Niagara On The Lake - Our First 'Harvest Host' Overnight Stay

The Niagara Peninsula

The area we are in is known as The Niagara Peninsula, the narrow neck of land located between Lake Erie to the south and Lake Ontario to the north, stretching to Hamilton in the west and the Niagara River (which borders the USA) in the east. 

Vineyards are everywhere throughout the region

The Niagara Peninsula is well known for its extensive vineyards and winemaking industry, being the largest and most concentrated winemaking region in Canada. The area has a unique microclimate, which creates ideal conditions for a variety of grape cultivators and the production of world-class wines and ice wine. 

Strewn Winery - our home for the night

We have heard of "Harvest Host", a program providing RVers with overnight stays at unique locations like farms, wineries and breweries, in exchange for them to patronize the host business. Strewn Wineries is on the list so we head over and buy a nice bottle of wine, which allows us to spend the night. We will definitely look more into this shared arrangement next year :)

Bottle of 2020 Cabernet Franc from Strewn Winery

Wayne Gretzky Winery 

With the rig safely parked, we head out on bikes through the vineyards on our way to the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. We have been enjoying red wines from The Wayne Gretzky winery called Baco Noir. They happen to be on our route. 

Old Fort Niagara in Youngstown, New York

We come to the mouth of the Niagara River and right across the water is the American fort called 'Old Fort Niagara' in Youngstown, New York.

Fort George 

Just down the bike path is Canada's Fort George National Historic Site. Unfortunately it is closed so we can just see the outside walls.

This trip has been such a great geography lesson and eye opener as to how strategic these forts were back in the day when the British and Americans were constantly warring over land. Yesterday we stood at Fort Erie where the Niagara River flows north out of Lake Erie, and today we stand at Fort George where the same Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario creating a natural boarder between Canada and the USA. So amazing.

Cool picture of the fort walls

Prince of Wales Hotel

After biking down the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, we head into the downtown of Niagara On The Lakes. We ask each other if we are in Canada? This town known for its well preserved 19th century architecture and Victorian charm clearly has strong historical ties to the British Empire. 

Flowers galore :)

19th Century buildings in Niagara On The Lakes

We pass Jackson Triggs winery on our way to the RV

The sun is setting earlier every night and we need to get back to our rig before it's dark as we are biking on the narrow vineyard roads. 

We get back to the RV just as it's getting dark and make a nice supper to enjoy our Strewn Winery bottle of wine with. 

Fort Erie National Historic Site and an afternoon at The Fort Erie Horse Race Track

Fort Erie National Historic Site

A visit to Fort Erie National Historic Site has been on our radar since reading the book 'Canada in 10 Maps' by Adam Shoalts, given to us by our son Gerrit.

From its construction in 1764, the fort functioned as a logistical hub for British troops, Loyalist Rangers and Six Nations Warriors as well as a port for vessels carrying supplies, merchandise and passengers to the Upper Great Lakes region.

Buffalo, New York across the water

Situated on the confluence of Lake Erie and the Niagara River, Fort Erie's location made it a crucial military and supply post. 

Known as Canada's bloodiest battlefield during the War of 1812, it was a key site of conflict between American and British forces during the war. 

During the War of 1812, the fort's important strategic location saw it change hands multiple times between British and American forces, culminating in a significant siege and heavy fighting in 1814 where in July of that year the Americans actually seized the fort. 

In early November 1814, with winter approaching and news of another British attack coming, the American army destroyed the fort and retreated across the Niagara River. 

The current structure was rebuilt using original material as much as possible. 

We thoroughly enjoy this reconstructed site. 

 

First time at the Horse Races :)

After the fort we head over to the Fort Erie Horse Race track. I have never been to a horse race before but Chris used to go in Edmonton with a few friends now and then. 

Showing the horses out back

There are 6 races today and after watching the first two from the bleachers, we figure out the process. First the horses coming up to race are paraded around in a pre-parade ring paddock out back of the track. This gets the horses blood flowing and muscles warming plus, it allows people wanting to place a bet to view the horses before the small specialized saddle and jockey are on board. 

Lead pony with the starting horse

Then the starting horse is saddled and the jockey gets on to be accompanied by a 'Lead Pony' from the paddock to the post (starting gate)  

And they're off...

The actual starting gate is down the track from us as they are running 3/4 mile races today so we don't get to see the starts. The horses fly around the track and finish right in front of us. 

Our horse is dead last - not even in the picture :(

After going through the whole process of viewing the horse pre race, we decide to place a whopping $5 bet on a horse we think looks good...

Dead last loser... Now we know why we don't bet on the horses :)

 

A day at Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls

Today is a bucket list day at Niagara Falls. It is absolutely stunning and mind boggling at the amount of water that falls everyday 24/7. Without a drone we are unable to capture how broad the falls are so we take a picture of a picture. The American Falls are on the left with Bridal Veil Falls basically a part of them but on the right end.  Horseshoe Falls is on the right and 90% of it is in Canada :)

Above the falls the Niagara River splits with the majority of the flow going over the Horseshoe Falls and the remaining 10% going over the American and Bridal Veil Falls. 

Lots of tourists from all over the world! Apparently we are here on a slow day where only about 5000 people take the Hornblower Boat ride into the falls. Summer peak days around 10,000 per day step on board. Talk about a money machine as it cost $97 for just the two of us. 

After the falls we head up to Clifton Hills. We had no idea this entertainment district existed in Niagara Falls. It's a carnival-like atmosphere with a wide variety of attractions, restaurants and shops. 

