Reuniting with my Bestie in Toronto was the perfect start to an unforgettable adventure. After arriving at the Toronto Airport, our first order of business was a drive to Niagara Falls, where we were staying the first night. Despite some initial road navigation challenges, we eventually arrived, undeterred by the dramatic weather unfolding around us. Thick clouds loomed overhead, and a dense fog enveloped the landscape, adding a mysterious allure to the iconic falls. Thankfully, the fog lifted intermittently, revealing the awe-inspiring beauty of Niagara Falls in all its glory. Our accommodation at the Marriott Fallsview Hotel, perched on the 22nd floor with a breathtaking view of Horseshoe Falls, exceeded expectations.
After checking in and bundling up, we wasted no time in venturing out to join all of the other tourists admiring the majestic spectacle before us. Despite the chilly mist swirling around us, the sheer power and grandeur of the falls left us spellbound. The thunderous roar of the water echoed through the mist, making it seem like we had stepped into another world.
The next morning greeted us with a blanket of fog outside our window – it was pure white, but we didn’t let it dampen our spirits. After grabbing some coffee and seeing the fog begin to lift, we savored our drinks with a view before leaving on a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Niagara Parkway. As the day progressed, the weather took a turn, with light rain morphing into heavy snowflakes, which was great because I’ll take cold and snow any day over cold and rain! Our walk led us to the Rainbow Bridge, where we had the pleasure of meeting Reg, a local candy shop owner who shared tips that we didn’t know we needed for crossing the bridge, such as how to get up to the bridge and that we needed a few Canadian coins – loonies, according to
Reg, a term that we learned they don’t use in Quebec. Reg has owned his little candy shop since 1967 when he was 18 years old, and he makes his own fudge daily. We chatted with Reg for a bit, and then made our way to the middle of the bridge where we were all too excited to take pics with a foot in each country.
Our room at the Marriott Fallsview came with several coupons for freebies, two of which were samples at Niagara Brewing and Niagara Distillery. Before packing up and heading out, we stopped at both of these to cash in our freebies, and both were delicious.
Despite the whims of the weather, our time at Niagara Falls, marked by cloudy skies and a mix of rain and snow, was nothing short of enchanting. The unpredictable elements only added to the sense of wonder and adventure, reminding us of nature’s enduring beauty even on its most temperamental days.
After bidding farewell to Niagara Falls, we ventured to Niagara-on-the-Lake, affectionately known as NOTL, for its Icewine 
Festival. Situated near Lake Ontario’s southern shore, NOTL charmed us with its historic architecture and rich heritage, dating back to the late 18th century and its role in the War of 1812. Keith, a festival volunteer, shared fascinating insights into the town’s history. NOTL played a pivotal role in the War of 1812. During the war, America took control of the Niagara frontier for one week before General John Vincent and his troops took it back. The town also hosts the renowned Shaw Festival, celebrating the works of George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries, alongside a backdrop of scenic beauty encompassing the Niagara River and nearby Niagara Falls.
The Icewine Festival in NOTL is an annual festival that typically spans several weekends in January. This popular event invites visitors to explore participating wineries, where they can sample a diverse selection of ice wines showcasing the unique terroir and grape varieties of the area. Icewine, also known as Eiswein or vin de glace, is a dessert wine made from grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine. This labor-intensive process involves leaving the grapes on the vine until they freeze, usually after the first frost. The grapes are then harvested and pressed while still frozen, resulting in a small yield of highly concentrated juice rich in sugars, acidity, and flavors. Icewine is prized for its intense sweetness balanced by high acidity, offering a luscious and refreshing taste with notes of tropical fruits, peach, apricot, and honey. Icewine is typically served chilled and pairs well with desserts like cheesecake or fruit tarts, making it a luxurious and special treat for wine enthusiasts. That being said, we found icewine to be so sweet that we could hardly finish a glass, let alone pair it with dessert! Nonetheless, with live entertainment adding to the festive atmosphere, the Icewine Festival, along with a little exploration of NOTL, provided a memorable and delicious experience.
Our Canadian adventure began with a whirlwind of excitement. From the awe-inspiring majesty of Niagara Falls to the quaint charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake, each moment was filled with impressive scenery and fascinating cultural discoveries. As we were full of gratitude for the opportunity to explore the beauty around us, we couldn’t help but also feel a surge of anticipation for the adventures yet to unfold. Every new experience held the promise of even greater wonders, leaving us both thrilled and a little perplexed at what unexpected discoveries may lay ahead.
