The raging force and power at which the water crashes down the Niagara Gorge is both scary and transcendent, while you’re just feet away on the boardwalk of the White Water Walk. I’ve lived within one hour of the magnificence of Niagara Falls and I’ve been in the area countless times, but I’d be lying if I were to say that I knew this existed before today. As I chatted with the elevator operator, who by the way lives in Niagara Falls and only recently found out about this… Caron also confirm that she too didn’t know about the White Water Walk till today. She’s born and bred 100% Canadian, who lived in Hamilton all her life, which is about 45 minutes away.

We got off the people mover (bus) when our stop was announced, but all we could see was a sort of gift shop. However once inside we were ushered by one of the friendly staff to the elevator which we took down about 230 feet or 70m to the rivers edge. Everything seems old here, the elevator as well as the tunnel you walk though from the elevator to the actual boardwalk. If I recall correctly (would ask Caron but she’s at work) I think it was mentioned that it was built in the 1930′s… imagine hearing that as you board the elevator.

When you get off the elevator you then head right and through the tunnel, which feels a bit claustrophobic but with daylight peeping through in the distance, it gives you a comforting feeling. Along the walls are several plaques with tidbits of info and history which is treat to read, as it gives you a better appreciation for everything. As you can imagine, with the humid temps we were experiencing and the mere fact that this tunnel was old, there was a damp musty smell but that dissipated as you walked into open light.

Once out of the tunnel, you could hear the roar of the water rushing and crashing it’s way down the gorge, traveling at about 48km/hr or 30mph. It’s truly magnificent and we stood there unable to move as it was almost hypnotizing.  Do bring your camera and video equipment as there’s something worth capturing behind every leaf as you walk on the boardwalk alongside the river under a canopy of trees.  The boardwalk itself is about  (1,000ft)  along the river’s edge and you’re mere feet away from class 6 white-water rapids. At the 2 platform-like viewing areas you get a true appreciation for everything as you’re so up close to it all.

Having done the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour we had a true appreciation for these rapids, as we did class 5 and they were quite scary but quite an adventure.

The Whirlpool Rapids consist of 4 kilometers of 3-5 meter standing waves, making this stretch of whitewater the largest/finest series of standing waves in North America. These standing waves are thought to be caused not by rock obstructions (I think originally I told Caron that there must be rocks under there causing these massive waves) on the bottom of the river, which is probably swept clean here, but by the sheer force (volume and speed) of the water being forced through the narrowing of the gorge at this point. What was also neat about this white water walk is if you look across the river at the rock formation you get excellent view of the 410-million year old rock layers of the Niagara Gorge.

This was one of those adventures where we did nothing but walk, but it was exhilarating and fun as if we were actually in the middle of it all. The sound, action, scenery and overall background is just amazing.

White Water Walk Prices and Operating Times.

2011 admission prices are shown in Canadian dollars and do not include taxes.

$9.50 Adults (13+ years), $6.25 Children (6 to 12 years). Children 5 and under are FREE!

Dates of Operation: Open Seasonally, daily between April 9 and October 24.

2011 Hours of Operation: All times subject to change. Last tickets sold 30 minutes prior to closing time.

April 9-30 10-5 daily

May 1-31
10-5 Monday-Friday
10-5 Saturday and Sunday
10-7 Saturday and Sunday holiday weekends
10-5 holiday Mondays (23 & 30)

June 1-17 : 10-5 Monday-Friday : 9-6 Saturday and Sunday
June 18-24 : 9-6 Daily
June 25-September 4 : 9-8 Daily

Sept 4 (Labour day) : 9-6
Sept 6-Oct 7 : 9-5 Daily

Oct 8-9 :  9-6 Daily
Oct 10 : (Thanksgiving Monday) 9-5
Oct 11-23 :  10-5 Daily

October 24: Closed for the season

For updated prices, check out the Niagara Parks White Water Walk website at http://www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/white-water-walk.html

White Water Walk
4330 Niagara Parkway
Niagara Falls, ON

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from the White Water Walk in Niagara Falls) and do tune in to our videos (escapades) on the youtube channel we’ve created.

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I’ve made it my mission lately to find the perfect fish and chips in Hamilton the past few weeks and this brought us to Hutch’s Harbour Front at Pier 4 in Hamilton. We’ve been to the other Hutch’s location down at Van Wagners Beach several times and though the food is decent, it still isn’t filling that craving I have for battered deep fried fish, the kind a cardiologist would cringe if he saw you eating. After getting Caron at work, we headed down to waterfront.

Originally we were set to go have coffee at Williams, then go for a walk along the bike path which leads to Cootes Paradise after. But I remembered there was a Hutch’s location down here, so I convinced Caron to change our plans. She’s a doll and usually up for anything!

