Niagara Falls, Canada is full of attractions. There is so much to see and do that you won’t have a moment to be bored on your vacation. However, it is nice, sometimes to take a break from the sights and amusements to try some shopping. Fortunately, the city is packed with great malls and stores, so shopping is one of the best things to do in Niagara Falls. Follow our guide for some of the best shopping opportunities in Niagara Falls.

Duty-Free Shopping

One of the Niagara Falls attractions is its position on the border. An international crossing point also gives opportunities for duty-free shopping. There are lots of duty-free stores in Niagara Falls, so you can get huge discounts on tobacco, liquor, perfume, and jewelry just by crossing the bridge on a day trip. If you go over the water to the USA, make sure you cross back at one of these key locations: Rainbow Bridge, Lewiston Bridge, and Peace Bridge. These are all border crossings that host a Duty-Free Americas store. At Rainbow Bridge you get a double bonus of a Duty-Free Americas store on the U.S. side and a Duty-Free Shop outlet on the Canadian side.

The Canadian Duty-Free Shop has a great ambiance and stocks all of the hot perfume and liquor brands. Get yourself a classy perfume or cologne for your evenings at the falls and pick up a top-of-the-line brandy or whisky for the folks back home. Prices are around half of what you would pay on Main Street.

Canada One Outlet Mall

Outlet malls are great destinations for a day of fun, and Niagara Falls has two great malls for you to try. The first of these is the Canada One Brands Mall to the west of the city on Queen Elizabeth Way. The mall features fashion and footwear stores and is open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. every day of the week except Sunday, when it closes at 6 p.m.

As this is a factory outlet mall, you are going to pick up some great discounts on your purchases, but look out for special sales season, too, and grab some amazing bargains.

Outlet Collection at Niagara

Your second factory outlet opportunity in Niagara Falls is also accessed along Queen Elizabeth Way, but it is to the north of the city at Glendale. Like Canada One, this mall is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day except Sunday when it closes at 6 p.m.

Fashion retailers at the mall include Saks Fifth Avenue, DKNY, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Gap Factory Store, and Tommy Hilfiger. Fishing widows beware: there is an enormous Bass Pro Shops Outlet at the mall — you may lose your man for the whole day. You can pick up a bite to eat at a fast food alley and there is a great outdoor space to sit and relax, where you can sample the food from stalls that line the location.

Souvenir City

You can’t return home without gifts for friends and family and you are in luck at Niagara Falls, because the huge Souvenir City will enable you to source all your gifts and mementos in one trip. Trinkets, mugs, caps, sweatshirts, specialty chocolates, and anything that can be made from Canada’s most famous resource, maple syrup, are all sold here.

A huge food court on the premises gives you the opportunity to recharge on a break from your shopping campaign.

Niagara Falls Local Artisan Market

This monthly celebration of local crafts is a rare find and will give you the opportunity to pick up something truly unique to remind you of your visit to Niagara Falls. The market is only held on the first Wednesday of each month, though, so you will be lucky to catch it.

The market can be found in the Little Shop of Beauty on Queens Street in Downtown Niagara Falls, not far from City Hall and Downtown Park. Take the opportunity to check the other great little stores in the neighbourhood of the market and pay a visit to the Old Fort Erie Museum, which is just across the street from the market’s location. Shopping is just one of the many attractions you can find to keep yourself entertained while visiting Niagara Falls.

The first day of spring is only a week away, and as the weather gets warmer and the flowers start to bloom a visit to Niagara Falls is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Here are some of the best activities to check out this spring in Niagara Falls:

Embark on a Hornblower Niagara Cruise

Hornblower Niagara Cruises is kicking off its 2018 season on April 7^th (weather permitting), offering daily boat voyages to the American, Bridal Veil, and Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Hornblower is one of Niagara’s most iconic and popular attractions and is an exciting way for people of all ages to experience the beauty and power of Niagara Falls.

The Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour is the most popular Hornblower cruise, however you can also embark on a Voyage to the Falls Evening Boat Tour, a night-time Falls Illumination Cruise, and a spectacular Falls Fireworks Cruise.

Explore Niagara’s Natural Areas

Niagara is home to beautiful parklands, sprawling gardens, and a number of spectacular natural areas, and spring is one of the most beautiful times to take it all in. Queen Victoria Park, located right across the street from the Horseshoe Falls, comes to life in spring and is home to over 500,000 blooming daffodils and beautiful flower displays.

And just down the Niagara Parkway is the Butterfly Conservatory, located on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. Here you can walk through a beautiful indoor paradise that houses lush greenery and over 2,000 colourful and free flying butterflies.

