Niagara Parks Blog

The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) is pleased to announce a number of exciting events taking place over the Victoria Day Long Weekend:

Fireworks over Niagara Falls

Return of the Falls Fireworks Series
The first long weekend of the summer marks the return of Canada’s longest-running fireworks series. The fireworks will take place on Friday, May 18, Sunday, May 20, and Monday, May 21 at 10 p.m., and will continue every Friday, Sunday, and holiday throughout the summer until September 2. The best views are in Queen Victoria Park overlooking Niagara Falls. Please note: all dates are subject to change and dependent upon weather and wind conditions.

Long Weekend Coca Cola Concert Series Lineup
Free concerts take place at 8 p.m. at the Illumination Tower Stage, located in Queen Victoria Park at the bottom of Murray Hill, next to Victoria Place (home of Edgewaters Restaurant and Riverview Family Buffet). Come out early and enjoy some live entertainment before the fireworks countdown at 10 p.m.

Friday, May 18 – The Athertones
Sunday, May 20 – Lowdown
Monday, May 21 – Rich and the Poorboys

Battle of Culloden Re-enactment at Old Fort Erie
Join in the traditions of 18th century Scotland and experience the dramatic recreation of the 1745 Jacobite uprising at Old Fort Erie. There will be battle re-enactments on-site daily at 2:30 p.m. as well as traditional Scottish sport, dance, and food. Admission to battle re-enactments is free; regular admission applies for entrance to the Fort: $12.25 for adults, $7.95 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under admitted FREE. For more information, please call (905) 871-0540. Old Fort Erie is located at 350 Lakeshore Road, Fort Erie, only 20 minutes south of Niagara Falls along the Niagara Parkway.

Hydrangea Display

Annual Hydrangea Display at the Floral Showhouse
The Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse is currently featuring its annual Hydrangea Display. Features include hanging baskets, some over five feet wide, overflowing with colourful Hydrangeas, as well as forced Foxglove and Delphinium will their spectacular display of blues, pinks and white.

Located at 7145 Niagara Parkway a short walk south of the Falls, admission to this beautiful venue $5 per person. The Floral Showhouse is open daily from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Starting on Saturday, May 19, closing time will be extended until 8 p.m. Parking is available on-site.

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.

On the morning of May 2, 2012, Nik Wallenda and the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC) were pleased to announce that after much speculation, the official date that Wallenda will tightrope walk across Niagara Falls is June 15, 2012. 

Wallenda, who obtained approval from both U.S. and Canadian officials to attempt this feat, plans to cross the Niagara Gorge on Friday, June 15, beginning at 9 p.m. Wallenda will make the approximate 550-metre (1,800-foot) crossing above the world-renowned Horseshoe Falls.

In announcing the walk, Wallenda stated, “This has been a dream of mine ever since I saw Niagara Falls for the first time when I was six years old. I fully expect this to be only the beginning of my life long relationship with Niagara Falls.”

According to NPC Chair Janice Thomson, “Given Niagara’s storied history with stunting and daredevil attempts, it is appropriate that Niagara Falls serve as the backdrop for this event; one which pays tribute to the individuals and performances of long ago, while highlighting Niagara Parks’ ongoing role as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. This event will allow NPC and our colleagues at the New York State Park to showcase our world-class venues and inspire all those who wish to make Niagara their vacation destination of choice.”

Wallenda’s tightrope walk is expected to draw more than 120,000 people between both Parks to witness the event firsthand. A major American television network will broadcast Wallenda’s historic high wire walk live, enabling millions of viewers to watch worldwide.

For more information, CLICK HERE.

World’s Tallest Flower at the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse

Bloom Update:
The second flower was in full bloom on Tuesday, May 15, and is now in decline, but still on display. Staff are now gathering pollen, which can be stored for years when frozen.

View Photo Album

View Time-Lapsed Video
courtesy of the Toronto Star

May 5, 2012 - The first plant in full bloom. Wayne Hoeschle, caretaker of the plant, stands beside the massive flower

The Niagara Parks Commission is pleased to announce that it has two of the tallest flowers in the world growing on site in the Floral Showhouse.

