I recently took a three-day trip to Ontario, Canada, to visit The African Lion Safari and Niagara Falls. Furthermore, I must admit that it was way too long a distance to do in three days, and I highly doubt that I would take this kind of trip again.
12 Hours on a Bus
It took us in fact almost 12 hours on a bus from Manhattan with just a few very short highway stops to get to our hotel in Brantford, Ontario. Thus, I was very wiped out and just thrilled to be off the bus. The next morning at 8:30 am we were on the bus again and headed for The African Lion Safari located about 40 minutes further out.
Entrance to The African Lion Safari in Ontario, Canada. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Conserving and Preserving
The African Lion Safari was a fun place to visit and extremely kid-friendly. Since 1969, the Safari experience has worked towards conserving and preserving many endangered and threatened species. As an accredited institution, their wildlife partners have many zoological facilities and participate in managed assurance populations, contributing to species survival. Our entire group got on an enclosed game drive bus and drove through the park. Here are some of the animals that we saw, from the bus of course :).
A group of llamas at African Lion Safari. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
A group of lions at African Lion Safari in Ontario Canada. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Primates and vehicles at African Lion Safari. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
A giraffe at African Lion Safari. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Skylon Tower
It was indeed a fun experience but truthfully having had the good fortune of going to Africa and having been on several real game drives, it paled in comparison. Despite some limitations, it was still an interesting experience to see how the park is set up to take care of these amazing animals. After the Safari we headed towards Niagara Falls to have an early dinner at The Skylon Tower for dinner. Our African Lion Safari and Niagara Falls trip was developing nicely!
The Skylon in Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Niagara Falls
The Skylon Tower, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, is an observation tower overlooking the American Falls, New York, and the larger Horseshoe Falls, Ontario, from the Canadian side of the Niagara River. Here are some views to demonstrate the magnificent scenery we enjoyed as we ate a great dinner. By the way, you can always take an elevator up there (not bad), and the circular dining and viewing areas are in constant circular motion (also not bad). In any case, here are some pictures to help you visualize the attraction.
A view from The Skylon in Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
A view from The Skylon in Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
A view of Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
The Falls
Next, we walked from there for about 20 minutes to take the Hornblower Cruise to get up and personal with The Falls. Then, we each got a poncho for what was to be an interesting experience. In this situation, I opted to sit inside since wet shoes are definitely not my thing, but it was an interesting experience nonetheless.
Niagara City Cruises in Ontario Canada. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
A view of Niagara Falls in Ontario Canada. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Sora Vernikoff in Niagara. Photo by Anonymous
Time to Chill
Then it was back to the hotel, about an hour away. Upon our return, it was definitely time to chill. After a pleasant stay, the next morning we boarded the bus at 8:00 a.m. and headed back to New York. However there was one more stop to make, and that was The Corning Glass Museum in Corning, New York. Without a doubt, I think it’s a fabulous museum.
Corning Museum of Glass in Corning New York. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Fabulous Glass Blowers
The display cases and rooms were vast in size and really highlighted the talent of the fabulous glass blowers. Hence, some photos of what we saw.
Forest Glass Exhibits at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning New York. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Forest Glass caption at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning New York. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
The Endeavor glass exhibits at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning New York. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Caption for the Endeavor glass exhibit at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning New York. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Sill Life Sized with Two Plums Glass Fruit Exhibit at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning New York. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Caption for Still Life with Two Plums at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning New York. Photo by Sora Vernikoff
Minimum of Three Nights
So yes, I enjoyed the experience, especially the Museum, but it was far too long a trip for just two nights. Without reservation, I recommend the tour but suggest that you book it for a minimum of three nights if you plan to see the Safari and the Falls.
Whatever you decide, you’ll learn a lot. And don’t forget your passport!
Readers may also enjoy our reviews of the Iconic Images Art Gallery, Bar Italia Madison, Chez Josephine, and a New Yorker’s Weekend in London.
