Niagara to Toronto fall drive

With brilliant bursts of fall colour as your backdrop, experience the natural beauty and historic small-town charm in the heart of Ontario’s famous wine region. Unique soil conditions and a micro-climate between the Niagara Escarpment shield and Lake Ontario wind have created the ideal grape-growing region.

Next soak in the vibrant energy and excitement of the nation’s largest city in downtown Toronto.

Discover exceptional wine, terroir-inspired cuisine, boutique shopping and diverse culture along the way.

Border crossing information

Travellers to Canada must present a valid passport or NEXUS card. Find out what else you’ll need to know to cross the border into Canada.

Check border wait times

Border crossing locations from New York State into the Niagara region in Canada include:
Lewiston-Queenston Bridge from Lewiston, New York to Queenston, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Rainbow International Bridge from Niagara Falls, New York to Niagara Falls, Ontario
Peace Bridge from Buffalo, New York to Fort Erie, Ontario

Niagara Falls

The landmark attraction in the city of Niagara Falls is the spectacular set of three waterfalls; the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and the American and Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side.

Formed during the Ice Age, Niagara Falls has the highest waterfall flow rate in the world with approximately 3,000 tons (28 million litres) of water plunging over its edge every second.

Experience the majestic 170-foot-high (52 metres) Horseshoe Falls from several vantage points and perspectives on the Canadian side.

Things to do in Niagara Falls

Journey Behind the Falls

A network of tunnels and viewing decks lead you to a unique perspective from below and behind the curtain of water. The entrance is inside the Table Rock Centre.
Location: 6650 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

White Water Walk

Ride an elevator 230 feet (70 metres) down into the Niagara Gorge and follow a ¼ mile long (0.4 kilometre) wooden boardwalk along the edge of the Niagara River’s roaring white water rapids. Several viewing platforms allow you to stop and take in the sights.
Location: 4330 River Road, Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Power Station

This decommissioned facility has been transformed into an incredible landmark attraction with immersive exhibits, including the vast underground tunnel that leads to an observation deck at the river’s edge of the base of Horseshoe Falls.
Location: 7005 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Niagara Helicopter Tours

Get a bird’s eye view of the falls and surrounding area bathed in fall foliage. On a clear day, you’ll see the outline of Toronto to the north and the shores of Lake Erie to the south.
Location: 3731 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

Where to eat and drink in Niagara Falls

Weinkeller

An upscale craft winery and restaurant that serves a seasonal, local and fully customizable menu.
Location: 5633 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Revolving Restaurant

Continental cuisine served at over 750 feet (228 metres) above the falls in the Skylon Tower dining room that slowly revolves at one rotation per hour for maximum panoramic impact. Evening seating is extra special with the falls illuminated in colour.
Location: 52 Robinson Street, Niagara Falls

Wineries to visit nearby

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

A multi-generational family-owned farm and winery with an onsite restaurant specializing in wood-fired pizza.
Location: 1366 York Road, St. Davids

Château des Charmes

Old world wine-making traditions continue at this stunning family-run estate. Reserve a winery tour and tasting experience.
Location: 1025 York Road, St. Davids

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Approximate distance and travel time from Niagara Falls: 15 miles (25 kilometres), 25 minutes

Niagara-on-the-Lake lives up to its reputation as “the prettiest town in Ontario” with well-preserved Victorian architecture, scenic waterfront views and lush vineyards nearby.

In 1792, Niagara-on-the-Lake became the first capital of Upper Canada (later the province of Ontario), after being settled by British Loyalists. The tree-lined Heritage District is home to boutique stores, antique shops, cafes and a cenotaph clock tower. Located at the foot of King Street, Queen’s Royal Beach and the Royal Gazebo offer great views of the Niagara River.

Places to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake

124 Q Hotel & Spa

The perfect blend of modern luxuries and historic elements make this downtown boutique inn and spa one of the area’s finest.
Location: 124 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Riverbend Inn & Vineyard 

A striking, Georgian-style mansion located along what many consider to be Ontario’s prettiest drive, the Niagara River Parkway, and surrounded by vineyards and gardens.
Location: 16104 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Fort George National Historic Site

See what military life was like in the 19th century during the War of 1812 at this former military post.
Location: 51 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Shaw Festival Theatre

Running strong since 1962, this theatre festival features works by George Bernard Shaw and more world-class plays on three different stages.
Location: 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Zoom Leisure Bikes

Rent traditional or electric bikes and set out on a scenic guided or self-guided tour along farmlands, vineyards and orchards.
Location: 431 Mississauga Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Botanical Gardens

