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Can I Use My Presto Pass in Niagara Falls, Canada?

Can I Use my Presto Pass in Niagara Falls, Canada January 17, 2023 Written by: Christa Barette

Short answer: No. Long answer: You can use your Presto Pass to get from Niagara Falls to Toronto and you can use your presto pass to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls but the buck stops here…..or rather; starts here. That is to say that:

Once you get to Niagara Falls, Canada your Presto Pass is completely useless until you are catching your bus back to Toronto.

So what transit is available to me in Niagara Falls if my presto pass doesn’t work?

You have two options for transportation in Niagara Falls from the bus terminal:

The WEGO bus (which goes to the waterfall and to the tourist attractions and hotels) or Niagara Regional Transit which takes you to the rest of the City where people live.

The WEGO bus has two stops at the bus terminal. One stop is across the street in front of the abandoned Europa Hotel which is Northbound and the other is on the East side of the bus terminal which is South bound and will take you to the waterfall and the busy tourist area. The WeGo bus only stops at special WEGO stops. Be sure to get a map when you buy your pass.

The WeGo bus drivers do not take cash. You have to purchase your WEGO pass in the bus terminal. There is a 24 hour pass for about $9. You can also buy a 48 hour pass.

The City Transit costs $3 per trip and change is required. The city bus stop is in front of the bus shelter on the South side of the bus terminal building. The bus number 104 will take you to the Clifton Hill area which is close to the Falls. Just ask your bus driver to drop you off at Clifton Hill.

Have any questions? Want to book a tour with us? contact us at naturalniagaratours@gmail.com or book a tour with us on our website at www.naturalniagaratours.com

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Best Free WIFI Spots in Niagara Falls, Canada

Where Are the Best Free WIFI Spots in Niagara Falls Canada? January 17, 2023 By: Christa Barette

When you are walking around Niagara Falls Canada, there are some great spots to catch some WIFI!

Free WIFI in Downtown Niagara Falls, Near the Bus Terminal and Train Station

Camp Cataract – 3 minutes walk from the Bus. 4317 Queen St, Niagara Falls (905) 519-2267. This amazing venue right across from City Hall on the Bus terminal end of Queen Street is an amazing spot to hang out. They offer beer, spirits, the best gourmet pizza and WIFI! This venue is an ‘event-only’ venue in the Winter; and in the Summer, they are open on weekends and not always open during the week. Call ahead to make sure they are open, or just walk by if you are coming from the bus station.

Third Space Cafe – 5 minutes walk from the bus. 4345 Queen St, Niagara Falls (289) 296-9557. This community cafe is open 9am- 3pm everyday and closed on Sundays. The hours are short, but they are a venue which offers coffee, sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches and of course, WIFI!

Niagara Falls City Hall – 3 minutes walk from the bus terminal. The quaint, tree-covered picnic tables in the park park at City Hall in Niagara Falls offers free WIFI on weekdays from 8am until 4:30pm. Grand Central – 10 minutes walk from the bus. 4573 Queen St, Niagara Falls (905) 357-9000 This sports bar has great pub food, excellent pizza and of course, free WIFI. Their hours are excellent. They are open every day of the week until at least 11pm and usually are open until 1 or 2am.

Crazy Macaws – 12 minutes walk from the bus. 4681 Queen St, Niagara Falls, ON (416) 931-7974 This motorcycle themed cafe is open until 6pm closed on Monday call ahead as sometimes they close early. In the Summer they are open later and with longer hours. Closed on Mondays.

Mr. Cappuccino – 13-15 mins walk from the bus. (Corner of Queen St. and Victoria Ave) 4632 Victoria Ave, Niagara Falls, Ontario (905)-374-2201 – open until 6pm daily and 8pm on weekends. Call ahead as they occasionally close a bit early . Free Wifi and a variety of coffees, treats, sandwiches and ice cream in the Summer.

In the Tourist Area (Clifton Hill, etc)

Starbucks on the top of Clifton hill – This Starbucks has WIFI. The coffee is not cheap. The cheapest coffee you can buy is a tall coffee for $4.69. Of course, it is worth it. The coffee is great and so is the people watching. The location is central and the hours are reliable in the Summer. In the Winter, they close as early as 3pm some days so be sure to call ahead though Fridays and Saturdays they are usually open until at least 7pm.

