Explore the Niagara Parkway
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The Niagara Parkway is one of the most striking and visually appealing routes in Canada. Spanning from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie, the Niagara Parkway flanks the mighty Niagara River. Along the route are numerous parks, nature trails, attractions, including the famous cataracts themselves, gardens and the world-class Recreational Trail enjoyed year round by cyclers, joggers, walkers and roller-bladers.
The first point of interest along the tour is Niagara's Floral Clock. View one the world's largest floral clocks (12.2 metres in diameter) and formed by 15 000 plants. It was built in 1950 and features a different "floral face" twice a season.
On the Parkway, just 2.5 kilometres south from the Floral Clock is the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory* and Botanical Gardens. Fall in love with over 2 000 of Niagara's natural wonders. A broad range of butterfly species from around the world each with its own unique and colourful markings, are showcased in the glass-enclosed conservatory.
Follow the Niagara Parkway to Fort Erie, exiting on Central Avenue. The Fort Erie Railroad Museum* is situated at Oakes Park on Central Ave. Among the railroad memorabilia here are the CNR locomotive Northern 6218, a caboose, and the CNR station from Ridgeway.
From Central Ave., turn right on Garrison Rd. and right again on Concession Rd. Near the intersection of Garrison and Concession is the Fort Erie Antique Firefighting Museum. An extensive collection of antique firefighting equipment and vehicles including five fire trucks and a 1915 fire chief's car.
Heading east on Garrison Rd., turn right on Central Ave. and right again on Lakeshore Rd. to Historic Fort Erie*. The original fort, built in 1764, was twice damaged or destroyed by storms, besieged and captured by the Americans in the War of 1812, and later abandoned. Now restored, it contains early 19th century fortifications, period rooms and exhibits.
From Lakeshore Rd. head nroth and make a left hand turn on Garrison Rd. Just east of Ridge Rd. is the Ridgeway Battlefield Museum*. A restored log house, the museum stands on the site of the Fenian Raids of June 1866.
Other Options:
Queen Victoria Park, Dufferin Island Nature Area, Niagara Glen, Mildred M. Mahoney Doll's House Gallery*, Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse and Fragrance Garden, Fort Erie Racetrack*, Fort Erie Slots.
