From its rich natural beauty to its dramatic falls, plentiful wine, and lively theatre scene, Niagara is a veritable Dionysian dream! There are many wet and wild things to do in the charmingly Canadian rendering of tourism that is Niagara Falls, Ontario—whether it be by land, water, or sky! Almost like a calmly Canadian alternative to Las Vegas, Niagara Falls is a world famous city of thrills where people come to get married, be awed by visual feasts, and shocked by others.



The Falls
Emptied from the four Upper Great Lakes into Niagara River, a staggering 1/5 of all the fresh water in the world eventually cascades over the falls, and over 12 million people flow into the city every year to see the stunning result . “Horseshoe Falls” is the name of the falls that are generally depicted in pictures of Niagara Falls, but the Niagara Falls also include the smaller American Falls (no Canadian wouldn’t relish their swift observation of this fact!), and the Bridal Veil Falls. TIP: Your Canadian girlfriend will really enjoy you pointing this out to her—before either of you have to join the crowd around the explanatory tourist signs to see what the deal is.

Ah, we must love human nature. For some reason when people look at the falls one of the first things they think about is whether it would be a good idea to jump down them. 15 people have attempted to jump, 5 didn’t make it. In any case, there are many facets of the falls and different ways to enjoy them—beyond the barrel:

• A trip to Niagara Falls would obviously not be complete without taking The Maid of the Mist boat tour that comes right up to the foot of the falls, with nothing between you and the awesome power of nature but one of those infamous blue, plastic parkas. In all seriousness, seeing the view of the 13 story falls from below is something you’ll never forget.
• For your senses to experience the world’s second largest waterfall in a whole different way, take a Journey Behind the Falls to hear the epic thundering of the Niagara Falls as you descend to observation decks that are literally right behind the falls.
• Head over in the evening for a different view of the falls, illuminated with lights and seasonal fireworks.
• You can even ride in a helicopter that will swoop you right down along the curve of the falls.
• Take an adrenaline racing ride aboard the Whirlpool Jet Boats, which starts just a half-mile from the falls, and builds in excitement as it approaches the Devil’s Hole Rapids, a bend in Niagara River where the water circles before heading downstream. You can also zip over the whirlpool by cable car.

Though you will definitely fall in love with falls, that’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy romancing with some of the many other attractions that Niagara Falls has to offer! Check out our other blog, “Stepping Out of The Mist—Thrills Outside of Niagara’s Falls” to step out of the mist and catch a glimpse of some of the many less thought of things that you can see and do in Niagara Falls!

With the great thrill of experiencing a world wonder, some spectacular features of Niagara can get muffled amidst the falls’ thundering roar. When you’re done with wet and wild fun at the falls, here are some other Niagara specialties you can whet your pallet with:

Wine & Theatre
When the momentous sublime of the falls become too overwhelming for your senses to process, you can take the edge off of your on-the-edge-of-the-world experience by sipping on some vintage chardonnay on one of Niagara-On-The-Lakes’ very popular wine tours! No, we do not mean ON Niagara Falls—Niagara-On-The-Lake is a historic gem of a city located just 20 minutes away from the falls. It sits on the corner edge of Lake Ontario where the Niagara River empties into the great lake, and is filled with great wineries, theatres, and beautifully well-preserved old mansions and houses. Niagara-On-The-Lake hosts educational wine tours that will take you to the largest underground barrel cellar in Ontario as well as some of the classic family wineries who are cornerstones in the industry. Niagara also annually hosts the Niagara Wine Festival, the largest wine festival in Canada. Along with it comes over 100 events, including winery tours, tastings, concerts, and one of Canada’s largest street parades!

Anyone with Dionysian proclivities should also know that Niagara-On-The-Lake hosts the very popular Shaw Festival, which performs a variety of works of George Bernard Shaw and playwrights writing of or about Shaw’s era. Many elegantly dressed theatre goers stroll their way through the tree-lined, flowery streets to partake in this great festival.

In keeping with its old-worldly class and sensibility, Niagara-On-The-Lake has no chain hotels or oversized lodgings. What it does have is some of the finest cottage rentals in Ontario, some even right on the edge of the beautiful Niagara Lake. Many lodgings here have vintage flair and historic resonance, and you can pretend you are in another time as you take a carriage ride into Niagara’s Old Town or through the city’s flowery streets.

Golf
If you’re a golf player, it would be tragic of you to miss out on what is often thought of as Canada’s best golf scene. There are over 40 Niagara Falls golf courses that offer excitement for every level of handicap. You can even experience the history of gold in downtown Niagara-On-The-Lake, which boasts of North America’s oldest golf course, Niagara-On-The-Lake Golf Club, or hear the thundering falls in the background as you golf at the historic Oakes Hall in Niagara Falls.

