Niagara Parks Blog

200th Anniversary of Laura Secord’s Famous Walk
Special events planned to commemorate the Canadian heroine

The Niagara Parks Commission, along with the Friends of Laura Secord, Canada Post and the Royal Canadian Mint, wish to invite all proud Canadians to gather to celebrate the achievements of Laura Secord, a remarkable woman who walked into Canadian history 200 years ago.

Friday, June 21, 10 a.m.
Commemorative Coin and Stamp Unveiling Ceremony
Laura Secord Homestead
29 Queenston St., Queenston, Ontario

Laura Secord Homestead

Federal, provincial and local government representatives will be present for this public commemorative ceremony.

Canada Post will issue two stamps to commemorate the daring exploits of two legendary national heroes – Laura Secord who warned of an imminent enemy attack on Canada, and Charles de Salaberry who led a brilliant defence that repelled a larger force bent on capturing Montreal. The stamps are part of a three-year series commemorating the War of 1812 and, as of June 20, 2013 are available at all post offices across the country and at www.canadapost.ca.

The Royal Canadian Mint will also unveil a new 25-cent commemorative circulation coin in honour of Laura Secord, which will conclude a four coin series celebrating the Heroes of the War of 1812. 12.5 million of these special coins will circulate across Canada as of June 22, 2013.

Friday June 21, 5 – 7 p.m.
“A Toast to Laura Secord” Formal Reception
Queenston Heights Restaurant, Laura Secord Monument
14184 Niagara Parkway, Queenston, Ontario
The Friends of Laura Secord group has arranged a ceremony that will include a special message from His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales. Lieutenant Governor Onley will also be in attendance. The reception will showcase Niagara wines, cheeses and a delicious assortment of wonderful treats. Reserved limited tickets are available for $50 per person. RSVP  (905) 468-3912 or amyklassen@niagarahistorical.museum.

Warning the British at Decew House

Saturday, June 22
The Friends of Laura Secord’s Commemorative Re-enactment Walk
The Friends of Laura Secord group has also organized a commemorative re-enactment walk to trace the route Laura Secord took from her homestead in Queenston to Decew House in Thorold.

There are many ways to participate, from completing the full 32 kilometre trek to shorter route options. Participants with mobility challenges can also experience the entire route by riding the fully accessible shuttle. Pre-registration is required. Please visit www.friendsoflaurasecord.com for more information.

Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Costumed Guides at Laura Secord Homestead

War of 1812 Bicentennial Heritage Fair
Laura Secord Homestead
29 Queenston St., Queenston, Ontario
This special event will showcase activities integral to daily life during the War of 1812. Historic interpreters, entertainers and interactive activities will make visitors feel as though they have stepped back in time.

NOTE: NO ON-SITE PARKING
There will be no parking on site at the Laura Secord Homestead on Saturday,
June 22. Visitors who park at Queenston Heights will be shuttled to the event and will receive half price admission at the Laura Secord Homestead.

About the Laura Secord Homestead
The historical Laura Secord Homestead is a heritage and tourist destination owned by The Niagara Parks Commission. In 2011, the homestead was renovated and revived thanks to a joint investment from the governments of Canada and Ontario as part of its War of 1812 heritage building collection.

The Niagara Parks Commission is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.

Father’s Day is just days away; how are you going to celebrate? Here are just a few great ideas to show Dad a good time in Niagara Falls. Check out our itinerary below for an action-packed Father’s Day day.

Legends on the Niagara – Free Gift on Father’s Day

Start Dad’s morning off on the greens with some great Father’s Day specials from Legends on the Niagara. With championship courses designed by Douglas Carrick and Thomas McBroom, this incredible golf complex offers two 18-hole courses, an executive 9-hole course and an incredible 360-degree driving range. Surprise him with a tee time on Sunday by booking online now, and use promo code ‘june21′ to save up to 30% off of regular green fees at Niagara Parks Golf. As an added bonus, all online bookings for Father’s Day will receive a free hat, ball marker and divot tool–a great gift for Dad as he experiences the 1,000-acre one-of-a-kind facility.

