O Canada, We Stand with You

Those of you who read this blog regularly know that we frequently visit Canada, particularly, Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.  We, like most Americans, were abhorred by the recent assassinations, apparently by self-styled terrorists, of two Canadian soldiers in Ottawa and Quebec. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families, friends and colleagues of these two brave men, who died in the line of duty.

We have always viewed Canada as a neighbor of peaceful people, who love their hockey and enjoy life.  The cowards, who took the lives of these two young men, seek by their acts to sow hatred and fear not only in Canada but throughout the civilized world.  We must not let that happen.We were heartened by the comment by Canada's Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, in an address to the Canadian Parliament yesterday morning, that "Canadians will not be intimidated." "Here, Here!"

As Pittsburgh residents, we were also touched by the gesture by the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team,  which before Wednesday night's hockey game in Pittsburgh, asked all of the fans to sing the Canadian national anthem, "O Canada."http://t.today.com/news/ottawa-shootings-pittsburgh-nhl-fans-sing-o-canada-sweet-tribute-1D80237058

Let the events of these recent days be a reminder to all of us that no country, no state, no city and no neighborhood is immune to the violence and evil that today stalks the world.  I am reminded, however, of the words of John F. Kennedy in his Inaugural Address that we should all keep in mind :

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. ...   To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do—for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder. 6

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Where to Stay in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada: The Fallsview Marriott

When we visit Niagara Falls, Ontario (and we do, six or seven times a year), we usually stay at the Marriott Fallsview and Spa (1-888-501-8916).  It is the closest hotel to the falls and the rooms facing the falls offer a spectacular view. It has many package deals, so call or check their website. www.niagarafallsmarriott.com. The ones during the week are particularly enticing so be flexible if you can. The photograph below was taken from the hotel at sunrise. Be sure not to confuse the Spa with another Marriott just down the street.  That hotel was until recently a Sheraton and is quite nice also. We just happen to favor the original Marriott.

It has a large and appealing lobby as you enter the hotel.  In addition to the reception desk, there is a small bar tucked away in one corner, a Starbucks (of course) and a help desk where you can sign up for a variety of expeditions such as a tour of the wineries along the Niagara Parkway (see post on Niagara -on -the -Lake) and heliocopter rides over the falls.

The rooms are spacious with the nice Marriott touches. There is a safe in every room and the bathrooms are quite large. The mezzanine restaurant, the Terrapin Grille, is not to be missed. The brunch is excellent (the omelets are particularly appealing). If  it is on the menu when you dine, try the trout. You will love it.

If you are a gambler, the Fallsview Casino is just a short walk away over a small bridge. On the way to the casino (see photograph below of the casino at  night) you will pass the entrance to a small incline that will take you down to the level of the falls.  It is well worth the small fee.  The casino itself is located in a spectacular building called the Galleria. In addition to the casino there are a number of fine shops and restaurants.We like the Canyon Creek steakhouse and the sushi restaurnt (located behind the high roller section) since both overlook the falls. The shops run from the Svarovski crystal to the everything is $10 variety.  On Friday and Saturday nights it gets quite crowded.  On the lower level is a food court with the ever popular Tim Horton's and a Mama Mia restaurant.  There are over a dozen altogether. For a late night snack or breakfast, we recommend "The Famous", an upscale diner with pancakes and sausages to die for. Don't forget the maple syrup!

In addition to the shops, restaurants and casino, there is a live theatre called the Avalon. It showcases talent from Canada and the United States.  It is a fairly intimate setting where almost every seat has a good view of the stage. Among many others, we have seen Jay Leno and Larry King. Both were amazing. Leno joked non-stop (I kid you not) for 90 minutes! I underestand he was recently  back there and wowed the audience I am sure. This summer Ringo Starr will be appearing. Tickets for the top shows can be hard to get, so start looking early.

My wife says the casino is the nicest she has been to---and I agree. It is large, filled with the usual slot machines (we favor the Wheel of Fortune machines) and table games. Keep in mind you can only use Canadian money in the casino so you will have to change your dollars before starting to play.

If you like a variety of things to do, whether sightseeing, dining on good food, gambling or just having fun, Niagara Falls is still the place to visit. Enjoy!

A Niagara Falls Weekend

For a timeless weekend trip, nothing beats a visit to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.  Just about a half hour from Buffalo, New York, the falls are as breathtaking as they were when your parents visited on their honeymoon sixty years ago .Make sure you bring your passport.  You'll need it for the border crossing. You'll also need to pay a small toll when you enter Canada. Generally be prepared to take a small haircut when you convert your US dollars to Canadian dollars. The exchange rate changes daily and usually in favor of the Canadian dollar. The best place to make the exchange is probably at a casino. They will usually give you the best rate.

 If you cross the Peace Bridge from Buffalo, you will be on the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way) highway. You follow that for about 20 miles or 32 kilometers (at 1.6 kilometers to the mile). If you continue on the QEW, you will end up in Toronto .Instead take the Mcleod exit and follow the signs to the falls.  You will find yourself in the Fallsview sectiion of Niagara Falls, our favorite part of the falls area.. More about Fallsview later.

 The area at the other end of the falls has changed considerably from your parents' trip there. (Although of course, Clifton Hill is still there with all its well-known attractions, such as Ripley's Museum, which, by the way, is well worth a visit). In those days, the main hotel on the Canadian side of the falls was the Brock, named for the Canadian hero of the War of 1812, whose monument can be seen on Queenston Heights on the road to Niagara on the Lake . (More about Niagara on the Lake soon). The hotel is still there as a Crowne Plaza, 5685 Falls Avenue. Architechually it is as impressive as ever but now inside is a casino, the newly renovated Casino Niagara, connections to  a waterpark and a food court. There is even a Hard Rock Cafe nearby as well as the famous Rainbow restaurant overlooking the falls. Be sure to book a window table. Across the street  from the hotel is a beautiful garden and the famous carillon tower that you can see in the movie, "Niagara" with Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotton.

The hotel is very near the Rainbow Bridge which is another border crossing from the US. Our favorite spot for lunch on the US side is just across the Rainbow Bridge. The Red Coach Inn is a historic bed and breakfast located at 2 Buffalo Avenue, very near the American Falls and Goat Island.. From the enclosed porch dining room you can see the Upper Rapids. If you have the time, the Seneca Niagara Casino is close by and worth a visit.

Next post will be about the Fallsview area.  You won't want to miss it.