Category: Niagara Falls Hotels

The holiday season is upon us. If you’re like most, you’re probably planning how and where you’ll spend the magical holidays. Why not Niagara? Most see Niagara Falls as the premier summer destination, but in reality, the falls are even more stunning during the winter. If you’re ready to see Niagara in a whole new light, now’s the time. Below, we have compiled a few of our favorite things to do in Niagara Falls during the winter. Trust us, you won’t want to miss a single one. 

Winter Festival of Lights

The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is one of the most beloved holiday events in the city. The Ontario Power Generation has created this family-friendly event for people all over the area to gather and enjoy one of the most simple pleasures in entertainment. Throughout Niagara Parks, Dufferin Islands and the mighty Niagara Falls, you will find over 8 kilometers of illuminated streets. Throughout the path, you will find over 3 million lights intertwined with the streets and twisted into creative sights for the entire family to enjoy. 

This event is free for everyone. Bundle up and take in the sights of this truly incredible winter wonderland. Plus, enjoy a grand fireworks display on select nights! 

Niagara Falls Fireworks

When you visit Niagara Falls, there’s no way you’ll miss the magnificence of the rushing waters. While most people flock to the area during the summer, one of the most exciting times to see the falls is during the holidays. During the winter, there are spectacular fireworks shows that explode high over the mighty Falls as a part of the Winter Festival of Lights that we spoke about earlier. On select days during the month of November, you can catch one of the most memorable shows in all of Ontario. At 9 pm, the fireworks soar and explode right above the Falls, lighting up the dark winter sky. You’ll experience neon views of the sky, the falls and the beautiful city that lies around them — this experience is sure to create lifelong memories. 

This event is free for all guests. To get the best views, head to Queen Victoria Park, and visit here to see which days of the month this magical event will take place.

Catch a Show 

During the holiday season, performers from all over the world flock to the winter wonderland of Ontario. Over the holiday month’s, you can find a concert for nearly every genre and every style. Whether you want to catch a classic show like A Christmas Carol, or if you want to see a legend like John McDermont, there is something for everyone. This year, there are so many great performances at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Seneca Queen Theatre, Greg Frewin Theatre, Scotiabank Convention Centre and more. Be sure to check their schedules during your visit to Niagara Falls to catch one of the most exciting shows of the season. 

Explore Exciting Trip Packages 

There is always something to do or see in Ontario. If you want to make your experience a little more unique, or if you don’t want to plan anything, check out our Niagara Falls Packages. We’ll take care of all of the details so all you have to do is show up. Everything from your room to attractions will be handled so you can sit back and truly enjoy the holiday season — stress free. Explore all of our packages here. 

Wondering what to do in Niagara Falls Canada? Every year, one of the most anticipated Niagara Falls activities comes to Queen Street in downtown Niagara Falls, as the Santa Claus Parade ushers in the holiday spirit. Community members, local businesses and visitors gather to watch holiday-themed floats pass through and check out live entertainment like marching bands and stilt walkers.

This year’s event is Saturday, November 16, at 11 a.m. Put this at the top of your list of Niagara Falls upcoming events to check out. A Niagara Falls Christmas is one of the coolest in the entire world. The Santa Claus Parade gives you a peek at the holiday fun to come.

Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade Details

When: Saturday, November 16. The parade goes from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. There is a Santa meet-and-greet event from 12:45-2:30 p.m.

Where: The parade route starts on Victoria Avenue at Amoury Street. It travels north on Victoria Avenue, then turns right onto Valley Way, then turns right onto Queen Street, then ends just past Niagara Falls City Hall. The Santa meet-and-greet takes place at Niagara Falls City Hall, at 4310 Queen Street, Niagara Falls.

Cost: Free

Information: (905) 356-7521, ext. 3332, or NiagaraFalls.ca/events

Who Will Be in the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade?

The Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade is one of the biggest Niagara Falls upcoming events for good reason. The floats are so much fun to watch pass by. Kids get to see some of their favorite holiday figures, like snowmen, reindeer and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Top Niagara Falls talent is on display, with musicians, stilt walkers and more.

Some of the past faces and floats in the Santa Claus Parade have included:

• Holiday elves
• High school marching bands
• Giant inflatables, including Rudolph
• Circus performers like hoop dancers
• Life-size gingerbread men
• Horse-drawn carriages

Locals who want to walk in the parade can submit an application online by Friday, October 4. Most floats are holiday-themed. All the parade participants are a great reflection of the one-of-a-kind Niagara Falls community and culture.

What’s It Like to Attend the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade?

Each year, thousands of attendees come to the Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade. You can bring pets and grab a spot on the street to watch, as long as it’s not in the parade route’s way. You can bring your own chairs or seating so you have a comfortable place to watch the parade go by, or you can stand as you watch.

Be sure to have your camera ready. Some of the floats that pass by are truly spectacular, especially for little ones in terms of size and design. There will also be plenty of diverse entertainment, too, with acts like music, dancing and circus-themed performances.

The Santa meet-and-greet that is at the end of the parade is a great opportunity to snap some photos for holiday cards. There will be kids Niagara Falls activities in addition to the meet-and-greet, like face painting. The event is fun for the whole family.