EXTENDED HOURS OF OPERATION
Because of all the excitement surrounding this rare plant, the Floral Showhouse has extended their hours to 9:30am-9:00pm daily until May 16, and we will return to 9:30am-5:00pm starting May 17.

Image of mature plant, courtesy of Louis M. Ricciardiello.

A special thanks to Sonia Day, Toronto Star garden columnist and author who joined us for a Mother’s Day book signing.
Read her article

BACKGROUND
The Amorphophallus titanum, or Titan Arum, is a massive bell-shaped flower up to three metres in height. Aside from its size, the Titan Arum is also known for its unique smell. After flowering, a single leaf emerges in the place of the blossom, which is the size of a small tree, standing up to six metres tall and five metres across. This flower is exceedingly rare to see. Until 1989, only 21 flowerings were recorded to have occurred in botanical gardens worldwide.

The two dormant corms (bulb like structures) were donated to NPC by Louis M. Ricciardiello of Gilford, New Hampshire. At the time when they were donated, each corm weighed 68 kilograms (150 lbs). The floral buds are steadily growing an average of an inch a day, and are expected to open in about three to five weeks. Each open bloom will last less than one week. Weekly updates on the growth and bloom of the plants will be posted on the blog. CLICK FOR PHOTOS.

The plants are currently on display at the Floral Showhouse. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Showhouse is located just south of the Horseshoe Falls, at 7145 Niagara Parkway. Admission to the facility is $5 for adults and $3.75 for children 6-12 (excluding taxes), with monies generated being reinvested into the maintenance and care of the magnificent conservatory and surrounding gardens, as well as into additional programming and new exhibits. For an additional $5, residents of Ontario may also upgrade to a season’s pass, to return as often as they like as displays are changed throughout the year. Parking is also available on site.

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, 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.

The Niagara Parks Commission is pleased to announce that its heritage sites are now open for the 2012 season. 2012 marks the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, which is of particular significance as Niagara Parks encompasses a unique landscape that is rich in historical and natural significance. Over 100 monuments and plaques that identify the landmarks, events and persons important to the history of the region are placed along the Niagara Parkway, a roadway that follows the Niagara River through Niagara Parks from Fort Erie north to Niagara-on-the-Lake on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Main Niagara Parks heritage sites include Old Fort Erie, Laura Secord Homestead, the Mackenzie Printery and McFarland House. All were recently restored in preparation for the bicentennial celebration of 200 years of peace between Canada and the United States.

Laura Secord Homestead

The Laura Secord Homestead was the start of her infamous journey to warn the British of an American attack, which would eventually make her an internationally-known Canadian Heroine. Today, her home is used as an educational site, where the story of Laura Secord’s 32 km journey is told, as well as demonstrations of how people lived and dressed back during the War of 1812. Located at 29 Queenston Street, Queenston, the site has a brand-new Visitor Centre and Gift Shop. Be sure to visit the very spot that a historical journey began almost 200 years ago.

Nearby, the Mackenzie Printery is where rebel publisher William Lyon Mackenzie  published

The Mackenzie Printery

The Colonial Advocate on one of the first print-presses in Canada.  His publications eventually led to the ill-fated Upper Canada Rebellion in York (modern day Toronto) in 1837. Today, it is  home to a 200 year old printing press, which is used for educational demonstrations for the public. The Mackenzie Printery is located at 1 Queenston Street in Queenston, Ontario, just 15 minutes north of the Falls on the Niagara Parkway, and right around the corner from the Laura Secord Homestead.

McFarland House Staff in Period Costume

The McFarland House on the other hand was used as a military hospital for both British and American troops. The site, along with the battery nearby, changed hands several times during the war, but was well-preserved due to its prime location. It also served as the launch point of the British troops when they attacked Fort Niagara in Lewiston, NY in 1813.   Built by John McFarland in the 1790s, the house is one of the few original structures that was not destroyed by the fire set by the Americans in December 1813, making it one of the oldest homes in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Today, McFarland House conducts tours and also has a tea room on site in a new conservatory that was built for the Bicentennial in 2011. This historic homestead is located at 15927 Niagara Parkway, just south of the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Old Fort Erie has a history of its own. Originally built at the end of the Seven-Year War between the Natives and the French, Old Fort Erie was constructed in 1763. Half a century later, it would be the location of what has been described as “Canada’s Bloodiest Battlefield.” Over 3,000 troops were killed and wounded here during the Siege of Fort Erie from August 3 to September 21, 1814.  The site also has a rich history from other points in history, including the American Revolution and the Underground Railroad.

