Waterfalls, caves, and galleries! Why you should take your students to Niagara Falls and Toronto

By Beth Hedrick 

A trip to Niagara Falls and Toronto has always been a dream of mine. I remember learning about the falls way back in elementary school, in a classroom, and wondering what it would be like to go there. It wasn’t for many years later, well into adulthood, that I was able to experience the grandeur of the falls. And I asked myself, “Why did it take so long?” There are so many educational opportunities and fun experiences that kids should be a part of, all in real time! Here are all of the cool things they will learn…and always remember!

Eaton and the CN Tower
Although the educational concepts are many, you just cannot ignore the fact that the students will learn a great deal just by being in a new country and seeing all of the wondrous sites. For one, there is the spectacular mall in Eaton filled with a huge variety of stores to make your shopping experience nothing short of amazing. The CN (Canadian National) Tower is in this area, and is not just a typical tower that kids see on a regular basis; it is certainly unique in many aspects. It stands over 1,815 feet, making it the third tallest tower in the world and the tallest free-standing construction in the whole Western Hemisphere. At the top, students can see for miles; there's also a glass floor for guests to walk on!  My jaw dropped upon gazing up at this, and my stomach dropped when taking the elevator up, up, and up…in only 58 seconds! By the way, I didn’t walk on the glass floor. Additionally, the three restaurants at the top are amazing and have fare for all tastes!

Caving
Okay, so I didn’t go caving here; however, I did go in high school and college. So here I am, my adult self, and I remember those caving expeditions like they were yesterday. And thanks to actually witnessing stalagmites and stalactites I know the difference between the two. Plain and simple, learning about science, including caving, must be done by doing. At Niagara, there are caves like no other, and, believe me, your students will come out with a better understanding of geology, biology, archeology, and the environment.

Life Sciences
All kids have a natural curiosity and inquisitiveness about life, and visiting the Toronto Zoo can help fulfill these natural desires. When visiting the zoo, not only can the students view the extensive variety of animals, but they can attend programs to learn more about the species, environment, and lifestyle of each of the animal types.

More Life Sciences
Have you ever been to a butterfly garden? On this trip, students (and you!) can learn about the full life cycle of over 2,000 butterflies. There are over 45 species of butterflies in this habitat. The butterflies are surrounded by lush greenery, waterfalls, and of course, eye-popping, colorful flora. Butterfly Conservatories show how important it is to preserve the habitats of all insects.

History Niagara’s Fury, Horn Blower Cruise
For many students, this will be the highlight of the trip. The Hornblower Cruise will take you and the kids on an iconic, unforgettable journey into the Great Gorge and within the many falls on both Canada and America. This is not your typical boat cruise by any means; your students will not only enjoy the sights, but will also learn about the history, geology and ecology of the falls.

Children of all ages should experience the many sites and surroundings that make up, what I consider, to be the eighth Wonder of the World. Believe me, taking your students on this once-in-a-lifetime journey will educate and entertain you as well!


Beth Hedrick has been educating students for 22 years. She teaches in a rural southwest Virginia community that values the education of every student. She is the mother of two boys, Aaron and Landon, and is married to Todd. 


She is an advocate for Autism Awareness, as her son Landon has Asperger’s Syndrome. She has served on her community and school system’s autism support team. Beth enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her Basset Hound, Lenny. She also likes to read, write, blog, and travel in the summer months.