Things to Do in Lockport

Lovingly re-created to emulate the riverboats that paddled along Lake Ontario in years past, Jubilee Queen Cruise Lines' eponymous ship first wet its hull in 1986. More than two decades' worth of rays have since bathed the sweeping sun deck, which sits above a dining room lined with linen-covered tables. In the galley, the Queen's chefs whip up dishes suitable for any event, from full-course meals to buffets peppered with international cuisine, all of which are prepared fresh in a fully equipped kitchen onboard. In the heated cabin, two fully stocked bars keep guests' sea legs limber as they dance to the tunes of a live DJ amid views of the Toronto skyline and the distant shadow of the lighthouse haunted by the spirits of burnt-out bulbs.

The consortium of professional instructors at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, which was cofounded by the legendary toe tapper himself, shepherds students of all ages and skill levels through lessons that span the style spectrum. Low-pressure private sessions allow enthusiastic teachers to fine-tune individual students' techniques and form, using their expert eyes and mechanical dancing shoes preprogrammed to do the Charleston. Patrons can learn how to cavort through classic waltz and fox-trot romps or swivel through the modern steps of salsa, swing, or samba. For dancers hoping to hoof it up in a social setting, the group practice parties provide a one-night extravaganza of instruction, demonstrations, and amateur firewalking.

When Marina Lisser was 14, she decided to take up dancing, despite the fact that in her native Russia, she was considered much too old to start. Firmly flouting social convention, she thrived, competing at the professional level and landing a fifth-place finish in the European Cup finals. Eventually, she went on to earn a master's degree in Dance Forms and write a dissertation on the psychology of competition.

But none of that prepared her for the shock that awaited her when she landed in New York City to work for Fred Astaire Dance Studios in 1993. She hadn't realized she'd be teaching a totally new kind of student: adult amateurs. She'd only taught professionals and children who wanted to dance for a living. If 14 was too old to start dancing in Russia, how would she teach adults in America?

Through trial and error, she figured it out by ignoring, according to a feature in Democrat and Chronicle, whatever holds her students back. "I'm one of those horrible Russian teachers," Marina confessed. "We want what we want; there is no such thing as limits."

Today, she and her staff of instructors specialize in two styles: American Smooth and Rhythm, and International Standard and Latin. Students learn to waltz, tango, and foxtrot atop the ballroom's sprung wood floor, which cushions feet and joints, while wall-length mirrors help them self-correct their form. In addition to teaching social dance skills and helping affianced couples prepare for their first dance, the instructors also ready competitive dancers to take first place medals in everything from cabaret dancing to swing, often by deftly prancing over the laser security systems that guard them. Marina is certified in dance therapy, as well as social and competitive wheelchair dancing, to make dance accessible to everyone.

Green Choice Moto fuses the thrill of riding sleek motorized bikes and scooters with the consciousness of environmental management through its fleet of eco-friendly light electric vehicles. Streamlined electric scooters await purchase or rental, ready to swiftly dispatch errands or tour the city without leaving behind polluting clouds of exhaust or trails of fusion-produced wormholes. The shop's analog bicycles zip along thoroughfares thanks to old-fashioned human muscle, and their e-bikes add to oomph with battery power backed up by expert service and repairs from skilled technicians.

Tequila takes center stage during the two-day Tequila and More Show, where seasoned sippers and newbies alike taste-test exotic mixes to the sights and sounds of live entertainment. A lineup of exhibitors will be serving up platinum bottles of all five types of tequila, spiriting taste-buds away on a tour of flavours that flies through different manufacturers, creation processes, and growing environments. In between learning new mixes and whispering recipe ideas into empty glasses, expo-goers can also guzzle down the event's other attractions, including a summer fashion show, live Latin bands, and a competition between top flair bartenders. The Liquid Latin Show—happening in conjunction with the Tequila and More Show—adds fuel to the already roaring blaze of festivity, showcasing Central American, South American, and Caribbean cultures through a kaleidoscope of dance, art, music, travel, and spirits.

eSkoot Niagara equips day-trippers and prospective buyers with environmentally friendly electric choppers from Emmo, enhancing sightseeing with safe and efficient transportation. Each two-wheeled wonder thrives off a sophisticated lithium battery capable of going up to 70 kilometres on a single charge, allowing riders to take in the idyllic charm of the Niagara region’s shops, wineries, and lakefront without worrying about gassing up or shovelling coal into the engine’s furnace. Every vehicle in the store’s impressive fleet, from the heavy-duty GT5 scooter to the speedy, lightweight Mount 7 bike, operates under the same laws as bicycles, allowing passengers to enjoy open-air rides without the need for drivers’ licences or insurance.