Rick Smith Golf Academy – Father’s Day Weekend Specials

Is Dad not as slick on the course as he thinks he is? Surprise him with a lesson at the brand new Rick Smith Golf Academy at Legends on the Niagara. From June 14 until June 16, adult/child lessons are just $110. You can also bring the whole family for a half-day of family golf, including three hours of instruction, for just $300.

Legends on the Niagara – Steak BBQ Buffet

Got a meat-lover on your hands? Legends on the Niagara has you covered there, too. Stop by June 16 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. for a Steak BBQ Dinner, featuring 8oz NY Striploin, corn-on-the-cob, baked beans, and all of Dad’s favourites. Adults are just $21.99 and children are $10.99. The full Steak BBQ Dinner menu is available online.

 Niagara Falls Adventure Pass

Spend the afternoon under the sun at four top attractions in Niagara Falls. Journey Behind the Falls, Maid of the Mist, Niagara’s Fury and White Water Walk await, all for 30% off when you buy the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass. Leave the car and ride WEGO; it’s included! Don’t think you can do it all in one afternoon? Bring your Adventure Pass back to Niagara Parks on another day. Our passes never expire!

Ghost Tours at Old Fort Erie

For limited Fridays, the Friday Night Frights Ghost Tour at Old Fort Erie is a popular local tradition. Within the walls of the old stone fort, hear the eerie stories of the ghosts of Canada’s bloodiest battlefield. A costumed interpreter will take you on a candle-lit journey through Old Fort Erie. Take Dad for a shocking and entertaining evening adventure! Tours are just $5 per person. Call (905) 871-0540 to make your reservations.

Whatever your Dad is into, Niagara Parks has everything you need to plan the ultimate Father’s Day: whether it’s a round of golf on an award-winning championship course, a Father’s Day BBQ, or an action-packed day filled with exciting activities by the Falls.

Did you know that June 14 is the first Canada’s Garden Day? This is a great opportunity for Canadians to get outside and enjoy their gardens or head to a garden destination (like Niagara Parks) to share in their favourite garden experience–and what better way to celebrate Father’s Day?

Niagara Parks is celebrating, and here is how you can take part:

1) Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse

Experience the annual Regal Geranium Show, beginning June 8. Admission is just $5 to enjoy regal geraniums, fuschia, caladiums and more. Don’t forget about the wonderful gardens surrounding the Floral Showhouse, like the fragrance garden, where plants are identified in Braille for persons who are visually impaired. The Floral Showhouse was also home to the “World’s Tallest Flower” as two Titan Arums bloomed in the spring of 2012–one reached 255cm (96 in.) tall! Stay tuned for more updates about this incredible flower.

2) Queen Victoria Park 125th Photo Exhibit

Come down to Queen Victoria Place and see the over 100 photos spanning the past decades, including some of the fabulous early gardenscapes. You can also explore Niagara Parks and take your own garden photos. Share them with us on Facebook for a chance to win and have your photo featured in another special “125 Memories of Niagara Parks” photo exhibit all summer long. There are some great prizes up for grabs, too. Stop by and vote on your favourite photos!

3) Oakes Garden Theatre

Garden mastery meets architecture at this spectacular entranceway to Queen Victoria Park. Located at the foot of Clifton Hill, Oakes Garden Theatre is the perfect spot for a superb panoramic view of the American and Horseshoe Falls. Built in 1936, this captivating garden features rock gardens, lily ponds and shrub boulders all set against the contours and enchanting lines of the pergola and central amphitheatre.

4) Botanical Gardens

Listed as one of Canada’s top 10 public gardens by MSN Travel and located on the scenic Niagara Parkway, the Botanical Gardens feature almost 100 acres of lovingly crafted features that you’ll want to visit again and again. From the incredible herb garden to the world-famous rose garden, there’s no better place to experience a garden favourite for Canada’s Garden Day. Here, you’ll also find the Butterfly Conservatory, where over 2,000 colourful butterflies enchant visitors in free flight.

Canada’s Garden Day takes place every year in June on the Friday before Father’s Day.

