We have been to Niagara numerous times. This region in Ontario has a lot to offer, and for the first two years of our travels, it was our top destination.
But we never went to Skylon Tower. We would see it every time we were near the falls; it was hard to miss. I would look at it and say, “Nah.” I didn’t think it had anything to offer; I can see the falls perfectly fine here.
Floral displays throughout the city attracted us to Niagara on this day. These were nothing short of stunning, and this would be the first time we had ever experienced a Fleurs Des Villes event. There is a high level of creativity and artistry in these displays. I had mapped their locations, and we walked around the city, finding each display.
There was a flower arrangement in front of the Skylon Tower; we had never been so close to it. I looked up and said, “Yeah.” Charlene was surprised. This attraction had been intentionally ignored for so long that I decided it was time to go in on a whim.
As I said, I had taken my wife to Niagara many times prior to this visit. We are very familiar with what the Horseshoe and American Falls look like; we always drive by them at least once when we are here. I have seen numerous pictures from Skylon Tower and helicopters, so I knew what I was going to see.
When we visited, a phenomenon was happening. First, COVID-19. The unnecessary restrictions during this period really dampened the tourism industry. Plus, people would say to us, “Why go there when there are virtual tours on the internet?”
I had viewed a few virtual tours before. I found them slow and unengaging. Instead, I started using them to see if a destination was worth the drive. Charlene and I always felt it is better to see some place in person than to see pictures on the internet. So much of the emotional appeal, the setting, and the journey are lost when a destination is only experienced virtually.
We paid our admission, rode on the elevator, stepped out, and were immediately overwhelmed by the scenery. Yes, we have both seen this view of these falls before. It is the top picture displayed in all advertisements for Skylon and Niagara. Even though we both knew what to expect, it still was phenomenal.
Every destination should be experienced in person, even if you know what to expect.
- Fleur Des Villes has tours throughout the world. It is a shame they have never returned to Niagara.
- Check out All The Places We Have Been To to see what attractions are near you that we have visited.
