Niagara Falls: Whirpool Aero Car and enjoying the Falls

This summer we were looking to take a summer vacation that wasn’t too long a drive from Ottawa and that would appeal to three teenagers. We decided Niagara Falls would fit the bill and we weren’t at all disappointed.

The mix of the splendour of the Falls and surrounding attractions along with the fun and hype of Clifton Hill made for a fantastic getaway that the whole family enjoyed (which if you have teens you may know isn’t always that obvious to find!)

Whirlpool Aero Car

The Whirlpool Aero Car was our first stop and I’d never heard of it before we went. Based on how many people told me it must be new when I told them about it, clearly many others haven’t heard about it either but it has been around for 106 years!

I was worried that my fear of heights and bridges would mean that this ride would be scary for me and others in our group, but it felt completely safe and not like something I needed to be brave to be on at all (which was great!)

The ride itself only lasts 10 minutes, but the views are spectacular and it’s quite thrilling to be in the car. It was a great kick off to the day and everyone enjoyed it. There is also free parking at the Aero Car which made it easy and convenient to visit.

Panoramic photo taken from the Aero Car

Power Station and Tunnel

The Niagara Falls Power Station was only de-commissioned in 2006 and they opened it as a museum last year. There are a lot of artifacts from the power station to check out and to learn about.

You can then ride an elevator down 180 feet and see all the levels of the old power station and then walk to the end of a 2200 foot tunnel to come out and view the Falls from a magnificent angle. This is a long walk so anyone with small kids or who has difficulty walking should take note.

All of the bathrooms at the power station were individual and gender-neutral which was great and something I know many families can have difficulty finding so I was thrilled to see that!

Journey Behind the Falls

We weren’t originally sure what the difference was between this attraction and the tunnel attraction.

Journey Behind the Falls is located right at the main Falls building, and is a shorter experience than the tunnel, and you are closer to the Falls when you come out. You also get to see how impressive the waterfall is from the back.

My recommendations

• There are passes that include a bus to get you to all of the different attractions. We were lucky enough to be gifted some tickets to attractions by Niagara Parks but if we had to do it again I would get one of these passes that included the on and off bus.

• If we had to pick between Journey Behind the Falls and the tunnel we would pick Journey, especially if there is anyone in your group who has challenges with long walks.

• Food and parking everywhere is expensive - just prepare yourself for that :)

Disclaimer: we were provided tickets by Niagara Parks to these three attractions. All opinions are our own.

Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries

Smiths Falls is a cute village about half an hour from Ottawa. One of the old train stations is now a theatre called The Station. This is where, until October, the Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries is playing.

This is a must-see show! Ted and his wife/assistant, Marion, are true masters of illusion. They did so many cool things including card tricks, rope tricks, predictions, and what can only be called magic. I watched closely to figure out how the tricks were done but couldn't do it!

This duo has been performing for a long time across Canada and in Europe and work so well together. Ted is the master of illusions while Marion ties the tricks together with movement. She also gets cut in half so props to her.

Ted has an immediate connection with the audience and the house lights came on multiple times so he could pull up the perfect audience member to help with the show. My kids almost died laughing when Ted chose me to draw something on stage (I almost died of embarrassment, but it was all in good fun, plus I got a keepsake from my "trick"). Audience participation really adds to the show and shows how clever the tricks are.

The show was just about an hour and a half long with a ten minute intermission - the perfect length for kids and anyone who needs a health break after sitting for a bit. The theatre is staffed with the sweetest volunteers and the artwork in the lobby is fun to peruse while snacking on concession treats.

Ted and the team were in the lobby after the show, but, like all good magicians, I'm not sure they'd tell you any of their secrets. There are posters for sale and even kits for your budding magician.

I would recommend the Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries to anyone and everyone, though toddlers may have a hard time sitting through the whole show.

Tickets are around $35 ($⁠28.20 plus HST and Eventbrite fees) and the show is running until October 1st 2022 at the Station Theatre in Smiths Falls

A bit about the show from the organizers:

World-class magic show OUTERBRIDGE – Clockwork Mysteries returns to The Station Theatre in Smiths Falls (Fridays @ 7:30pm, Saturdays @ 2:00pm & 7:30pm -- $⁠28.20⁠ plus HST and Eventbrite fees).

Critics across the globe have hailed Ted and Marion Outerbridge as "Champions of magic" (Bergedorfer Zeitung, Germany), described their performance as "A visual feast" (Jinhua Daily, China), “A master of Illusion” (CBC-Radio Canada), and exclaimed “An astonishing performance” (Ottawa Life Magazine).

It is the most successful illusion show in Canada, and it wouldn’t be an over-statement to say that OUTERBRIDGE is Canada’s reply to America’s David Copperfield!