Get out there and experience nature this weekend. The Niagara Glen Nature Centre will open its doors for the season this Saturday at 10 a.m.

An Educational Experience

Nature lovers can explore educational displays and nature and geology touch tables. Learn about the local Species at Risk plants and animals, along with the natural history and plants of the Niagara Glen. Hands-on, informative exhibits will give you an exclusive glimpse into the wildlife and geology of the area.

Daily Hiking Tours (11 a.m. and 2 p.m.)

Want to get the most out of your excursion? Enjoy a guided hiking tour where you will learn about the geographical history of the Niagara Gorge and see a wide range of Niagara’s rare and unique plants and animals. Guided hikes last about an hour and a half, so make sure you bring proper footwear for rugged terrain. As always, make sure you stay on the trail and “leave no trace!”

Friends of the Niagara Glen Clean-up

Hey students! Need to fulfill your volunteer hours? The Friends of the Niagara Glen group are hosting another clean-up event in the Niagara Glen from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend; just meet at the entrance at the top of the main access stairs. Bring a lunch, snacks, and your refillable water bottles.

The Friends of the Niagara Glen is a self-sustaining, not-for-profit community project that promotes land stewardship ethics, educational experiences and sustainable outdoor recreation practices. New members are always welcome; visit www.niagaraparksnature.com for details.

The Niagara Glen Nature Centre is located at 3050 Niagara Parkway, across from the Whirlpool Golf Course.

The Snowbirds are Coming!
Wednesday, May 29 6 p.m.

As part of the ongoing 125th Anniversary celebrations of The Niagara Parks Commission’s (NPC) Queen Victoria Park, Canada’s iconic military jet

Snowbirds in the hangar at CFB Borden

demonstration team – the Canadian Forces Snowbirds – will be soaring above Niagara Falls on Wednesday, May 29 at 6:00 p.m.

The “Snowbirds Over the Falls” performance will be a 25 minute air show.  The event will allow spectators to witness the military precision of all nine Canadian Forces tutor aircraft flying in perfect unison, only inches apart, above the mighty Falls and parklands of The Niagara Parks Commission.

Live commentary of the event will be made available to the public outside NPC’s Table Rock Welcome Centre. Niagara Parks restaurants: Elements on the Falls and Edgewaters will provide one of the best places to sit, watch and hear the event. Both facilities will be featuring a special event menu along with the broadcast that evening. To view the menu and make reservations please visit www.niagaraparks.com/dining.

Members of the public and their families are welcome to bring their lawn chairs and cameras to enjoy the “Snowbirds Over the Falls” performance. For up to date information, please follow us on our “Snowbirds Over the Falls” Facebook page.

DATE:
Wednesday May 29, 2013

TIME:
6:00 p.m.  Live commentary starts at 4:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Table Rock Welcome Centre is located at 6650 Niagara Parkway.
Elements on the Falls is located at Table Rock Welcome Centre.
Edgewaters Restaurant is located at 6345 Niagara Parkway

Live commentary will only be available at the Table Rock Welcome Centre and Edgewaters Restaurant.

Members of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds team, Canadian Armed Forces, and volunteers of “Snowbirds Over the Falls,” greatly appreciate the support from area communities, governments and park agencies on both sides of the border for making this historic event possible.

The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, NPC is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency. 

Since opening on May 24, 1888, Queen Victoria Park has been the heart of Niagara Parks, playing a vital role in preserving the rich heritage and natural beauty of Niagara Falls. Join us over the Memorial Day weekend for great events at Niagara Parks!

To mark the historic 125th anniversary of the public opening of this park, we’re launching a special 125 Memories of Niagara Parks photo contest through our Facebook page. Stop by and ‘Like’ us, and click the link to share your own photos and stories, then vote on your favourites.

And this weekend is a perfect time to build even more great memories of Niagara Parks. Check out these great commemorative events coming up!

• Wednesday, May 29 6 p.m.
  Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds Exhibition over the Falls
  The one and only Canadian Forces Snowbirds Demonstration Team will be performing their legendary air show demonstration over Niagara
  

  Snowbirds in the hangar at CFB Borden

  Falls for the first time! The team is comprised of pilots from the Canadian Forces, who will use this unique and famous landmark as the perfect backdrop.

