Canada Crossroads Niagara Parkway
Canada Crossroads
Niagara Parkway
By Giles Kennedy
Family and Travel Columnist
There is so much more than Clifton Hill, the main thoroughfare of Niagara’s Resort District and Niagara Falls, New York.
The Niagara Falls Parkway/River Road is a natural beauty within itself.
Dozens of trails follow the path of the Niagara River, along the Fallsview area of the Parkway and much more.
Although the Parkway stretches from Niagara On The Lake (north) to Niagara Falls Proper (south); I will focus on a few key areas to enjoy.
Niagara Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory
https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/butterfly-conservatory/
https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/nature-garden/botanical-gardens-2/
On the northern end past Victoria Boulevard, lies one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
The Gardens have been there since 1932; the Butterfly Conservatory was opened in 1996.
The unique feature for both these natural beauties is; it’s a working college. The Niagara Parks School of Horticulture was the initial founding element.
The Butterfly Conservatory harvests 100 plus breeds of butterflies, totaling over 2,000 individual pollinators.
They are confined to the Conservatory. Host plants, waterfalls, streams and more help keep the collection happy and fed.
The Botanical Gardens have guided tours for $8, however you can explore the grounds for free.
The Butterfly Conservatory has availability to the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass (see website for details). They also have individual admission; $17.50 for adults. $11.50 for children 2-11, Kids 2 and below are free.
Just south of there along the Parkway is the Whirlpool Aero Car.
https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/whirlpool-aero-car
It is available for individual visitors with the same pricing scale as the Conversatory. It is also available with the Parks Adventure Pass.
The Aero Car (a cable railway with a gondola over The Niagara Gorge Whirlpool) has been an attraction for many years.
Down the way, scenic views of the Gorge are available with the White Water Walk.
https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/white-water-walk/
The trails are separate from the other Niagara Parks such as Queen Victoria Park, the Floral Clock, and other free venues.
The prices remain the same for individuals as previous attractions, as well in the Adventure Pass packages.
This series of trails overlooks the Whirlpool as well as the Gorge, north of the Falls area.
The natural beauty is worth the price of admission.
Whether you want to blow up bad guys in an arcade on Clifton Hill; or behold natural beauty along the Niagara River…Niagara has it all.
