Floral Showhouse (Niagara Falls)

After visiting Niagara Falls since I was child, I truly thought I had seen every nook and cranny this iconic destination had to offer.  They keep coming up with new things to explore.  The Floral Showhouse is not to be confused with the Botanical Gardens in Niagara.  

It's located at 7145 Niagara River Parkway which is a short walk sound of the Falls and Table Rock Centre.  Very near the Niagara Parks Station and the Power Tunnel (the Botanical Gardens is located Further north along the Parkway closer to the Butterfly Conservatory)

As soon as step inside you'll immediately feel the tropical temperatures as the indoor spaces and greenhouses are wonderfully warm and humid, filled with vibrant varieties of plants that thrive in the heat. From striking, architectural cacti to fascinating tropical fauna, every corner offered something new to admire.

If you want to cool down a bit, take a step out outside where the magic continues with whimsical, storybook-style floral designs. The outdoor gardens are filled with charming touches like a plant-styled jumping fish, large floral butterflies, and busy bumblebees darting from one display to another.

I have to admit I was a little disappointed though...

One of the main reasons I wasexcited to visit the Floral Showhouse was a rumor I'd heard that the Showhouse had acquired pieces from the legendary Cullen Gardens and Miniature Village. Like many of you, some of my fondest memories as a young mother was taking my small children to visit the magical miniature world in Whitby, and watching their little faces (and mine) light up while they marveled looking at the tiny houses, manicured landscapes, and miniature trains. It was quite simply the most magical place I had ever seen.  They had different scene of the Canadian Exhibition with minature ferris wheels, and rollercoasters with mechnical cars that would go up with a pre-recording of children happily screaming at the rollercoaster went over the hill!  It was really something else.

When I heard pieces of it had found a home here, I couldn't wait to see them again. I have to admit, it was a bit disappointing to find that they had only acquired a small handful of little houses from the original set. It left me wondering whatever happened to the rest of the Miniature Village? Where did all those wonderful, intricate pieces go? I've searched everywhere online and can't seem to find a trace of their ultimate fate. I truly wish they had kept the original village open so younger generations today could experience that same wonder.

Before I sign off, I have to ask if anyone sees this reads this post, do any of you have information on what happened to the rest of the Cullen Gardens miniatures? Is there anywhere else left where we can still see those beloved pieces? Drop a comment below and let me know! 

Greenwood Conservation Area (Vaughan)

I have to say I thought the Greenwood Conservation Area (which runs from Taunton Road to Highway 7 on the border of Ajax and Pickering in the Durham Region) was one of the top 3 conservation areas I personally have ever been to so far.  

It has a bit of everything for everyone! Like deep valleys, lush forestland, wetlands, boardwalks, hidden meadow paths, birdwatching peaks, 3 backpacker areas (for avid hikers), smooth running river with spawning salmon, and beautiful vistas.

There is a bit of a walk from the FREE parking lot off Greenwood road to the trail heads forks to an opportunity to take a 15 km trail covering the expanse of the area or a shorter loops like the "White Pine Walk" which is about 2km to the Duffins Trail. 

There are so many options through deep woodlands with towering pine trees and along steep sided river valleys, which links to the Trans Canada Trail.

There's also a designated leash-free area where your four legged friends can burn off some energy as well!

We noticed near the river where the salmon were spawning there's a house on the hill which lowers to the bed of the river bank and has a dock with two adirondack chairs.  Looking at this you can't help feel envious of the glorious views they must take in at different times of the year!

Yes, there is fishing here, which has a popular seasonal spot for trout fishing (just be sure to have a valid fishing license) because they do check.  

If you're a bird watcher, you'll love it here in the spring and summer, where there are trails which offer photographers to take a stroll through the Bird Walk or Meadow Trail.  

In the Autumn, when we were there the valley comes to life with vibrant reds, oranges and golds.

In the Winter, this is a popular spot for winter hiking (bring ice cleats for your boots), cross-country sking and snowshoeing.  Now there's an activity I would like to try!  Though something tells me it will be quite the workout!

If you want to check it out yourself, Greenwood Conservation area is located at 2280 Greenwood Road in Ajax.

If you have already visited, please feel free to share your experiences!