Old Fort Erie Battle Re-enactment

This year, just in time for the 1812 Bicentennial, Old Fort Erie has a series of special events and celebrations planned, all of which can be found at www.discover1812.com. Old Fort Erie is located at 350 Lakeshore Road, Fort Erie, about 20 minutes south from the Falls along the scenic Niagara Parkway.

Chippawa Battlefield Memorial

Along the way, there is also the memorial for the Battle of Chippawa, fought on July 5, 1814, and is considered to be the birthplace of the modern-day American army due to changes in the uniform. The Battle of Chippawa Memorial is located south of the village of Chippawa, and is close to Legends Golf Course.

Admission for all these attractions is included in the Niagara Parks Heritage Pass. For only $20.12, you get admission to the Laura Secord Homestead, Old Fort Erie, the Mackenzie Printery and McFarland House, plus valuable coupons for other heritage attractions, including Fort George, the Butterfly Conservatory and Sir Adam Beck Power Tours. Heritage Passes go on sale from June to September 2012, just in time for the Bicentennial celebrations!

The Niagara Parks Commission would like to extend an invitation to all mothers and their families for several events taking place on Mother’s Day at our restaurants and gardens.

The McFarland House, the Queenston Heights Restaurant, and the Elements on the Falls Restaurant will be hosting special Mother’s Day meals on May 13, 2012.

New Tea Room - Exterior

Bring Mom to historic McFarland House, where we will host Afternoon Tea in the new conservatory room. Here, there will be a selection of food and drink traditionally served at an English Tea meal. What was once a private home, the later a hospital during the War of 1812, the McFarland House is the oldest Niagara Parks property. It was restored in 2011 in preparation for the up-coming  Bicentennial of the War of 1812, with the brand new construction of a tea room conservatory.

The McFarland House is located just south of the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake along the Niagara Parkway. Admission to the McFarland House, including the conservatory, is $5 per person, and children 5 and under are FREE! Call 905-468-3322  for more information and reservations.

Queenston Heights Restaurant will also host its award-winning Mother’s Day Sunday Brunch.  A delicious meal for your entire family to enjoy, created by renowned Chef, Elbert Wiersema, using Niagara-grown ingredients. Take in the spectacular view of the Niagara River and Niagara’s wine country below while enjoying and a glass of VQA wine.

Located 15 minutes north of the Falls at the foot of Brock’s Monument, the Queenston Heights Restaurant is a favored Mother’s Day destination in the area. The meal is priced at $30 for adults, $26 for seniors (60+ years), and $15 for children (12 years and under). Call 905-262-4274 for more information and for reservations.

Elements on the Falls Restaurant will also be hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch. This is a chance to dine as close to the brink of the falls as possible, and take in the glorious view of the Horseshoe Falls as the water crashes over into the river below.

Elements on the Falls

A special menu has been prepared for this event. There is a choice of salad, cold seafood, hot entrées, and dessert, all for $30 for adults, $26 for seniors (60+ years), and $15 for children (12 years and under).

The Elements on the Falls Restaurant is located inside the Table Rock Visitor Centre, right at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls. Parking is available at the Falls Parking lot (entrance .5 km south of table rock). Call 905-354-3631 for more information and to reserve your seats. Reservations are recommended.

At the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse, there will be a book signing and photo op with Canadian author and Toronto Star garden columnist Sonia Day. She will be visiting the NPC’s Amorphophallus plant,  one of the tallest flowers in the world, which is featured in her new book, The Untamed Garden.

The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Floral Showhouse, located just south of the Horseshoe Falls, at 7145 Niagara Parkway. Admission to the facility is $5 for adults and $3.75 for children 6-12 (excluding taxes), with monies generated being reinvested into the maintenance and care of the magnificent conservatory and surrounding gardens, as well as into additional programming and new exhibits. For an additional $5, residents of Ontario may also upgrade to a season’s pass, to return as often as they like as displays are changed throughout the year. Parking is also available on site.

