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What do you get when you illuminate one of the
world’s most spectacular waterfalls with nearly 5km of shimmering
floodlights, over 125 animated displays and 3 million sparkling tree and
ground lights? A dazzling extravaganza that will make you see the
Niagara falls in a whole new light – and for those of you who can’t make
it, we decided to take a closer look. |
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For three months every winter the Niagara Festival of
Lights brings enchantment to one of the world’s most famous natural
landmarks. Most come to see the falls themselves, beautifully backlit by
thousands of coloured floodlights, which take on a magical aura –
appearing to the eye like great mists of coloured dust drifting through
the night. |
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And there is plenty to do other than gaze captivated
at the falls: visitors can take a stroll along the riverbank, complete
with dozens of animated light shows depicting local heritage, or they
could head to the Great Canadian Outdoors display on Dufferin Island,
where nearly a quarter of a million LEDs radiate into the darkness. You
can even spend the night with your favourite Disney characters at the
Enchantment of Disney display in Queen Victoria Park. |
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The pièce de résistance, a dramatic firework display,
sends streaks of colour exploding high over the mighty falls every
Friday, and can be seen for miles around. But if the lights prove too
much, you might find it hard to escape: head into town and you will find
yet more sparkling light displays, put on by both city authorities and
local residents. |
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But who can really complain when such a fantastic
festival is free (organisers do suggest a $10 donation)? After all,
isn’t this a powerful and environmentally friendly model for future
entertainment – using technology to illuminate (in both senses) the
natural world around us, and to show nature in its best light? |
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