Saltfleet Conservation Area (Hamilton)

 After another one of our "All You Can Eat" outtings in Stoney Creek, we found a nearby Conservation Area with a rather unusal name.  Saltfleet Conservation Area is Hamilton Conversation Area's newest project still in the works.  It's located south of the Niagra Esparment near the Upper Battlefield and Upper Stoney Creek watersheds.

When the Saltfleet Conservation area is complete it will open up to 411 acres of unique natural features. As if the Niagara escarpment wasn't gorgeous enough!  We mostly came across lots of marshy fields and woodland which provides a home to many species of breeding birds.  I have not yet gotten into birdwatching or photography - mostly because my camera is still the highest in the Canon rebel series and my zoom lens maxes at 300 mm.  I'm working my way up to the pros! Maybe I might indulge myself to spend a bit of money to update.

Although there were construction signs up, you are still able to walk through the trails.  Like I said this is a new area, so the area currently has a small trail system with the Heritage Green Community Trust Trail which is a mouthful!  The trail is gorgeous and unspoiled and runs east and west through the wetlands.  It also connnects to the Dofasco 2000 Trail and the Devil's Punchbowl  Conservation Area for those into waterfall pictures 

We paid $8 to get in, but we were the only car there!  There are many dog owners who let their dogs offleash so be mindful of that when you go.  We did happen to pass by a couple with 2 very scary dogs, the pitbull and mastis.  They actually look like they were walking their owners :D.  

We did the whole trail right to the Devils punchbowl and back to the car on foot.  We ended up with over 25,000 steps and it took about 3 hours I think.  The weather was beautiful so I didn't complain too much.

If you ever want to check it out, I'd wait until the late spring - summer as you won't find too many fall colurs here, its mostly meadow land and wetlands.

Happy Trails!

Felkers Falls- Hamilton

Felkers Falls is a lovely spot located in amidst a residential neighbourhood.  The Felker’s Falls Conservation area is accessed from the Peter Street trail and follows a loop around to give you lots of great photo-op vantage points.  A nice hike indeed and like many waterflows on the escarpment, there is an upper and lower gorge. 

Upper Felkers

Felkers Falls is a 22 metre ‘ribbon’ waterfall and falls in the middle of forested trails, river streams, knotted hills, and open hooded caves.  Lucky are those who lives around this urban setting.

For those of you who don’t live nearby, exit the QEW on Centennial Pkwy heading south to head up the escarpment (East mountain).  Once you see Mud st, turn right and again at Paramount Dr. Turn right again onto Ackland Street.  Around the bend, you will see a parking lot.  All signs and maps are there to decide which route you wish to take.  

You can also enter Felkers from Quigley Road, and walk in to get to the falls.  This is a more adventurous way to view as climb over rocks and mud.  There is a clear pathway more or less so sounds a lot worse than it is.  As well, you will pass by Lower Davis Falls.  I didn't really get a good picture as there was no tripod and now I swear by them.  You can't always rely on the steadiness of rock and the view finder doesn't always accurately depict the picture you'll get when you're back home looking at it on your computer.  

This fall, normally rates high out of the top 16 waterfalls in Hamilton as far as accessibility and waterflow.

The setting is peaceful and usually isolated, although occasionally you may find a few people enjoying this hidden treasure as well, so if you think you've discovered paradise, you may have some company...

 
All year round flow, this is a must-go place in Hamilton to check out.  Have you been to any of the falls in Hamilton?  

Let me know in the comments!

Harmony Valley Conserservation Area

After stopping in Oshawa to indulge at India's Taste and Sweets, we decided to burn off some calories and check out the local trails as well to find a quiet spot to stretch our legs, we decided to found a short trip over to the Harmony Valley Conservation Area (located off Grandview Street North in Oshawa, just a short drive east in the Durham region).

Harmony Valley doubles as an off-leash dog park. As we walked, we encountered several dogs roaming the fields and forest edges. It was funny seeing them trot through the tall trees!  It felt less like watching pets on a walk and more like observing a pack of polite, gentle wolves wandering completely free. What struck us most was how impeccably well-behaved they were. It was as if they were just fellow hikers sharing the path. They strolled casually past strangers without a single bark or greeting, simply soaking in their own outdoor freedom.

