Our Memorable Journeys

Day 1 - 8/31/2019 Our Journey Begins

Our goal for this trip is to dip our toes (or fingers) into each of the 5 Great Lakes. The majority of our time will be spent seeking new adventures along Lakes Huron, Superior, and Michigan. We both grew up and have lived in Upstate NY spending time along Lakes Ontario and Erie, so we plan to make brief stops at those lakes on our way out and back from the others.

The map at the left shows our travel route.

We left home bright and early and took the Thruway west. We crossed the Niagara River on the Peace Bridge into Canada and passed through Customs.

Peace Bridge

Canadian Customs

Tom grew up in the Buffalo area and he and his family took many trips across the Peace Bridge to have picnics and launch their motor boat on the Niagara River. So this was a trip down Memory Lane for him. We drove north along the river on the Niagara Parkway to the spectacular Horseshoe Falls where we spent some time along the walkway taking in the sights and sounds. The sheer power and beauty of the falls is absolutely amazing. I had forgotten about the 3rd falls—Bridal Veil Falls. One can walk from a magnificent view of the Bridal Veil Falls and American Falls to the very edge of the Horseshoe Falls in one lovely, uninterrupted path.

River Rapids Above Falls

Near the Edge

Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe and American Falls

Horseshoe

Horseshoe Falls and Mist

American and Bridal Veil Falls

We then drove north along the Niagara River and Canada’s wine country to Niagara-On-The-Lake (NOTL) which is located where the river meets Lake Ontario. It was a beautiful drive past several vineyards, orchards, and fruit stands. We made a few quick stops for views of the river and a picnic lunch.

NOTL is a lovely picturesque town…..beautiful scenery and flowers everywhere. The Heritage District is well kept with beautifully manicured streets. We took a stroll along Queen Street past the old apothecary, interesting shops and cafes, bell tower, and courthouse and then through some gorgeous neighborhoods and parks to Lake Ontario and Queen’s Royal Park. From the park gazebo you can see Fort Niagara across the river on the American side. We took a peaceful walk down to the lake along the shoreline and checked off our 1st Great Lake! Tom checked the water and said it was warm. It was a clear day and we could see the city of Toronto skyline across Lake Ontario.

Queen Street

Old Court House

NOTL Clock Tower

Prince of Wales Hotel

Queen's Royal Park Gazebo

Old Fort Niagara (USA)

Lake Ontario Walkway

Toronto Skyline across Lake Ontario

Trip Index

Previous Day

Next Day