Niagara Falls

I can not help but book a day to go to Niagara Falls.

Cataracts are exactly on the border of Canada with the United States . Its water comes from four large lakes and suddenly fall from a height of 60 meters, in a stunning volume. Climbs a heavy fog that comes to wet people and form a dense mist in the air.

The American side is the city of Buffalo. It has a call drop of Bride 's Veil ( Veil Falls ) with 323 meters wide, considered much more simple than the Canadian. So it is less visited . But if you want to go there just cross the bridge Raimbow Bridge and of course seeing American within the validity period.

Already, the Canadian Cataract is powerful. Called Horseshoe . It has 792 meters and a frightening fury. Receives a greater number of visitors than the American side . Even has an infrastructure that gets to be incompatible with the natural beauty of the place . Casinos, large hotels , restaurants, nightclubs and parks are separated from the falls only by a promenade .

Interestingly, people wandering along a boardwalk practically on the banks of the falls. And they are protected only by an iron cerquinha . You can even fear, so close. The fierce roar of the water does not suit a massive umbrella of people (not to take a bath with the water spreads in the air) circling so close to a spectacular work of Mother Nature , in a back-and -forth incessant between flutter in the casino and a cup of coffee

To make those trips to buy yourself a ticket called the Adventure Pass which entitles the boat and the hike in the amount of 54.95 Canadian dollars for adults. But , if you just look at the falls without these tours you do not need to pay anything other than parking if you are driving .

Will face the Maid of the Mist and take a waterfall bath , even while inside the boat ?

Some people circulating everywhere. A nice mood. The boats coming and going crowded with tourists. But the dichotomy nature vs. concrete jungle is part of the context. And it has no way to change . After all. Niagara is a source of pride both for Canadians as for Americans the state of New York . The region is an entertainment center and in winter , very sought by honeymooners honeymoon .

For those who like more extreme experiences , an interesting option is to take a helicopter overflight over the falls , with Niagara Helicopters , for 140 Canadian dollars.

Niagara-on-the-Lake 

North of Niagara Falls is a charming city of the nineteenth century , Niagara-on-the-Lake . It looks like a scenic city . It has a lovely old houses all in wood, whimsical painting, which refers to the period of colonization. Absolutely a must. And the way there is also beautiful . Are fifteen minutes past mansions very well cared for, without walls between trees, the lake , along the Niagara Parkway. Many people make the bike path and takes advantage to picnic and buy fresh fruit along the way.

The town Niagara-on-the-Lake is minimal. It has virtually a central street where tourists walk among shops of Canada souvenirs, cafes, ice cream parlors, restaurants and carriages.

If you want to have lunch in the city suggest the hotel Prince of Wales, pickled restaurant. Delicious. The best ice cream in Niagara-on-the-Lake is at The Cow . And for coffee go to Tim Hortons . The city reminds lawn a much smaller proportion.

Carriage parked in front of the pickled restaurant in the hotel Prince of Wales.

ZONE OF CANADIAN WINERIES And to end the "day trip" to Niagara with a flourish pay a visit to one of the many wineries in the area. The Niagara Peninsula has stood out with the production of wine and can be compared to our Bento Gonçalves or Napa Valley. There are more than 50 wineries. I chose Stratus as a nominee of Canadian friends passionate about wine. With previously scheduled time I put the address in the GPS - 2059 Niagara Stone Road - and off I went to a wine tasting session, led by Ben Nicks.

 Environmental concern is one of the high points of Stratus which is not very large compared to other companies producing wine from the region. It was the first winery to receive the LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The building where you do the tasting was built recently. Receives plenty of natural light and has neat modern decor. It was a delightful visit in every way. Recommend! The wines are superb. 

Other interesting wineries in the area are the Inniskillin (the best known), Chateau des Charmes (family business), the Peller Estate (large, with great restaurant and shop in Niagara-on-the-Lake) and the little Ravine Winery that It has a delicious lunch.