City Hopping Canadian

Whether you like to ski or swim, fish or golf, visit national monuments or museums, Canada has it all in one beautiful country.

One of the most popular travel destinations in Canada is Ontario, a metropolitan centre of industry and culture.

Ontario tourism revolves around three major places: Niagara Falls, Toronto, and Ottawa. Niagara Falls

Known as the honeymoon capital, Niagara Falls is one of Ontarios' main tourist attractions. Twelve million tourists flock here every year to witness the wonder of the three major falls: American Falls (1060 feet wide, 176 feet high); Bridal Veil Falls (1060 feet wide, 176 feet high); and Canadian Horseshoe Falls (2600 feet wide, 160 feet high). Niagara Falls is open and active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Here are some ways to experience the falls. The Niagara Falls State Park Observation Tower takes you above the Niagara River gorge. Visit the viewing areas at Prospect Point and Terrapin Point.

Don’t forget the Cave of the Winds where you’ll stand on the Hurricane Deck. Need to get some exercise? There’s jogging, walking, and biking along the Niagara River rapids on Goat Island. Take in the grand fireworks display on various nights. Catch the Maid of the Mist to get an up close and personal experience. It brings you right to its brink. It’s a spectacular view of all three falls. Waterproof clothing is strongly suggested for this amazing one to two hour ride. Speaking of water, lets dive into the Aquarium of Niagara which show boats over 1500 aquatic animals. The aquarium is open year round with free parking. What about dining on the water? Just board the Grand Lady Cruise Boat for lunch or dinner.

History: Visit the Old Fort Niagara or take a tour on the Erie Canal, or visit the New York State Power Authority Visitors Center to learn about hydroelectric power. Other exciting stops are the Underground Railroad and the Schoellkopf Geological Museum.

Toronto
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest in North America. Some of the key attractions of the city are the CN Tower, the Harbour Front, the Skydome (now know as Rogers Centre), and the Toronto Zoo.

Looking to shop in Toronto? Do you like bargains? Besides the great yard sales on Saturday and Sunday, the Dixie Outlet Mall/Fantastic Flea Market located in Mississauga, ON, is loaded with ceiling to floor bargains. You need a weekend just to scratch the surface. This is Toronto’s oldest flea market. Take your second hand and treasure hunting to the third degree. You have over 125 vendors to shop from. There’s something for everyone, for example, jewelry, old records, wonderful pictures, furniture and let’s not forget the new merchandise. Go spend a weekend. You’ll come back again and again.

Ottawa
Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, offers a variety of fun activities to fill your vacation stay. Tourists cannot leave Ottawa without visiting Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and the National Gallery of Canada.

Ottawa’s Parliament Hill offers three free events that are worth your money. Start your morning early with the music and drill steps of the Changing of the Guards. Capture this colorful Canadian tradition from June until late August. Showings daily. There is no available parking on Parliament Hill. Expect security stations and check points.

Treat yourself to the spectacular show of lights that are projected onto the Parliament buildings every evening from July 5 to September 9, 2007.

Are you a history buff? Take the free outdoor guided tour to discover Canada’s history. Reservations must be made for a group of ten or more. Contact the National Capital Commission (NCC) (offsite link). You can reach the NCC at (613) 239-5100 or 1 800 461-8020. Same day tickets may also be purchased at the Info-Tent between the Centre Block and the West Block. This outdoor guided tour is scheduled daily from June 23 to September 3, 2007. Canada is an awesome vacation spot for families, newlyweds, or if you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Canada offers diversity that meets any need. So when you finally decide this is the trip for you, go to www.affordabletravelagents.com for all your travel accommodations. You will be glad you did.