Views of Niagara falls

The highlight of my Canadian holiday was the visit to Niagara. We spent three nights there exploring the surrounding area. We stayed in the Skyline Inn and although this was not one of the hotels overlooking the falls it was in a very convenient location as both falls were only a short walk away. The walkway you see in the picture leads from the hotel to an indoor waterpark and although I didn't go, my friend took her son and he really enjoyed it. I think my grand children would have loved it.
The hotel has recently been refurbished and they have created these little sitting areas as a focal point with the rooms leading off. We had rooms on the top floor, basic but perfectly comfortable. Every evening this area was bustling as they showed a family film. This was very popular with the children and it was safe for Cameron to go down by himself as we could keep an eye on him from above.

I am not sure what I was expecting but I think if I'm honest I was not anticipating finding a mini Las Vagas. Lots of neon lights, games, rides, casinos and haunted houses (and much more). I know that everything is designed to make people part with their money and without wishing to offend I think a lot of the shops are a bit tacky and some things are over priced, while other things (like crocs) are cheap compared to England. I didn't go into the Casino but Kim and Tina had a little flutter and I gave them $10 to loose. Well I would have been pig sick if they had won the jackpot!! While they were learning how to play the slot machines, Cameron and I were finding our way around a maze. Luckily, Cameron (10yrs) was good at navigating as I was blindly following him. Apparently the average to find the four challenges and the way out is 12 mins and we did it in 10 mins so Cameron was really pleased. Left to my own devices I would probably still be in there!! There's such a lot that is aimed to appeal to children and although there were discounts it would be an expensive place to visit with a family.

Now I really fancied sitting on this Harley but didn't think my daughters would approve!!
There was a lovely collection of cars on display outside Planet Hollywood. I wanted a photo of Cameron with the car used in the Bonnie and Clyde film but this was the one that took his fancy!
The Skywheel looks very attractive when it's lit up at night. I was quite pleased with this photo.
The Skylon Tower looks quite impressive but we didn't venture up this 775 ft tower. However I'm sure that the revolving dining room and the views would be spectacular (it rotates once every hour- maybe I'll get to do this next time I visit!!).



This photo shoot with the Mountie was taken on the street where there was a HardRock Cafe and a Hershy's. I did buy Embee a few diabetic chocs but resisted everything else. Before you point it out cheeky little Cameron is giving Tina 'bunny ears' well that's what he told us!!

The best part was seeing the falls up close on 'Maid of the Mist' boat trip as you can see they give you a plastic cape which helps protect you from the spray.

I took quite a few photos and have put them into a little slide show as I didn't know which to choose. The last few slides taken at night are not very clear as we were quite a long way away and the coloured lights on the falls do not show up. They put on a firework display twice a week which was very entertaining but again my camera did not really capture it very well. However I have included a couple of photos. Oh yes, we went over the border into Buffalo, USA and you will also see the Rainbow Bridge on one of the slides (will tell you a bit more about that later).

I was disappointed that we did not get to visit the cave behind the falls. Tina and I tried on our last morning but the waiting time was so long we couldn't wait as we had booked a Jet boat ride (will tell you about that on another day).

The falls are spectacular and I'm so glad to have been able to been able to experience them first hand-so let me know what you think!!