Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Unless noted otherwise, the sights listed here journey south to north.
Located just two miles from the brink of Niagara, the quiet community of Chippawa is fre-
quently overlooked by tourists and is known as the childhood home of film director James
Cameron.
Chippawa is bisected by the Welland River, which makes for numerous beautiful wa-
terfront views. Some of the best are from
Kingsbridge Park
(7870 Niagara Pkwy., 877/
642-7275,
www.niagaraparksnature.com
, dawn-dusk daily), which has picnic facilities, a
playground, and a wading pool. Another nearby park, the
Chippawa Battlefield Site
(Niagara Pkwy. near Ussher's Creek,
www.niagaraparksheritage.com
,
dawn-dusk daily)
memorializes the Battle of Chippawa, where more than 200 Indian, Canadian, and Amer-
ican soldiers died fighting during the War of 1812. The park's main feature is a cairn with
plaquesdescribingthebattleandthemenwholosttheirlivesandareburiedhere.Eachyear
on July 5, the anniversary of the conflict, a solemn ceremony commemorates the battle and
the 200 years of peace that followed.
Marineland
Located just five minutes from the falls is
Marineland
(7657 Portage Rd., 905/356-9565,
www.marineland.ca
,
Sat.-Sun. mid-May-June, daily July-mid-Oct., $43 adults, $36 chil-
dren5-9),asprawlingthemeparkwiththrillrides,animalshows,andapettingzoo.Visitors
of all ages will enjoy the shows in the park's main pool, where beluga whales, dolphins,
walruses,andsealionsperformfourtimesdaily.Youcanfeedandpetthebelugawhalesfor
an additional charge ($8). The aquatic performances are the main attractions here, so plan
toattendashowfirst.Thearena,KingWaldorf'sStadium,isclosetotheentrygates;shows
start every two hours.
Young children will delight in the petting and feeding pens for land animals, where
they can feed deer and view other animals, including elk and bison. The park also features
morethanadozenamusementpark-styleridesforallages,includingDragonMountain,the
world's largest steel roller coaster.
