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).

The last time we were at the Falls was the dead of winter!

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.