Straight Talk: There is more to see in Niagara than the falls

Norm Puttick

NORM PUTTICK/Straight Talk

We have not defined what a tourist is in Niagara. I state this because over the last several months, RoseMarie and I have had some of the most enjoyable side trips right here in the region.

During July and August we made five trips to Ontario’s north: From Barry’s Bay and Dorset to Halliburton; Lakes Rosseau and Muskoka with the circle route from Bracebridge to Gravenhurst over to Bala and Minett. Great accommodation and awe-inspiring lake and mountain views.

However even though we try to drive north on a Saturday or Sunday to miss some of the weekday traffic at Toronto, we have out of the five trips hit traffic coming home through Toronto and highways 400 and 401 that all but nullified the relaxation we enjoyed.

I am a “tourist” in the north and appreciated by the locals. Likewise RoseMarie and I have made daily trips to sites in Niagara that are equally awe inspiring no matter how many times we visit. A few days ago we drove to Pelham and viewed the fall colours. We zigged and zagged the many hilly roads through Effingham and up Sulphur Spring Road.

We always stop at a wide babbling stream and just listen. Nothing to hear but the ripple of water over rocks. We saw no other cars.

We stop at the pumpkin farm. Side trips have taken us to Crystal Beach and Port Colborne. Fort Erie along the River is a great place to find a restaurant. Wainfleet along the lake is beautiful. Of course we never tire of Port Dalhousie. Niagara-on-the-Lake for Niagara locals is a great daily trip.

Grimsby I learned several years ago has a beach. Welland seeps with history if you look. Lincoln has a women’s clothing store that sells mostly made in Canada. I sit in the car and read while RoseMarie is exploring this shop.

Thorold and its canal lock always pleases.

The Niagara River and Chippawa have history unequalled in many spots in Ontario.

RoseMarie and I make lunch stops and some shopping other than malls as we move about the region.

I guess we are what is called “playing tourist” as listed above. But who knows who we are when we spend money? Isn’t that what tourism is all about?

I often think how many jobs would be created if we just did not advertize “special events in Niagara” but let the areas of Toronto and Hamilton know what we have every day.

If you have not explored Niagara, I suggest you do so. Pick a city or town and go. Buy something in the many shops and have lunch. And don’t forget you are probably within a half-hour from home and there is no hotel room to buy.

It will help the Niagara economy if you play tourist in all of Niagara. I know you will be surprised the enjoyment you will find.

No, I did not forget Niagara Falls, but that is the point. There is more to see in Niagara than just the Falls.

Have fun in all of Niagara.

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Written by on October 30, 2012 in Opinion, Straight Talk / PUTTICK - 3 Comments

3 Comments on "Straight Talk: There is more to see in Niagara than the falls"

  1. TOURISM PERSON October 30, 2012 at 9:41 am · Reply

    Hi Norm,
    Should you and RoseMarie be looking for something else in Niagara to do, I operate a tour operation that visits the Underground Railroad sites in Niagara. I am a descendant of a slave that came to Fort Erie in 1851. I have copied and pasted my public tour which is coming up on November 17th should that be of interest to you. Hope to see you on tour.
    NIAGARA CANADA
    UNDERGROUND RAILROAD ERA TOUR
    Saturday, November 17, 2012
    10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

    Once again, Niagara Bound Tours is offering a public tour of the Underground Railroad sites in the Niagara region. The history here is rich and plentiful.
    Come and join a tour which is informative and interesting with many sites to see. Sites included in tour are the landing point of Josiah Henson, the character used in the book “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, the church attended by Harriet Tubman, grave of Anthony Burns and much, much more.
    The tour is conducted by a descendant of a Freedom Seeker that came from Kentucky around the time of the Fugitive Slave Act.
    Hear the stories and the history of these remarkable people who escaped slavery for freedom and the people that assisted them.
    Cost per person is $40.00. Reservations required. Location to meet will be given once you are registered.
    Bring your lunch or order a bagged lunch from Niagara Bound Tours for $10.00 each.
    Deadline for reservations November 10, 2013!
    To register call 905-685-5375 or email contact@niagaraboundtours.com Looking forward to seeing you!

  2. Janice Wing October 31, 2012 at 9:10 am · Reply

    A great piece, Norm. Bravo!

  3. Norm Puttick November 1, 2012 at 10:37 am · Reply

    Re tour. I will see if change date that conflicts with tour. As an aside at my age moving the body is paramount. We try to plan ahead and get out as much as possible. I am told it keeps you
    young!!!

    Good luck and hope your tour is full.Also call 289.929.0149 or email pconradi@line2revenuesystems.com and ask Peter to give you a free one time shot for an ad.Tell him I asked you to contact. Good cause for all Niagara citizens and students.

    To Janet: Thanks for your comment. Perhaps a motion at Council to support the tour?

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About the Author

Norm Puttick

Norm Puttick has been an elected member of Niagara Falls and Regional councils for 44 years. The Falls native, who was defeated in the last municipal election, spent 27 years as the manager in a small loans business on Queen Street. It was his time there that gave him insight into many of our area's social issues. And he has never been shy about sharing his views, which is where Straight Talk comes in. This is actually the revival of a column he wrote for a new defunct weekly newspaper in Niagara Falls. We hope you'll enjoy this first of many offerings. Don't be afraid to let him know what you think of his opinions.