Fun Things to Do Around Niagara
Fort George This historic British fort, built in 1796, was a key defense post during the War of 1812 between Britain and the US . It has been restored to the period with replica buildings and costumed staff. Niagara-on-the-Lake
Fort George
Casino Niagara Those
looking for a different kind of thrill at the falls can test their
skill and luck at 3,000 slot machines and more than 100 gaming tables.
Casino Niagara
Queenston Heights Park A
large monument pays tribute to General Brock, a leader of the British
forces killed in battle here during the War of 1812 . With great views of Niagara River, the park is a fine picnic spot. IMAX Theatre Niagara Falls Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic,
chronicling the history of the falls. Projected onto a giant screen,
the movie, thanks to a special filming technique, makes you feel like
you’re right in the midst of things. Original stunt barrels are
displayed in the theater’s Daredevil Gallery. Skylon Tower Its
viewing deck affording vistas of as far as 80 miles (130 km), this
tower rises 775 ft (236 m) above the falls. Fine dining at the revolving
restaurant.
Skylon Tower
Welland Canal Linking
Lakes Ontario and Erie, this eight-lock, 27-mile (43-km) canal first
opened in 1829, allowing vessels to traverse the Niagara Escarpment –
and the 328 ft (100 m) height difference between the lakes. The
canalside trail from Thorold to St. Catharines is great for ship-gazing. Lock 3 Viewing Complex & Museum
Ship passing through Welland Canal
Clifton Hill This
is Niagara Fall’s shopping and entertainment district: museums,
mini-golf, and midway are just the start. Hotels and restaurants for
every budget are also to be found here. Niagara Helicopter Tour Experience some 10 minutes of exhilaration as you swoop over whirlpool rapids, then get up close to the falls. Niagara HelicoptersSkywayOld Fort Erie This
reconstructed fort, a supply base for British troops in the 1700s, was
the site of many battles with US forces in the 1800s. MarineLand Killer
whales and arctic belugas aren’t the only attractions at this theme
park, though to many they are the highlight. Walruses and sea lions also
make appearances in the marine animal shows; habitats harbor bear, elk,
and deer. Adventurers can hop on the 10-plus rides, including the
world’s largest looping roller coaster and the only one with a bowtie
inversion. 7657 Portage Rd, Niagara Falls 905 356 9565 Open 10am–5pm or later, late May–mid-Oct Adm
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Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum ( 4960 Clifton Hill 905 356 2238
) to see historic film footage of death-defying stunts
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Daredevil Feats
For some 200 years,
daredevils have risked their lives at Niagara Falls for a chance at
fame. Nineteen have died; many others have had close calls. The first
daredevil, Sam Patch, dove headfirst from an 85-ft (26-m) -high platform
into the churning Niagara River, in 1829, and survived. Ten days later
he did it again, from a height of 130 ft (40 m). The Great Blondin
couldn’t get enough of the falls, crossing the gorge on a tightrope nine
times in 1859 – once carrying his manager. When Blondin returned in
1860 for more stunts, such as pushing a wheelbarrow across the rope, he
was challenged by a young upstart, The Great Farini, who crossed
carrying a washing machine. Farini performed biweekly, becoming
increasingly daring – doing headstands, hanging by his toes. He survived
them all and died at age 91. The first woman funambulist, Maria
Spelterini, also crossed blindfolded, in 1876. The first person to
survive going over the falls in a barrel was Annie Taylor, in 1901.
Emerging from her battered vessel, the 63-year-old schoolteacher said,
“Nobody ought ever do that again,” advice dozens have since ignored.
The Great Blondin
Blondin’s 1859 tightrope crossing of the Niagara River, his manager on his back
Top 10 Niagara DaredevilsJean Francois Gravelot, aka The Great Blondin, tightrope crossing, 1859 Guillermo Antonio Farini, aka The Great Farini, stilt tightrope crossing, 1864 Henry Bellini, tightrope crossing and leap into river, 1873 Maria Spelterini, first woman to cross on a tightrope, 1876 Carlisle Graham, first man over the falls in a barrel, 1886 Clifford Calverly, fastest tightrope crossing, 1887 Samuel J. Dixon, hung from rope with one hand, 1890 James Hardy, youngest tightrope crosser, 1896 Annie Edson Taylor, first woman over the falls in a barrel, 1901 Lincoln Beachy, first air-plane stunt at falls, 1911
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