After years of performing around the world including the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood, the Outerbridges have recently relocated to Smiths Falls, and are delighted to be performing minutes from their new home in the Ottawa Valley!

Within seconds of taking the stage, the Outerbridges fuse their revolutionary illusions with split-second artistry to hold viewers spellbound. Keeping their audience enthralled from the first astonishing illusion to the spectacular finale, the Outerbridges create an experience that far exceeds the expectations of every spectator.

A fantastical event that is at once magic, dance, theatre, and a large dash of wonder.

Disclaimer: I was gifted tickets to the show in order to facilitate this review.

Broadway is back in Ottawa

When Hamilton was released on Disney+ early in the pandemic I was surprised by just how into the musical and all its music my kids would get. We listened to the songs in the car for months and all had our favourite songs. That meant that getting to see Hamilton live wasn’t just any old show we got to go to, it was one we really got excited about (even though getting some of my teens out of the house for family activities isn’t as easy as it used to be ;) )

With two of my kids away at sleep away camp, my husband and I got a rare outing with just our oldest son to see Hamilton at the NAC on opening night.

Seeing the show live and in person was just as great as we all hoped it would be, and not only that - my teen said he’d love to attend more shows in the future!

I was under the impression Hamilton was sold out and it would be impossible to get tickets at this late date but there are still some tickets available if you want to check it out before the end of July.

What’s coming next

Because of COVID cancelations there are a lot of shows coming in the next 6 months as they try to catch up - plus there’s an exciting 2022/2023 season.

Dear Evan Hansen opens on August 9th

Anastasia opens on August 30th

Means Girls opens October 18th

I have incredible memories of going to see musicals with my family as a child and I love that we get to do that with our children too (and have been taking them to various shows at the NAC since they were toddlers!)

It was great to be back and seeing a show again and we’re looking forward to many more in the coming year. Comment and let us know if your kids enjoy going to the theatre or musicals.

Disclosure: we were provided tickets to the show free of charge but all opinions are our own.

Interzip - a unique zip lining experience from Ontario to Quebec

Last week we got invited to experience zip lining from one province to another at the InterZip Rogers (last year Misty got to try it out and you can check out her recount of the experience here.)My husband and three teens (13 year old twins and a 15 year old) all got to try out the experience. My family is not one of thrill seekers and so I wasn’t sure how it would go but all four of them really enjoyed it! (The most nerve wracking part was climbing the tower (you climb 120 metres in the air which is about the heigh of 9 stories) - partially because it’s high and partially because of nerves for the upcoming jump).

They enjoyed that the ride went slower than a lot of other zip lines (it travels at 40 kms a hour and lasts about 40 seconds.)

Our consensus is that if your kids are the types who enjoy zip lines in general, this is a great activity for any kids who fit the minimum weight requirement of 70lbs.

How it works

You arrive at the ticket office on the Gatineau side and check in. You are then weighed and your equipment is chosen based on weight and size. You are given your equipment which is put on loosely, and then you walk about 5-10 minutes across the river and over to the tower.

You are then led through safely strapping in to your equipment and through safety instructions for climbing the tower. There is a maximum of ten people on the tower at a time, and people zip down in pairs.

Once people reach the top of the stairs they are strapped in, given instructions for their journey down, and for the appropriate landing position at the end.

To note, almost my entire family thought the ride went a little further than when they actually stopped (they had their eyes on the final bumpers) and were surprised when they stopped abruptly a little sooner than that.

We also had a chance to celebrate at the end with ice cream from the restaurant located on site.

Cost

14 and under: $29.99

15 and over: $39.99

It is recommended you book ahead of time as some days sell out completely.

Video

You can also purchase a video of your experience for $19 which is a nice keepsake. Here are the two we got!

Are there age or weight restrictions?

There are no age restrictions but there are weight restrictions. For kids under 18 a parent/guardian must sign a waiver.

The minimum weight is : 70 pounds.

And the maximum weight is : 250 pounds.

You must also be able to climb the tower on your own. A few other restrictions include: pregnant women, intoxication, missing limb (arm or leg), extreme asthma or breathing problems, epilepsy, high blood pressure, skeletal, joint or ligament problems.

Note that the participant must have full use of their arms, legs and hands and be able to walk up and down steps without fatigue or assistance.

The right to restrict access to any person is at the discretion of the management.

How should you dress?

Closed shoes and clothing appropriate to the weather conditions. Helmet, harness and specialised equipment will be provided on site.

Can I bring my camera or things with me?

No, you need to leave all of your possession at the main office and zip with nothing in your pockets or hands.

Any other questions? Check out the official FAQ

Disclosure: we were provided free tickets to enjoy this attraction but all opinions are our own.