  This singular opportunity to see a 25 minute formation display of Military precision featuring all nine Canadian Forces tutors in perfect unison and only inches apart will be a memorable event enhanced by live commentary from the Snowbirds. The show will be announced by Skyboss David Whyte at the Table Rock Welcome Centre. For the best seats to capture this show, be sure to reserve your space:

  Table Rock’s Elements on the Falls [Menu] or Horseshoe Landing Patio [Menu/Beverage Menu]
  (905) 354-3631
  Queen Victoria’s Park’s Edgewaters Restaurant  [Menu]
  (905) 356-2217

• Friday, May 17 – Sunday, June 16, open daily
  Queen Victoria Park 125th Anniversary Photo Exhibit
  Free feature exhibit open to the public in the Victoria Park Gift Shop, depicting the early years of Queen Victoria Park from 1888 to 1950. Seehow NPC constructed the beautiful Park seen today and several of the earliest attractions such as the Journey Behind the Falls and Floral Showhouse.

• Return of the Canada’s Longest Running Fireworks Series
  

  Fireworks over Niagara Falls

  Falls fireworks will take place on Friday, May 24, Sunday, May 26, and Monday, May 27 at 10 p.m., and will continue every Friday, Sunday, and holiday until September 1, preceded by the popular Coca Cola Concert Series on the Victoria Park Stage. The best views are in Queen Victoria Park overlooking Niagara Falls.

• 2013 Coca-Cola Concert Series
  Join us at Victoria Park Stage for a night of great entertainment! Concerts start at 8 p.m. followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.May 24 – Max Hillier & Gatorbait
  May 26 – New York Minute
  May 27 – Rich & the Poor Boys

More About Queen Victoria Park

Tasked with the stewardship and protection of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, The Niagara Parks Commission established Queen Victoria Park as a public asset, to foster the preservation and enjoyment of Niagara Falls for future generations.

Bounded by the steep Fallsview moraine and the Niagara River Gorge, the Park contains a valuable collection of unique native and international plants and beautifully maintained gardens. According to the Annual Report of the Commission in 1888, Queen Victoria Park was opened to the public on the 24th day of May in honour of the 69th birthday of Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Victoria.

You may have seen the stunning new video from our friends at Visit Niagara Canada, showcasing just a handful of the fantastic things to see and do in Niagara, but can you name them? How about this short snippet?

This couple is visiting the Laura Secord Homestead in Niagara Parks, just one of the many heritage sites that have been preserved for future generations. Here you can step into the past and learn about Canada’s most famous heroine and her perilous journey in the service of her country.

This beautiful home was the residence of Laura Secord from 1803 until 1835. Ransacked by invading American soldiers during the Battle of 1812, this lovingly restored homestead offers guided tours by costumed interpreters, as well as informational displays that will captivate you with the incredible tales of this courageous Canadian icon.

2013 also marks the year of the Laura Secord Commemorative Walk: a 32-km journey in her footsteps, from her homestead in Queenston, Ontario to Decew House in Thorold. There are also a number of shorter options for those that do not wish to take the full journey. Visit the Friends of Laura Secord website to learn more about the events during the walk and to register.

Admission to the Laura Secord Homestead is $9.50 for adults and $6.25 for children. As always, children five and under are admitted free of charge to all Niagara Parks attractions and sites. You can also save over 35% with the Niagara Heritage Trail Pass, which includes admission to Laura Secord Homestead, Old Fort Erie, Mackenzie Printery and McFarland House. Discover the Heroes and Legends of 1812!

Since opening on May 24, 1888, Queen Victoria Park has been the heart of Niagara Parks, playing a vital role in preserving the rich heritage and natural beauty of Niagara Falls.

To mark the historic 125th anniversary of the public opening of this park, we’re launching a special 125 Memories of Niagara Parks photo contest through our Facebook page. Stop by and ‘Like’ us, and keep an eye out later this week for more details on our page. You’ll be able to share your own photos, stories, and vote on your favourites.

