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Showing posts with label Niagara Falls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Niagara Falls. Show all posts

Wednesday 20 December 2023

Chippawa Volunteer Fire Fighters Association

A Christmas Story Leg Lamp In Chippewa Fire Station


Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Address: 8696 Banting Ave
Date: Jan 2016
Website: www.achristmasstoryhouse.com

   It's that time of year again when A Christmas Story is always on TV. We were flicking through the channels and came across the movie. It reminded us of the time when we visited the school where young Flick gets his tongue stuck to a pole. We thought that would be a great blog to write. It turned out that we have already blogged about our visit here. On that same trip, we also went to Niagara Falls Fire Station #4.

A Christmas Story Fire Truck

    When A Christmas Story was filming in nearby St Catherines and needed a period accurate fire truck, Chippawa volunteer firefighters answered the call. They had just recently restored this 1938 LaFrance fire truck after it had been in service from 1938 to 1969.

Chippawa Volunteer Fire Department Truck

    In the movie, you can clearly see the Chippawa Volunteer Fire Department logo painted on the door when help arrives for poor Flick. The truck above can be found in a small museum located next to the fire station. In 2017 the museum was named after a former Fire Chief and is known now as the Gene Somerville Memorial Museum.

Chippawa 1938 Fire Truck

    As well as the beautifully restored fire truck, the museum has its walls and shelves covered with firefighting memorabillia. It also has (as seen at the top of this post) a replica leg lamp made famous in the movie.

Success Fire Extinguisher.

    The fire truck also has some Success brand fire extinguishers made of copper and brass from the 1920s. Actual firefighters also had success removing Flick from his pole. Movie magic made Flick's tongue stick using a plastic covered pole with a small hole in it and a little vacuum pulling his tongue towards it.  

  If you visit the Niagara Falls Fire Station # 4, why not bring some canned goods for the food bank and say hello to some real life heroes who are always giving back to their community. Then spend some time with a truck that had a small part in a classic film, spent 30 years fighting fires and still looks great at over 80 years of age.


Map of Our World
Chippawa Volunteer Fire Fighters Association

Post # 330

Thursday 20 January 2022

Dufferin Islands

Dufferin Islands Bridge Niagara Falls

 Location:
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Address: Dufferin Islands
Date: Jan 2022
Website: www.niagaraparks.com

   Dufferin Islands is a secluded area tucked away from the roar of Niagara Falls.  It is a series of waterways and islands located south of The Falls as you travel along the Niagara Parkway.  It is a great spot to escape from the flashing lights and crowds of the more touristy areas of Niagara.

Moose Christmas Lights Niagara Falls

   In the winter time,  the Niagara Parkway is filled with magical light displays.  The lights continue into Dufferin Islands and along the road that wraps through the islands.  Dufferin Islands is also the point where you can leave a donation to show your appreciation for all the work that goes into creating this show each year.

Waterfowl Dufferin Islands Niagara Falls.

  If you are looking to do some bird watching then Dufferin Islands is the place for you.  No matter what the season, the water is teeming with various geese and ducks.

Dufferin Islands

  The area is the perfect habitat to sustain a variety of wildlife.  You can take an enjoyable stroll through the island pathways connected by various bridges.

Niagara River Rapids From Dufferin Islands

  If you follow the water eventually you will find yourself headed towards the Niagara River where the upper rapids rush towards the falls.

Scow Stuck In Niagara River Rapids.

    If you look out into the Niagara River, almost directly from Dufferin Islands, you can see what looks like a rusty boat stuck in the rapids.  This is a scow which is used in dredging operations.  Back in 1918 two men were trapped on this scow when it came loose from the tugboat that was pulling it further up river.  A day later they were finally rescued using a canvas sling suspended from pulleys.  The men escaped without harm, but the scow has remained here for over 100 years.

Niagara River Rapids.

  You can see how powerful the water of the Niagara River is even before it reaches the brink of the Horseshoe Falls.

Niagara Falls Table Rock and Skylon Tower.