The trail winds through a surprisingly rich mix of hardwood forests, open fields, and quiet wetlands. Jack pines stood tall and strong providing much needed shade from the sun.  We also came across 3 separate wooden structures in the shape of teepees.

Although we didn't see anything wilder than a few family pets and some squirrels, there have been signtings of white-tailed deer in the early morning before the dogs arrive.  This area also has cottontial rabbits and red chipmunks gathering seeds under the pines.

If you are quiet you can hear the sounds above of hawks over the open meadow.  The wetands nearby in the creek beds have green frogs, painted turtles and the occassional signting of the great blue heron if you are patient enough.

Overall it was a great 3 km nature trail right in the middle of the suburban landscape fo Richmond Hill.

Feel free to share any ideas you might have of where we should go next!

Bata Shoe Museum

The Bata Shoe Museum located at 327 Bloor Street West is what I would call a hidden gem. I’ve lived in Toronto my whole life and have never been.

Honestly, I’m not sure what took me so long. The museum has been around since 1995, sitting right in our backyard inside that distinct, shoebox-shaped building designed by Raymond Moriyama. 

To be honest, part of me always assumed it would be a bit boring! I mean, how interesting could a building full of old footwear really be?

I was completely wrong.

I was blown away by how much history they managed to pack into every single display. It isn't just a row of dusty shoes; it’s a fascinating look into human history, exploring why we made certain footwear, its practical purpose, and who wore it throughout the ages.

Take Roman foot soldiers, for instance. They had to march hundreds of miles across grueling terrain, so their open-toed leather sandals (called caligae) were engineered specifically for endurance. The open design prevented sweat build-up and blisters, while the thick soles were studded with iron hobnails for grip. I recall reading somewhere that because of these meticulously strapped designs and ventilated layouts, soldiers rarely suffered from the debilitating foot problems that plagued later armies. 

It’s wild to think that thousands of years ago, shoe design was already a precise science for survival.

Fast forward through the centuries, and functional footwear evolved into pure artistry. Shoe fashion really took off in the 20th century, transformed by avant-garde Italian-French designers like André Perugia. Perugia essentially revolutionized what a shoe could look like. Drawing on his background working in aircraft factories during WWI, he applied principles of engineering and weight distribution to footwear. 

He started experimenting with bold new materials—incorporating metals, carved wooden heels, and intricate fabrics and famously created heel-less shoes and open-backed evening sandals long before they were considered acceptable.

He turned shoes into wearable, structural sculptures.

Stepping out onto Bloor Street after my visit, I realized the trip was far from boring. It’s amazing how much a simple pair of shoes can tell us about culture, class, and human ingenuity across the eras.

Have any of you made the trip to the Bata Shoe Museum? If you've been, what display stood out to you the most?

Luther Marsh Conservation Area (Grand River Valley)

If there’s one thing I love about road trips, it’s the unexpected surprises you stumble on.

After heading out for our last stop of the day after enjoying a fantastic buffet at "Pebbles" in Verne (you can check out the full review over on my other blog, aycetoronto.blogspot.ca), we decided to take a chance and check out Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area, before the sun went down.

True, we didn’t have tons of time to spare since dusk was fast approaching, we were absolutely stunned by the raw, peaceful beauty of this place. In fact, my partner said it was the most beautiful place he had seen in a long time.  The calm water reflecting the blue sky, surrounded by stretches of wetlands and forests, created a quiet atmosphere that felt a world away from busy city life.

 

 

Luther Marsh is a biological conversation area located at the headwaters of the Grand River watershed, sitting right on the border of Dufferin and Wellington Counties near Grand Valley.

While doing some reading abuot the Luther Marsh, I found out that it is designated as a "Provincially Significant Wetland" and "National Important Bird Area".  The sanctuary protects rare habitats, including bogs, fens, swamps, and cattail marshes that support over 260 recorded speices of birds, as well as deer, turtles and flying squirrels.  

Even though out stay was brief, catching the sunset over the wetlands made the detour entirely worthwhile. 

Have you any places to share?   

Canada Day at the Aga Khan Museum: A Stunning First Impression

Happy Canada Day, everyone! I hope you all managed to stay cool out there today because it was an absolute scorcher.

