Niagara Falls sky-high with beauty

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No matter what the season, the mesmerizing natural beauty of the Niagara Falls never fades. It’s one of the natural wonders of the world, attracting millions of visitors annually. But it’s also a dynamic city full of history and bustling with activities to keep any family occupied for days.

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There’s a wide range of fine dining and the casinos offer a variety of great shows.

There’s a little something for everyone, including excellent golf courses and relaxing spas. If you’re a bit more energetic, there’s loads of hiking and biking trails.

Niagara is world famous for its horticulture. Its School of Horticulture is the oldest in North America, one of only six in the world, and students help staff at the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse (niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/nature-gardens) bring the gardens to life.

Stepping into the Showhouse you inhale the fragrance of thousands of exotic blossoms. This is where they cultivate the plants and plan the magnificent flower displays around town, including the 16,000-20,000 plants they need for the legendary floral clock.

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The facility cultivates 2,600 hectares or 56 kilometres of parkland, including the Butterfly Conservatory and the largest private rose garden in North America — a must-see for any keen gardener.

Charles Hunter is the director of horticulture and education and reports that the centre has a full schedule of shows planned for this year, starting with a hydrangea display. Another must-see is the magnolia allee, a stunning archway made up of magnolia trees. A section of the floral showhouse is dedicated to a spectacular display of orchids.

Niagara’s storied history is closely tied to its geography. Niagara hydro power plants supply 25% of the electricity used in Ontario and New York state. For more than 100 years, the power of the mighty Niagara River has been harnessed to produce electricity.

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Take the Falls Incline Railway from the tourist area to the Table Rock Centre. From there it’s a short walk to the Niagara Park Power Station museum (niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/niagara-parks-power-station) where you can learn more about the vital role the hydro plants on the river have played in the economic development of this country. By day, the museum describes the amazing engineering feat that created the power station. In the evening, visit Currents, an artistic 3-D light projection that turns that story into an immersive experience. Allow yourself to become a droplet of water as the waterfall turns its power into light.

After all that walking, you might be ready for some R&R. I had the most amazing facial at the Sheraton Fallsview Christienne Spa (christiennefallsviewspa.com). It’s the most beautiful spa I’ve ever been in, with spectacular views. After your facial or fireside mani-pedi, you can soak in the infinity pool that overlooks breathtaking views. I’ve never felt more spoiled. If you have a special someone you want to treat, I can think of nowhere better to book them in.

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Start or end your trip with the helicopter trip of a lifetime. Niagara Helicopters (niagarahelicopters.com) will take you on a hop around the Falls. It really is a showstopper. Seeing the Falls from the air gives you an appreciation of the geography of the area. You can take stunning aerial photos of both the U.S. and Canadian Falls.

You don’t need to book — just walk in, every day, weather permitting, 9 a.m.-sunset.

WHERE TO EAT, STAY

There’s a great selection of fine dining on offer in Niagara Falls.

Casa Mia Ristorante (casamiaristorante.com) is a long-established eatery that’s been a little corner of Italy right in Niagara Falls for almost 40 years.

Chef Claudio Mollica produces authentic Mediterranean fare, from salads to pizza to gnocchi, under the eagle eye of his mom, Luciana, who works with him in the kitchen. It’s a family business that even has a small farm project, allowing them to seasonally grow their own fresh farm-to-table fruit and vegetables. I had a Mediterranean salad that was just the right mix of protein and greens, topped with delicate onion rings, all in a light dressing.

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Another longtime favourite is Old Stone Inn, an historic flour mill that’s been turned into a superb restaurant and hotel. Wherever possible, they use locally sourced produce, from jams and preserves to tea.

Chef Andrew Capone is new to the inn’s Flour Mill restaurant (oldstoneinnhotel.com/food-drink), but brings a wealth of experience and ambitious plans.

His afternoon tea was a little more substantial than the usual postage stamp-sized sandwiches that so often leave you wanting more. The trays of pastries and scones were absolutely delicious, from apple cake to croissants to macaroons to scones. Everything is baked in house.

You can dine in the huge, characterful dining room, with cozy open fireplaces, or request their small, private dining room. There’s also elegant courtyard dining  with heated see-through “igloos” and small cabins.

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There are different dining themes throughout the year. With 111 rooms, it’s the only boutique hotel in Niagara Falls and rooms are furnished with distinctive armoires and other antiques.

Saturday evenings you can take in Edward Stone and his incredible Mind Trix show. It’s a cross between illusion and magic that will have you scratching your head as to just how he does it. Inspired by famed Canadian illusionist Doug Henning, Stone uses audience participation to demonstrate his “extra sensory perception” and mentalism. The show sells out, so book early.

No trip to the Falls is complete without dinner at the iconic Skylon Tower landmark that’s been part of the skyline since 1965. The view from the elevator alone is enough to take your breath away. You can wine and dine on a wide variety of steak and seafood dishes and watch as the view changes around you.

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The restaurant rotates 360 degrees in an hour, so you’ll have plenty of time to take in every spectacular part of the Falls. I was there after dark, and the illuminated Falls were absolutely breathtaking.

Casinos have brought even more fine dining and entertaining to Niagara Falls. The Avalon Theatre in the Fallsview Casino Resort offers a wide variety of excellent restaurants.

I tried the 21 Club, an elegant dining room with a fabulous view. Their dining experience is elevated to the next level and offers steak and seafood as well as a wide variety of wines from Niagara and around the world.

There are numerous hotels that overlook the Falls. I stayed at the Marriott Fallsview, which is so close to the Horseshoe Falls, you could hear the roar. The room offered a small seating area with a sofa and fireplace that allowed me to sit and watch the water thundering endlessly from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.

For a really spectacular view, try for a room on one of the higher floors.