DAY 3 : ADVENTURES OF NIAGARA

Even before we started our trips, I had booked tickets for some of the attractions( a combo) online which saved a huge sum of money..

I had bought the Adventure Pass online which comprises of the following attractions:

• JOURNEY BEHIND THE FALLS
• MAID OF THE MIST
• WHITE WALTER WALK
• BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY
• Plus, ONE DAY FREE PASS FOR PEOPLE MOVER BUS.
  

This coupon also had additional benefits.

• ALL DAY RIDE on PEOPLE MOVER BUS and INCLINE RAILWAY for $5.50 for adults. ( thats a discount coupon u can use for the next day)
• $ 1 off on FRESHLY MADE sweet & tasty treat BEAR CLAW available at the maid of the Mist MarketPlace.
• FREE ADMISSION to WHIRLPOOL AERO CAR
• FREE ADMISSION to SIR ADAM BECK 2 DAM TOUR
• NEW ATTRACTION NIAGARA's FURY also had a discount coupon. But since it was opening only next month (June) we weren't able to use that.

So now we know that this is an excellent package and why we chose it, lets go on with the day's adventures.

Each attraction speaks a lot for itself, so I will make every attraction as a post so that we can have a good idea about it.

we wll be covering a major portion of the Niagara Parkway.

We parked our car in the parkng lot near to Table Rock (Of course it is expensive. We did not know t then!!). We reached the welcome centre in Table Rock.

We exchanged our onlne ticket at the counter and got the coupons. we also used that day's people mover bus.

We started our tour with the first attraction availble inside the Table Rock.

JOURNEY BEHIND THE FALLS

In the early 1990's it was called SCENIC TUNNELS.

It is located beside the Canadian HorseShoe Falls.

Since we had already the tickets, we started into the journey.

When we reached the entrance , we were asked to stand for a photograph. This is a normal custom in any attraction. Before we enter, we are in for a photo and after we are done with the tour, we get a copy of 2 or more (varies for each attraction) for say $20.00 to $ 25.00

Then we were given PONCHOS so we don't get wet.

Once we are ready wearing that, we were led to an elevator that takes us down to the Tunnels.

Elevators descend 150 feet through bedrock to tunnels that lead to the Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal which is one third of the way behind the massive sheet of water, then on to the Upper and Lower Observation Decks at the foot of the Falls.

Journey consists of an observation platform and series of tunnels near the bottom of the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian shore of the Niagara River. The tour is unguided and we have the option of using radios to receive facts and information broadcast into the tunnels.

The two tunnels extend approximately 46 metres behind the waterfall and allow us to view water cascading in front of the open cave entrances. Earlier in the attraction's history visitors were permitted far closer to the portals' edge to view a perspective to the sides and below the falling water. Barricades now exist further back from the ledge at the end of the tunnels to ensure visitor safety.

The observation deck provides a vantage point looking up with the falls to the right, allowing photographers like Ravi, a full view of the famous landmark. The deck is sprayed with water from the cascade so thats the reason we are provided with plastic raincoats prior to their descent.

Before each Point, there are descriptions of the Observation Points. And some Interesting Facts, some of which are here. I asked Ravi to take a shot of these exclusive for my blogs.

FACT OF THE JOURNEY:

At Journey Behind the Falls, you'll experience the awesome spectacle of one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashing down 13 stories to the basin below. Every second during summer daylight hours, over 2,800 cubic meters of water thunders over the rim at 65 kilometers per hour.

IN WINTER:

This journey is said to be interesting for the Winter. The reason being,the mist of the Falls freezes in spectacular ice formations on every tree and building. Viewing the Falls in winter should not be missed!! So people trying to visit during Winter are more lucky enough! But its just that you should be able to bear the the cold weather! (Believe me, I can't survive!!)

SHORT HISTORY ABOUT THE JOURNEY

Courtesy: Niagaraparks.

For over 400 years people have traveled from around the globe to experience the spectacle of Niagara, one of the world’s most impressive waterfalls. In early times, the only way to get up close to the Falls was to climb down the steep bank and over huge boulders, or down crude “ladders” created from fallen trees.

The first enclosed stairs were built in 1818 and a spiral staircase was constructed in 1832 for visitors to enter what was then called the “Sheet of Falling Water” attraction. The admission fee was $1, and for an additional dollar, certificates were presented to those who had completed the trip behind the Falls.

In 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission was created to maintain the area around the Falls. In 1887, the Commissioners removed the staircase and installed a water hydraulic powered elevator. The lift held 8 to 10 visitors with their guides and took almost a minute to make the up or down trip. The first tunnels were built in 1889.

Visitors were taken through the tunnel by guides carrying lanterns.

