Seniors Travel

Niagara a treasure trove of free 'staycation' spots

© by Mike Keenan

Retirement was supposed to allow for wide scale travel, right? Not lately. For retirees, the economy has not been that good, particularly for those on a fixed income. Therefore, one must be creative and selective in enjoying one's leisure time. It's called a staycation, and believe me, there's terrific things to do right here at home in Niagara. For the next few weeks, I will outline my staycation solutions.
      First, let's establish a theme. Africa's boasts about its "Big Five" - lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo, but in Niagara, we enjoy a similar "Big Five"- the American and Canadian Falls, the Jet Boat, Whirlpool Aero Car, Butterfly Conservatory and Niagara Helicopter Tour. One can sample each, included in the Break-Free Niagara Parks promotional package available for $79.95. It's a deal, especially with grandchildren!
      I don't mind sharing a few secret places with you: early morning Miriam and I sip coffee at Niagara on the Lake's Queen's Royal Park. A white wooden gazebo graces one end of the park, frequented by picnickers and those waiting to attend Shaw plays. The park is at the intersection of Front which becomes Ricardo and King. Watch for a slow-moving caleche that transports camera-toting tourists. A stunning view. Sailboats cruise merrily along the Niagara River, merging with Lake Ontario. And it's free!
      Fort Niagara's imposing stone and brick loom directly across the river. The only comparable view is offered at the NOTL golf course restaurant patio where you can savour a reasonable patio meal. We did and the view was terrific.
      More prized sites: on Ricardo, we pass the NOTL Yacht Club and Queen's Landing Hotel but stop at the Pump House Art School & Gallery, a favourite spot for us that no one else seems aware of - two benches provide a terrific, private view of the river, Fort Niagara and Youngstown, NY. Again, it's free!
      We head towards Fort George. Across from the fort on the water's side is Navy Hall, site of Upper Canada's 's (Ontario's) first provincial parliament in 1792-1796. Most tourists gravitate to the larger parks. Here, you sit quietly on a long bench on the dock or better - we bring our own chairs. It's quiet, frequented by fishermen, and offers a gorgeous panoramic view of the river and all that floats on it. Today: many sailboats, motorboats, two kayaks, a Sea-Doo and the Jet Boat. Did I mention that it's free?
      From here and down along the Parkway, there are myriad benches and picnic tables. We avoid those close to the road. At Niagara River Parkway and John Street, we swing into a large parking lot that's heavily treed, perfect for a picnic. Another favourite. And because it's immediately after the Queenston roundabout, most people miss it.
      Back on the Parkway, the Riverbend Inn and Vineyard on our right, another picnic area with tables emerges at the junction of East West Line. Abundant trees and shade. Opposite Kurtz Orchards, I often park here for long walks. A small bridge leads to MacFarlane House, a Georgian building used as a hospital in the War of 1812. There's another large parking lot, recreational park and washrooms. Lots of room for grandchildren plus washrooms.
      Further down the Parkway, we pass Reif Estate Winery and Inniskillin Winery as well as Riverview Cellars Estate Winery. A cork screw is de rigeur in Niagara's wine territory to

complement any picnic. The Break Free package includes discounts for tastings.
More opportunities to stop present themselves along the way to Queenston. At Service Road 68, a nice lookout - the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, Robert Moses Hydro Electric facility and the town of Lewiston on the U.S. side. A mass of concrete!
I stay alert for the tiny chapel - The Living Water Wayside Chapel, a tourist delight with a white picket fence and only two pews inside. At Service Rd. 50, hang a left for a view of the Laura Secord Homestead. (Another Break Free coupon) The historical marker reads that the celebrated heroine, born in Massachusetts (1775-1868), walked more than 30 km to warn the Brits of an impending American attack. There, that's a nice day.