And this weekend is a perfect time to build even more great memories of Niagara Parks. Check out these great commemorative events:

• Friday, May 17, 8 – 10 p.m.
  Special season opening concert by the Mantini Sisters on the Victoria Park Stage, followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Saturday, May 18 11 a.m.
  Special public rededication ceremony and plaque unveiling with dignitaries in front of Queen Victoria Place 12 p.m. – Ceremonial cake cutting (free for public – first come, first served)
• Wednesday, May 29 6 p.m.
  Canadian Air Force Snowbirds Exhibition over the Falls
  The one and only Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing their legendary air show demonstration over Niagara Falls for the first time!  Using this unique and famous landmark as the perfect backdrop, this singular opportunity to see a 25 minute formation display of Military precision featuring all nine Canadian Forces tutors in perfect unison and only inches apart will be a memorable event enhanced by live commentary from the Snowbirds. The show will be announced by Skyboss David Whyte at the Table Rock Welcome Centre. For the best seats to capture this show, be sure to reserve your space:Table Rock’s Horseshoe Landing Patio (905) 354-3631
  Queen Victoria’s Park’s Edgewaters Restaurant (905) 356-2217
• Friday, May 17 – Sunday, June 16, open daily
  

  Fireworks over Niagara Falls

  Free feature exhibit open to the public in the Victoria Park Gift Shop, depicting the early years of Queen Victoria Park from 1888 to 1950. See how NPC constructed the beautiful Park seen today and several of the earliest attractions such as the Journey Behind the Falls and Floral Showhouse.

• Return of the Falls Fireworks Series
  The Victoria long weekend also marks the return of Canada’s longest-running fireworks series. Falls fireworks will take place on Friday, May 17, Sunday, May 19, and Monday, May 20 at 10 p.m., and will continue every Friday, Sunday, and holiday until September 1, preceded by the popular Coca Cola Concert Series on the Victoria Park Stage. The best views are in Queen Victoria Park overlooking Niagara Falls. For full concert listings, visit www.niagaraparks.com.

More About Queen Victoria Park

Tasked with the stewardship and protection of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, The Niagara Parks Commission established Queen Victoria Park as a public asset, to foster the preservation and enjoyment of Niagara Falls for future generations.

Bounded by the steep Fallsview moraine and the Niagara River Gorge, the Park contains a valuable collection of unique native and international plants and beautifully maintained gardens. According to the Annual Report of the Commission in 1888, Queen Victoria Park was opened to the public on the 24th day of May in honour of the 69th birthday of Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Victoria.

Left: White and Red Trilliums, Right: Blue Spotted Salamander

Signs of spring are all around us these days in the nature areas of Niagara Parks.  With this beautiful weather, our local wildlife has suddenly become very active!

Male turkeys (toms) are strutting their stuff for the females, baby geese (goslings) are playing in the grass, snakes are leaving their hibernacula and basking in the sun, salamanders are slithering their way through the mud, and several species of birds have migrated back to the Niagara River and are busy building their nests.

Even the trees have come out of ‘hibernation’!  Many of our native species such as maples and willows are starting to flower with their leaves not far behind.  A variety of flowering crab apple trees along the parkway are also showcasing their brilliant pink and white blooms in contrast to the bright yellow daffodils.  Spring ephemerals such as Red and White Trilliums, Wild Columbine, and Dutchman’s Breeches are also starting to inch their way out of the ground in the Niagara Glen to display their unique short-lived flowers.

Over the next few weeks, the assortment of these blooming species will continue to change.  Only solution to seeing all of them; come back often!

Where does the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory get its butterflies? We think it’s important to support nature’s wonders, and our friends at the El Bosque Nuevo Butterfly Farm agree!

This incredible, self-sufficient farm in Guanacaste, Costa Rica started in 1995 and practices integrated agro-forestry, planting local species, several crops, and host plants needed for adult butterflies and their pupae. The best part? 100% of their profit is used for reforestation, rainforest conservation and research!

Check out this fantastic video showcasing their efforts. Looks like another shipment of butterflies is on its way to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory!