Things to do in the Niagara Region
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Niagara Region, Ontario.
A long-time vacation favourite of tourists from both the USA and Canada and offering one of the largest natural wonders in North America, the Niagara Region of Ontario has something to keep visitors of all ages busy. The Niagara Region occupies the piece of land between Hamilton, Ontario and Buffalo, New York, and is bordered in the north by Lake Ontario and to the south by Lake Erie. A major highway runs along the north coast of the region, connecting Toronto and Buffalo and making the area easily accessible to both Canadian and American tourists.
SEEING THE FALLS
The most obvious, must-see attraction on a trip to Niagara is, of course, the Niagara Falls. Niagara actually has two distinctive falls—the American falls, which are roughly 30 m (100 ft) high, and the much larger Horseshoe Falls, which are an impressive 53 m (173 feet) high. Travellers to the area can see the falls from one of the many viewpoints, or for a closer look at the massively powerful force of nature, visitors can go under and into the falls. A handful of daredevils with questionable levels of sanity have even gone over the falls in a barrel. Those who want to experience the falls without putting their lives at risk can take a boat tour—it's much more comfortable than a barrel, but be prepared to get wet nonetheless. An impressive perspective is gained from the SkyWheel, and airplane and helicopter tours are also available for those who want a birds-eye view.
TASTING THE HARVEST
This fertile region is a great place to grow things, making it a sort of smorgasbord of orchards and vineyards. Taste the fruit of Niagara's loins with an orchard tour that takes visitors to the best fruit farms and farmers' markets in the area while allowing for plenty of time to sample the juicy goods.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is the focal point of one of Canada's top wine regions and exploring the area will expose palettes to a variety of fine vintages. Well-known names in Canadian wine like Inniskillen, Jackson-Triggs and Peller Estates all have properties near scenic Niagara-on-the-Lake and are all open for tastings and vineyard tours. Visitors to the area should consider a wine tour, which will allow them to sample all the best wines at several top wineries without having to worry about driving. Real winos can sample them all at once at the Niagara Wine Festival, held annually in November. For those who prefer their hops to their grapes, small breweries in the area also offer tours and tastings.
NIAGARA FOR KIDS
Niagara is a region that caters to all ages, especially kids and kids-at-heart who are looking for thrills and excitement. Young ones will especially love the assortment of amusement and theme parks in the area, including wildlife-themed parks Marineland, Bird Kingdom and Niagara Safari. As well, the region is dotted with facilities such as mini-golf courses, water parks and go-kart tracks. Kids who aren't afraid of the bogeyman might fancy a ghost tour of Niagara's haunted sites.
NIAGARA FOR ADULTS
For more grown-up tastes, over a dozen golf courses are located throughout the area, offering avid players the chance to work on their game in a spectacular setting. Courses range in levels of difficulty, catering to both amateurs and professionals.
For those who simply want to relax on their vacation, luxury spas are plentiful in Niagara, particularly in and around the posh resorts of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Yoga studios are also located in the area for people who want to work on their tree postures. Fancy a day at the shops? Both unique and brand-name stores can be found in Niagara Falls, while Niagara-on-the-Lake is the ideal destination for those seeking one-of-a-kind boutiques and antique shops.
ACTIVE ADVENTURES
If the call of the great outdoors is beckoning, the Niagara Region is the place to be. Its lush landscape can easily be explored on foot or on a bike; both biking and guided walking tours are great ways to discover the area with the help of an expert.
For those with their own bike, the Greater Niagara Circle Route Trails System is a 140-km (87-mi) trail system that's perfect for exploring by walking, cycling or rollerblading. It passes through several towns, as well as the Niagara escarpment and the Welland Canals. Mileage markers and interpretive signs help keep explorers on the right track. Trail rides and horseback tours are also an option for the equestrian inclined. For a less physically exerting day outdoors, head to one of the many sandy beaches and soak up the sun with a picnic.
Niagara's location between two great lakes makes it an ideal jumping-off point for a fishing expedition. Anglers who want to tackle Lake Erie, Lake Ontario or the Niagara River can expect to find salmon, trout, smallmouth, musky and bass in these expansive waters.
NIAGARA IN WINTER
Many will argue that Niagara is at its best in summertime, but there's still plenty to keep tourists busy when there's snow on the ground. Ice skating is a great activity for the whole family when it's cold outside and sleigh rides offer the chance to warm up under a blanket while enjoying the magic of the winter season. Furthermore, the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls charms visitors from November to January every year.
EXPLORING THE COMMUNITIES
Sightseeing tours by van or motorcoach that cover the entire area are available for those who aren't sure what to visit. Those who want to explore the region on their own are in luck—Niagara is quite drivable and has more than a few friendly towns that are worth a visit.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a pretty town, home to antique shops, boutiques, galleries and theatres, as well as the famous Shaw Theatre Festival in the summer. Nearby, the streets of historical and artistic St. Catharines are lined with Victorian buildings and museums and the abundance of gardens and natural areas has earned this community the nickname Garden City. Downstream in Welland, the world-famous engineering feat that is the Welland Canal offers unparalleled views of the ships coming in and out of the region.
The lakeside communities of Fort Erie and Port Colborne offer the chance to go off the beaten path. Majestic Fort Erie is especially well-known after Winston Churchill labelled it the best place in the world to go for a Sunday drive. Today, visitors can take in the dynamic past of the region at historical Old Fort Erie.
SEEING THE FALLS
The most obvious, must-see attraction on a trip to Niagara is, of course, the Niagara Falls. Niagara actually has two distinctive falls—the American falls, which are roughly 30 m (100 ft) high, and the much larger Horseshoe Falls, which are an impressive 53 m (173 feet) high. Travellers to the area can see the falls from one of the many viewpoints, or for a closer look at the massively powerful force of nature, visitors can go under and into the falls. A handful of daredevils with questionable levels of sanity have even gone over the falls in a barrel. Those who want to experience the falls without putting their lives at risk can take a boat tour—it's much more comfortable than a barrel, but be prepared to get wet nonetheless. An impressive perspective is gained from the SkyWheel, and airplane and helicopter tours are also available for those who want a birds-eye view.
TASTING THE HARVEST
This fertile region is a great place to grow things, making it a sort of smorgasbord of orchards and vineyards. Taste the fruit of Niagara's loins with an orchard tour that takes visitors to the best fruit farms and farmers' markets in the area while allowing for plenty of time to sample the juicy goods.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is the focal point of one of Canada's top wine regions and exploring the area will expose palettes to a variety of fine vintages. Well-known names in Canadian wine like Inniskillen, Jackson-Triggs and Peller Estates all have properties near scenic Niagara-on-the-Lake and are all open for tastings and vineyard tours. Visitors to the area should consider a wine tour, which will allow them to sample all the best wines at several top wineries without having to worry about driving. Real winos can sample them all at once at the Niagara Wine Festival, held annually in November. For those who prefer their hops to their grapes, small breweries in the area also offer tours and tastings.
NIAGARA FOR KIDS
Niagara is a region that caters to all ages, especially kids and kids-at-heart who are looking for thrills and excitement. Young ones will especially love the assortment of amusement and theme parks in the area, including wildlife-themed parks Marineland, Bird Kingdom and Niagara Safari. As well, the region is dotted with facilities such as mini-golf courses, water parks and go-kart tracks. Kids who aren't afraid of the bogeyman might fancy a ghost tour of Niagara's haunted sites.
NIAGARA FOR ADULTS
For more grown-up tastes, over a dozen golf courses are located throughout the area, offering avid players the chance to work on their game in a spectacular setting. Courses range in levels of difficulty, catering to both amateurs and professionals.
For those who simply want to relax on their vacation, luxury spas are plentiful in Niagara, particularly in and around the posh resorts of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Yoga studios are also located in the area for people who want to work on their tree postures. Fancy a day at the shops? Both unique and brand-name stores can be found in Niagara Falls, while Niagara-on-the-Lake is the ideal destination for those seeking one-of-a-kind boutiques and antique shops.
ACTIVE ADVENTURES
If the call of the great outdoors is beckoning, the Niagara Region is the place to be. Its lush landscape can easily be explored on foot or on a bike; both biking and guided walking tours are great ways to discover the area with the help of an expert.
For those with their own bike, the Greater Niagara Circle Route Trails System is a 140-km (87-mi) trail system that's perfect for exploring by walking, cycling or rollerblading. It passes through several towns, as well as the Niagara escarpment and the Welland Canals. Mileage markers and interpretive signs help keep explorers on the right track. Trail rides and horseback tours are also an option for the equestrian inclined. For a less physically exerting day outdoors, head to one of the many sandy beaches and soak up the sun with a picnic.
Niagara's location between two great lakes makes it an ideal jumping-off point for a fishing expedition. Anglers who want to tackle Lake Erie, Lake Ontario or the Niagara River can expect to find salmon, trout, smallmouth, musky and bass in these expansive waters.
NIAGARA IN WINTER
Many will argue that Niagara is at its best in summertime, but there's still plenty to keep tourists busy when there's snow on the ground. Ice skating is a great activity for the whole family when it's cold outside and sleigh rides offer the chance to warm up under a blanket while enjoying the magic of the winter season. Furthermore, the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls charms visitors from November to January every year.
EXPLORING THE COMMUNITIES
Sightseeing tours by van or motorcoach that cover the entire area are available for those who aren't sure what to visit. Those who want to explore the region on their own are in luck—Niagara is quite drivable and has more than a few friendly towns that are worth a visit.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a pretty town, home to antique shops, boutiques, galleries and theatres, as well as the famous Shaw Theatre Festival in the summer. Nearby, the streets of historical and artistic St. Catharines are lined with Victorian buildings and museums and the abundance of gardens and natural areas has earned this community the nickname Garden City. Downstream in Welland, the world-famous engineering feat that is the Welland Canal offers unparalleled views of the ships coming in and out of the region.
The lakeside communities of Fort Erie and Port Colborne offer the chance to go off the beaten path. Majestic Fort Erie is especially well-known after Winston Churchill labelled it the best place in the world to go for a Sunday drive. Today, visitors can take in the dynamic past of the region at historical Old Fort Erie.
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