Top things to do in Niagara

Around the Falls

There are endless things to do, see and savour in the Niagara Region year-round, including marvelling at the magnificent Falls. See the cascading water from below with Niagara City Cruises. Stand at the brink of the Falls at Table Rock, then take a  Journey Behind the Falls to explore tunnels behind the thundering curtain of water and check out Niagara’s Fury, a 4D experience that takes you back to the creation of the Falls. Follow the White Water Walk, a boardwalk that runs along the very edge of one of the world’s wildest stretches of raging river rapids.

Be awed by nature at the Butterfly Conservatory, surrounded by more than 2,000 tropical winged butterflies. Explore fascinating biology and geology along the hiking and walking trails of the Niagara Glen. Appreciate the curved pergola and manicured gardens in the tranquil Oakes Garden Theatre, a meticulously landscaped amphitheatre at the base of Clifton Hill.

Test your courage on Wildplay’s Zipline to the Falls. Uncover the fascinating stories of the historic Niagara Parks Power Station.

Have fun on lively Clifton Hill, with its eclectic mix of attractions, shops and theme restaurants.

Ride the thrilling Niagara SkyWheel Ferris Wheel with amazing views across Niagara Falls at its highest point of over 50 metres.

Make a splash at one of the many indoor water parks, including Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, Great Wolf Lodge and Waves Indoor Waterpark. Everything’s just a stroll away from hotel accommodation to suit every price point.

Tour, Golf, Shop and Spa

Add outdoor adventure and leisure experiences to your Niagara visit. Take flight with Niagara Helicopters for a bird’s-eye view of the Falls. Cross the lower Niagara River suspended in a cable car with  Whirlpool Aero Car. Dial up the adrenaline even more in a Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour, an intense ride up the Niagara River through Class V rapids. Sure, they’ll give you a poncho to wear, but prepare to get soaked anyway.

Challenge yourself at one of the championship golf courses in the region, including the Legends on the Niagara Battlefield Course. For a change of pace, browse for great buys at The Outlet  Collection at Niagara.

Escape for an afternoon of bliss at one of the area’s top spas. Christienne Fallsview Spa combines rejuvenating services and treatments with spectacular views.

Come evening, try your luck at  Niagara Fallsview Casino. And every night, the Falls are illuminated – a spectacular sight.

Fortify your Vacation

If history is your hobby, explore the Niagara Region – these were the front lines for the War of 1812. At Fort George, enjoy military music performed by the 41st Fife and Drum Corps and watch live musket demonstrations. Trained interpreters in historical dress share stories of the lives of British soldiers and their families.

Savour the Bounty

For the foodies among you, Niagara has over 100 wineries in the region and local chefs insist on using the finest seasonal ingredients. Visit distinctive wineries, large and small, along the Wine Route.

You’ll want to visit Inniskillin Estate Winery, one of Canada’s wine-producing pioneers to sample their renowned Icewine. Wine is paired perfectly with an Italian-themed, locally sourced menu at Kitchen 76 at Two Sisters Vineyards. Treat yourselves to locally inspired cuisine at one of the many other estate winery restaurants.

Tour the area by bus or bicycle, raise a glass at a wine festival and experience tastings and wine seminars. You may even catch one of your favourite bands or artists performing in a vineyard setting during the magical and intimate Local Artists Series at Jackson Triggs Winery.

It’s not just wine lovers who are in for a treat in Niagara. Visit Niagara Oast House, a farmhouse-style brewery for exceptional craft beer or sample signature cocktails at Billy Bones BBQ & Niagara Distillery.

And the restaurants! Brilliant by any definition, with seasonal menus prepped by world-class chefs who get first dibs on the freshest local ingredients. Prime Steakhouse in the Crowne Plaza Hotel offers premium steaks and seafood overlooking the Niagara Falls or taste the influence of the ‘old country’ at Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant at the Sheraton. Dine with a spectacular view in the revolving restaurant atop the Skylon Tower.

Bring your sweet tooth to Maple Leaf Place, the world’s first indoor sugar bush experience to learn all about maple syrup heritage and sample some for yourself.

Beyond the Falls

Spend a couple of nights in the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Browse antique shops and art galleries. See a play at the renowned Shaw Festival, the world’s only theatre dedicated to the works of George Bernard Shaw, matched with contemporary and musical fare. Get a behind-the-scenes and under-the-stage tour of the theatre, including the wardrobe and wig departments.

With four properties in Niagara-on-the-Lake and two in Jordan Village featuring exquisite decor, luscious cuisine and tranquil spas, Vintage Hotels is a great option for luxury accommodation in Ontario’s wine country.