WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS IN NIAGARA
Niagara Parkway becomes Winter Wonderland,
The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights will flip the switch next Saturday, illuminating Niagara Falls and the surrounding area with more than three million lights. Visitors can walk or drive the five-kilometre route along the Niagara Parkway, known this time of year as the Niagara Parks Winter Wonderland. More lights are in the Fallsview Tourist District, along Murray Hill and Fallsview Blvd. The first day of the Winter Festival of Lights, Nov. 15, coincides with the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade. Also on Nov. 15, the Niagara Falls Winter Fireworks schedule will kick off with two shows, followed by fireworks every Friday through Jan. 9, as well as from Dec. 22-25. There are plenty of accommodations in the Niagara Falls area. See the Accommodations link at WFOL.com. Opening rates at Aloft Liverpool A new Aloft hotel has opened in Liverpool, England, and, until Mar. 31, 2015, guests can get up to 20 per cent off the cost of accommodation. The Aloft Liverpool has a historic (and central) location, in the city’s 110-year old Royal Insurance Building. It also has 116 loft-inspired rooms with high ceilings and oversized windows with free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. There’s also live music at the bar. Liverpool is, of course, the birthplace of the Beatles and highlights for fans include the Beatles Story at Albert Dock, the Magical Mystery Tour and the Cavern Club. See aloftliverpool.com. Ski Free, Stay Free and Ride Free in B.C. Two ski spots in B.C.’s Rocky Mountains, Fernie Alpine Resort and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, are offering a package entitled “Ski Free, Stay Free and Ride Free.” With the deal, guests receive their sixth night of accommodation free, plus a fifth day of skiing free. Round-trip express shuttle service from Calgary International Airport (the closest major airport) is also included. Bookings must be made by Nov. 15. Fernie Alpine Resort has 142 runs, while Kicking Horse is known for its smooth and dry snow. For contact information, see skifernie.com and kickinghorseresort.com. Best buy of the week Signature Vacations’ latest sale takes 50 per cent off the cost of fall getaways. Destinations include Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic as well as Jamaica, the Bahamas, Costa Rica and Aruba. Deals are available while supplies last. See signaturevacations.com. Kathryn Folliott is a Toronto-based freelance writer. Prices quoted are subject to change and availability. Follow her on Twitter @KathrynFolliott