Walk or Hike on the Region’s Trails

Niagara’s unique landscape makes for great walking and hiking, and when spring brings warmer weather and sunshine there are a number of amazing trails around the region that are worth checking out. Canada’s famous Bruce Trail – the country’s oldest and longest marked hiking trail – begins in Queenston and travels along the Niagara Escarpment with many side trail that make for great day hikes and walks.

The Niagara Glen, located deep in the Niagara Gorge, is also a beautiful walking and hiking area. The Glen features 4km of paths through Carolinian Forest and lookout points with amazing views of the mighty Niagara Whirlpool and Niagara River.

Experience Niagara’s World-Famous Wine

The Niagara Region is Canada’s largest wine growing region and a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake this spring will connect you with beautiful sights and memorable winery experiences. You can embark on a guided wine tour with Magnificent Tours, which will take you to top Niagara wineries like Inniskillin, Reif Estate, and Konzelmann Estate, or explore the wineries on your own, taking in the sight of stunning vineyards while sipping the best VQA wine that the region has to offer.

The scenery of Niagara Falls is so utterly gorgeous that it often overshadows another remarkable aspect of our region: the weather. Compared to neighboring regions in Canada and the United States, Niagara boasts mild temperatures year-round, meaning visitors don’t need to worry about oppressive heat in the summer or bone-biting cold in the winter. Though the weather in Niagara Falls isn’t as unchanging as the tropics, it is still a relatively comfortable place to visit all year long.

Still, one of the most common questions we are asked is, “But what should I wear?” Hopefully, this post answers all your packing questions, so you can stay cool (or warm) no matter when you journey to see the falls.

Winter Packing Tips

Make no mistake: Niagara Falls can get chilly. In the middle of winter, temperatures hover around 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) during the day and plummet to about 15.4 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius) after the sun sets. From mid-December to early March, it isn’t uncommon for snow to cover the ground; in fact, Niagara Falls enjoys a full 50 glittering days of snowfall every year, totaling about 70 inches (180 centimeters). Some years, the falls partially freeze, creating a natural ice sculpture for all to see. While this is certainly colder than California, it is much more manageable than nearby areas in New York and Ontario, which experience much worse winter conditions for much longer.

If you are planning a wintertime make sure you have the right Niagara Falls information if you are planning a trip in Winter. Though the area enjoys a much lower tourism rate in the cold months, the city and surrounding landscape is more magical covered in a layer of snow. Still, you do need to keep the temperatures in mind. You definitely need to pack warm clothing, including coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and waterproof boots. It is important that you cover your skin as much as possible from December to March if you want to stay safe during your winter trip to the falls.

Spring Packing Tips

Spring comes hard and fast in Niagara Falls, with temperatures rising tumultuously as the birds and bees return for the warm seasons ahead. Springtime temperatures vary between about 41 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit (5 and 19 degrees Celsius), and for most of March and April, every day can bring unexpected weather. One day could be snowy and frigid, and the next could be delightfully bright and warm. Yet, despite this unpredictability, spring is among the most popular times of year for tourism to Niagara Falls.

The most important consideration for packing for Niagara spring is comfort. Because not even experienced meteorologists know for certain what the skies will bring during springtime, you should bring clothing suitable to a variety of temperatures. Outfits should be composed of light layers, such as a T-shirt, a cardigan, and a heavy, wind- and waterproof coat, so you can take off and add clothing as necessary.

Summer Packing Tips

Sunny summertime is when Niagara weather truly shines. Daytime temperatures rarely exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), and after the sun sets, temperatures barely drop to around 46 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius). Most days are bright and warm, but there are a few cloudy and rainy days, as well as afternoon thunderstorms — providing the perfect opportunity to dip inside for Niagara’s covered attractions, like an indoor waterpark or museum.

Casual summer clothing made of comfortable, lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal for Niagara’s summers. For most of the day, you will be comfortable in short-sleeve or sleeveless tops, but it is wise to carry along a layer, like a cardigan or light coat, in case rain does fall or you are out past nightfall — which is a common occurrence when so much happens in Niagara after dark during the warm, high tourism season.

Fall Packing Tips

As summer dies down, so does tourism in Niagara Falls — which is a shame because fall is easily Niagara’s most beautiful season. Temperatures remain warm, around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) during the day and 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) at night. Plus, autumn is the driest time of year for Niagara, lacking the snowstorms of winter and the fog and rain of spring and summer. This weather coupled with the gorgeous foliage and quiet attractions make fall the best season for Niagara travel.

Again, it is wise to pack layered outfits for an autumn Niagara trip. While the mild weather is relatively predictable, the diversity of activities around Niagara Falls typically necessitates different amounts of coverage. Though it might not rain, you should still bring along some waterproof options if you want to journey close to the falls, by boat or by cave.