Family-Fun Activities
If your plans to languidly sip world famous wine, watch fine theatre, and play on exquisite golf courses are trumped by little ankle biters, don’t throw yourself in a barrel—Niagara Falls offers a myriad of fun and exciting activities for the whole family. Clifton Hill is a prime family location filled with thrills to compliment the exciting falls, with attractions like Ripley’s Believe or Not and a 53 metre high Niagara Skywheel. Children shouldn’t miss out on the educational and mesmerizing experiences to be had at the Niagara Falls Bird Kingdom, a controlled environment mimicking that of tropical rainforest where they can see and hear more than 300 species of tropical birds, or the Niagara Parks Butterfly conservatory, where over 2,000 butterflies flutter freely about your family.

Have fun falling in love with Niagara Falls, Ontario!

Canada is the dream destination for people interested in fishing, as its rivers and lakes are the perfect grounds for fish to live in and breed. A great variety of breeds are available across the country, ranging from salmon to halibut and everything in between. Each province in Canada has rich fishing areas that double-up as family vacation destinations.

Nungesser Lake, Ontario

Located in the northwestern part of Ontario, Lake Nungesser is a pristine body of dark water lake that houses massive walleye and trophy pike. It has some of the largest and heaviest walleye in the world and some of them can even weigh more than 12 lb.  Most Pikes are 52 inches long and can weigh anywhere between 25 to 35lb. Also, walleye and trophy pike thrive well in these waters—it is common for visitors to get up to a hundred fish on any given day. Besides the fishing grounds, the natural beauty of this place and the remote wilderness makes for an ideal family outing. 

Nunavut region

The Nunavut region of Canada offers a unique fishing experience and is perfect for someone looking to fish in solitude amidst unspoiled wilderness.  The Ennadai Lake, Angikuni Lake and the Kazan River are located in the southwestern part of Nunavut and they are some of the most serene places in Canada. The species that inhabit this region are the lake trout, northern pike, arctic grayling and the arctic char. Many of these fish weigh more than thirty pounds, which, no doubt, gives a sense of pride and satisfaction for the fishing enthusiasts. There are many lodges and resorts surrounding these lakes and travelers can fly in for a day of fishing or stay here for weeks together to enjoy the untouched beauty of Nunavut. 

These fishing grounds are a small sample of what Canada has to offer for the fishing-lovers. It is a fish paradise and numerous varieties thrive on the rich glacial waters of the lakes, rivers and bays that abound in Canada. It is the perfect place for a family vacation that may include a fishing expedition, hiking or camping in the nearby wilderness.

The Canadian Rockies run along the Alberta and British Columbia border for about 640 kilometers or approximately 400 miles. This has been called one of the most beautiful mountain ranges on Earth. They were formed over millions of years by sedimentary and metamorphic rock. They are composed mostly of shale and limestone.

Explore Ancient Glaciers
Across the Canadian Rockies you will discover ice glaciers along with some high mountain peaks such as Mount Robson at 3,954 meters and Mount Columbia at 3,747 meters. This entire expanse offers breathtaking views and a pristine wilderness experience not found elsewhere. Much of the area is protected by national parks and a World Heritage Site.

The Rocky Mountains of Canada seemingly go on forever and are dotted with magnificent views and a wide variety of wildlife and plant life. Many recreational opportunities exist for all ages. You’ll find everything from hiking to skiing, but many tourists simply come to relish the vast splendor of the area. From lush green carpeted valleys to crystal clear lakes, you’ll greatly enjoy your time in the Canadian Rockies.

National Parks and World Heritage Sites
Located in northwestern Montana along the Albert and British Columbia border, you’ll discover the Glacier National Park. The park encompasses over a million acres that includes 300 lakes and hundreds of species of flora and fauna. This area is a World Heritage Site and contains some of the most magnificent terrain on planet earth.

Along the Canadian Rockies, you’ll also discover the Banff National Park. This is a gorgeous place of thick forests and majestic peaks. You will very much enjoy the grace and beauty of lush green alpine valleys and wild animal sightings. This is a golden opportunity to return to nature at its best. Photographers and nature lovers alike will enjoy backpacking across rocky ridges or strolling over a thousand year old glacier.

Go Wild this Summer!
White water rafting has become a very popular sport in the Canadian Rockies over the past 20 years. This area includes many fast-moving rivers lined with tall mountain cliffs. You’ll notice a few eagles soaring above as your raft moves swiftly through the white water.

