By this time we were very wet. We took a short (1/4 mile Horseshoe Falls) walk over to the Floral Showhouse to dry out. The conservatory was built in 1945 with the reception center coming in 1980. The entire Showhouse, while small, is stuffed with different wonderful plants. The tropical plant collection is amazing which includes a reported 400 orchids. Tropical bird species flutter throughout the display houses.
From here we hopped on the WEGO and headed towards the Niagara Whirlpool and the Whirlpool Aero Car. Originally known as the Spanish Aero Car, it began operations back in 1916. It travels between Colt's Point and Thompson Point 250 feet above the whirlpool. The car can hold up to 35 passengers at a time. Fun Fact: the original backup motor was a Buick Straight-8 (replace in 1961). The ride was completely overhauled in 1984 and renamed in 1985 to "Whirlpool Aero Car." It is a short trip of about 3,600 feet with everyone changing sides halfway through the ride. It provides pretty views of the gorge but really nothing spectacular.
Back on the bus and we are off to the Butterfly Conservatory. Peg and I like butterfly exhibits and we have been to many. Opened in 1996, The Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara is one of the top butterfly exhibits we have ever experienced. It has nearly 2000 butterflies of 60 different species fluttering about its 11,000 square feet in its glassed dome. The temperature is kept at a constant 80 degrees with a brutal humidity of 88 percent to keep the butterflies happy. Beautiful and magical! If you have the extra cash, be sure to take a carriage ride through the Niagara Parks' Botanical Gardens where the Butterfly Conservatory is located.
After enjoying all this nature and beauty, I was ready for some cheese but not the kind you eat. Niagara Falls has its very touristy areas and you can get all the cheesy fun you can handle in section known as Clifton Hill.
Even more fun can be had at the casinos. There are two for you to choose from: Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort. We enjoyed shopping and strolling the grounds of the Fallsview Casino Resort.
So we would recommend planning on a day and a half to see Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. This is will give you enough time to enjoy what Niagara has to offer without getting bored. It really is a nice place to visit.
