The author of this post : Yow Hong Wei (my guest blogger)

I went for a business meeting in Toronto, Canada during the final week of July 2008. In between the 3 meeting days, I also went to Toronto downtown and visited what was once the tallest building in the world, the CN Tower.

Finally I was in Canada!

Some little info about Canada:
• Canadian dollar is about the same rate as US dollar.
• Voltage in Canada is 110V, 60Hz.
• Socket used is a two blade type (same as USA, Taiwan, Thailand…).
• Some of the activities such as boat ride is closed during winter in Niagara Falls.
• Malaysian needs visa for entry (even with the visa the customs security check can be quite nasty).

Standing at 553 metres, it took only 58 seconds for the elevator to reach the top. It also has a 24m2 glass floor where visitors can stand on top of it and glance down the streets. However having been to KL Tower, Petronas Twin Tower and Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower before, this was just an ordinary visit for me. The entrance fee is priced at $20++ per person.

In the last day before leaving, I grabbed the chance to go to the world-renowned Niagara Falls, about an hour’s drive from Toronto town. I joined a tour for $105 which included the bus tour to and from the Falls, and ‘Maid of the Mist’ boat ride.

This was the little bus I rode on to Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls can be seen from Toronto (Canada) and Buffalo (USA). However some main attractions such as ‘Maid of the Mist’ and ‘Journey Behind the Falls’ are only available on the Toronto side.

‘Maid of the Mist’ is a half-an-hour boat ride where the visitors had the chance to go up close with the Falls. I only took photos when I was some distance away because once the boat was nearby the main fall (Canadian Horseshoe Falls), the splash of water from the downfall was so great that I was totally soaked in wetness. I was lost for words in front of the greatness of Mother Nature. The following photos tell it all…

At the signboard – ‘Maid of the Mist’

Getting ready to board the boat with disposable raincoat (provided with the entrance ticket)

Opposite is the observation deck on USA territory

The American Falls

The Canadian Horseshoe Fall (Time to keep my camera in pocket!)

View of the American Falls (left) and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls (right) from top

View of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls from top. Take note of how close the ‘Maid of the Mist’ boat goes.

Another breathtaking view (I could feel the water splash when I was taking the photo from the top)

A little wine-tasting session at a wine farm on our way back to hotel. Had the chance to taste the famous ice wine which is sweet and cold.

Wine Farm