From Montreal to Vancouver B.C and many other places I have visited in Canada over the years, I have always enjoyed my time in this beautiful country except for a few winter days in Edmonton or having to drive behind a semi-trailer in the middle lane of the QEW.
My first trip to Canada was a little over five years ago (more or more) when I visited Toronto on a high school trip from The Bahamas, as a Key Club member.
In the next few days, I get to relive good memories of Canada and hopefully add a few more like spotting a polar bear in Churchill.
Oh Canada ….
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I9220 Unlocked Android Smart phone
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Charming Peterborough
I arrive in Toronto a day and a half early for the main reason I am visiting this wonderful city. My early arrival gives me an opportunity to explore a bit more of the Toronto area. With a Payless rental car, I head north. Little did I know that I would wake up in the hometown of the makers of Gatorade and Granola Bars.
It's about 11am before I am fully “shined” and ready to explore a bit more of Ontario. Making my way towards downtown Peterborough, I arrive about 45 minutes too early for a Liftlock Cruise. However, it turns out to be no problem to past the time as I walk along Little Lake waterfront.
The morning air is crisp and the skies are clear as the signs of fall are beginning to take shape among the trees.
For some reason I am fascinated by a railroad bridge across Little Lake and head that way. Talking to a local biker I am told the train usually comes by in the afternoon and so far in all of her crossings she has been lucky.
Even with a “Stand By Me” movie flashback, I take my chances. I am rewarded with even more spectacular views. Looking between the gaps in the track I can see straight to the bottom of the lake about fifty feet below.
I reach my turn around point at the Silver Bean Cafe that has free Wi-Fi and offers a great lunch menu with healthy selections. Just below Silver Bean you can rent canoes for a peaceful way to explore Little Lake.
I wish I had the time to sit on the patio and enjoy the beautiful fall scenery but I think down the street my ship is about to come in.
Video:http://youtu.be/91wF2TqOFgY
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Did you make it to the Canoe Museum? Peterborough is a great place and has lots of great restaurants like St Veronas, Hot Belly Mamas and Cosmic Charlies.
irecommend,
Unfortunately, I only did the Liftlock Cruise. I had to make it back to Toronto for Blue Jays game at 7pm.
Think it would be cool to come back here to ice skate on the canal. From what I did see, Peterborough looked like a nice place to spend some time.
Any recommendations for Winnipeg, Thompson or Churchill?
Niagara Falls
About an hour and a half drive from Toronto, visiting Niagara Falls is almost a must if you are in the Toronto area. There are several tour companies in the city that will even take you there as a 8 hour bus day trip. Although I prefer driving, I would take the bus tour if it was my only option.
After driving the 401, 403, Ontario 25, QEW and maybe the 407/ETR (Express Toll Road), I arrive in the Niagara Falls area with plenty of good signs pointing me in the direction of the falls. Of course, the area is a major tourist attraction filled with all price range of hotels and casinos.
Parking near the falls runs anywhere from $15 to $18. However, you can find parking within easy walking distance for $5-7.
I am parked at the Skylon Tower for $7 where you can also have a lunch or dinner buffet for $27-35. This price includes a lift to the observation deck and revolving restaurant. An a la carte menu is offered and the prices seem a bit steep although the view while dining is no doubt spectacular.
What is missing when viewing Niagara Falls from above or in the air is sensing its crashing power and feeling its refreshing mist. Closer to the descent of the falls the sidewalk is wet and filled with awed spectators.
All of this can be enjoyed for free except for the cost of parking.
If you want to experience more of Niagara, the classic tour is to take a journey on one of the “Maid Of The Mist” ships like Jim Carrey did in the movie Bruce Almighty. However, I am sure he did not have to pay the $45 per person charge.
From the sidewalk I watch as others enjoy this experience I have previously done which takes you right up to the mist of the falls. Your choice to come away from it dry or drenched.
No matter how many times I have visited Niagara Falls and seen it from the Canadian or American side its awesomeness is never lessened. Niagara Falls is always impressive.
Video:http://youtu.be/cDNRzB_dc10