Something for the More Tame Adventure Seeker
Accommodations in the Canadian Rockies range from quaint cabins to rustic bungalows and even five-star resorts. There are at least 5 amazing golf courses for those who enjoy a more tame adventure. The resorts and spas in this area offer tourists upscale pleasures like massages and spa treatments after your long day of hiking through the wilderness.

Tourist will also find lake cruises in this area, along with guided fishing tours and other such adventure guided tours. If this is your first time in the area, it’s best to see the sights on one of these fun excursion tours where guides and experienced hikers will direct your journey so that it doesn’t become more of an adventure than you were expecting.

The Canadian Rockies are definitely one of nature’s best kept secrets. Your family will enjoy the natural wonders of this area and be eager to return again next year.

Explore the Canadian Rockies this year!

The beauty of Muskoka combined with its numerous activities makes it an ideal getaway location. Located in the Ontario at about a 90-minute drive from Toronto, this place mesmerizes visitors with its charm and attractions. One of the most popular activities here is golfing where several championships take place. Besides, it is also a great sport that can be enjoyed with friends and family at a leisurely pace and this is also why most visitors putt and tee the ball at least for a few hours during their stay here.

Muskoka is one of the best golfing destinations in Canada because of its numerous courses. They have a lot of variety ranging from an 18-hole course to mini-golf turfs. It is a great activity for the entire family and is one of the most favorite activities in this region. The Grand view course and the Rock are probably the two of the finest golf courses in Muskoka and they have to be booked well in advance.

Many resorts also have golf courses as part of their property and it is a good idea to look for such resorts and cottages. The primary advantage is the proximity so that you can enjoy golf for a while, take a break and rest in your room and then come back again for another round – all as part of a nice walk in beautiful surroundings. Such resorts abound in Muskoka and you can choose the right one for your needs based on the description and amenities provided in the listing. Only a few sites offer such comprehensive information and it’s important you look for sites like canadausacottages.com to get all this information.

So, book a vacation rental with golf courses today and tee it up during your stay at Muskoka.

A trip to Canada is never complete without enjoying the arctic wilderness and meeting the native people who have inhabited this part of the world for hundreds of years. Arctic adventures are perfect for the entire family and it is a great way to teach kids about the culture of the native Inuit people and to give them the experience of exploring untouched wilderness. There are numerous activities that one can do in the Arctic region and it offers a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else.

Fishing in the Arctic waters
Fishing is one of the most popular activities in the northernmost territories of Canada. It is a great way to catch huge Arctic char and trout, but also to spend time in a place that has no trees and is surrounded by sheets of ice and snow. The Payne River is an excellent destination for fishing Arctic char while the Lagreve River is ideal for trout. The fishes migrate through these waters and so, they are available in large numbers. Ice fishing in the Arctic is a family activity where everyone can contribute in some way to make it a fun and exciting experience. 

Encounter with the Inuit culture
The Inuits have inhabited the Arctic region for a long time now and they have adapted well to survive the long and harsh winters. An encounter with the native Inuits is a great way to celebrate their legacy and to appreciate their arts and culture which have evolved over thousands of years. Families have the opportunity to visit the hamlets of these native people and get a better understanding of their way of life.

Discovering the unique landscape
An Arctic adventure is the best way to discover and enjoy a unique landscape that is dotted with floating icebergs and vast sheets of ice. Visitors can get a close-up view of some of the rarest animals on the planet like the Polar Bears, Walruses, Seals and Mountain Caribous. In short, an Arctic adventure in Canada can be an overwhelming experience that can bring people closer to nature. This unspoiled wilderness has a lot to offer for the entire family and such an adventure is bound to create wonderful memories that can be cherished for years to come.

Vacation rental properties go beyond of just a luxurious vacation. They can also be used as a temporary place of stay while you move from one home to another. They help to fill the gaps in your accommodation and make your move a lot more pleasant and comfortable.

As you move from one city to another, it may be difficult to plan ahead and have your new place ready for you and your family to move in right away. In most cases, you will have to look for a place that is comfortable for your entire family and for all practical purposes, you can only do it when you have a better understanding of what your new city has to offer and find the ideal location for you and your family to live in. During this transitional phase, vacation rentals are a much more practical option when compared with hotels, motels or other similar lodging alternative mainly because they are much more spacious, comfortable as well as much cheaper.

