5 Itineraries for a Fun Fall Escape
From New York to North Carolina to Puerto Rico.
Index
Ithaca, New York | Niagara Falls, Canada | New Hampshire Wine Trail | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Wilmington, North Carolina
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For the Outdoor Enthusiast: Niagara Falls, Canada
By Edelinda Baptista
Get a closer look at the Falls from the Niagara City Cruise. Photo courtesy of Niagara Falls Tourism
As soon as we entered Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, the sound of the falls’ endless streams welcomed us to our mini-vacation.
The Embassy Suites is merely steps away from the Falls Incline Railway. Photo courtesy of Niagara Falls Tourism
Photo We parked the car at our hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton (embassysuitesniagara.com) — aka “the closest hotel to Niagara Falls” — before riding down the Falls Incline Railway to our first activity: the Journey Behind the Falls. The attraction is one of many included in the all-access Adventure Pass Plus (niagaraparks.com), in addition to the Whirlpool Aero Car, the Butterfly Conservatory, the White Water Walk, Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel, the Falls Incline Railway and more.
Donning our yellow ponchos, we descended the elevator and walked down the chilly tunnel. We joined other poncho-clad people admiring Horseshoe Falls (one of the site’s three waterfalls, along with the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls) from the behind-the-scenes vantage point and waving to the passengers on cruise boats below. We waved as well, realizing we would be in their place in about thirty minutes.
Back above ground, we boarded our Voyage to the Falls Tour with Niagara City Cruises (cityexperiences.com/niagara-ca). Wearing red ponchos this time, we climbed aboard the vessel, not knowing what to expect. We felt Mother Nature’s wrath as we approached Horseshoe Falls and its thunderous, drenching mist. I made a mental note to bring goggles next time I return.
In need of a snack, we trekked up Clifton Hill (cliftonhill.com), a vibrant area packed with eateries and mini-golf courses, museums, interactive rooms, a go-kart track and the 175-foot SkyWheel. The BeaverTails shop (beavertails.com) beckoned us, and the warm and gooey Bananarama pastry stuffed with chocolate hazelnut spread and bananas held us over while we retreated to our hotel room to admire the panoramic view of the falls and get ready for dinner.
After a long day of activities and great food, a bit of magic revealed itself once our heads hit the pillow: The cascading water provided a soothing soundtrack that lulled us to sleep.
Families journey down the quarter-mile White Water Walk boardwalk. Photo courtesy of Niagara Falls Tourism
The Embassy Suites’ diverse breakfast buffet powered us through the next day’s first activity: the White Water Walk. We exited the elevator and walked through the ice-blue tunnel to witness the seafoam green rapids along the Niagara River, learning about the depth of the waters, why it’s such a unique color and more during the self-guided experience.
Next up, the Whirlpool Aero Car — an antique cable car suspended from six sturdy cables — takes passengers over the edge of the rapids, where the river breaks through the narrowest channel in the gorge to create a mesmerizing aqua whirlpool.
If you’re in the mood for more heights and sights, a nine-minute helicopter ride with Niagara Helicopters (niagarahelicopters.com) will give you a scenic tour of the falls year-round. On a clear day, you can see the Toronto skyline and Lake Erie.
Once back on terra firma, stroll through gardens containing 2,000-plus tropical butterflies inside the Butterfly Conservatory, surrounded by lush greenery and gorgeous flowers in a rainforest setting. A butterfly might even land on you during the self-guided tour!
There are plenty of vineyards and wineries in the area, so some wine tasting is in order during your visit. Join a seasoned sommelier at Reif Estate Winery (reifwinery.com), where you’ll swirl and sniff a variety of full-bodied wines produced on the premises. Any ice wine selections — sweet wines made with grapes left to freeze on the vines — are sure to complement the dessert selection.
Visit the Niagara Parks Power Station after dark to learn how the power plant harnessed the falls’ powerful energy into a source of electricity for the city. Walk down the 2,200-foot-long underground tunnel to reach the observation platform, where the glowing Horseshoe Falls will leave you speechless.
Before heading home, take a spin on the SkyWheel — Canada’s largest observation wheel — for one last breathtaking view of the falls and Niagara Falls proper.
As for us, we said our goodbyes to Niagara Falls the best way we knew how: with a visit to BeaverTails for one more irresistible Bananarama pastry.
Niagara Falls Fare
Three rave-worthy eateries to satisfy your appetite.
Sit by the window of STK Steakhouse on the Embassy Suites’ ninth floor, and you’ll find the food pairs perfectly with the stunning view of Niagara Falls. Whichever entree you choose from this chic and contemporary establishment, treat the table to two or more of the delicious sides (and dessert if there’s room). stksteakhouse.com
During an early dinner at Two Sisters Vineyards’ onsite restaurant, Kitchen 76, we enjoyed our meal overlooking the expansive vineyard on Niagara-on-the-Lake. Not only were we stunned by its beautiful grounds, but the delicious ravioli with butternut squash and the rigatoni Bolognese wowed us as well and paired perfectly with a smooth merlot. twosistersvineyards.com
Dine indoors or on the terrace outdoors with a view of the falls, free summer concerts and fireworks at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant. Open seasonally, taste true Ontarian cuisine while supporting the producers, growers and craftspeople who contribute to the province’s food and agricultural sectors. niagaraparks.com/visit-niagara-parks/culinary
Nuts & Bolts
Travel Time: About four hours via plane from Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport to Buffalo, New York, then about an hour via train, local bus or shuttle; seven-and-a-half-hours via car. If you fly, you’ll need to bring a passport. If you’re driving, you’ll need either an enhanced driver’s license or passport to enter Canada.
Getting There: Interstate 90 West if you’re driving.
Bucket List for Next Time: The WildPlay Zipline to the Falls, open July–December, for the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Worth a Detour: Visit the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake and explore its historic sites and quaint boutiques.
