Gaga over Niagara

Known for its quaint old-world charm, a 90-minute drive from downtown Toronto, the Niagara region is enchanting for its untouched natural beauty. There is a lot to discover beyond the sprawling vineyards (there are over 80 wineries) in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Replete with picture perfect views of the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls at the MistRider Zipline, the scenery left me entranced. There’s something thrilling about soaring high and fast toward the breathtaking natural beauty that takes you through the wide river gorge when you go zip zap zoom on the zipline. And this was just the beginning.

For an up close view of the magnificent Great Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the mighty Horseshoe Falls, sign up for the Hornblower Niagara Cruises. The catamarans take you to the heart of the action for a feel of the real thundering roar of the mighty falls. A visit to the Table Rock Plaza will let you experience the falls in all their glory. Descend by the elevator and stand behind the roaring water to witness the raw power of the waterfalls.

An aerial view from Niagara helicopters

Speed along the Niagara River, commonly referred to as the Mount Everest of rapids on the Whirlpool jet boat for a one-hour high-speed ride upriver into the Niagara Gorge, through the Devil’s Hole rapids, to the edge of the whirlpool, and back. If you want to tick skydiving off your bucket list, then head to the Niagara Skydive Centre. An action-packed week is guaranteed here.

The Niagara Falls by day

While the falls and adventure sports are the major pull for tourists, Niagara Falls is also known for its culinary delights. In fact, the culinary hotspots are generating quite an interest on their own. Among the eateries a must-visit is the Queen Victoria Place Restaurant that faces the falls and offers fine dining at its best.

The mistride zipline

After an adventure filled day, staying at the Hilton – Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites with a picture perfect view of the majestic falls from the room will leave you rejuvenated. So it was with a spring to my step that I boarded the Niagara Helicopters for a 360-degree view of the falls. Nothing gives you a better vantage point view of the falls than this ride. You can’t get enough of navigating around one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. By nighttime, I find myself here again, this time to witness the fireworks at Niagara.

The whirlpool jet boat rideAside from the place, it’s the p eople I was enthused by. The spiffily dressed yet humble Canadians left an indelible impression. They’re as large-hearted as their country (Canada is the second largest country after Russia). My quintessential Canadian experience, you ask? If I have to sum it up in one word — I would say — majestic.