Beautiful Queen Victoria Park Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world, attracts millions of visitors every year. The magnificent falls are surrounded by several parks, but none are as stunning as Queen Victoria Park. This park is located in Niagara Falls, Canada, and offers spectacular views of both the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. In this article, we will explore the history, attractions, and features of Queen Victoria Park.
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A Brief History of Queen Victoria Park
Queen Victoria Park was established by the Niagara Falls Park Act in 1885, and it was opened to the public on May 24, 1888, the birthday of Queen Victoria. The park covers an area of 99 acres and is named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Great Britain.
Prior to 1888, the area comprising Queen Victoria Park was part of the upper Niagara River bed. The first suggestion of a park at this site came in 1873 as an idea offered by Edmund Burke Wood, a member of Canadian Parliament, in an effort to quell the criminal element in the area. This idea was refused, however, by the new Ontario Premier, Oliver Mowat, even when given a federal offer to split the cost of establishing such a park.
By 1880, Mowat began considering the possibility of using a private corporation to take on the idea. Several proposals were floated in the ensuing years, all either struck down by Mowat or failing to get legislative backing. A three-member committee was established in 1885, headed by Polish immigrant Sir Casimir Gzowski, who proposed a government-run park encompassing 118 acres, to be free to the public.
Location and Access
Queen Victoria Park is located on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, opposite the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The park spans over 500 acres and is open year-round, 24/7. Admission to the park is free, and visitors do not need tickets to enter.
Parking is available nearby, and visitors can park at the Table Rock Visitor Centre, which usually has ample parking. During the summer months, the lot may fill up quickly, and visitors may need to park at a satellite lot and take a shuttle to the visitor centre. If you are staying in the Fallsview Hotel district, you can take the incline railway for a small fee.
Features
Queen Victoria Park is known for its outstanding flower displays of daffodils and roses in-season, with many of the plantings done in a carpet-bedding design. The park is open year-round, and it’s a great place to enjoy spectacular views of Niagara Falls during pleasant weather. Parking is available by the Table Rock Visitor Centre, which usually has parking available. During the summer months, the lot may fill to capacity, and parking at a satellite lot may be necessary.
The park features a valuable collection of unique native and international plant species from around the world. The majority of plants are labelled for the education of visitors. The park also features a major stone garden and a Hybrid tea rose garden.
Things to Do
Queen Victoria Park is an ideal spot to see the Night Fireworks in Niagara Falls, and you will get the best views of both American and Horseshoe Falls. The park is also the focal point for the annual winter Festival of Lights. Many important events like Canada Day celebrations, Onguiaahra, The Winter Festival of Lights, and New Year’s Eve are hosted in Queen Victoria Park throughout the year.
Visitors can enjoy colourful displays during each season, especially in winter, when the whole park will be illuminated at night as part of the Winter Festival of Lights. The park is open every day of the year, 24/7, and admission is free. Restrooms, a gift shop, and food service are available. Visitors average 1 to 2 hours here.
Nearby Attractions
Queen Victoria Park is not the only attraction in Niagara Falls. Visitors can also enjoy attractions like the Bird Kingdom, Floral Showhouse, Skylon Tower, Niagara SkyWheel, Niagara Helicopters, and Whirlpool Aero Car.
The Bird Kingdom is the largest free-flying indoor aviary in the world, and visitors can enjoy a close-up view of exotic birds from around the world. The Floral Showhouse is a beautiful greenhouse featuring thousands of flowers, plants, and trees from around the world. The Skylon Tower is a famous observation tower that offers breathtaking views of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area.
The Niagara SkyWheel is a 175-foot Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area. The Niagara Helicopters offer a thrilling ride above Niagara Falls, and visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area. The Whirlpool Aero Car is a cable car that offers a unique view of the Niagara Whirlpool.