With the thermometer soaring, my usual outdoor plans were out the window. I started looking around for some fresh ideas of places to explore today, and one spot instantly caught my eye: the Aga Khan Museum.

Now, I have a little confession to make. This beautiful landmark has been right here in Toronto for over a decade, but despite driving past it or meaning to visit for years, today was actually my very first time stepping inside. And honestly? 

What a perfect day to finally do it.

A Vibrant Celebration

Because it was Canada Day, the museum was holding a special multicultural music and food event. The energy was wonderful. They also hosted a family-themed "Game On" activity, which was a really fun, unexpected twist—not exactly what you traditionally picture when you think of a formal museum visit, but it worked so well!

The best part? General admission was entirely free today for the holiday (though it’s typically around $20 for an adult ticket, which is still a great deal for what you get to see).

First Impressions: Architectural Majesty

The moment you arrive, the sheer scale of the place hits you. The real estate here is vast. The entire site is actually broken down into three distinct areas:

• The Aga Khan Museum

• The beautifully landscaped Aga Khan Park

• The Ismaili Centre (which we didn’t get a chance to visit this time around, but it gives us a great reason to go back!)

The architecture itself is incredibly austere, clean, and breathtakingly beautiful. As I was walking around, I kept having a bit of photographer's regret. If I had brought a better camera and a proper tripod with me, I know I could have captured some truly stunning, dramatic shots of the building's exterior playing against the bright July sun.

The Verdict: If you've been putting off visiting the Aga Khan Museum like I was, consider this your sign to go. Whether you're looking for world-class culture, a beautiful spot to stroll, or just a striking piece of architecture to admire, it's a true Toronto gem.

Have you ever visited the Aga Khan Museum? What are your favorite spots in the city to beat the summer heat? Let me know in the comments below!

The Mackenzie House (Doors Open)

During a very cold, windy and rainy day in May, while on our Doors Open tour, we checked out the Mackenzie House located on Bond street in Toronto.  It’s tucked back in and away from the main drag in Toronto and honestly if you aren’t looking for it, you may miss it.

Thankfully with all the destruction of many heritage places in Toronto (the MacLaughlin Planetarium, sadly being one of them), the Mackenzie House is one of the 10 historic museums owned and operated by the City of Toronto.   

I loved this place, there was a very lively focus and demonstration on the life and times of the Mackenzie family and Mackenzie's role as a newspaper editor and politician. The museum also depicts life in Toronto of the 1860s to the 1890s, including programs focused on Black Canadians and Mary Ann Shadd.

The interior of Mackenzie House is restored to reflect the urban Victorian lifestyle of the 1860s and is interpreted through the lens of the Mackenzie family. There were a few exhibits focusing on William Lyon Mackenzie’s political activism, his role as the founder of the Colonial Advocate newspaper, and his involvement in early democratic reform in Upper Canada.

I wasn’t at all surprised to learn that they have school tours, family-friendly events, and seasonal programming that highlight Toronto’s diverse and evolving historical narrative. The site also features a historical print shop with an operational 19th-century printing press, showcasing the tools of the trade that Mackenzie would have used as a publisher.

It is definitely worth checking out!!

What really stood out to me during this visit was how interactive and engaging the experience felt. It wasn’t just about looking at artifacts behind glass—it was about connecting with the stories, the struggles, and the voices that helped shape early Toronto. Watching the printing press in action was especially fascinating; it gives you a real appreciation for how much effort went into sharing news and ideas back then.

There’s also something quite special about finding a place like this hidden in plain sight. With the constant pace of development in the city, it’s easy to forget how much history still exists quietly alongside us. Mackenzie House feels like one of those rare spaces where the past hasn’t been completely overshadowed—it’s preserved, interpreted, and shared in a way that feels meaningful and accessible.

If you enjoy learning about Toronto’s roots or just want a unique way to spend an afternoon, I would definitely recommend adding this to your list. And if you happen to visit during Doors Open, even better—it makes the experience feel like a bit of a discovery.

Have you ever been to Mackenzie House, or is it on your list now? I’d love to hear what you think, or if there are other hidden historic gems in the city that you’d recommend exploring. Feel free to drop a comment below or share a link—always looking for the next spot to check out!