If you’re planning a Niagara getaway, prepare to be wonderstruck. From the crash of the mighty Falls to the solitude of the Escarpment, Niagara offers a range of natural wonders that showcase its beauty and the splendour of our planet.
Whatever wonders you go for, Niagara is a perfect family destination or a couple’s romantic getaway. Visitors can experience the Niagara Falls, a world wonder, stroll the streets of the small town of Niagara-on-the-Lake or discover the wineries, spas and other attractions, like dining and casinos.
What to do
Call of the Falls: Visitors can experience the splendour of Niagara Falls in a whole new way – by floating beside it, journeying behind or even riding its rapids. A trip on the Maid of the Mist makes one truly realise the Falls’ iconic splendour.
One might get a little wet (which is a good thing on a hot summer’s day), but as the captain steers the boat alongside the American Falls and heads into the mists below the Horseshoe Falls, you know you’re as a close as it comes to something powerful and awe-inspiring. Sounds muffle and the all-enveloping white mist is a must-see.
Also recommended is the Journey Behind the Falls together with aerial views from the Skywheel and a helicopter flight over the Falls.
Make for the lake: Discover the shoreline of Lake Erie, one of the jewels of Niagara, which offers many sandy beaches for a day out in the sun. One can go for quiet walks along the sandy shore or participate in the excitement of a lively beach scene.
Crystal Beach is a hub of summer activities. The little town has businesses that cater for the summer crowd and the popular beach has full amenities, including washrooms and a snack bar.
Nearby, Sherkson Shores Beach Resort and Campground is also a hive of activity with a great beach, a quarry to swim in and loads of activities for the family.
Other excellent Niagara beach choices include Crescent Beach, which intersects with the Friendship Trail and Thunder Bay Beach and Waverly Beach, which offer sand and adjoining woodland trails.
Nickel Beach in Port Colborne is a good starting point for a scenic drive further west to Rock Point Provincial Park – with fossils embedded in the limestone lining its shore – which was actually a coral reef millions of years ago.
Gaze for days: There’s nothing like a bird’s-eye view for a new perspective of Niagara’s natural beauty.
• Queenston Heights Park: from atop the Niagara Escarpment, you have great views of both Lake Ontario and Niagara Falls.
• Beamer Memorial Conservation Area: breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the majestic Escarpment.
• Mountainview Conservation Area: impressive, craggy overlooks of Lake Ontario.
• Woodend Conservation Area: views of the patchwork quilt of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s fields spreading out below the Escarpment.
Naturally reserved: Visitors should also get acquainted with Niagara’s softer side. The Niagara Escarpment, a Unesco World Biosphere Reserve, is a naturalist’s paradise.
As a natural escape from the urban jungle, the Niagara Escarpment can’t be beat. It’s a protected space, and one will see why when one hits the trails. The diversity of vegetation – unusual ferns and orchids, birds, mammals, outcroppings of rock, streams and small waterfalls make this a favourite place to take along the children and dogs and unwind.
100-mile diet: Trip Adviser has recognised Niagara-on-the-Lake as Canada’s number one food and wine destination. One can check out Signature Kitchens of Niagara-on-the-Lake for some mouth-watering details and take the first step to discovering Niagara’s local food by downloading or picking up a Niagara Culinary Trail Guide.
Art attack: The vibrancy of Niagara’s arts scene rivals any urban centre. Full of artists, artisans, actors and musicians, the place is a deep pool of talent and one will find it hard to narrow down the many choices of things to do and see.
History buff: The Niagara region breathes history; it’s in the Regency, Georgian and Victorian architecture and the forts and historic sites that were once places of bloody conflict.
Both Niagara-on-the-Lake, which was the first capital of the region known as Upper Canada, and Fort Erie were under siege during the war of 1812.
Jackpot: Niagara’s casinos offer non-stop excitement, 24/7. One can feel the rush at the gaming tables, take in a concert or live performance, enjoy a nightclub or sit down to a romantic dinner for two.
Take a detour: Those who love adventure should scout out Niagara’s many trails and routes, get off the beaten path and explore a whole new side of Niagara. Whether biking or driving, Niagara’s routes and trails lead to natural wonders and places you may otherwise miss.
The Wine Route: Even if one isn’t a wine afficionado, this route takes you off the highway and onto country roads, through lush countryside and picturesque towns and villages of Niagara.
Niagara’s South Coast Arts and Culture Route: This route offers a real sense of the diversity and beauty of Lake Erie’s shoreline and its communities, from Fort Erie to Wainfleet.
The Greater Niagara Circle Route: Over 140 kilometres of mostly paved, offroad trails guide cyclists and walkers all around the Niagara region. There’s even a mobile app, so one cannot get lost.