The first thing you notice when you go to order is that there’s no debit accepted, however there’s a little interact machine located within the building… which charges a user fee (of course). The menu is your typical grill/fryer fare, plus you can order milkshakes and ice cream here as well. We came for the fish and chips so we didn’t pay much attention to anything else. Well, except for the onion rings which Caron wanted.

After placing our order of fish and chips with a side of onion rings we headed outside to dine on their patio/deck area. I  love fresh cut fries, fish and other fried foods but I don’t care for the smell, so dining indoor was not an option. After a few minutes our order number was called and I went in to get it with high hopes.

Pepsi or was it Coke? – Check, Fish and chips – Check, ketchup, mayo and tart tar sauce – Check…. onions rings accounted for! Just gotta have mayo with your fries. I was already getting in a foul mood when on the patio area where we were dining there was another couple who just happened to be looking for attention with their ferret pet on a leash. I know this section was outdoor, but who brings pets to a restaurant? Especially one that looks like a huge rodent!

The fries were not bad, but how can one screw that up? Same can be said about the onion rings which were nice and crispy with a soft creamy texture on the inside, with well cooked onions. The fish was a different story altogether. Not only did the two pieces we got very small, I’m not sure what they did wrong, but the batter was rather heavy (almost dough-like) and separating from the fish as if they had a huge fight and just couldn’t stand being together. Due to the heavy dough it was also saturated with foul tasting oil. This is definitely not what we’ve come to expect from Hutch’s, so I do hope this was just an off day. However we will think twice… maybe there times before going back to this Harbour Front location of Hutch’s Fish and Chips.

Hutch’s Harbour Front‎
325 Bay St N
Hamilton, ON L8L 1M5
(905) 546-5508

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from Hutch’s Harbour Front Fish And Chips) and do tune in to our videos (escapades) on the youtube channel we’ve created.

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“Can’t wait to go t the ballet!” People who know me would think I’m going bonkers if they ever heard me say this, but that’s reality now. Every Christmas season the Nutcracker comes to town and I’ve always wanted to experience it, but never really gave it much more than a thought. However after seeing Mao’s Last Dancer, I can’t wait to go to my first ballet production.

A few weeks back The Art Gallery Of Hamilton put on their annual World Film Festival and we were invited to cover it on OntarioAlive.com. Have you heard of the World Film Festival, put on every year in Hamilton? Unlike the Toronto Film Festival which is all over the news every fall, this festival is only just gaining some notoriety. Though we didn’t have time to go to any of the other shows or to any of the planned parties, it was such a wonderful experience that we can’t wait until next year.

The festival takes place across the city: at the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Mohawk College’s STARRT Institute and McIntyre Theatre, Empire Jackson Square, Westdale Theatre, Ancaster Silvercity, and there’s even free movies shown on the street (check official website for locations and show times).

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After checking out the movie trailers which were going to be featured at this year’s event, we were intrigued by Mao’s Last Dancer and marked it our calendar to not this miss this presentation. After arriving at the Westdale Theatre and hurriedly finding parking on the street as there’s no designated parking, we realize that we were a bit early. So we had enough time to browse and get a feel for the chatter the others who were here for the show had to say about this movie and the others presented during the film festival. The Westdale Theatre was like stepping back in time, before digital surround sound and mega screen as we’ve now grown accustom to. A lovely setting and I could only imagine how grand this place was back in it’s hey-days. The seats were not the most comfortable and I’m sure the patrons at the back of us got annoyed at me for constantly having to move due to my fidgeting. But I wouldn’t change using this venue in the future, since it does give the film festival a sort of romantic ambiance. When movies were appreciated for the acting, directing and story telling and not the cgi stuff we’re bombarded with today.

Mao’s Last Dancer was an amazing movie and if this was any indication of the quality of movies at this years festival, I’m sure it was an overall success. I believe that 30 movies were screened in 10 days.  Films include The Coca–Cola Case, Ajami, Everything Is Fine, Captain Abu Raed, I Am Love, Mother, The Disappearance of Alice Creed, Rude, Pax Americana, Mao’s Last Dancer, Six Miles Deep, Tokyo Sonata, Amandala!, Police Adjective, The Necessities of Life, Animal Kingdom, Fish Tank, L’Affare Farewell, Land, Life During War Time, Life is Rosy, The Maid, Mid–August Lunch, Please Give, Poor Boy’s Game, Rocking Popenguine, Rudio Y Crusi, The Square, Tehroun, and White Ribbon.  Just wish we had time to catch a couple more, especially Captain Abu Reid, which did look like it had some promise from the trailer we saw.

The Art gallery Of Hamilton World Film Festival is one of those events that I highly recommend that you not miss! It’s your chance to support the arts in Hamilton and at the same time enjoy movies that you’d probably miss, since many of them are independent and not mass marketed. It’s very affordable at only $10 a showing and the events are well organized.

