Niagara's Big Five... along the stunning Parkway
Africa has its "Big Five" - lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo, but I think Niagara enjoys a similar "Big Five" - the American and Canadian Falls, the Jet Boat, Whirlpool Aero Car, Butterfly Conservatory and Niagara Helicopter Tour. I sampled each, included in the Break-Free Niagara Parks promotional package available online for $79.95.
Breaking free happened long ago for me. Born & raised in Toronto, I live in
Niagara on the Lake,
and have discovered some special scenic outlooks and picnic spots to share - along the attractive
Parkway,
easy to navigate by car or bicycle.
I head towards
Fort George,
composed of wood. Unlike Fort Niagara's stone, it tends to burn. On the
Jet Boat,
I was told that the Americans used "pot-shots" to burn the fort.
Across from the fort on the water's side is
Navy Hall,
site of Upper Canada's (Ontario's) first provincial parliament in 1792-1796. A prized spot for locals. Most tourists gravitate to the larger parks. Here, you sit quietly on a long bench on the dock or better - bring your own chair. It's quiet, frequented by a few 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. Early morning.
I sip coffee. Sailboats cruise merrily along the Niagara River, merging with Lake Ontario.
Fort Niagara's
imposing stone and brick directly across the river. I can't see Toronto's skyline today. Big city smog. Here, the view is crystal clear.
From here and down along the Parkway, there are myriad benches and picnic tables. I avoid those close to the road. At Niagara River Parkway and John Street, I swing into a large parking lot heavily treed. Another favourite.
Back on the Parkway, the Riverbend Inn and Vineyard on my 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.
Further down the Parkway, I 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.
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 on my right (west) -
The Living Water Wayside Chapel,
a tourist delight with a white picket fence and only two pews inside.
The Riverbrink Art Gallery
greets me at the edge of town. At Service Rd. 50, hang a left for a view of the
Laura Secord Homestead.
The historical marker reads that celebrated heroine, born in Massachusetts (1775-1868), walked more than 30 km to warn the Brits of an impending American attack.
Up the hill (Niagara Escarpment) to
Brock's Monument
and halfway there, a scenic lookout provides a broad view of the Niagara River flowing into Lake Ontario.
At
Queenston Heights, the restaurant
and its VQA wines beckon if you didn't pack a lunch. A large park here and for hikers, an entrance to the
Bruce Trail,
but we soon arrive at my top secluded spot. Follow the roundabout on the Parkway, but take the first exit on the left which most miss because it arrives quickly. A plethora of trees, picnic tables, ample parking and from the corner of the park, a view of
Lewiston's Art Park
and the sculpture named "The Eagle" which struts out over the water. A great place for a picnic and an inspiring view.
Further along the Parkway, another park appears that many pass by, distracted by the
Floral Clock
on the opposite side. Another good view of the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge (12 km from NOTL) and the
Niagara Gorge.
In front of the clock hums the massive
Sir Adam Beck Generating Station
and the Parkway soon delivers you to "Big Five" Helicopter and Spanish Aero Car rides.
Mike Keenan
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