We listen to some live music and walk the streets.

Chris loves this guys guitar- Gibson Jumbo made of Maple

Clifton Hills entertainment district

Skylon Tower

Eventually we land at the Skylon Tower where we have a dinner reservation at the top :)

Built in 1964, it stands 160 meters (520ft) tall and goes 11 meters (50 ft) under ground. On a clear day you can see 129kms (80 miles)

This tower was the first major structure in the world to use 'Slip Form' building techniques. Basically concrete was poured 1" every 10 minutes around the clock for 38 days straight. Wow. 

The 'Yellow Bug' elevator seen just at the bottom of the tower goes 152 meters (500 ft) per minute so it takes us about 1 minute to get to the top. 

Various vessels that attempt to go over the falls

Just before we head up the tower we poke our heads into the Daredevil Museum room that showcases actual barrels and the stories of individuals who attempted to go over Niagara Falls. Some make it out alive while others have perished. 

Horseshoe Falls from top of Skylon Tower

We couldn't have a better table with an amazing view of Niagara Falls right out our table. Horseshoe is the largest of the three major waterfalls collectively known as Niagara Falls, clearly taking its name from the long curved shape. It's 820 meters in length and the falls are over 50 meters high. Impressive.

Great meal and craft beer :)

After supper we head out onto the viewing platform just in time for the sunset. Perfect end to our Skylon Tower experience.

Sun still illuminating the USA

When we leave the tower, the sun is still hitting the tops of the buildings in Niagara, New York, USA and the The American Falls. 

Horseshoe Falls lit up at night

It's been a busy day so we head back to Table Rock where we started our day from. Table Rock used to be a large rock slab that jutted out over the gorge. It has long since collapsed but the name still remains as a main viewing area of Horseshoe Falls. The falls are lit up by now so it's a fitting good-bye.

Colors change regularly

The Welland Canal from Port Colborne to St. Catharines PLUS The Niagara Grape and Wine Festival :)

Large vessel at the mouth of Lake Erie

Our day starts in Port Colborne, which is the southern end of the Welland Canal, a crucial shipping canal linking Lake Erie to Lake Ontario, allowing large vessels to bypass the unnavigable Niagara Falls. 

Hopkins Swing Bridge on the Welland Canal

We bike up the Welland Canal to the Hopkins Swing Bridge (circa 1890), which still opens regularly for boat traffic. Being a resident in these lock towns must sometimes be a bit annoying if you are trying to get anywhere fast. Thankfully there is an actual schedule of boat traffic so you can time your driving day to a certain extent.  

Lock 8 viewing platform

The Welland Canal stretches from Port Weller on Lake Ontario to Port Colborne on Lake Erie, with a series of eight locks lifting ships up the Niagara Escarpment. We bike up to Lock 8, which regulates water levels between Lake Erie and the canal. 

Beautiful flowers around the viewing platform

Lock 8 Welland Canal

Notice how close the swing bridge arm is to the cruise ship :)

The 44.4 km (27.6 mile) canal enables continuous navigation between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. This cruise ship fits perfectly with not much room to spare. 

Beautiful mural of the Welland Canal

Our home for 3 nights right along the Niagara River

We bike back to our rig and head to Riverside Park where we will be staying for the next 3 nights. 

Museum of Welland Canal plus other local interests. 

Next we drive to St. Catharines Museum, which is the location of the viewing platform for Lock 3 of the Welland Canal. Port Weller, which is the location on Lake Ontario where the Welland Canal begins is near by. From here it is across Lake Ontario and into the St. Lawrence seaway for access to the Atlantic ocean. 

Just a tiny ship in this massive lock 1

This little ship is in the lock as we arrive. It looks pretty tiny compared to the ship we have come to see. Using the ship schedule on-line, we are expecting to watch a ship called 'Thunder Bay' come through the lock. 

Thunder Bay vessel passing under the QEW

Right on time the little boat exits the lock on the right and we see Thunder Bay steaming under the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) as the Homer Lift Bridge has already opened for it to pass. 

 

Thunder Bay ship entering Lock 1 on the Welland Canal

Ships like Thunder Bay are called 'Lakers' specifically built to operate within the freshwater of the Great Lakes system. They are designed for maximum cargo capacity within the canal's lock dimensions.

Thunder Bay slowly moving forward

St. Catharines museum and grounds

While the ship Thunder Bay finishes moving totally within the lock and water begins to fill raising her up, we have about 15 or 20 minutes to do a quick walk through the museum and grounds before she'll be moving out of the lock. 

Directional distance sign :)

Picture of a picture of a ship coming under the QEW and lift bridge

Old car display

I think we'll pay more than this tomorrow :)

Thunder Bay raised up in the lock

We head back outside of the museum to the viewing platform and Thunder Bay is now raised up and showing her true size. She is absolutely ginormous filling the lock

Notice how tight she fits the lock

Thunder Bay is totally raised up in the lock and she slowly begins to move forward out of the lock into the Welland Canal. She will continue farther along the canal and eventually through locks 4-7 and into lock 8, which we visited this morning to end up in Lake Erie. 

These locks are amazing engineering wonders. 

The Niagara area has a ton of wineries

Next up on the agenda is The Niagara Grape and Wine Festival, a major annual event in St. Catharines. This is the 74th year of celebrating the region's winemaking heritage with wine tastings, local food and live music all taking place in the historic Montebello Park. 

A rose garden in the park

Great live music all night. 

A wonderful night of wine, food and music :)