    From this angle you can also look past the edge of the Horseshoe Falls and see where the mist rises as the water plummets over the edge.  In the photo above is Table Rock on the far left.  Table Rock is  right at the top edge of the falls and is the best spot to watch the water as it starts its descent.  The Skylon tower can also be seen on the right hand side.

Inukshuks At Dufferin Islands

    Once you have had enough of the rush of the falls you can walk back to Dufferin Islands and try to spot some of the light displays that remain set up year round. 

Canada Geese, Seagulls, Ducks And More Dufferin Islands

    While the islands are normally full of the usual waterfowl, once in a while there are other birds in amongst the Canada geese, mallards and seagulls.  It may just be a challenge to spot them.

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Niagara Falls

  Visitors come from far and wide to see Niagara Falls and this duck is no exception.  We had heard of a rare visitor to the islands.  It still took us a while to finally find him despite the fact he had been right in front of us the whole time.

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Walking Niagara Falls

    This rare visitor is a black-bellied whistling duck.  They normally live in South and Central America only coming as far north as southern Texas in order to breed.  This duck had travelled even further north to find itself up in southern Ontario, Canada.

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck Curled Up Niagara Falls

    This duck had been reported as visiting the islands in the summer.  When we visited in January the duck was still there despite the weather being about -20 C.  We imagine it was dreaming of warmer climates as it tucked its head beneath its wings.  We also know many human visitors rethink their clothing choices as they visit Niagara Falls during a Canadian winter.

Black-Bellied Whistling Duck And Seagull.

  At least as the duck climbed up onto the bank it was not alone.  A seagull walked over to join it.  A bit later a female mallard also came over to be near this special visitor. It reminded us of Niagara Falls and the Dufferin Islands.  A place where people from all over can come together and marvel at the beauty and power of nature.

Buffalo Lights Niagara Falls

Map of Our World
Dufferin Islands
1918 Dumping Scow Barge


Post # 307

Monday 20 September 2021

Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls

Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Address: 6650 Niagara Pkwy.
Date: Dec 2003
Website: www.niagaraparks.com

   Niagara Falls is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in the world.  The largest waterfall is the Horseshoe Falls.  It is named after the curved shape that was caused by erosion due to the six million cubic feet of water that rush over its edge every minute.  The Niagara River flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario and when it passes over the falls it is a sight to be seen.  We like to visit every chance we get in order to see the power of nature up close.

American, Bridal Veil And Horseshoe Falls.

  The Niagara River divides as it approaches the falls and some of the water goes over the smaller American and Bridal Veil falls (left hand side of picture above) which are located in New York, USA.  The Horseshoe Falls takes on the majority of the water as it plunges over the edge and drops almost 200 feet into the depths below.  It is located almost entirely in Ontario, Canada.

US Edge Of The Horseshoe Falls

  Only a small portion of the falls are considered to be within the United States of America.

Buildings Rise Up Beside Niagara Falls.

    The Canadian side of the falls draws huge amounts of tourists all year long.  There are hotels, casinos and viewing towers like the Skylon that let them stay for a longer look from a higher vantage point.

Incline Railway Niagara Falls.

  There are many ways to get down to the falls for a closer look from the hotels above.  One of the most fun is an incline railway.

The Upper Edge Of Niagara Falls.

    The closest you can get to the falls is at Table Rock.  You can get very close to the water as it rushes over the edge.  Just be prepared to get wet as the mist that comes up as the water crashes down below can make it seem like it is always raining.  

Rainbows Over Nigara Falls.

  On a warm summer day the mist can be refreshing.  On a colder fall day it can make you regret your clothing choices.  On any sunny day, the mist and sun can treat you to a variety of rainbows.

Annie Taylor & Her Barrel.

    Through the years many daredevils have wanted to get an even closer look at the falls.  Annie Taylor (above) was the first person to go over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel.  Annie survived her stunt in 1901.  Since then many others have tried with mixed results.

Rapids At The Top Of The Horseshoe Falls.

   We can't imagine venturing into the rapids of the Niagara River.  

Old Power Plant In Niagara Falls.

    The rapidly flowing water of the Niagara River is diverted to be used for electricity by both the United States and Canada.  Above is an older power station that used to be used for this purpose.  Today over a million people get power by harnessing the force of the water.