Click to learn more about the Sonia Day event.

For more information on more upcoming events, visit www.niagaraparks.com

After over 380 entries in the Niagara Parks’ “Name the Marmosets Contest”, the twin baby Marmosets finally have names!

We are very happy to officially introduce Cheeko and Bamboo! 

Cheeko and Bamboo, hanging out with Dad at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

The contest to name the baby Marmosets was held from mid-April to May 1, 2012. The winner, who came up with the names, is 11-year old Maddi Rogers from Niagara-on-the-Lake, ONT.

Contest winner Maddi Rogers and Kevin from Little Ray's Reptile Zoo, feeding Mamma Marmoset

Maddi did a project on Marmosets for her class at Crossroads Elementary School in Virgil, ONT. Staff at the Butterfly Conservatory and Little Ray’s couldn’t be more thrilled that she picked out the winning names and that she studied these tiny monkeys too!

Kevin of Little Ray's Reptile Zoo and Cheryl of the Butterfly Conservatory pose with Maddi and her prize basket

She wins a prize package valued at $325 includes four Niagara Falls Adventure Passes (2 Adults, 2 Children), two Family Passes to Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo in Ottawa, and rainforest souvenirs from the Butterfly Conservatory. Congratulations Maddi!

The marmosets are part of the  Life Under the Canopy — Animals of the Rainforest exhibit at the Butterfly Conservatory, which features several other animals from Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo of Ottawa, ONT. Originally, only two Marmoset monkeys were sent to the exhibit, but staff from both the Niagara Parks and Little Rays were thrilled when Mom and Dad welcomed twin babies on Feb 29, 2012.

The twin babies, now 10-weeks old, quickly become the star attractions of the exhibit. They have since grown both in size and in curiosity, now venturing away from their parents and playing around their home.

Staff from Little Ray’s lead all educational programs and host daily interactive sessions with the animals. Other rainforest animals on display include: Brazilian Short Tailed Opossum, Jungle Carpet Python, Red Footed Tortoise, Emperor Scorpions, Cuviers Dwarf Caiman, Panther Chameleon, White’s Tree Frog and the Reticulated Python.

The Twins and the other animals will only be here until May 11, 2012, so be sure to come out and see them before they’re gone!

Entrance to the exhibit is included with admission to the Butterfly Conservatory: $12.95 for adults (ages 13+), $8.25 for children (6-12 years), with children five and under admitted FREE (prices in Cdn. plus tax). Paid parking is available on-site.

The Butterfly Conservatory is currently open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last visitors admitted at 4:30 p.m.) with extended hours on holidays. Please call (905) 356-8119 or visit www.niagaraparks.com for more information.

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.

The Niagara Parks Commission is pleased to announce that the Canadian and International Garden Tourism Awards has named the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens as one of the Top 5 North American Gardens Worth Traveling For. 

A newlywed couple in the Botanical Gardens Hornbeam Ally

The Canadian and International Garden Tourism Awards named the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens as the only Ontario garden on the list, and one of only two Canadian gardens. For more information on the Award and the Canadian and International Garden Tourism Conference, please visit www.gardentourismconference.com/

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens

Known internationally for its beautiful gardens, the Botanical Gardens was established in 1936, and is run and maintained by the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture students. It is a popular location for weddings and professional photography, and it is FREE admission to the grounds.

The Botanical Gardens spans over 40 hectares (99 acres) and features perennials, rhododendrons, azaleas, a formal parterre garden, shade, herb and vegetable plantings,  a world-famous rose garden featuring over 2,400 roses, a butterfly garden, ponds and an arboretum featuring one of Canada’s finest collections of ornamental trees and shrubs.

Be sure to also visit the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, also located on-site at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens & School of Horticulture.

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.

On Sunday, May 13, Sonia Day, Canadian author and columnist for The Toronto Star, will be on0site at the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse for a book signing and photo op with fans and fellow garden-lovers alike. The event will take place between 2 and 4 p.m.

The author of well-known gardening books, such as  Incredible Edibles: 43 Fun Things to Grow in the City, Middle-Aged Spread, Moving to the Country at 50, and The Urban Gardener Series, will be visiting the Floral Showhouse to visit the gigantic Amorphophallus flower, which she talks about in her newest book The Untamed Garden. 

