There’s No Place Like This

“The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership is a government agency created in 1999 to partner with Ontario tourism operators to showcase Ontario as a four-season must-see travel destination at home and internationally.”

The OTMPC Summer 2007 Brand Campaign had a 90 second “There’s No Place Like This” ad that was shown on TV regularly during March and April. About 40 seconds into the commercial (watch here) you will see a ridiculously long suspension bridge. The first time lunato and I saw the ad on TV, we said “wow!” simultaneously and decided we must where that bridge is. It had to be in Ontario, but where ?!

Google search led us to multiple Ontario travel websites but the campaign was relatively new so we couldn’t find any information about the suspension bridge. I called the Ontario Travel agency and inquired about the commercial and the suspension bridge but the agent didn’t know what I was talking about. She offered to mail an Ontario Travel Guide and suggested that the guide might have pictures of bridge and I might be able to find more information there. Sure, thanks! The guide arrived within a week but unfortunately no helpful hints about the suspension bridge.

Lunato and I continued our search on the internet and our research seemed to indicate the bridge might be in the gigantic Algonquin Provincial Park. Now, months later, with more information online about the ad campaign, we know that the bridge is Canada’s longest foot suspension bridge, 600 feet across the Eagle Canyon. Insane. We’re planning on visiting it during the Fall.

During the Hunt For The Bridge, lunato stumbled upon the Whirlpool Jet Boat website. Before I go any further, click here to watch a video of the Jet Boat ride.

Done ? Now click here to continue.

“WOW!”, right ?

The Jet Boat ride starts from Niagara-On-The-Lake and travels along the Niagara River towards the Niagara Whirlpool, which is a natural whirlpool with a depth of about 38m. The water flowing from the Niagara Falls flows into the Niagara River and then takes a 90 degree turn thus forming the whirlpool. The water around this area is extremely turbulent with rapids all over the place.

Once boat engines became powerful enough to brave these rapids, it probably did not take too long for someone to realize that people would pay money to get soaked with water.

Since Harry was going to visit Canada soon, lunato and I decided that we will wait until he arrives and then go together. $56 CDN per person is a bit pricey but it was sure worth it.

We had reservations for 5 PM. Lunato was working until 2 and I had taken the day off so we were in front of her workplace at exactly 2 PM. Yonge and Bloor in Toronto to 61 Melville Street in Niagara-On-The-Lake is about 138 km and we had 3 hours until the jet boat left the docks. However, visitors are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure for an info session. With the horrible Toronto Friday Traffic to contend with, I had to drive very creatively to reach our destination on time. Dooh and Harry fell asleep while I was driving.. what ungrateful punks. At least we got a funny picture of them.

The Jet Boat ride was amazing. We were lucky enough to be in the front row. Dooh kept saying “I hate you, I hate you” when I insisted we sit at the front.. but once the ride was over he was grateful that I had insisted to be at the front. The “Ten Thousand Gallon Nasal Flush” really felt like the 10k Nasal Flush. We were soaked to our bones from head to toe. Numerous times the water inside the boat was up to our chest. It’s an amazing ride and well worth the admission price. Just make sure you take an extra set of clothes with you; shirt, pants, underwear, socks, and a towel too!

After the Jet Boat ride we drove along the Niagara Parkway to Niagara Falls, stopping occasionally along the way for pictures.

Lunato and I recently got in touch with Margarita through Lisa, our 2002-2004 roommates from Ottawa, and while browsing through her wedding pictures on facebook, one picture stood out in particular. It was so unique and nice that lunato insisted that we create our own version of it. After multiple tries, we succeeded. So here they are:

Niagara Falls is always fun. Lunato had been putting off going to Screamers until Harry was here so we went there right after parking and having a bite to eat. It was just as much fun as I imagined it would be. I led the way followed by Lunato, Dooh, and Harry. Harry opted to stay at the back ~~behind Dooh, his favourite position~~. We yelled and screamed in absolute darkness but kept inching forward. At one point someone breathed down my neck and whisphered ominously “Leave the girl behind.” Hehe.

We took a few more pictures here and there and then it was time to head back. We were sleeping at my mother’s house in Mississauga tonight. She had insisted that Harry and his mother should visit her while they were here in Toronto. They’ve known each other almost as long as Harry and I. Unfortunately she had already left for Ottawa by the time we reached Mississauga. Oh well, maybe next time.