Maid Of The Mist.

    While we wouldn't get into the water at the top of the falls, we have ventured into the rapids below.  The Maid Of The Mist boats used to take tourists up as close as they could to the crashing water of the falls.  Today, Hornblower boats have taken over the job.

Niagara Falls From Maid Of The Mist.

   From the boats you can look up at the Horseshoe Falls from a very unique angle.  If you are willing to get completely soaked you can experience the weight of the falls crashing down in front of you.

Journey Behind The Falls.

  If a boat is not your thing, you can also do the Journey Behind The Falls.  Here you can get right down near the bottom of the falls while still staying on dry land.  Well, wet land anyways.   There is also a little hallway with a tiny opening at the end where you are actually behind the falls itself.

The Falls At Night.

    Once the sun goes down, the falls are still entertaining.  In the evenings colourful spotlights bring the falls to life in a whole different way.

Fireworks At Niagara Falls.

       On summer weekends and during special events, fireworks light up the sky over the falls.

Table Rock Frozen In Winter Niagara Falls.

       The falls are still worth seeing in the winter months as the mist rises and freezes wherever it lands.

Niagara Falls In Winter.

      No matter how cold it gets, the falls have never frozen solid.  Even in the coldest winter the water still flows.  There is always something to see at the Horseshoe Falls all year long.  We recommend you visit Niagara Falls at least once in your life.  We try to do it at least once in a year.


Map of Our World
Horseshoe Falls


Post # 303

Friday 20 December 2019

Winter in Niagara-On-The-Lake

Snow covers Niagara-on-the-Lake

Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Address: 6 Picton Street
Date: December 2019
Website: www.vintage-hotels.com

  The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautiful place all year round.  One of the most magical times is during the winter season.  We have visited a few times during the ice wine festival as well as to see the Christmas lights.

Just Christmas Niagara-on-the-Lake Star Wars display

  One store located on Queen street celebrates Christmas all year round.  Just Christmas has everything you could need for holiday decorating.  Even a C3-P0 wearing a scarf to keep him warm.

Memorial Clock Tower & Court House Niagara-on-the-Lake

  Right next door to Just Christmas is the court house and in the middle of the street stands the memorial clock tower.  They both look nice all lit up during the night.

Letters For Santa Niagara-on-the-Lake

  Out front of the court house stands a mailbox marked Letters for Santa.  You can put your Christmas wishes inside.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Court House Guards

  Two toy soldiers stand guard outside of the court house keeping a watchful eye on everyone.  You had better not be naughty while mailing your letter to Santa.

The Prince Of Wales Hotel In Winter.

  On the next block stands the Prince of Wales hotel.  The Victorian hotel has seen many winters since it was built in 1864.  It looks lovely in a small blanket of snow.

A Toy Soldier Prince of Wales Hotel Niagara-on-the-Lake

  As you enter the Prince of Wales to warm up you are greeted by another toy soldier.  This one is most likely a member of the royal guard.

Athena Stained Glass Inside The Prince of Wales Hotel
Sculpture At Christmas Inside Prince of Wales Hotel.

  The lobby of the Prince of Wales is always inviting.  At Christmas time the sculptures and stained glass are joined by poinsettias, wreaths and decorations.

Snow Covered Simcoe Park Niagara-on-the-Lake

  Looking out the window across the street at snow covered Simcoe Park makes us feel like we have entered a warm, fuzzy Christmas movie.

Prince of Wales Trolley.

  Out front of the hotel a trolley arrived to keep guests warm while they travel around town.

Gazebo Niagara-On-The-Lake in Winter.

  Around town you can visit the gazebo that sits beside Lake Ontario.

Trees Covered In Snow Niagara-On-The-Lake

Enjoy the solitude of an empty road surrounded by snow covered trees.

Winery Covered in Snow Niagara-on-the-Lake

  And of course warm up a bit while you enjoy some ice wine at one of the many wineries found in the region.  Niagara-on-the-Lake truly is a winter wonderland.


Map of Our World
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Simcoe Park
Just Christmas

Post # 272