In 1902, the hydraulic lift was taken over by the Ontario Power Company when they began construction of the Ontario Power House. This plant is now decommissioned, but still sits at the river’s edge below the Falls. In exchange for using the hydraulic elevator, the Ontario Power Company agreed to sink a shaft through the rock and construct an electric elevator and a new “scenic tunnel”.

In 1925, work began on a new Table Rock House.

In the new building, the elevator to the "Scenic Tunnels" attraction was twinned and dressing rooms were built for visitors to get ready with heavy rubber rain coats and boots.

As the brink of the Falls receded, tunnel extensions were made as required, until 1944 when a new tunnel was cut into the rock about 18 meters behind the original one. These tunnels were lined with concrete and lit by electricity and are the tunnels still used today.

In 1951, an observation plaza was added and in 1990, the raincoats and boots were discontinued, replaced by light biodegradable rain ponchos which may be kept as a souvenir.

In 1994, the name of the Scenic Tunnels was changed to Journey Behind the Falls.

Once we were done with the journey, we headed back to the ground level on the same elevator. There was the photo studion ready with our snaps, and since it came out real good, we went for it!! We disposed our Ponchos and headed out to our next stop.. MAID OF THE MIST.

OverAll Rating for this Attraction: 3/5
© 2008 SarathaRavi

DAY 2 : ROYAL ONTORIO MUSEUM

Grabbing a bottle of water, we headed to Little India in Toronto , to a Indian Restaurant called SIDDARTHA. It was recommended in our City Pass. Since it was close we opted to go there.We had a wonderful buffet there with 5 dishes + Naan , plain rice, varities of sweet, chutneys, raitas, veggies, fruits and salad.

HAving finished a wonderful meal, we were in an oscillation of where to go next. Ravi wanted to finish CN Towers today,but since the climate was not favouring us, we decided to go with ROYAL ONTORIO MUSEUM . There was no specific in front parking for ROM, so we had to park it far off in a public parking lot and walk all the way to ROM. It was a little bit comming to extinct in terms of my energy.

We showed our CITY PASS Tickets at the counter.

Ravi was asked to leave his camera bag behind in the cloak room. (The Kangaroo has to go in without his pouch.!!! )

We were given this clip on to be pinned to our shirts.

So we are valid visitors.© 2008 SarathaRavi

The Museum was enormous and huge and 1 and half hour isnt enough to complete the tour.

ABOUT THE ROM

ROM ( As its commonly Known as ) is known for its natural history and world culture.

The Building speaks for itself. It is the largest museum in CANADA,containing more than six million items and over 40 galleries.

It is situated North of Queen's Park.

Some parts of the building are currently under renovation.

There were around 3 expansions since it opened on March 14th, 1914.

The First Level of the building comprises of

Library Archives

Shanghai 1860-1949

Museum Store

Samual Hall where there were preps going on for "MUNK DEBATES"

Hilary and Galen Weston Wing.

Knowing more about all these levels comprised of an audio tour too.. Just like CASA LOMA we get prerecorded information about each level

the only difference being u'd need to rent it whereas in CASALOMA we get it inclusive of the tour.

The Level 2 had exhibits of Dinosaurs. But more than that what was interesting is, there was a shooting going on for some French Channel , maybe about the Museum or something. The Host had to say the lines over and over again till there was a good shot. Poor Lady!!

Level 3 comprised of the Asian,African,European Zones.Their themes and Collections.

There was Out from Under: Disability,History,and Things to Remember. We didn't get much time to visit all this as it was nearing close time.

The other levels comprised of Contemprary cultures and Food Court.

We skipped the exhibits that we normally find in any and every museum. We visited the ASIAN Exhibits, DARWIN's EVOLUTION (which was complimentary with our CITY PASS.)

Our Ticket to the Museum .

We tried getting something from ROM, but since it was almost close time, we didn't get much time to look around. Plus, there seemed nothing that interesting to me to take home. So just ended up with a Fridge Magnet.

We came out of the museum at its closing time, 5.30 pm and we started our drive back to the hotel. We drove cross the CN towers to get its closer glimpse and we were offered free view of the ROGERS CENTRE TOO which was near the CN Towers. ("OK thats for another day")

We headed back to the hotel and on the way we got ourselves some juice, water, banana..etc. On our way back, we have to cross the WELLAND CANAL like yesterday. There was a signal and our vehicles were stopped. Why?? The Bridge tore apart and a big Ship had to cross the bridge across the Canal. The operation of the road breaking up and joining itself again was just marvellous!!

Headed back to the hotel, freshened up, had our Delicious Delights. With our second day comming to an end, I finished my part a bit early too!! (Noting down my blog!!)

So what am I waiting for?? Tuck into Bed Early!!

Click Here for Official site of ROM

Overall Rating: 3/5 ( could have been 4 if we had enough time!)

© 2008 SarathaRavi