Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Day Trippin'

 June 2021 - Niagara Falls ON

First Day Tripping post of 2021, although we have had other outings. This was the first leaving early (10 AM) and having lunch out. The reason we chose Niagara Falls was the borders are still closed but the patios are open but no inside amusements or museums are yet open.


It was very quiet at the Falls on a gorgeous day. Parking was easy but not cheap. If you are going you would be wise to pick a spot that you can keep all day as all parking was a flat day fee. Our first spot was $20 by the Queen Victoria restaurant (closed).







American Falls


Canadian Horseshoe Falls






As per the plaque below

On February 24th 1925, the Niagara Falls Illumination Board was formed. The board had an initial budget of $28,000 to ensure the management, operation and maintenance of the illumination lights. The power to supply the illumination lights were being provided for free by the Ontario Power Company.

Twenty-four new lights were mounted in a row on the Ontario Power Company water surge tank, located next to the Refractory (Victoria Park) Restaurant on the Canadian side allowing both the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls to be lit from the same location. Each light used 4,500 watts and produced 54 million candela, while the series of lights produced 1.3 billion candela. These lights were originally built to search the sky for enemy aircraft over Britain during World War II.

The official ceremony took place on June 8th 1925. It included a light parade in Niagara Falls, New York followed by an International ceremony in the middle of the Upper Steel Arch Bridge before the lights were turned on to illuminate the Falls with many spectators looking on.




We had to walk on this side of the street as the area along the Falls were blocked off for some reason, some kind of repairs? although no one was working.




Nikola Tesla. There are several Tesla murals in Hamilton, click on Tesla in the labels/tags below this post.
Nikola Tesla designed the first hydroelectric power plant at Niagara Falls, New York which started producing electrical power in 1895. This was the beginning of the electrification of the United States and the rest of the world. Today, Tesla's AC electricity is lighting and powering the globe. Nikola Tesla is the genius who lit the world.


The contrast in colour was striking.







Lunch at the Niagara Brewing Company, disappointing considering it is the first week of reopening. They could have a more inspired local menu featuring Ontario produce.















A fun mini golf.











10 comments:

  1. ...!0AM is early? You sure saw the sights, I prefer to stay down near the falls and enjoy the gardens, Clifton street isn't for me!

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    1. No, 10 AM is not early for us usually, especially when we travel. But these are day trips and many things are still not open here (like finding bathrooms!!!).
      I enjoyed Clifton Hill Because everything was closed so no noisy kids around!

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  2. Magical memories. I love the upside down house.

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  3. It's been years since I've seen those falls.

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  4. These are amazing shots. Glad you had a good time.

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  5. LOL, "early" 10 am, funny you!
    Wow. I never expected to read, write or live closed borders or the like (and I am German! The only border I went through was GDR).
    Love the Cadillac-sign. And wow, the falls.

    Interesting facts, thank you!
    No one was working but it´s blocked, hahaha. Common here, sadly.
    Nikola who and what is it about, Tesla? Ah, OK. I should stop writing whilst reading!
    Stunning colors of the fall.

    Colorful place with the museum and all. Was it open?
    I´d LOVE to visit the Haunted House!... at daytime. Chicken.
    Believe it or not? What´s in there? Is Louis the Brother of London´s Madame? And the dino - oh, you could spend weeks there! The Burger King, oh, boy, what´s with the duck?

    Oh, a wonderful post, thank you - now I really wanna go!

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    Replies
    1. Niagara Falls is definitely a trashy touristy spot but it is fun especially without hordes of tourists (kids). There are some classier hotels and restaurants and better things to do.
      As Tom says he stays around the gorgeous gardens and stays away from Clifton Hill.
      Yes, Louis is the great grandson of Madame.
      The US Canada border is closed due to Covid.
      We could do the Haunted House together!

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  7. How wonderful you shared your first day trip of 2021 with us. You saw so many lovely sights and that Tesla statue is the best. I have never been to Niagara Falls, but hope to visit one day. I want to see both sides of the Falls because I think that would be a really fun adventure. Of course, the border has to open first (grin).

    Loved seeing the Ripley's museum and Madam Tussaud's wax museum, or at least an offspring of the Madam. I also enjoyed the dino miniature golf course and laughed at the Burger King, which is SO much nicer than any we have here.

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  8. I've always wanted to go to Niagara Falls, maybe later this year. The photos are beautiful and I can only imagine how it would be to see it in person. That Burger King is amazing!

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