Next up was a trip over the border to check out Toronto and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. All we needed was to be vaccinated, a negative COVID test (less than 72 hours old), a 14 day quarantine plan, a completely filled out ArriveCan application, and less than $20 worth of cheese…what could be easier!?!
We found a nice RV site in a nature preserve on the south west side of Lake Ontario in a town called Grimsby, ON. Conveniently located between Toronto and Niagara Falls, Grimsby is also next to the city of Hamilton, where some friends of ours live.
Devil’s Punchbowl, Hamilton, ON – The things you learn…Hamilton is the city of waterfalls! Split into two distinct elevations by a geological ridge named after the famous falls, the Niagara escarpment, Hamilton has 130 water falls! Including this 120’ pour into the Devil’s Punchbowl.
Adventure Stair’s, Hamilton, ON – Also called Uli’s stairs, this 305 step staircase was created in the early 2000’s by a retired steel factory owner to connect upper and lower Hamilton. The city has absolved itself from liability by posting signs warning against using the makeshift stairs…like that’s ever worked!
Downtown Toronto, ON – Toronto’s iconic CN tower, built by the Canadian National railway company as a communications tower (completed in 1976). Until 2007 it was the world’s tallest free standing structure.
CN Tower, Toronto, ON – Looking north from the observation deck, we became part of the 2 million international tourists that visit the tower annually.
CN Tower, Toronto, ON – Looking west with Lake Ontario in the distance.
Casa Loma, Toronto, ON – Once the largest private residence in Canada, this 98 room castle is now a museum and monument to the opulence of the late 1800’s electricity boom. With inspiration from castles he saw as a teenager in Europe, financier Henry Pellatt built Casa Loma with proceeds from his 21 company monopoly, including the Toronto Electric Light Company. Sadly, or perhaps fittingly, Pellatt lost the house and most of his belongings after bankrupting himself, having only lived in Casa Loma for 10 years.Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, ON – The largest of the 3 falls that make up Niagara Falls.
Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, ON – One of the many boat tours in the mist of Horseshoe Falls.
Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, ONAmerican & Bridal Veil Falls, Niagara Falls, ON – The “smaller” of the Niagara Falls. American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls (seen here on the right) represent only 10 percent of the water flow over the Niagara gorge. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Toronto, ON – Located at the base of the CN Tower, the has the longest viewing tunnel in North America. Best enjoyed by standing on the moving conveyor. The tunnel passes through over 766,000 gallons of water.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Toronto, ON – The tunnel provides great opportunities for up close encounters with the sharks and turtles. Unless you’re a terrified child who screamed through the entire passage. Ever heard a full volume screech in an acrylic tube!?!
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Toronto, ON – One of the impressive displays in the Planet Jellies exhibit.
