect to a bay at the Toronto Harbour. 

We stepped into Harbour Square Park, which was on the Toronto harbor. It is next to the Harbour Square condos, the Jack Layton Terminal, and the Westin Harbour Castle.

The park was opened as part of a planned 85 million dollar waterfront project started in 1964, and was completed in the early 1970s at 250 million dollars.

The park was very pleasant, filled with huge trees and long stretches of green lawns with a waterfront boardwalk. Located next to the Jack Layton Ferry Docks and on the shores of Lake Ontario, Harbour Square Park offers downtown folks a spot to sit and watch the ferries travel back and forth to Toronto Island. 

We felt very serene sitting on the benches and had beautiful views of the downtown skyline.

There was a life-sized bronze statue of an old man, depicting the beloved former NDP leader and ardent cyclist Jack Layton riding a tandem bike. The piece is affectionately called "Jack's Got Your Back" and was created by artist David Pellettier. It featured an empty front seat where visitors are encouraged to hop on and take photos.

There was a Sundial Folly, a bisected, hovering concrete orb located in a reflection pool in Harbour Square Park West. 

At 10.30 am, the bus arrived, and it looked very small, but once we climbed inside and got seated, we felt comfortable.

Our guide for the trip was one Mr Haroon, who was very efficient and helpful, he greeted all of us, briefed us about the tour, and explained the timelines to be followed.

The total travel time was about an hour and forty-five minutes from Toronto. 

Our first stop was at Niagara Whirlpool for a quick restroom break and to stretch our legs. This is a spot where all the tourists stop to have a beautiful preview of the Niagara Falls ahead. 

The Whirlpool Rapids Lookout points on the viewing platform and surrounding Whirlpool Gorge area offer views of some of the most intense, dangerous water channels in the world from 250 feet above the water, which rushes through the narrow channel at 48 km per hour.

The name "whirlpool" arose because, located about 4 kilometers north of the main falls along the Niagara Parkway, the river drops 15.8 meters in a short stretch, creating massive 3-to-5-meter standing waves and a violent counter-clockwise vortex.

Rapids are rated as Class VI Rapids, which is the highest possible danger rating and the water completely is un-navigable.

However, those who have time and energy, can take an elevator 70 meters down through the Cliffside to a quarter-mile wooden boardwalk right at the river's edge.

We saw the Whirlpool Aero Car, an antique cable car suspended directly over the swirling center of the vortex. It was traveling through the air between two points on the Canadian side, crossing the US border line four times along the way. I wanted to go in it, but the queue was too long, and we were on a tour.

Just a 5-minute drive from the falls, we came to the 20,000-square-foot Canadian-themed Maple Leaf Place. It had welcome signs designed specifically for tourists to park and take a landmark photo easily. 

The admission was free, and it included a tour and tasting at a real maple factory, an expansive souvenir gift shop, and an art and culture section featuring local Canadian artists.

Giant Canadian Icon Statues, like oversized outdoor and indoor figures, including a massive Moose statue and Mountie icons, were scattered throughout the place.

Our group was welcomed and taken to a rustic barn-like setup, and sleek flight boards with small sampling cups of golden, amber, and dark syrups were offered.

The maple syrup experience was an exciting journey into one of Canada’s most iconic traditions. 

We discovered the history of maple syrup, watched the fascinating process of production, and tasted a variety of pure and infused syrups.

From learning how sap is transformed into liquid gold to experiencing the rich flavours that make maple so special, this hands-on adventure blends education, storytelling, and indulgence.

The place also offered a chocolate factory experience with a fun and creative look into the art of artisanal chocolate making. 

From the viewing area, where massive factory windows allowed us to watch the precise process of crafting premium treats, we saw firsthand how chocolate is transformed into edible art. We also enjoyed a guided tasting of gourmet chocolates and unique confections.

Those who were hungry could step onto the outdoor patio and enjoy some of Niagara’s best wines, beers, and spirits under the shade of a giant canoe that was right across the street from the roaring Niagara River. 

The "Over the Fall" illusion station was a playful backdrop where we could pose and pretend that we were plunging over Niagara Falls in a barrel. 

A glittering, artistic tree installation was in the main showroom area, and there were plenty of souvenirs for tourists to take back home. 

Our next step was Niagara Falls, Hurray! At last, we were about to finally see them.

