A New Day in Canada: Yoga, Pizza, and Exploration

Today we woke up later than usual, sliding out of our spartan bed around 8 AM. I didn't bring my yoga mat with me even though I truly wanted to fit it in. I need to invent a good travel mat that you can roll up in a cabin bag. Or maybe someone has already made something like that. Please contact me in that case. I want one! Until then, I use towels to protect against cold floors and vulnerable knees. I always do yoga in the morning. It can be as little as 5 minutes or 30 minutes, not more than that on a normal basis. I've been doing that for the last 7 years, and it is just a way to start the day. It is my main way of staying in shape, body, mind, soul, and heart. So far it has been enough even for the strenuous firefighter tests I have to go through twice a year. I find it awesome that a simple yoga practice can keep me up to par.

After a 30-minute stretch, I woke Luna up. She had the sweetest smile on her face and asked if she could have pizza for breakfast, which, as mentioned yeterday, was in the grand plan. We packed our bags so they were ready to go and asked if we could leave them at the hotel. The answer was, of course, "We are not one of those hotels where they kick you out after a certain time. You can stay for as long as you want." Such a sweet comment and it felt like another beautiful realization about how important it is to open oneself up past judgmental thoughts and be open-minded, wanting to see the person in front of you.

We headed down the hill with the goal of getting tickets through Hornblower Niagara Cruises to experience the mist of the falls up close. I don't like getting tickets in advance since it imposes a time constraint. Anyone who knows me understands that being somewhere at a specific time isn’t my specialty. I prefer my tourist adventures, and life in general, to be spontaneous and flexible.

Getting the tickets was one of the smoothest experiences ever. We bought them and basically went straight onto the boat, which runs every 15 minutes. We received red ponchos to protect us from the water and waved to our blue poncho-clad friends from the American side.

Experiencing the Mist: An Unforgettable Adventure

As we boarded the boat, I asked the smiling lady if the weather is always this nice in Niagara. She answered, "No, we are lucky." Blue skies, and temperatures over 25°C (77°F), made it okay to get a little wet. And wow, do those waterfalls hit you in a sneaky way. I had planned ahead by bringing my zip-lock bag from security to save my very sensitive phone from water damage. I filmed for as long as I could and had just stowed away the phone in my bag when the power from the water hit us like a tornado storm.

Out of nowhere, heavy cold winds threw water at us, smattering all around. Luna crawled into her poncho, pulled down the hood, and took shelter underneath me. It was like being hit by a flood-storm. Such an interesting experience, and when the boat finally backed out of the mist after maybe five minutes, Luna commented on the amazing powers of nature and how we must take care of it. So proud of her.

Luna then told me she wanted hot chocolate, but as soon as we came back to the dock, pizza sounded like a better idea. We took the funicular back up (free) and sat in the Secret Garden to eat. After that, we headed to Bird Kingdom, an experience that exceeded our expectations. Bird Kingdom is a sanctuary that prioritizes animal welfare, providing naturalistic habitats for its birds and promoting conservation education. It houses the world’s largest indoor free-flying aviary, where birds can fly and interact in an environment that mimics their natural habitat.

We were lucky enough to stumble upon the 11:30 feeding tour (free of charge) and gained a wealth of new insights into the world of birds. Learning about the daredevils who attempted to conquer the falls and the diverse bird species made for a truly enriching experience. Did you know that turtles have nerves in their shells and can actually feel and enjoy touch? This fascinating fact was just one of the many intriguing pieces of information we picked up during our visit.

Effortless Travel and a Warm Welcome in Hamilton

After learning about the birds, we took the bus back up the hill. Luna got a chance to play with her friends while I went hunting for some snacks for the bus ride to Hamilton. The GO system works really well, and we ended up on a bus (without prebooking) that took us to Burlington GO station. From there, we jumped on two local buses (all are touch-and-go payment if you have a debit or credit card—very convenient) and ended up on a bus that literally dropped us outside our new home.

And what a home! An absolutely beautiful cellar remodeledinto an apartment. Luna and Veda, the girl who lives in the house, found each other immediately. We never want to leave.

Tip of the Day: Kid-Friendly Adventures in Niagara

Niagara Falls offers a wealth of activities that are perfect for children. Here are some highlights and tips to make the most of your visit with kids:

1. Boat Tour to the Falls: The boat tour to experience the mist of Niagara Falls is an absolute must. It's a harsh but rewarding experience, and we were surprised by how powerful the mist was. There's no need to book tickets in advance, at least not in June. This might change when local schools are out for the summer, so it's always good to check. Kids will love the thrill of being so close to the powerful waterfalls, and the experience is both safe and exhilarating.
   

2. Bird Kingdom is a sanctuary that prioritizes animal welfare, providing naturalistic habitats for its birds and promoting conservation education. It houses the world’s largest indoor free-flying aviary, known as the Lost Kingdom, where birds whom for various reasons can not survive in the wild, can fly and interact in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. The Niagara Falls Museum is also located in the same building and is included in the entrance fee. Kids will be fascinated by the diverse species and the interactive exhibits. We were lucky enough to stumble upon the 11:30 feeding tour (free of charge), which provided a wealth of new insights into the world of birds. Additionally, learning about the daredevils who attempted to conquer the falls made for a truly enriching experience.
   

3. Nature and Educational Activities: While the typical tourist attractions in Niagara are fun, focusing your stay on nature and life education can be even more rewarding for children. Choose activities that allow kids to learn about the environment, wildlife, and the history of the area. Walking along the scenic pathways, visiting the Niagara Falls State Park, and exploring educational centers can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
   

4. Interactive Learning: Engage your kids in learning about the Great Lakes, the water cycle, and how the falls were formed. This can turn a simple visit into a fascinating educational adventure. Encourage them to ask questions and explore the answers together, making the trip both fun and informative.
   

5. Relaxation and Play: Don’t forget to balance your itinerary with some relaxation and playtime. Niagara Falls State Park has plenty of space for kids to run around and enjoy the outdoors. The mist from the falls can be a fun and refreshing way for them to cool off on a hot day.

By focusing on these kid-friendly activities, you can ensure that your visit to Niagara Falls is both enjoyable and educational for the whole family.