Tim Hortons Doughnut shop (half way down Clifton hill) – Situated next to the Ferris wheel on Clifton Hill, they have free WIFI and tables and chairs to sit. Line ups can be long in the Summertime; however, the coffee is reasonably priced and they offer doughnuts, bagels and muffins, etc.

Clifton Hill Free WIFI – In the Clifton Hill area free WIFI is available to guests; however, it is not a consistent and reliable signal.

Fallsview Area Free WIFI – Near the US border at the Rainbow Bridge the Fallsview area has free WIFI near the Hershey’s shop. This WIFI is somewhat slow and not very reliable.

There are many more WIFI spots in Niagara Falls, these are some of the best. If you have any questions or if you want to book a tour with us, please email us at naturalniagaratours@gmail.com or check out our website at www.naturalniagaratours.com

What Kind of Animals are there in Niagara Falls, Canada?

What Kind of Animals are there in Niagara Falls, Canada?

Niagara Falls Canada is a very beautiful place. It is located along the Niagara River which separates Niagara Falls New York from Niagara Falls Canada.

Because Niagara Falls is located on a River, there is a variety of birds in Niagara Falls. It is a popular breeding ground for birds in the spring and birders from all over the world come to watch the seagulls. There are 26 varieties of just seagulls in Niagara Falls throughout the year.

The most common River birds are turkey vultures, red tallied hawks, Herons, Seagulls, Swan, the rarely seen Bald Eagles and many more.

Closer into town, inland from the river, you will find Robins, Blue Jays, Starlings, Cardinals, Orioles, larks, Woodpeckers, chickadees, and, among many others, the most common bird; the sparrow, a small, brown bird which can often be seen hopping about picnic tables and sidewalks.

Other animals that you see a lot of in Niagara Falls are Squirrels including Black Squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, groundhogs, rabbits, minks, martins, white-tailed deer, foxes, opossums and beavers. There are many more common animals, but these are the most common.

Are there Bears in Niagara Falls, Canada?

No, there are not any wild Bears in Niagara Falls. Bears, Cougars and wolves are all native to the area, but they have moved out of the cities due to pressures from Human developments.

What kind of insects are there in Niagara Falls, Canada?

There are no deadly insects in Niagara Falls Canada, but there is one insect that you should watch out for: the Deer Tick. The bite of the tick is not deadly, but it carries a disease. The good news is: if you are bitten, the tick has to stay on you for 24 hours to deliver the poison. You can prevent ticks from coming near you by wearing insect repellant that deters ticks, wearing long pants and socks and by checking your body for ticks after you have been outdoors to ensure that you have not been bitten. Ticks commonly live in long grass or tall weeds.

Niagara Falls has a stunning array of beautiful insects. In the Summer months (June-September) butterflies of all colours can be seen in fields and flying through the sky. Early Summer offers a nightly display of fireflies which glow like tiny blinking lanterns for about two weeks of the year. Caterpillars, bumble bees, dragon flies and lady bugs are among the most favourite insects to enjoy while you are in Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls is a beautiful place to visit and connect with Nature. Wildlife is everywhere and you just have to open your eyes and you will see it!
Written by: Christa Barette

Happy Trails!
To book a tour with us today call us at 905-353-5323 or email us at naturalniagaratours@gmail.com

Welcome to Natural Niagara Tours

We offer one-of-a-kind Nature Tours and Yoga Nature Tours in Niagara Falls, Canada!

If you would like to book a tour, or if you have any questions, please text or call us at 905-353-5323 or email us at naturalniagaratours@gmail.com

Natural Niagara Tours offers an Nature Experience like no other.

Have a wonderful day and, May the Forest be with you!