AN EXCITING EVENING IN TORONTO - CANADA JOURNEY

Our first son, daughter-in-law, and our grandson live in the US, and we visit them frequently. This time, we planned a short trip to Canada to see the mighty Niagara Falls from the Canadian side and also visit the Canadian Rockies.

When we visited Australia way back in 2012, we had a guide and coach driver named Doctor Phil. He was very humorous and friendly, and, noticing my enthusiasm to travel to different places in the world, told us that he was a Canadian settled in Australia and that the Canadian Rockies were stunning to see and we should definitely visit them one day.

We started from the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport for Toronto and landed in Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), located in Mississauga 15 miles northwest of downtown, after three hours.

Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada's largest and busiest airport, handling global, international, and domestic flights.

Since we had taken only hand luggage, we came out of the airport quickly and checked into the hotel we had already booked. I saw that the hotel was equipped with exceptionally good toiletries, a point I noticed in every hotel we stayed in, while in Canada. 

By the time we checked in, it was nearly time for lunch, and after searching online, we found an Indian restaurant, the Khazana Toronto. Our hotel was located quite close to the restaurant, so we walked back and forth.

On our way, we saw the St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica, the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto, and one of the oldest churches in Toronto. 

It was primarily financed by Irish immigrants who resided in the area. The cathedral has a capacity of 1600. 

As we walked by, I saw that a marriage reception was being held, and it was beautiful to watch the festivities.

There were many heritage homes on the way, with signboards containing information about their history.

We observed that the streets were clean and traffic was orderly; as the signboards were very explicit, we easily reached our destination. The ambience and food in the restaurant were good. 

Having rested for a while, we wanted to explore Toronto by the evening bus, as this bus trip was supposed to be very captivating, and we were leaving for a tour to the Niagara Falls the next day.

The bus tour would be for a duration of 90 minutes with a live tour guide speaking in English.

We started for Sankofa Square, where we had to purchase the bus tickets.

Sankofa Square formerly known as Yonge–Dundas Square, is a public square and outdoor venue at the southeast corner of the intersection of Yonge Street and Dundas Street East in downtown Toronto. The square was conceived in 1997 as part of a revitalization, effort for the intersection and the stretch of Yonge Street.

Since its completion in 2002, the square has held many public events, performances and art displays, establishing itself as a prominent landmark in Toronto and is presently one of the city's prime tourist attractions.

The city owns the square and is the first public square in Canada to be maintained through a public-private partnership

Controversy arose over the namesake of Dundas Street, Henry Dundas, whose amendments to William Wilberforce’s abolitionist parliamentary motions delayed the full abolition of slavery in the Slave Trade Act 1807. Toronto City Council voted in 2021 to rename Dundas Street and other civic assets named after Dundas, including Yonge–Dundas Square.

It was not until December 2023 that the City Council approved "Sankofa Square". This name, a Ghanaian term from the Akan people, refers to the act of reflecting on and reclaiming teachings from the past. 

Citing costs, in December 2023, Toronto opted to keep Dundas' name for the street, but to rename Yonge–Dundas Square, the Dundas and Dundas West subway stations, and the Jane–Dundas branch of the Toronto Public Library.

An official grand opening for the new name was held on August 23, 2025. The grand opening featured Caribbean short films, live music, an artisan and vendor market, and basketball clinics.

The intersection is one of the busiest in Canada, with over 100,000 people crossing the city's first pedestrian scramble daily.

As we walked towards the square, we observed that the busy streets had people of different ages and nationalities; most were tourists, and the atmosphere was electrifying indeed.

Sankofa Square was dazzling with the iconic digital billboards placed all around, and gradually as the sun started setting, the bustle of the crowd increased.

The square is continuously illuminated by large billboard screens and corporate logos, resembling Times Square in New York City, Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, and Piccadilly Circus in London.

It is 1 acre in area and is shaped like an irregular pentagon. It is made with modular raised square textured granite slabs with a diagonally running zinc canopy, demarking the southern edge. 

As we went nearer, we saw a movable plinth that served as a stage for concerts. There was a live show going on, small trees lined the southern edge and a transparent canopy covered the plinth.

As we walked along, we discovered to our delight that the centerpiece of the square is the array of fountains designed by Dan Euser of Water Architecture. Two rows of ten fountains were spread out across the square's main walkway, so that one could walk through or around the fountains. 

Unlike many other city fountains, the square's fountains are meant for water play and include a sophisticated filtration system. 

The entire rock surface is of a very dark colour and effectively absorbs sunlight, thereby creating a warm surface on which to rest. The water runs under the dark rock slabs and is thus heated by them, so that the fountain water is solar-heated. 