Explore traditional landscaping, rose and herb beds and wild gardens at this floral oasis. Onsite, a butterfly conservatory features over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Hourly parking is available.
Location: 2565 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Explore one of Ontario’s most important collections of Upper Canadian history, enjoy curated walking tours and attend popular events, including heritage garden parties and the Niagara Polo match on The Commons.
Location: 43 Castlereagh Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Where to eat and drink in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Queenston Heights Restaurant

Sunday brunch includes Belgian waffles and eggs benedict with a breathtaking view of the Niagara River. Reservations online.
Location: 14184 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Treadwell Cuisine

Hailed as one of Canada’s Top 10 Wine Restaurants by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. For an extra treat, homemade fudge is made daily in small batches next door at Maple Leaf Fudge.
Location: 114 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara Oast House Brewers

Kick back with small batch, farmhouse-style brews and back-country barbeque fare at Brushfire Smoke.
Location: 2017 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Wineries to visit nearby

Peller Estates

Crafting quality wines for over 50 years, include Ontario’s famous Icewines, Peller offers a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience in their underground, made of ice 10Below Icewine Lounge.
Location: 290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery

A 23,000-square-foot (approximately 2,127 hectares) facility founded by the Great One himself (hockey legend Wayne Gretzky). It also happens to be Ontario’s first combined winery and distillery.
Location: 1219 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Trius Winery

One of Canada’s pioneer winemakers, Trius offers traditional tastings as well as unconventional experiences like opening a bottle of bubbly with a saber, exploring Canada’s largest underground sparkling cellar and instagrammable wine-inspired art installations.
Location: 1249 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara Benchlands

Approximate distance and travel time from Niagara-on-the-Lake: 24 miles (40 kilometres), 40 minutes

The Niagara Benchlands along the Niagara Escarpment is a sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula wine region.

Drive past lush vineyards and farm fields and experience small-town charm in the villages of Lincoln, Jordan and Beamsville. Treat your palate to a tasty adventure with world-class wine and fresh farm-to-table cuisine.

Places to stay in Niagara Benchlands

Jordan House

A renovated historic roadhouse in the village of Jordan with pub-inspired dining at the Jordan House Tavern.
Location: 3751 Main Street, Jordan Station

Inn on the Twenty

Elegant village inn with restaurant and spa conveniently located across the street from Cave Springs Winery, home to some of Canada’s finest Rieslings.
Location: 3845 Main Street, Jordan

Things to do in Niagara Benchlands

Balls Falls Conservation Area

Well-marked, one-mile hiking trail along a creek to a series of cascades and waterfalls. Note: this is a section of the Bruce Trail, one of the oldest and longest continuous trails in Canada.
Location: 3292 Sixth Avenue, Lincoln

Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre

Browse the collection of art and artifacts, including pottery, textiles, Group of Seven paintings and folk art.
Location: 3800 Main Street, Jordan Station

Where to eat and drink in Niagara Benchlands

The Good Earth Food and Wine

The seasonal menu celebrates the bounty of local, farm-fresh ingredients and perfectly paired wine. Gardens, orchards and vineyards provide a scenic dining backdrop on a warm fall day.
Location: 4556 Lincoln Avenue, Beamsville

The Restaurant at Redstone Winery

Dine with fine wines, scenic views and live music (on select evenings) at this contemporary winery restaurant and outdoor terrace.
Location: 4245 King Street, Beamsville

The Restaurant and Pearl Morissette

Distinctive wines, a fine dining restaurant as well as bakery and garden tours make Pearl Morissette a foodie experience. Lunch is available on Saturdays and dinner on Thursday through Sunday evenings.
Location: 3953 Jordan Road, Jordan Station

Wineries to visit nearby

Rosewood Estates Winery and Meadery

Sample and shop for signature wines, plus mead seltzers, wine, bourbon and cognac from this honey, grapes and lavender farm. Walk-ins welcome or pre-book a private 45-minute tour.
Location: 4352 Mountainview Road, Lincoln

Hidden Bench Estate Winery

Organic vineyard producing outstanding chardonnays and pinot noirs tucked away on one of the prettiest country roads in the region. Book tastings and tours in advance.
Location: 4152 Locust Lane, Beamsville

Megalomaniac Wines

Pair wine tasting with panoramic fall views from one of the highest spots along the Niagara Escarpment in Vineland. Daily tasting experiences and guided vineyard walks are available for booking.
Location: 3930 Cherry Avenue, Vineland

13th Street Winery

Recently recognized as the top winery in Ontario by the National Wine Awards of Canada, you’ll want to sample their hand-crafted sparkling, red and white wines and famous butter tarts.
Location: 1776 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines

Toronto

Approximate distance and travel time from Niagara Benchlands: 70 miles (110 kilometres),1.5 hours

Canada’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, Toronto is a multicultural mosaic of art, heritage, cuisine and entertainment. From renowned art galleries to graffiti culture, haute couture to vintage shopping and fine dining to market food stalls, discover the best of Ontario’s trendiest city.