This massive flower can grow up to 3 metres tall and has already been the topic of Sonia’s column in the Toronto Star on April 27, 2012. The NPC is fortunate enough to have two of these massive flowers, both donated by Louis M. Ricciardiello. Sonia Day will be signing her books and taking photos beside this natural phenomena, which she has described as “one of Mother Nature’s most raunchy creations.”

For more information on the Niagara Parks’ Amorphophallus blooms, visit our blog post, which features links to the most up-to-date pictures of the flowers.

More information on the Sonia Day

More information on the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse

Hours of Operation & Location: the two plants are currently on display at the Floral Showhouse. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., this Niagara gem is located just south of the Horseshoe Falls, at 7145 Niagara Parkway.

Admission to the facility is $5 for adults and $3.75 for children 6-12 (excluding taxes), with monies generated being reinvested into the maintenance and care of the magnificent conservatory and surrounding gardens, as well as into additional programming and new exhibits. For an additional $5, residents of Ontario may also upgrade to a season’s pass, to return as often as they like as displays are changed throughout the year. Parking is also available on site.

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.

On sale now! 

For the best value to experience Niagara Parks’ attractions, purchase our Niagara Falls Adventure Pass.  You’ll get to experience four of the most popular attractions at Niagara Parks:  Journey Behind the Falls, Maid of the Mist, White Water Walk and Niagara’s Fury: The Creation of the Falls, as well as two-day all-day transportation on the in-park bus system.

Celebrate Earth Day at Niagara Parks
Saturday, April 21, 2012

In celebration of Earth Day, there are a variety of events that will take place on Saturday, April 21 within Niagara Parks. The Niagara Parks Commission (NPC)  is always a strong supporter of all green initiatives, and so this is a great day to come out and witness first hand the efforts that Niagara Parks goes to in order to do their part.

2nd Annual Spring Plant Sale
The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture will be holding its 2nd Annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in front of the Butterfly Conservatory.

2011 Plant Sale at the Botanical Gardens

A variety of plants will be on sale, all grown on-site at the Botanical Gardens. NPC staff and Master Gardener volunteers will also be available to answer any questions.Quantities are limited, so be sure to arrive early for the best selection.

NPC will be offering special discount admission to Butterfly Conservatory that day, with proof of purchase: $3 off for adults and $1 off for children, as well as a 25% discount on any purchase over $25 in the retail shop. It’s a must for garden-enthusiasts!

Earth Day with Friends of the Niagara Glen
At the Niagara Glen Nature Centre, the Friends of the Niagara Glen will be holding their 3rd Annual Earth Day Event from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The group and their partners will be showcasing various displays and educational materials about their conservation efforts. Members will also be providing guided hiking tours of the Glen, which is home to the greatest concentration of Species at Risk anywhere in Ontario. Those planning to spend the day at the Niagara Glen are encouraged to bring their own bagged lunch and refillable water bottles. Not only is this event FREE but it is a great idea for a family outing.

Hiking in the Niagara Glen

The Niagara Glen Nature Centre will be open for the day, where you will find members of the Niagara Land Trust (NLT) selling recycled rain barrels, in partnership with www.RainBarrel.ca, to help raise funds for their ongoing preservation work. The NLT is a non-profit charity that works to preserve Niagara’s ecological, agricultural and cultural landscapes today for future generations.

The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture is located at 2565 Niagara Parkway, with the Butterfly Conservatory situated on the property as well. The Niagara Glen Nature Centre is located at 3050 Niagara Parkway, across from the Whirlpool Golf Course.

Looking for more to do with your family? Many great Falls attractions are also open that day. Purchase your Niagara Falls Adventure Pass, which includes admission to Journey Behind the Falls, Maid of the Mist, Niagara’s Fury: The Creation of the Falls, and the White Water Walk.  Also, get $30 worth of exclusive money-saving coupons for shopping, dining, and additional attractions throughout Niagara Parks.

Be sure to visit for regular updates on the growth of the Amorphophallus Titanum, or Titan Arum, a massive bell-shaped flower that can grow up to three metres in height.

The dormant corms arrive at the Floral Showhouse December 7, 2011

December 7, 2011

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