Road trips have easily become some of the best memories we've made as a family of six.
As the last days of 2023 approached, my family and I took a fun and quick trip to Niagara Falls, Canada, for the Winter Festival of Lights. Little did we know that this trip would be filled with unexpected twists, rain-soaked adventures, and unforgettable memories that would become cherished stories for years to come. The moment we set foot in Niagara Falls (Canada side) the rain became our constant companion throughout the trip. Our ponchos became our trusty shields against the persistent drizzle, and we found ourselves using them more than ever before. Despite the weather, our spirits remained high as we explored the breathtaking beauty of the falls illuminated by the enchanting Winter Festival of Lights.
One notable addition to our experience was placing a lock on the iconic love lock bridge. Unlike our previous visit, this time around, we decided to immortalize our family bond by attaching a padlock with our names to the bridge. It was a simple yet meaningful gesture that added an extra layer of sentiment to our trip. We saw other families looking for their once-left lock, but part of the bridge is being torn down and unfortunately, thousands of locks will be demolished along with it. After securing our family's love lock on the bridge, we decided to take the symbolic gesture a step further. With a sense of closure and unity, we tossed the key into the majestic Niagara Falls—a gesture symbolizing our commitment to love and unity as a family. It was a poignant moment that added a touch of romance to our winter adventure. I don't think the kids would agree and Ava pretty much harped us the entire night about aquatic safety, safety for the environment, and really just better choices we could have made all around (thankful for her always teaching us).
One notable addition to our experience was placing a lock on the iconic love lock bridge. Unlike our previous visit, this time around, we decided to immortalize our family bond by attaching a padlock with our names to the bridge. It was a simple yet meaningful gesture that added an extra layer of sentiment to our trip. We saw other families looking for their once-left lock, but part of the bridge is being torn down and unfortunately, thousands of locks will be demolished along with it. After securing our family's love lock on the bridge, we decided to take the symbolic gesture a step further. With a sense of closure and unity, we tossed the key into the majestic Niagara Falls—a gesture symbolizing our commitment to love and unity as a family. It was a poignant moment that added a touch of romance to our winter adventure. I don't think the kids would agree and Ava pretty much harped us the entire night about aquatic safety, safety for the environment, and really just better choices we could have made all around (thankful for her always teaching us).
I was really surprised by how busy our hotel was even in the "off" seasons. I expected Niagra to be covered with ice and beautiful reminders of winter -- it was not, and it surely didn't stop the tourists from flooding in. I'm just really glad we didn't pay for a view. With all the rain and overcast, you couldn't see anything from the rooms. Not even the fireworks! The Festival of Lights itself exceeded our expectations. The sparkling display of lights was nothing short of breathtaking and stretched far beyond what we had imagined. Every corner we turned revealed a new enchanting scene, turning the misty rain into a canvas for a dazzling winter wonderland.
I did end up taking quite a spill on the way back to the hotel. Clumsy me! The highlight of this trip (besides the lights) for our kids was The Hot Cocoa Trail—a delightful journey of indulging in warm cups of cocoa with marshmallows and whipped cream. It became the hyperfocus on this trip and Ava shared that she was NOT leaving Niagra Falls without some. No visit to Canada is complete without bringing home some authentic maple syrup and souvenirs. Olivia was so excited to find this really cool teal tie-dye Niagra Falls hoodie and Liam found a really cute Canadian airplane. Tatum didn't really want anything so we bought her this sticker that she showed some interest in. I will say that our family indulged in a variety of maple syrups, each with its unique flavor profile per the helpful charts everyone. I was certainly excited to be bringing a taste of Canadian sweetness to our kitchen.
As part of our exploration, we ventured down to the Niagra Parks Power Station, marveling at the engineering marvel that harnesses the incredible power of Niagara Falls. It was a fascinating experience that added an educational element to our family getaway. The kids loved the tunnel and another closer view of the falls. I especially loved the history and the unique infrastructure of the building.
Despite the relentless rain, our family's trip to Niagara Falls this time around turned out to be an unforgettable adventure. I love that Justin and I are affording these kids the best of memories and explorations. We've got to up the quick trips in 2024! They are easily turning out to be my favorite.
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