Day 1 Arrival in Niagara Falls. Guided tour along Niagara Gorge, enjoying hilltop views and manicured gardens. Time permitting tour would start with points of interest on the American side, (Theodore Roosevelt inaugural house, “I Love Lucie” Museum), before crossing the border. Check into hotel and welcome dinner at Table Rock where you will dine with a beautiful view overlooking the Falls, as six million cubic feet of water drop almost 200 feet per minute. Casino for those interested.
Day 2 Breakfast at hotel. Free day to enjoy many attractions included in your Adventure Pass which entitles ride on Maid of Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Walk, Butterfly Conservatory plus all day transportation on the People Mover. Option to include tour of hydro-electric museum showing how water is taken from before the falls to generate electricity for New York and Ontario. Dinner this evening and return to hotel.
Day 3 Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Niagara-on-the-Lake, a uniquely historic downtown area complete with gingerbread-laced shops and restaurants. Free time to shop, visit Fort George or on a clear day take in the view of the Toronto skyline. After lunch on your own, we have option to have wine tasting including the famous ice wine. Proceed to St. Catharines Museum at Lock 3 featuring the Welland Canal Centre, hopefully timing to get a close-up look at ocean cargo ships going through the canal, and see the African Canadian exhibit whose theme is the role Niagara played in the Underground Railroad.
After checking into our hotel, optional tour before dinner of the Dundurn Castle, meaning fort on the water, once home of Sir Allan Napier MacNabb, showing the rich life of the 19th century. We have dinner in the castle.
Day 4 Breakfast at hotel This morning the Royal Botanical Gardens, depending which flowers are in bloom we will see peonies, irises, lilacs, roses and top it off with visit to the Rock Garden Tea House. This afternoon we have lunch abroad the Hamilton Harbour Cruise. Optional to visit Erlandlee Museum, and history of women’s rights in Canada. Option to visit the Canada Marine Discovery Centre, from the Great Lakes to the Ocean depths, discover the world of Canada’s great waters. Option to visit Crawford Lake with its pristine waters. The rare lake, with surrounding boardwalk, has history of hundreds of years, is nestled in lush forests atop the Niagara Escarpment. Explore the 15th century Iroquoian Village that has been reconstructed on its original site. Return to hotel and dinner. Option to have dinner at local race track, watching standard breed horses race and for those interested a wager or two.
Day 5 Breakfast at hotel. Departure for home via Buffalo or Lewiston, N.Y. or extend stay (please ask for ideas).