The fountains comprise a dynamic art installation and water sculpture in which the 600 water jets are programmed to vary dynamically over time. 

The square is Toronto's only 24-hour water play area, open all day and night except during special events, maintenance, and other exceptions. 

Many people drink from the ground spray nozzles, we found some people even filling up water bottles from the ground sprays, and since water play is one of the intended uses, the water is tested daily, between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., by the Toronto health department, and water is treated with bromine, which many bathers prefer to chlorine. 

Surrounding the square are major landmarks, including the Toronto Eaton Centre the downtown retail hub; Ed Mirvish Theatre; and the 33 Dundas Street East building. The heavily illuminated Eaton Centre is said to be a shopper's paradise, though unfortunately, we didn’t have time to shop.

We could see the CF Toronto Eaton Centre 3D Billboard, a massive high-resolution LED screen on the exterior of the Eaton Centre. This digital out-of-home display was created by combining two adjacent screens into one of Canada’s largest outdoor LED billboards, providing brands with a huge canvas for vibrant motion content and 3D-style visuals that stand out in the city’s busiest retail and entertainment district.

A media tower installed in 2017 is located to the northwest of the square and has a curved video screen, and is advertised as the tallest media tower in the world. 

Another large media tower, complete with a video screen, is a major feature of the Rogers Media building on the southeast corner of Dundas Square. 

The introduction of the imposing media tower, screens, and brightly illuminated advertising billboards has been too great a personal sacrifice for some residents, who feel that the neighborhood's identity and character are lost.

As we were strolling around, we saw the brightly coloured open-top double-decker bus that we wanted to travel for the tour.

We paid, got the tickets, and went up to the open top for a better experience; it was awesome to see all the brightly lit billboards so closely.

At the designated time, the bus started, and we enjoyed breathtaking views of the cityscape from the comfort of our tour bus.

As the bus went on its way, from the guide, we learned fascinating stories and insights about Toronto's history and culture.

The Art Gallery of Ontario was a masterpiece of modern architecture that looked fabulous lit up at night, and the iconic Toronto sign at Nathan Philips Square, illuminated against the backdrop of the city skyline, provided the perfect photo opportunity; we wished we could have visited it at leisure. 

We saw a quaintly named Village Idiot pub right across the Art Gallery of Ontario.

We passed by Toronto’s primary LGBTQ+ district, the Church-Wellesley Village, commonly known as "The Village", located right in the heart of downtown Toronto. It has a striking history. 

In the 1950s, City Park Apartments near Church and Yonge became a hub for the early gay population, earning the nickname "the Queens' Palaces" due to its affordable and accepting environment. 

In the 1960s and 70s, gay life originally centred on Yonge Street spots like the St. Charles Tavern. In the mid-1970s, the Church Street corridor featured low rents, attracting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who opened friendly, alternative spaces. 

On February 5, 1981, Toronto police raided four gay steam baths, making over 280 mass arrests. The massive community protests that followed galvanized political activism, and following this event, the epicenter of queer life solidified around Church and Wellesley. 

In the 1980s, the 519 Church Street Community Centre emerged as a safe meeting place for social and political groups, solidifying the neighborhood's identity. 

The Village was at the forefront of the HIV/AIDS crisis, giving rise to essential support spaces like Casey House, one of the first AIDS hospices in North America. 

The Village is a highly walkable area, featuring a rich array of queer-owned businesses, dining spots, nightlife, and community centres.

The village looked dynamic and colourful with brightly dressed men strolling around.

Chinatown and Little Italy were the usual cultural hubs bustling with nightlife.

We saw the Old City Hall featuring a large, 340 ft tall clock tower that is a terminating vista for Bay Street south of Queen Street West and is also prominently visible from Queen Street and Nathan Phillips Square. The clock tower was the tallest structure in Canada for 18 years, from 1899 until 1917.

We then went along the trendy Queen West strip, known for its art galleries and eclectic shops, before entering the lively Club District, where the pulsating nightlife seemed to fill and throb the air.

Our bus passed by The Well, a testament to modern urban development, and the famous Rogers Centre, home to the city's beloved sports teams. 

It was thrilling to enjoy breathtaking views of the CN Tower lit up in all its glory, as well as see the shimmering and towering skyscrapers of the Financial District. 

After concluding our bus tour, we had a quick dinner and went back to our hotel.