Boyle Family’s 1988 Canadian Vacation When our two boys were young in the year 1988 we took them up to see Canada. We traveled up the Northway to Montreal where we toured the old city with it’s Churches, Gardens and History. Then we drove to the old city of Quebec where we got a hotel right in the middle of things. While there saw a Archeological dig for the Pre-European village there before Quebec. After visiting Montreal and Quebec we drove up to Ottawa the Capital of Canada. We saw the changing of the Guard and visited the Canadian Air and Space Museum. Then traveled to Niagara Falls before we heading home again. Camera: Minolta 7000 MAXXUM Music: Ain’t she sweet by the Beatles

Finally, I had a chance to explore the great falls up close, actually as close as you can get: I walked down from the Niagara Falls Fallsview Casino to the Niagara River from where I had a great view of the American Falls. Just a few steps further I reached the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, the larger of the two. I had a quick lunch in the Table Rock Center and then headed into the basement where I started to explore a series of tunnels that terminate in two portals located behind the falls. Viewing the power of these majestic waterfalls from these openings and from the outside viewing platform is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

My first destination on this cold and grey winter day was the Skylon Tower, one of Niagara Falls' landmarks, which has been presiding over the city since 1965. I took one of the exterior "Yellow Bug" elevators" up to the top where there is an observation platform anchored by a gift shop. The 360 degree view was phenomenal, even on this less than perfect day. Then I headed down a level to check out the Revolving Dining Room, a long-time favourite for couples who want to savour a leisurely gourmet meal while enjoying a slowly rotating 360 degree view of Niagara Falls.

Niagara Canada of 1969 This is a slideshow of our three day Honeymoon and the pictures we took in Niagara Canada. We stayed in the Sheraton Block Hotel with a room overlooking the Niagara Falls. When we were there the water to the American Falls was diverted so they could work on the Falls. We took a Bell Helicopter ride over Niagara Falls and Valley where I got what I think are some nice pictures there is one picture of the helicopter. We hope you enjoy the show as much as we enjoyed our honeymoon in 1969. Music Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 1st Movement

A look at the tremendous power and beauty of the falls.

My last two nights in Niagara Falls were spent at the Kilpatrick Manor Bed and Breakfast, a two year old bed and breakfast on Second Street in Niagara Falls. Hosts Nance and Kevin Kilpatrick love providing an exquisite guest experience, and Nance showed me around their recently renovated and tastefully decorated property which features three comfortable bedrooms, all equipped with brand-new luxurious bathrooms. Kevin Kilpatrick, a professional chef, spoiled me with extremely delicious gourmet breakfasts and stories from Nance and Kevin's international hospitality adventures.

After my morning adventure at the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, I walked across the parking lot to the Niagara Falls Imax Theatre where I saw an Imax Presentation of the movie "Niagara" Miracles, Myths and Magic", which highlights significant points in the history of the great falls. Niagara's history is presented in greater than life format, from the ancient native legend of the "Maid of the Mist", to French explorers who were the first Europeans to see Niagara Falls, to more recent daredevils that have challenged the falls in various contraptions. After the movie I checked out the Daredevil Gallery which features the real vessels of numerous daredevils that have actually gone over the falls, with varying results.

My first adventure in Niagara Falls was really exciting: a scenic helicopter tour with Niagara Helicopters that would allow me to see one of the seven natural wonders of the world from the air. I had never been in a helicopter, so this definitely was going to be very special. I met the crew at Niagara Helicopters and even had a chance to interview the owner, Ruedi Hafen, a decorated helicopter pilot who has received many awards for running rescue missions and for his successful entrepreneurship. I then went up with my young pilot René who also hails from Switzerland and who gave me a personalized up-close look at Niagara Falls. He explained the cockpit of the helicopter to me and we even took off with a little dance. It was exhilarating to fly along the path of the Niagara River and to see all the main attractions of Niagara Falls from the air.

My last full day in Niagara Falls began with a scrumptious breakfast at the Kilpatrick Manor B&B, prepared by host and professional chef Kevin Kilpatrick. Now ready for a full-day of explorations, my husband and I headed off for a walk around Clifton Hill, one of Niagara Falls' major entertainment areas, which houses all sorts of gift shops, wax museums, haunted houses and other themed attractions. We continued down to the edge of the Niagara River and walked all the way to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Naturally we had to check out some of the attractions on Clifton Hill in detail and explored the curiosities at the Guiness Book of World Records museum as well as at Ripley's Believe It Or Not! We also caught a ride on the SkyWheel, a giant ferris wheel that provided us with a great view over the city on this crisp winter day.

Ottawa and Niagara Falls Canada After visiting Montreal and Quebec we drove up to Ottawa the Capital of Canada. We saw the changing of the Guard and visited the Canadian Air and Space Museum. Then traveled to Niagara Falls before heading home again. Camera: Minolta 7000 MAXXUM Music: Andante by Bach