Susanne The Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel has also become a popular destination for weddings, especially due to the tropical courtyard and the gazebo in the garden-like bistro that adjoin the pool. Lisa added that this property is particularly popular with same-sex couples who travel from the United States to Canada to get married. Most of her customers come from within a three hour radius and many of them are avid golfers who like to take advantage of the Niagara Peninsula’s plentiful and affordable selection of golf courses.
Delicate towel art
After this overview it was now time for me to hit the road and start my busy schedule of discoveries in Niagara Falls, Ontario. I started my day with a visit to the Skylon Tower, Niagara Fall’s most famous landmarks. Construction of the tower started in May of 1964 and 17 months later the tower was officially opened jointly by the then Governor of New York and the Premier of Ontario. I walked in on the main floor which houses some retail outlets and an arcade and took one of the “yellow bug” elevators to the top. As we moved up from the main level, the falls on both the American and the Canadian side came into view.
The Sklyon Tower on a grey drizzly day
I went straight up to the top level which houses the observation deck. This indoor/outdoor observatory is the highest vantage point in Niagara Falls, and close to 8,000 square miles in Canada and the United States can be seen. Sights such as the skyline of Toronto and Buffalo are visible from the top and a circular walkway provides a 360 degree panoramic view. Signs at regular intervals identify the various sights surrounding the tower.
The Canadian Horseshoe Falls, viewed from the Skylon Tower
A souvenir shop is located in the central portion of this observation deck and through the glass doors you can reach the outside observation deck. I ventured outside where the wind was howling on this rather grey and chilly day. The view of the American and Canadian Falls as well as of Goat’s Island and Niagara Falls, NY, was nevertheless breathtaking. Seeing the Falls from the air just provides a much better idea of the imposing size and beauty of this natural wonder.
The American Falls, from the Skylon Tower
When it got too chilly I hurried back inside and went a couple of stairs down to check out the Revolving Dining Room, which must be a wonderful restaurant in the evening, when the colourful lights and the illuminated cascades of Niagara Falls come to life.
I was to get much more intimate knowledge of Niagara Falls through my next visit: just minutes across the street from the Skylon Tower is the Niagara Falls Imax Theatre, a modern facility that features a truly spectacular IMAX presentation: “Niagara: Miracles, Myths and Magic”. I always love IMAX presentations and was really looking forward to learning more about the unique historical background of Niagara Falls.
Dave Munday was one of Niagara Falls’ biggest daredevils