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Top 10 Best Free Things To Do in Niagara Falls, Canada

The Top 10 Best Free Things To Do in Niagara Falls, Canada

Whether you are planning a cheap trip, are already in ‘the Falls’ or, you just know that the best things in life are free; here are my favourite top 10 free things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

#1 Take a hike in the Niagara Glen

If you are taking a trip to Niagara Falls then you absolutely have to visit a most beautiful hiking trail through the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve. The terrain is rocky and there are 200 stairs, so proper footwear is recommended. Trail maps are available for free at the gift shop. For those who would like a guide, there are several tours available, however; we recommend the Natural Connection Tour with Natural Niagara Tours at $35 per person.

#2 Take a Stroll in the Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens on the Niagara Parkway are a delight to stroll through. On the grounds of the Niagara Parks Commission Botany school, these historical sprawling gardens are filled with the most beautiful of flora and fauna. A walk along the various paths and park segments is soothing for the soul and can be an inspirational muse to those who like to write, practice Yoga or just like to saunter and observe wildlife!

#3 Walk or bike along the Niagara River
The Niagara River walking/biking trail along the Niagara Parkway is beautiful. Whether you take the whole trail or just a portion of it, you will be delighted with serene and mesmerizing expanses of water and some of the most beautiful trees that Canada has to offer. The lower river offers wine country and the little town of Niagara On the Lake while the upper river offers a closer view of the river and the many river birds.

#4 Sit a while by the Falls

Seeing Niagara Falls is amazing, but taking the time to step out of the crowd , find a comfy bench or place to put your picnic blanket and really take it in can not be substituted by a quick drive-by or pause and selfie. Spending the afternoon with a journal while you bask in the rainbow mist of an ancient waterfall; priceless, but free!

#5 Enjoy some live music

Live music is a must and when it is outdoors and free, it is just that much better. Thursdays blues in the park at Firemans park is a Niagara Falls favourite for the locals and for the price of a beer, you can enjoy free music at the cool and hip pubs on the local downtown strip on Queen Street. We recommend Taps and Camp Cataract for their regular live music shows.

#6 Thursday Nights at the Museum

Thursday nights at the Niagara Falls Museum there is always something exciting to do and the exhibits are always free on Thursdays. Check out their website for details.

#7 Fireworks over the falls

There is nothing quite as magical as a fire works show; and to see it over Niagara Falls is exhilarating. Fire work displays last about 5-10 minutes and are free to the public. See the Niagara Parks Commission website for the newest firework time schedule.

 

#8 Free events put on by the Niagara Parks Commission

The Niagara Parks Commission puts on various events throughout the year. Past events have included: Birds of Prey exhibits, outdoor art shows and musical Water/lazer concerts. The New Years Eve Show is a Yearly free event as well as the Festival of Lights which is free to explore throughout the Christmas and holiday season.

#9 Hike along the Bruce Trail

The Bruce Trail is the oldest Walking path in Canada and is still hiked to this day by many eager travellers. The trail extends all the way to Tobomory along the ridge of the Niagara Escarpment. This trail would take more than 3 months to walk in it’s entirety, but is a great place to visit for a short stroll. Remember to always hike with a friend or tell someone where you are going. This part of the trail is relatively flat for the first 15 minutes though it can become mucky in rainy weather.

#10 Visit the beach

Niagara Falls is smack dab between two beautiful beaches on the Great Lakes; Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

Crystal Beach is on lake Erie and is a beautiful 40 minute drive from Niagara Falls The drive takes you through the country side and farmers’ fields). Crystal beach has a large, sandy beach. Port Dalhousie on Lake Ontario is a small town about 20 minutes by highway from Niagara Falls. Port Dalhousie has two of the most beautiful sandy beaches for watching the sunset, swimming and viewing Toronto across the lake.

Written by: Christa Barette

To book a tour with us give us a call today at 905-353-5323 or email us at naturalniagaratours@gmail.com

 

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The Importance of Being Barefoot

Lush green grass softly caressing the soles of your bare feet and moist earth squishing between your toes might bring to mind your carefree childhood, or; perhaps you have never felt your bare feet against the Earth for fear of getting dirty.

There is something almost defiant about being barefoot outdoors that inspires a sense of exhilaration. So seldom do we witness the barefooted state, that the act of taking off ones shoes and socks, to walk barefoot has become a rebellious act. Barefoot walking is the domain of hippies and wild, unruly children; one might believe. Despite the bad reputation that barefooted-ness has gotten over the years, recent science is revealing that taking off your shoes and walking barefoot on the Natural earth has surprising benefits which may cause one to reconsider the standard.