No matter the season, you should always bring along a camera and plenty of storage space for souvenirs and gifts. Niagara Falls is one of the best travel destinations in the world, and while you should be comfortable in your clothing, you should also be confident that you are bringing back memories for a lifetime.

A Food Lover’s Guide to the Best Eats in Niagara Falls

Some people go on vacation to see amazing natural wonders. Some people go on vacation to experience new cultures and meet new people. However, everyone eats while on vacation.

Fortunately, in Niagara Falls, there’s something for every kind of traveler — especially the food-loving kind. Because Niagara Falls is an amazing place for agriculture, renowned chefs flock to the region for the opportunity to work with some of the freshest, highest quality ingredients in the world. As a result, even the cheapest restaurants in Niagara boast delicious grub. If you are looking to pig out on your trip to the falls, this guide should help you find the absolute best spots.

Fallsview Buffet

It’s hard to imagine a place where you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind world wonder and eat as much fresh, wonderful food as you want — but Fallsview Buffet Restaurant is that place, and it definitely exists. Located in Sheraton Fallsview, the buffet provides views of all three of Niagara’s waterfalls as well as a significant amount of the Niagara countryside. Plus, Fallsview offers an 80-foot buffet, filled with live-action cooking stations. You can dine here for any meal and find something different and delicious, making it an excellent stop during a busy day of seeing (and tasting) Niagara.

Windows by Jamie Kennedy

Easily one of Canada’s most notable chefs, Jamie Kennedy gives Niagara visitors more than edible treats in his restaurant Windows. Through the eatery’s eponymous floor-to-ceiling glass, you can view a panorama of Niagara. Featuring an up-close scene of Horseshoe Falls as well as a peak at American and Bridal Falls, the restaurant certainly provides some of the best views in the region. Furthermore, the food has won several awards from Canadian and International agencies, so you know you’re eating a high-class meal.

Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra

Another Canada native, Massimo Capra has earned his name as a world leader in Italian cuisine. His Niagara flagship, the Rainbow Room, is located high in the Crowne Plaza Hotel — a resort that is already highly regarded for its room views. North of the falls, the restaurant overlooks a swath of the Niagara River as well as both sets of falls, and visitors can enjoy the Niagara skyline while they dine, too. Because Chef Capra calls Ontario home, his food uses some of the freshest ingredients in Canada, ensuring your meal is local, unique, and delectable.

Skylon Revolving Dining Room

Looming at 775 feet from base to tip, Skylon Tower provides some of the best birds-eye views in the region; the only way you can get higher is by taking flight. You can visit the Tower nearly any time of day, morning, noon, and night, and purchase tickets to the observation deck — or you can reserve a spot in Skylon’s Dining Room and enjoy a meal and a view all at once. Skylon’s menu rivals the complexity and artistry of the best restaurants in the area — including Kennedy’s and Capra’s. It is your responsibility to remember to eat when you are so busy soaking up Skylon’s spectacular panoramas.

AG Inspired Cuisine

Most other Niagara restaurants are situated high-up for outstanding scenery; meanwhile, AG Inspired Cuisine is located in the basement. Still, AG doesn’t have the views of the previous four dining options, but it certainly offers a competitive menu. Boasting some of the first true farm-to-table food in Niagara, AG is both a farm and a restaurant catering to those with exquisite taste.

Trius Restaurant

Undoubtedly, your trip to Niagara Falls will include at least one winery tour. If you are smart, you will schedule some time at Trius Winery at Hillebrand, which is one of the first, the largest, and the best vineyards in the Niagara valley. Not only does Trius boast some of the most noteworthy distinctions for its vintages, it also offers a top-tier restaurant that will pair its famous wines with outstanding food. It’s important to eat while you are tasting wines — so why shouldn’t you eat some high-quality cuisine?

Mai Thai Cusine

Mild, temperate Niagara Falls might be the last place you would expect to find exotic Asian cuisine, but Mai Thai offers such sumptuous plates, you definitely shouldn’t balk. Authentic Thai food is spicy, sweet, and savory. It might be a welcome departure from the sophisticated salmon and lamb dishes at other Niagara foodie spots.

Napoli Ristorante Pizzeria

Perhaps the best purely Italian restaurant in the Niagara region — considering Capra’s Rainbow Room is a mixture of European culinary styles — Napoli Ristorante Pizzeria is warm and welcoming. With a motto of “He who eats well lives well,” the pizzeria offers high-class Italian comfort food, including goat cheese ravioli, Portobello pizza, and house-made meatballs.

Kitchen 76

If you didn’t drink enough at Trius, Two Sisters Vineyards beckons with more delicious wine and food. Kitchen 76 offers an approachable menu that uses ingredients from the surrounding Niagara countryside to craft dishes that perfectly complement its signature wines.