Enterprise Canada
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ont. (June 21, 2017) – Niagara-on-the-Lake is getting ready to host thousands of visitors looking to celebrate Canada’s milestone 150th birthday on July 1.
Not only does the lakeside town have fascinating history — it was once the capital of Upper Canada and was pivotal in turning the tide of the War of 1812, which led to the birth of the nation — but also it’s surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including vineyards, fruit farms and the rugged Niagara River.
Tour operators across the region are going all out to give patriotic Canadians and visitors who want to share in the festivities reason to celebrate on Canada Day.
“We’re looking forward to a busy Canada Day long weekend and another strong summer,” says Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours president John Kinney. “What better way to celebrate Canada’s birthday than by getting out on the river to create some memories with your family or friends.”
Here are a few truly Canadian ideas for visitors to make the most of Canada Day in Niagara:
· Fort George National Historic Site in Niagara-on-the-Lake is ramping up its annual Canada Day party this year for the country’s big day. The fort, which helped turn the tide of the War of 1812, is open free until the end of the year. The July 1st festivities include a parade lead by the 41st Regiment Fife and Drum Corps, period music, canon and musket demonstrations and a night of entertainment, including a BBQ dinner, musical performances and a fireworks show.
· Explore Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake and soak up the history and charm of one of Canada’s prettiest towns. Once the capital of Upper Canada, Old Town has deep historic roots that stretch back well over 200 years. In addition to wonderful heritage buildings, Old Town has fantastic shopping in its many boutiques and specialty stores, as well as great dining and entertainment, including world-class theatre at the Shaw Festival. Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake is offering a guided walking tour on Canada Day at 11 a.m. Details here.
· The day after Canada’s birthday, on July 2nd, The Commons at Butlers Barrack’s National Historic Site in Niagara-on-the-Lake will host a birthday bash concert, featuring Canadian favourites City and Colour, Blue Rodeo, Starz and Dear Rouge. The event will be hosted by Letterkenny stars Jared Keeso (Wayne) and Nathan Dales (Daryl). More information is availablehere.
· For those who want to really experience the power and the majesty of the Niagara River, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours takes adventure-seeking passengers on unforgettable jet boat rides from the mouth of the Niagara River through the Class 5 Devil’s Hole Rapids and to just below the incredibly powerful Niagara Whirlpool. The trip includes commentary from guides on historic locations along the route. Passengers can get onboard at three departure points: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, Ont. (shuttle bus from Floral Clock on Niagara Parkway to Queenston dock) and Lewiston, N.Y.
· Visitors looking for a more leisurely boat tour on the Niagara River can go for a ride on the Niagara Belle, a fully restored New Orleans-style paddle wheeler. Niagara Sunset Cruises operates a variety of tours — including lunch and dinner cruises — aboard the Belle, taking passengers down the Lower Niagara River, through Queenston and Niagara-on-the-Lake, to the mouth of Lake Ontario. Tours depart from docks in Queenston. The Belle is offering a special three-hour Canada Day dinner cruise where passengers will end the night watching the spectacular fireworks show off Fort George from aboard the boat.
For more information, go to www.whirlpooljet.com.