Taking off your shoes and walking on a natural surface creates a sensual sense of delight. Having your bare soles kneaded by the rugged ground can be as pleasurable as getting a professional foot massage. There are reflexology points in your feet which connect to every organ in the body. Walking barefoot on natural terrain, which is uneven; stimulates pressure points in the feet. At first some of these points can hurt, which often indicates an imbalance in the body, but; over time these sensitive spots will receive the healing required and effectively remedy some of the corresponding health issues.

Furthermore, it is impossible to have a natural gait when wearing shoes. While shoes can protect our feet as we walk in the city and over sharp objects, they are no substitute for the precise shape of the soles of our feet. The unnatural shape of our shoes, over time; throws our body out of its natural alignment. While for some people, this causes no major concerns, for others, it can cause problems such as hip and back pain which have no conventionally diagnosable origin.

Walking barefoot allows for a natural gait giving the body a chance to align itself and move freely. Walking barefoot for a period of time each day, frees up tension stored in the muscles from shoe wearing and allows the body to move naturally and freely improving posture and reducing stress build up from malalignment.

Walking barefoot also literally grounds of the human body. Human beings are electrical in nature and electrons in the body have a charge. When our bodies have a predominantly positive charge, we feel stressed and can experience dis-ease. Positively charged ions or ‘free radicals’ are responsible for health problems ranging from aging to inflammation. Free radicals occur in the body as a result of exposure to un-natural environments, electronic equipment like computers and the consumption of unhealthy foods.

Grounding barefoot allows free radicals to move through our feet to be discharged into the earth which is charged with negative ions. As the unhealthy positive ions are leaving the body, the beneficial negative ions from the Earth travel up through our feet into our bodies. This cannot occur when wearing shoes which have rubber soles that effectively insulate us against this electric energy, in the same manner that electrical wires are insulated with plastic or rubber.

When we have more negative ions in the body, we feel relaxed and happy. Negative ions in the body have been associated with a reduction in inflammation and dis-ease.

The benefits of walking barefoot are far too extensive to write about here. If this intrigues you, feel free to do more research and you will find that it is a growing trend. Only something like 20 percent of humans on this planet wear shoes. So next time you have the opportunity, why not take off your shoes or lie on the Earth and experience the benefits for yourself.

Written by: Christa Barette

To book a tour with us today, give us a call at 905-353-5323  or email us at naturalniagaratours@gmail.com

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Do You Need a Passport to Cross the Niagara Falls Border?

Niagara Falls Canada and Niagara Falls, NY are both unique and beautiful.  Unfortunately, they are seperated by an international border as well as the Niagara River which acts as a natural border since it is too dangerous to swim across.

If you care crossing from Canada to the USA, you require either a passport or a passport card, Enhanced Driver’s License, NEXUS trusted traveler program card, or a secure Certificate of Indian Status. 

For those traveling from the USA to Canada; U.S. citizens and permanent residents, must present proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. permanent resident card, or a certificate of Indian status, along with photo identification. A NEXUS card also meets the requirements.

It is always smart to call ahead to check on the up to date requirements, but as long as you have a passport, you are good to go!

Written by: Christa Barette

To book a tour with us today give us a call at 905-353-5323 or email us at naturalniagaratours@gmail.com

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Healing with Nature

Just simply taking one hour to spend in Nature is so healing for the mind, body and spirit.

Being in Nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, increase oxygen levels and, if contact is made directly with the Earth, reduce the number of free radicals in the body.

The rounded shapes and natural green colours of Nature have a deeply healing effect on one’s nervous system and the absorption of negative ions from moving bodies of water and just the Earth itself can have untold benefits including the reduction of stress.

Rays from the Sun also give an added benefit to being outside in the form of vitamin D creation in the body.  Vitamin D helps to keep the immune system strong and balanced.

Written by: Christa Barette

Book a Natural Connection Tour with us today by calling us at 905-353-5323 or email us at naturalniagaratours@gmail.com