For the 2011 event, be sure to check out their official website at: www.aghfilmfest.com as I’m sure they’ll have updates on there very soon. Come out and support the Art Gallery Of Hamilton and the World Film Festival.

When was the last time you took time to really relax, enjoy good company and end it all with a gripping musical performance? As I drove up the long gravel driveway up to the master crafted Victorian home that was built back in the late 1840′s, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The last time I had the opportunity to have afternoon tea I was somewhere between St Lucia and Antigua on a 100,000 ton cruise ship (The Crown Princess), but Caron and our girls refused to leave the pool deck area to join me, so I ended up not going. Today I was going to experience what I missed that vacation, even if it did mean I was going solo.

As I parked my car in the grassy area at the front of the house, I looked around and was caught up in the moment. The country setting, with the wheat fields to the right, the sort of barn-like building to the left and the pleasant sound of birds singing in the trees instantly gave a sort of calmness I’d not felt in years. Add the wind blowing though the wheat fields and it could easily be the setting for a Hollywood movie.

The Opera House Tea Room is the everyday home of Frank Pierce and his family, which is converted to a charming tea house (Thursday, Friday and Saturday). Where visitors get the opportunity to be transformed back in time for a couple hours and enjoy light refreshments on fine China and silverware, while enjoying excellent service and great company.

I was greeted by Frank at the door when I arrived as he was expecting me and I immediately got the most welcoming feeling ever (the sort of feeling you get when you meet with a long lost relative). His smile, firm handshake and pride in describing what they try to accomplish at the Opera House Tea Room, all pointed to a person who enjoyed what he was doing. After a brief chat and tour, I went on my own to get the true vibe for the establishment and take pics. Plus I could tell that I was keeping him back from his guests, so I really didn’t want to take up much more of his time.

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As you walk through the home you couldn’t miss the extensive oak and cherry woodwork throughout the older part of the house. The grand staircase as you made your way to the parlour from one of the dining rooms gave a true sense of the age and majesty of the house and the gentle creaking of the red pine floors under your feet reminded you of the craftsmanship that went into the building. The elegance of the decorations and furnishing really added to the overall experience. From the fresh cut flowers, lit candles and antiques scattered purposely throughout the house, you almost felt like royalty.

It was a packed house this day as I would estimate there were over 30 people in attendance and though this was someones home, you never felt crowded. You couldn’t miss the smiles on the faces, the friendly chatter and inquisitive eyes while I was taking pictures. Some of the patrons explained to me that this sort of a tradition with them, as they’ve been meeting here for several years now. Repeat business can only mean, pleased customers I would assume. Frank later explained to me that they’ve never done any sort of advertising, yet they’re always busy and it’s advised to get a reservation at least a week in advanced. Word of mouth is what generates business for the Pierce family and from the packed house one could easily see that they’ve tapped into an excellent niche, with the service they offer.

What would a review be without mention of the food? One could not miss the alluring scent of food as you entered the doors and immediately you stumble upon a fabulous spread of finger sandwiches, pickled vegetables, quiche tarts, Scottish shortbread and how could I forget the tea biscuits with preserves and double Devon cream. You must try the chicken Waldorf! Though I didn’t actually have any of the tea, the people that I spoke with were quite happy with the quality of the tea and one person remarked “it tastes so much better in these fancy cups”.  After what could be describe as lunch, everyone then heads over to the parlour where recitals are performed by Soprano Erin Bree Pierce accompanied by Frank on the piano. Erin who’s Franks daughter is simply amazing and quite gripping as she captivates the audience with her phenomenal voice and the energy she puts into her performance.

Guests are then treated to yet another fantastic spread, but this time it’s an assortment of decadent desserts… cheese cake squares, fresh strawberries, balled melons, English raspberry trifle and tarts.

Not to be outdone, the garden on the outside is just as spectacular and very serene. A place I would gladly grab a book, cup of tea and spend a few hours (take a look at the pics above).

So who goes for afternoon tea? Just about any and everyone. Though this day the crowd did seem a bit older Frank did mention that they see a lot of younger single people, couples and young families on a regular basis. Additionally they cater to many social events like birthdays, anniversaries, wedding showers, groups (only recently they had a travel group) and they also offer off site catering as well.

For more info on the Opera House Tea Room, including the menu, days of operation, off site catering and how you can plan you next visit you have a couple options. Below is the contact phone number and you can also browse their website where everything is listed.

The Opera House Tea Room
2844 Governor’s Road
Lynden, Ontario  L0R 1T0
(519)647-3174

Remember to ask for Frank Pierce and mention that Chris from Ontario Alive sent you.

The Opera House Tea Room website: http://www.operahousetearoom.com

Getting there:

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I’d like to say special thanks to Frank and Erin for making this such a wonderful experience for me and our readers.

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