Things to do / Travel Guide
The western New York (NY) and south-central Ontario region can be divided into four areas: Western New York, including the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, the Finger Lakes and their nearby towns, Niagara Falls (U.S. and Canadian sides), and Toronto. While Niagara Falls and Toronto are two of the more popular destinations in the region, the western New York and Finger Lakes areas with their array of landscapes, attractions, and activities can and should by no means be overlooked.
Western New York
Rochester is the third-largest city in New York State and is located halfway between the cities of Buffalo and Syracuse, and to the south of Lake Ontario. Rochester is home to several interesting historic attractions, including the Susan B. Anthony House, and is a hub of scientific and technological research. The city of Buffalo is west of Rochester on the eastern point of Lake Erie, and is New York's second-largest city. It is also approximately 20 miles south of Niagara Falls, NY. Buffalo is known for its presidential memorials, including the McKinley Monument and the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. Check out the interesting and historic architecture, while eating square pizzas and spicy chicken wings!
Finger Lakes
Western New York is home to the eleven Finger Lakes. They are, from east to west, Otisco Lake, Skaneateles Lake, Owasco Lake, Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Honeoye Lake, Canadice Lake, Hemlock Lake, and Conesus Lake. Cayuga is the longest and widest lake, Canadice is the highest, Skaneateles is the clearest, and Seneca is the deepest. Lake Seneca is in fact just as deep as much-larger Lake Erie. The rest are pretty great too, and each unique in its own way. In and around the Finger Lakes are many interesting and educational attractions including the Rose Hill Mansion in Geneva, and the Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansions in Canandaigua. To the south are the cities of Ithaca and Corning, both major cultural draws in the region. The Finger Lakes area is home to over a hundred charming world-class wineries, second only to California's Napa Valley.
Niagara Falls and Vicinity
The north-flowing Niagara River serves as the border between Canada and the U.S., running from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Niagara Falls is around midway between the lakes. These waterfalls, the most powerful in North America and one of the most famous in the world, number three. Because of the layout of the river, and the fact of there being at exactly that point an island, the falls are on both the American side and the Canadian side of the border. They are:
- The less-powerful American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, both located on the U.S.-side.
- The more-powerful Horseshoe Falls, located on the Canadian side.
The vast majority of visitors choose to base their trips on the Canadian side, which is much better developed for tourism. Additionally, most (but not all!) of the best views are from the Canadian side.
There are also attractions a short distance from the Falls. These include, on the New York side, Old Fort Niagara, several museums, and state parks. On the Ontario side you'll find other museums, and the gaudy, flashy, neon-lit Clifton Hill district. Once you get out of this initial Canadian area you'll be surrounded by lush green, with vineyards and orchards.
Toronto
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the capital of the province of Ontario, and one of the most cosmopolitan and diverse cities in North America. Toronto sits on the north shore of Lake Ontario, and is known for its world-class dining and entertainment, interactive museums and historical sites, upscale shopping and open-air markets, as well as sprawling botanical gardens and parks.
Places to Visit in Toronto, Niagara Falls, Finger Lakes in Western New York and South Central Ontario
Places-to-Visit
Guaranty-Prudential Building
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