Wow, its been a busy two weeks over here! First, there was a family getaway to Niagara Falls, followed by a girls trip to Cuba, and ending with what should be (fingers crossed) our second-last move for a handful of years to come. I know, I know, tough month.
I can't wait to recap it all for you, but first, we'll start at the beginning with our little family getaway to Niagara Falls, Ontario. Or, as I like to refer to it, our sleepover with a view.
As previously mentioned, the start of daycare and end of maternity leave are fast approaching. As in days away. Cue the waterworks.
To celebrate, we decided we were in need of a little getaway. Just the three of us.
We chose Niagara Falls, Ontario - the perfect distance from Toronto for an overnight, family-friendly trip. Even in the middle of winter.
We stayed at the Radisson Hotel & Suites Fallsview, in a room overlooking the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side of the border. The hotel is a short walk from many of Niagara's attractions, restaurants, Fallsview Casino and the spectacular Falls themselves.
The hotel also had an indoor pool, which eventually was the perfect way to wind down our adventure-filled day.
The day was filled with visiting a few of Niagara Parks' great attractions - Journey Behind the Falls, the Floral Showhouse and the Butterfly Conservatory.
The Niagara Parks Wonder Pass is a great option to explore these attractions and save money while doing so, whether you're visiting the Falls for one day, two or even more.
Aside from the photos and memories, a souvenir to remember Morley's first visit to Niagara Falls was definitely needed. We made a pitstop at Souvenir City, a 15,000 square feet plaza that has become one of Niagara Falls’ largest free tourist attractions and features a vast selection of Niagara Falls and Canadian-themed souvenirs and gifts.
We had a delicious dinner at Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse, where we dined liked a king, queen and princess on a variety of tasty meats and sides.
After our bellies were full, we took a walk down by the Falls to see the new Falls Illumination, the new new energy-efficient LED illumination system. Every evening beginning at dusk, Niagara Falls is transformed into an incredible, multi-coloured water and light masterpiece. These lights work to create a breathtaking view not to be missed.
After a good night's rest and a big breakfast, our last stop of the trip was to Bird Kingdom, the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary. Morley loved watching the exotic colourful birds fly freely in the multi-level rainforest. She even got to meet a few, including one that sang to her. We were so impressed! She loves animals, which makes this animal-loving mama very happy.
While we would have loved to check out the other attractions Niagara Falls has to offer, such as the infamous Clifton Hill, it was quickly approaching nap time. So, to the car it was. That was ok with us because we also didn't want to get stuck in the dreaded rush hour traffic on the way back into Toronto.
Most people associate visiting the Falls with the summer months, but I highly recommend checking it out during the winter. There were no big lines or crowds to battle, and, at times, we were the only ones walking down the street. The majority of attractions and restaurants are still open, and as it is their slow season, most will thank you for stopping in. That being said, be sure to check ahead before your winter visit, just to be safe.
A BIG thank you to Radisson Fallsview, Niagara Parks, Niagara Falls Tourism and Souvenir City for making Morley's first visit to the Falls a huge success and creating lasting memories for my family!
Where we stayed in Niagara Falls:
6733 Fallsview Blvd // 905-356-1944
Where we ate in Niagara Falls:
6361 Fallsview Blvd // 905-353-7187
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 5:00-10:00pm; Friday 5:00-11:00pm; Saturday, 4:30-11:00pm
Where we visited in Niagara Falls:
6650 Niagara Pkwy // 905-354-1551
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00-6:00pm
7145 Niagara Pkwy // (905) 354-1721
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30-5:00pm
2565 Niagara Pkwy // (905) 358-0025
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00-5:00pm
4199 River Rd // 866-344-0985
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00-5:00pm
5651 River Road // 905-356-8888
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30-5:00pm
*Hours, contact information and admission prices subject to change.
Have you ever been to Niagara Falls? What was your favourite place to visit? I'd love to hear!