You will have lots of space to store your belongings until you are ready to move into your new place. It will feel like a home and this can go a long way in easing out the mental and physical stress of moving. Also, you can stay there for an extended period of time without any worries, no strict check-in and check-out times. Besides the space and comfort, this is also a cost-effective option for you because it is exactly like a home with separate rooms to accommodate your whole family without renting separate hotel rooms, and the longer you stay in the rental property the cheaper the daily rate is. 

The amount of time that it may take you to find your new place, renovate it if needed and move into it, will depend on many factors. If you estimate this period to be over a month or so, then you can request your moving company to deliver the goods to your rental property. Alternately, moving companies also have storage facilities that can be used for storing your belongings. You can decide on either one of these options based on the cost of storage facilities and your estimated length of stay at the vacation rental property. It’s a good idea to talk to a representative of your moving company and see what they can offer. Most moving companies will let you use their facilities for a nominal cost and you can make unlimited visits to the storage area to access your goods. This option will give you some flexibility because you have immediate access to your belongings and at the same time, it may end up being less costly than moving your belongings from the vacation property to your new place. 

Moving companies make it easy for you to store your belongings in a facility and live in a rental property until your new place is ready. This will help you and your family have a peaceful moving experience all while giving you sufficient time to explore and familiarize yourself with the new city, state or province you are moving to.

Muskoka, Ontario has always been a favorite destination for tourists and travelers because of the natural beauty of its pristine lakes and forests. This area of Canada is like a land untouched by time. It offers vacationers many exceptional choices for indoor and outdoor activities and you would need a well-seasoned Muskoka travel guide to see it all. Muskoka cottage rentals are plentiful but fill up quickly in the Springtime.

A Long, Unique History

Muskoka has a long history of boat building and many famous boat builders have sprung up from the region over the years. Boat building has always been a large part of their culture and history because of the many lakes, rivers and waterfalls that lie across this exquisite terrain. 

The entire region of Muskoka is steeped in a rich cultural history. For instance, 130 years ago, before there were refrigerators and freezers, local men began the trade of ice harvesting. With long, hand-made saws, laborers would cut huge blocks of ice, from 50 to 100 pounds each, from one of the many frozen lakes there. Using teams of horses, they would deliver these blocks of ice to resorts and hotels along the lake shore. 

Muskoka, Ontario: The Place of Watery Dreams

Today, the shores of its many lakes and rivers are lined with quaint Muskoka cottages, cabins and elegant resorts all set on a backdrop of tall, graceful sugar maples and cedar pines. In some of Muskoka’s larger cities, tourists will find luxurious resort hotels that offer Olympic sized ancient Roman swimming pools along with multiple saunas and hot tubs. For the adventurous tourists, Muskoka offers canoe trips down wild, raging rivers and guided mountain climbing events. 

Unlimited Adventures Await

Muskoka is the kind of place where there’s always something going on. For instance, the Muskoka Lakes Spring Art Tour features painting, basket weaving, and pottery making from local artisans. You can even purchase a piece of fine sculpture or traditional jewelry from regional artists. These make unique gifts for the folks back home. Old-world Muskoka cottages are transformed into boutique shops full of interesting local artifacts.

You’ll find several cruise lines operating on Muskoka’s lakes. These are usually one or two day trips that include fine dining, live shows and entertainment from popular singers and musicians. This is an excellent way to enjoy the lovely, natural lakes and rivers of this region and a Muskoka travel guide is normally on board to fill you in on the details of the various regions.

Don’t Forget the Kids!

Bracebridge was built around an enchanting waterfall on the Muskoka River. This is the home of Santa’s Village, an exciting amusement park filled with fun roller coaster rides and delicious local foods. Santa’s Village has an entertaining Day Camp for the kids where they will explore and discover many fascinating mysteries of science, nature and art. This would be an unforgettable trip for the kids. 

The Muskoka Lakes Kaleidoscope Children’s Festival is not only entertaining but it’s also an excellent way for your children to be introduced to the performing arts. There are workshops that teach your kids about music, art and dance. They’ll learn about costuming and designing stage backdrops. Your kids will acquire a new appreciation of the arts.

Fall in Love this Year!

The list of activities and sights to see is endless in Muskoka. The natural beauty and charm of this Canadian Province will delight the whole family. Begin your life-long love affair with Canada by visiting magnificent Muskoka this year.

Going out for a cottage get away is always exciting, especially when the sky is clear and the sun is out. But would a rainy day ruin the relaxing break? Oh no, you just cannot take a rain check right away. It is never that bad to go rainy day “cottaging”; in fact, it can be really interesting and cool.
Cool, because of the rainy weather and cool, because you get to hang with family and friends inside the cottage. Who knows, it might really be exciting as well. Here are some activities you can enjoy while you keep yourselves warm inside your log cabin.

