Niagara Falls Fun - Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls Canada

Printed originally by the Review

New city trail could open by end of year
Would follow old railway corridor
Posted By Corey Larocque

Niagara Falls could have a new recreational trail running along the old Canadian Pacific railway corridor connecting the downtown area and Clifton Hill by the end of the year, city officials say.

The city is moving forward with its plan for a $364,000 trail where the trains used to run, said Denyse Morrissey, the city’s parks, recreation and culture director.

She outlined plans to build a 1.3-kilometre trail parallel to Ontario Avenue and Palmer Avenue during a downtown committee meeting Monday (more…)

Niagara Falls Video of the Day: A tour of the Bird Kingdom

From Youtube user: virtuousity1
Added: June 22, 2008

“Bird Kingdom Niagara Falls is the worlds largest, indoor, free flying Aviary. Located on the scenic Niagara Gorge, a few minutes from the Falls, Bird Kingdom hosts a diverse collection of over 500 birds representing nearly 80 species from around the world, many of them threatened or critically endangered in the wild. Bask in the marvels of nature as one walks among 35 foot tall palm trees, a 40 foot waterfall and hundreds of unique birds from around the world! Open daily 10:00am to 5:00pm
Simply marvellous according to Debbie. A favorite attraction among locals and tourists alike.”

Niagara Falls Video of the Day: Butterfly Conservatory

From Youtube user: whenitpainsitroars
Added: August 16, 2006

Nice video of the Butterfly conservatory in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Printed by the Review

Ball’s Falls new conservation centre focuses on ecology; $4 million project devoted to environmental sustainability
Posted By MATTHEW VAN DONGEN
Posted 18 hours ago

Ball’s Falls’ $4-million, state-of-the-art Centre for Conservation is scheduled to open May 9 at the popular Jordan conservation area.

Inside, visitors will be greeted by 12,000 square feet of show-and-tell space devoted to environmental sustainability.

“We didn’t want to hide anything,” said St. Catharines architect Harald Ensslen. “We wanted a building that teaches people about conservation.” (more…)

Printed in the Niagara Gazette

NIAGARA FALLS: A natural approach to tourism

Board creating brochure to pitch ecotourism attractions
By Rick Forgione/forgioner@gnnewspaper.com
Niagara Gazette

Tourism Advisory Board member Lisa Vitello knows detailed information on every ecotourism attraction in Niagara Falls could probably fill a book.

Or in this case, a brochure.

“We need to begin to become a premiere ecotourism area,” Vitello said during a meeting Monday. “We really already are, we just need to market it.”

Her colleagues on the board agreed and encouraged Vitello to begin planning a brochure that would focus only on promoting the ecotourism industry.

Click here to continue reading.

Printed from the Review

Cherries, oh so sweet

TIFFANY MAYER

Thursday, June 28, 2007 – 07:00

Local News – Cherries might just have their biggest fan in Jill Weiland.

She devours them plain, freezes them, throws them in just about any drink and even walked down the aisle with a guy who grows them.

“My joke that I tell people is I love cherries so much, I looked around for a farmer growing cherries that I could marry, so I could eat for free,” Weiland said. (more…)

Printed in the October 2006 Business News Update, by the City of Niagara Falls

Bird Kingdom, North America’s largest indoor free flying aviary

Renovations were completed this summer in the Birds of the Lost Kingdom’s Small Aviary where it was transformed into a free flying environment, just as their Main Aviary.

During the transition, a team of 10 Bird Kingdom Live Collections Staff monitored the more than 25 different species of rare and exotic birds from around the globe. All birds adjusted very well and are now enjoying their new habitat. Many of the birds, such as the endangered Gouldian Finches, are so small you could fit a dozen in your hand. Gouldian Finches have been declared endangered due to the fact that there are less than 2,500 of this species left in their native home of Australia.

New to the exhibit are African Weavers, which weave elaborate nests from grass and plant thatching.

All of the Small Aviary’s rock work, wall detailing, water features and plantings are created in house by the talented staff of the Niagara Falls Bird Kingdom. Due to the heavy wear on the plant life, the staff incorporate new plant life donated every 4-6 months from the University of Toronto Horticulture program.

The Niagara Falls Bird Kingdom opened in 2001 and has quickly established itself as a popular year-round destination experience. A three-time winner of Niagara’s prestigious, “Attraction of the Year”, Misty Award.

The family attraction is located at 5651 River Road, near the Rainbow Bridge. The building’s first tenant was the Spinney Corset Factory. In 1959, the one-time factory was converted into the Niagara Falls Museum which showcased unique exhibits until 1999. In 2000, the heritage building underwent a complete redesign to create a family, year-round, eco-tourism attraction. The Bird Kingdom is an climate controlled 46,000 square foot complex.

This Niagara Falls interactive attraction is for all ages from children to seniors and offers many educational workshops and classroom programs. Visitors can experience the wonder of the birds flight, hear their songs, observe their behaviours, walk the garden, or relax in the 125-year old Java House, a stunning hand carved House from the Island of Java in Indonesia. In addition to hundreds of free flying birds from around the world, the Main Aviary features a 40-foot waterfall, 35 foot tall palm trees, streams, and ponds. Bird Kingdom also features an Explorer’s Café and the award winning Macaw Market Gift Shop. The Nocturnal Zone, an ancient jungle ruin, comes alive at night with spooky creatures, such as bats, owls, bird eating spiders, snakes, frogs, and more!

The world’s largest, indoor, free-flying aviary is unique in North America and plays host to over 500 birds, representing over 70 species. The Bird Kingdom is wheelchair and stroller accessible, open to the public year-round for individuals or groups. Meeting room space is available for weddings/family/corporate/student events, seminars, or special events. www.birdkingdom.ca

Bird Kingdom Niagara Falls

Established: June 2001
Employees: 35
Investment: $15-million
Amenities: World’s largest indoor aviary; 400 free flying tropical birds; Three time winner – Attraction of The Year Award.
Location: 5651 River Road Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Contact: 905.356.8888 www.birdkingdom.ca