Places to stay in Toronto

Hotel X

Toronto’s first luxury resort-style hotel that features tennis courts, a movie theatre, rooftop pool and bar and even deluxe picnic packages.
Location: 111 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto

1 Hotel Toronto

Strike the perfect balance between urban and cottage chic with reclaimed and upcycled materials, natural design elements and high-end perks filtered water taps, floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces.
Location: 550 Wellington Street West, Toronto 

Shangri-La Toronto

Stylish décor, top-notch service, signature cocktails and the upscale Miraj Hamman Spa.
Location: 188 University Avenue, Toronto

Bisha Hotel

A mix of hotel and residences in Toronto’s Entertainment District with select suites designed by artist Lenny Kravitz. And don’t forget to try KOST Restaurant, located on the 44th floor.
Location: 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto

Things to do in Toronto

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

Explore a wide range of permanent and visiting exhibitions at one of North America’s largest art collections.
Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

Showcasing art that is innovative, interesting and thought-provoking.
Locations: 158 Sterling Road, #100, Toronto

Bata Shoe Museum

Follow the history of shoes with more than 13,000 exhibits spanning 4,500 years. 
Location: 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Royal Ontario Museum

Canada’s largest museum explores culture, art and natural history from around the world.
Location: 10 Queens Park, Toronto

Toronto Shopping Guide

From high fashion to vintage markets, there’s a shopping experience for just about every whim and fancy.

Toronto Heli Rides

Take in the sights of the city from above on a helicopter tour departing from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Hangar 1.
Location: 2 Eireann Quay, Toronto

CN Tower

Don’t miss Toronto’s most iconic attraction, featuring unmatched city views from observation platforms, a revolving 360 Restaurant 1,150 feet (350 metres) up and EdgeWalk, an exciting daredevil walk around the outside of the top needle of the tower.
Location: 290 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto

Events and entertainment in Toronto

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

Each September, Toronto hosts one of the world's largest and most prestigious film festivals, with 10 days of celebrity sightings and film viewings all over the city.
Dates: September 5 –15, 2024

Nuit Blanche

Explore over 100 contemporary art installations and exhibits displayed across the city for one full night from dusk to dawn.
Date: October 5, 2024

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

The country comes to the city for almost two weeks every year, delivering the best in agricultural achievements, local food, crafts, entertainment and equestrian shows at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto.
Dates: November 1-10, 2024

Where to eat and drink in Toronto

Toronto restaurants and cafes

With over 9,000 restaurants and over a dozen craft breweries, you’ll never run out of great food and drink options in this city. 

MICHELIN restaurants

Toronto is the first Canadian city to be recognized in the MICHELIN Guide, with over a dozen restaurants starred and even more awarded the prestigious Bib Gourmand.

The Distillery District

A pedestrian-only neighbourhood with Victorian industrial architecture, cobblestone streets and a cluster of bars, cafés, restaurants, bakeries, brewpubs and a chocolate maker. Naturally, there’s also a distillery in the district, enjoy a tour and tasting at Spirit of York Distillery. 
Location: Distillery District, Toronto

Bloor and Yorkville

Once a bohemian hub, this neighbourhood is now known for its high-end retail shopping and some of Toronto’s finest restaurants, such as Sassafraz, Buca Osteria & Bar, Café Boulud and Alobar.
Location: Yorkville, Toronto

St. Lawrence Market

A large, historic brick building bustling with organic groceries, bakeries, cheese and olive vendors, restaurants and food stalls. Try the famous peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery or Paddington’s Pump.
Location: 93 Front Street East, Toronto

Kensington Market

One of the city’s most eclectic, colourful and fiercely local neighborhoods is a mix of boho, vintage shops, fresh vegetable stalls, cheese and spice shops, bakeries and an array of fusion restaurants tucked into the historic Victorian architecture. You’ll find everything from Jamaican patties to Chilean empanadas.
Location: Kensington Market, Toronto

Ossington Strip

This west side street has flourished into a hip foodie destination with cool brewpubs, bars and bistros.
Location: Ossington Street

Little India

From tandoori barbeque, curries and thalis to chai shops and sari boutiques, the flavours and colours of Southeast Asia come alive in this exciting neighbourhood.
Location: Gerrard Street East

Extend your trip to Ontario with more road trip itineraries.

If you are looking for more trip planning support, connect with one of our travel counsellors who can help you build your road trip itinerary.