1. Classic board games. If you are out with the family or a couple of friends, you can actually bring with you some classic board games that never go out of style. Games like Monopoly, Snakes and Ladders, Backgammon, Scrabble or Boggle and even puzzles are always fun, educational and applicable for all members of the family. Classic board games are simple enough to make everyone involved. And well, it does not hurt to make the youngest player win a couple of rounds.
2. Books and Magazines. If you are the bookworm and would imagine your rainy holiday curled up in a cozy couch finishing a set of New York bestsellers, then so be it. I know you must have stacks of new dusty books itching to be read; but because of your busy schedule, you never had the chance to sit and finish them. Well, a cool rainy afternoon in a warm cottage is the best time to flip pages while drinking your hot cocoa. You can also bring back issue magazines; perhaps, those thick, wide and clear-colored pages will also keep you from being bored for a couple of hours.
3. Cooking and Baking. Hey, there is always that good cook in the group that can showcase cooking skills and delectable recipes that will leave the others drooling for more servings. On a rainy day, you can have fun in the kitchen while helping Aunt Lisa chop veggies or whip icing for the cupcakes. This sounds a lot of fun!  Just make sure all ingredients are packed. You can also check if kitchen equipment and tools are available in the cottage so you can have a great time preparing for that special meal.
4. Music and Dancing. Who doesn’t love music?  It’s raining and pouring and everyone are still up and awake? Try dancing the night away with old school tunes and even classic grooves that will perk up even the oldies.  Drown the sound of rain by cranking up some fun music and funky moves that will definitely make the trip more memorable. Just make sure it is not loud enough to disturb nearby residents.  
5. Movie Galore. You may also whine down the kids or relax before bedtime with a great flick for the whole family. Cuddle up in the living room with a wholesome movie treat for everyone to enjoy. You can also play good ole black and white films where everybody sang, that will put you in a warm, rustic cottage feel.

So it is not always a bad idea to go on vacation on a cloudy day. Enjoy the rainy days!

Summer is here and everyone deserves the perfect break. It is a wonderful time to visit great vacation spots where you can just lounge, sit back, relax and savor the moments away from the typical city life. Choosing for a perfect place to stay, though, is not that easy. Sometimes, it could end up a hassle when you picked the wrong location and places to stay in. So it is always best to make sure and to target exactly what you want for the weeklong vacation, and where you really want to go.

With today’s convenience of the internet, you can just click and browse for online bookings and reservations. While you would usually opt for a better hotel accommodation, you would also end up with unreasonable expenditures on your bill, and with less satisfaction. So how would you really want to spend your vacation?

If you want a meaningful, serene and convenient retreat away from the usual buzz, one great option is to get an Ontario cottage rental that is not only cheap, but equally cozy and personal. CanadaUSACottages.com offers great choices!  Ontario offers great vacation locations and with its serenity and fresh environment, you will definitely enjoy a short, pleasant break.  Take your pick… there are cottage rentals near the lakes, mountainsides and beaches that are definitely great places to stay in! Nature lovers would want to pick a nice Ontario cottage rental where it is nearer to the attractive sceneries. Ontario Country offers different venues for activities you may enjoy.  You may also want to browse for these events, activities and point of interests.

You may want to go swimming, boating, kayaking, hiking, fishing, sunbathing or simply sit back and read a good book, and a nearby cottage is the most convenient place. If you are the beach person, you may also want to visit some of the best Ontario beaches like Sauble Beach, Wasaga Beach, Sandbanks and Grand Bend. Other great beaches are Great whale River beach in Quebec, Grand Beach in Manitoba, and Long Beach in British Columbia. There also the Boughton Island Beach, Pammure Island and Basin Head in PEI, Martinique beach and Heather Beach in Nova Scotia, Windmill Bight, Northside Beach and Pasadena Beach in Newfoundland and Shediac Beach in New Brunswick.

Family trips will also be more enjoyable when spent in a cozy cottage. The kids can just run and play around or you can camp out nearby. Cooking is not a problem as well. Since you can prepare home-cooked meals in the kitchen cottage and serve picnics by the lake, it will always be an appetizing mealtime.

Ontario cottages are always an ideal and economical option to an unforgettable holiday, and with its standard accommodation of 4 to 6 people, it is also best for the family. There are numerous cottage rentals and cottage resorts in different Ontario locations that you can choose from which offer various features to your preference. So start planning out that full packed get-away in a warm and comfortable Ontario cottage that is sweet home away from home.