In-person summer camps for kids in Ottawa

This is the first summer in a couple of years that summer camps are starting to feel like they’re back to what we’re used to pre-pandemic. Check out this list of some of the summer camps available this year to see if they still have spaces available for registration!

Dovercourt Day Camps

https://www.dovercourt.org/camps/

Beginning August 4th, half-day camp programs are 4 hours – 4.5 hours with pick up and drop off. These longer half-day programs will now be offered to children who have just finished Kindergarten (5.5yrs old) to 12yrs old. 

Starr Gymnastics

https://www.starrgymnastics.ca/

National Kids Camps

http://www.nationalkidscamps.com/

Tennis, mountain biking and more!

ORC Academy

https://www.ocracademy.ca/camp/

Full-day camps in their indoor obstacle course

GNAG at the Glebe Community Centre

GNAG at the Glebe CC offers fantastic recreational day camps and a wide range of specialty camps including: Acro Dance, Art/Pottery, Musical Theatre and Cooking. GNAG’s well loved Leadership camps offer an opportunity for youth to be their best self. Camps are geared to children ages 3-16 years; we do our best to send everyone home happy and excited for the next day!

https://gnag.ca/camp/

YMCA Day Camps - Camp Otonabee

https://www.ymcaywca.ca/camps-outdoor-education/day-camps/neighbourhood-day-camps/

https://www.ymcaywca.ca/camps-outdoor-education/day-camps/camp-otonabee/

City of Ottawa

https://ottawa.ca/en/recreation-and-parks/recreation-programs/summer-camps-and-other-camps

Summer camps (full day) with lots of outdoor time, sports, games and crafts.

Gloucester Pottery School

https://gloucesterpotteryschool.com/programs/

2-hour pottery camps, morning or afternoon.

Ottawa Circus School

https://ottawacircusschool.com/circus-day-camps/

Full day, outdoor seasonal location behind the church at 55 Appleford Street in Ottawa, Ontario. 8 weeks of camp beginning July 6th for kids aged 8-15 years old.

The Ottawa New Edinburgh Club

https://www.onec.ca/

Sailing and Tennis camps for ages 7 to 17.

Rideau Canoe Club

https://rideaucanoeclub.wildapricot.org/event-4689198

The Canoe Fun Summer Camp is a one-week half-day camp with an introduction to all aspects of safe paddle sports, including canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding (SUP) for kids aged 7 to 12.

ORCC Ottawa River Canoe Club

https://www.ottawarivercanoe.com/pages/summer-camps

Ages 8 to 14. Campers receive instruction in various types of paddling from certified coaches and enjoy spending time on the water practicing what they’ve learned in both single and team boats. 

Good Morning Creative Arts & Preschool

https://www.gmcaps.com/

Located on First Ave, camps run daily for kids 3-8 from 9am- 1pm and have weekly themes. Contact them directly at goodmorningpreschool@gmail.com for more information.

Pedalheads Biking & Trail Riding Camps

https://www.pedalheads.com/ontario

Ottawa School of Art

https://artottawa.ca/register-for-a-class/?focus=Summer+camps

uOttawa Camps

https://www2.uottawa.ca/campus-life/athletics-recreation/camps

Corona School of Gymnastics

https://www.coronagym.ca/pages/birthdays-camps/summer-camps

RA Centre camps

https://www.racentre.com/child-youth-programs/2022-ra-camps/

Carleton Athletics Camps

https://athletics.carleton.ca/camps/summer-camps/

Ottawa Art Gallery

https://oaggao.ca/learn/activities-and-public-programs/kids-and-family-programs/art-camps/

Ottawa Catholic School Board Camps

https://conted.ocsb.ca/summer-programs/summer-camps/

Community Activities Group of Old Ottawa East

https://www.ottawaeastcag.org/summer-camps

Old Ottawa South Community Association

This year’s programming has options for ages 3-17 including some programs like Dungeons and Dragons (for 3 hours in the afternoon) and pottery, for older teenagers.

https://oldottawasouth.ca/

Nepean Sailing School Camps

Nepean Sailing School offers a variety of summer sailing camps for children and youth, ages 7 to 17. Our programs create the perfect mix of learning and fun for all levels from never sailed to the advanced racer. Programs are offered Monday to Friday 9 am to 4 pm during July and August. After Sail child care is available to 6 pm. Non club members are welcome.

https://nsc.ca/web2/sailtraining/youth/

Patro Ottawa day camps

Located in Vanier, the theme for these day camps all summer long is Patro Lympique.

https://www.patro-ottawa.com/camp-de-jour-ete-2022

School of Rock

Located in Orleans these camps are great for students 7-13. Students will put on a live performance at the end of the week.

https://www.schoolofrock.com/music-camps