There’s a little slice of the tropics smack dab across the Canadian border. Bird Kingdom in Niagara Falls, Ontario was voted best new attraction in the city when it opened in 2002, and it still merits the kudos. A visit to this balmy, 76-degree bird zoo starts in the mini aviary where small free-flying winged creatures swoop above your head as you circle their natural habitat dotted with real nests and feeding stations. Guidebook-like signs challenge budding ornithologists to try their hand at identifying species.
Save your energy, however, for the expansive tropical courtyard punctuated by a three-story waterfall, moss-covered carvings and an ancient Tiki house snack hut. You’ll feel like Indiana Jones discovering the lost temple, except the path through the jungle is neatly paved and railed. (Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome). And there are no angry natives to fear, just an abundance of colorful tropical birds such as a curious scarlet ibis crossing your path or a vocal blue and gold macaw startling the bejeezus out of you. Photo opportunities reign supreme under this jungle canopy, especially if you spot the channel-billed toucan. An extra $2 will get you into the rainbow lorikeet cage where tiny birds land on your hand and feed from cups of nectar.
Don’t miss the free-flying bird show for a chance to learn about interesting species such as the claw-footed duck, which you can then spot in the exhibitions. If you love bats, reptiles and Madagascar hissing cockroaches (and who doesn’t) you’ll find those at Bird Kingdom, too. You just can’t feed them.