Volunteer in the Santa Claus Parade

Dozens of volunteers make the Santa Claus Parade a possibility each year. Volunteers help organize floats and participants, help monitor crowds and answer questions, carry banners in the parade, walk with parade mascots or walk as mascots themselves, help assist with the Santa meet-and-greet and perform other miscellaneous tasks related to the parade.

Volunteering for the Santa Claus Parade is a great way for teens and adults to get community service hours and be a part of a huge family-friendly event in Niagara Falls.

Make a Day of It on Queen Street in Niagara Falls

You can spend the whole day with your family on Queen Street in Niagara Falls after the parade is over. Queen Street is mere minutes away from the Niagara Falls waterfalls. There are dozens of shops, restaurants, art galleries and more along Queen Street where the parade passes through. Some things to check out include:

• Bars and restaurants, like Taps Brewhouse, Paris Crepes Cafe, Grand Central Bar & Grill and Third Space Cafe
• Galleries, like The Butterfly Gallery and Steve Wilson Studios & The Gallery
• Shops, like Ethereal Aesthetics and Fae Nature

Queen Street stores feature unique handmade items by local artisans. Queen Street restaurants and bars also feature local ingredients, beers and artisan cocktails. There’s plenty to do before and after the Santa Claus Parade passes through Queen Street in Niagara Falls.

Book a Niagara Falls Trip for the Holiday Season

The Santa Claus Parade in Niagara Falls is a great place to see the Niagara Falls community come together and show off their creativity and holiday spirit. Niagara Falls Hotels are near all the action. Book your stay so you can celebrate the holidays in one of the world’s most scenic places.

The once statue-like boat has broken free. For generations, the sight of the Old Iron Scow has been a popular part of taking in the Falls and the haunting story of the ship captivates millions of visitors. 

In 1918, the ship was manned by sailors when it ran aground on a sandbar, causing the connecting cables to snap. This sent the boat and its sailors hurling into the rapids. The ship hit a shelving rock that jolted it to a stop one-third of a mile

from the 167-foot Horseshoe Falls.

A team of volunteers saved two of the sailors as they watched the boat go down. The boat has been stuck in the same place since then — except for now. 

Storm of the Century

On October 31, 2019, a storm from the Northeast brought winds over 50 miles per hour through the falls. These insane winds, and the increased flow of the Niagara River, pushed the Old Iron Scow free, causing it to roll 160 feet downriver. There it now sits, rolled onto its side — even closer to the edge of the falls. 

Having sat in place for more than a century, the ship’s repositioning has caught the attention of Niagara Falls’ fans and visitors. With the constant exposure to water and air,  the boat had been rusting and rotting away before our eyes. Many believe that the little movement caused by the wind was just enough to cause a fracture in the ship’s remaining structure, thus causing the ship to break the hold of the rock outcropping it held onto and float downstream.

What’s Next for the Old Iron Scow?

 The boat will be inspected again in its current position to ensure that it will remain secure. Where it is now can affect boat tours, power plants, and more, which is why this investigation needs to happen. 

Many are concerned about the boat and the threat it could pose to the health and well-being of the Falls and the tourism it provides, but officials are confident that the boat will remain put. 

For more details about this update, click here.

Ring in 2020 in Niagara Falls!

The annual Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve event in Queen Victoria Park is one of Canada’s longest running New Year’s Eve celebration with a free concert, fireworks, and more. This year’s outdoor concert features an amazing all-Canadian lineup of award winning musicians. The festivities begin at 8:30pm with Juno Award Winning, multi-platinum musical phenomenon, Walk Off the Earth and headlined by one of Canada’s most exciting live musicians; Bryan Adams. With an influence that has spanned four decades, his song writing has garnered him numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations and a Grammy Award.

Fireworks spark the beginning of a New Year; enjoy spectacular shows over Niagara Falls at 9:15pm followed by a grand finale display at midnight to mark the beginning of 2020! Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve celebrations never disappoint. Join the tradition of celebrating with us at the site of our natural wonder, or the amazing bands and entertainment.

Don’t miss out on a show that will create memories to last the whole year through, book your New Year’s Eve hotel stay in the heart of the City to be close to the show, guaranteed that you won’t miss a thing!

A holiday tradition in Niagara Falls, the Winter Festival of Lights brings spectacular illuminated displays to the brink of the Falls from November 16, 2019- January 12, 2020.

The Festival begins with free Opening Ceremonies on November 16 with live entertainment, and the official lighting of the 8km route which features more than 3 million lights displayed along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands and Niagara Falls.

Wander around Niagara Falls to see Winter Festival of Lights displays like:

• Falls Illumination at Queen Victoria Park.
• The Zimmerman Fountain at Queen Victoria Park
• Passage, an interactive light display, at Queen Victoria Park near Clifton Hill
• Inukshuk at Dufferin Islands
• Impulse, an interactive light display, at Queen Victoria Park
• Skylon Tower Illumination
• Hydro Power Station Display at the Toronto Power Generating Station
• Ninja Turtles at Clifton Hill
• Spanish Moss Trees at Queen Victoria Park
• Fallsview Casino Crosswalks
• Roseaux, an interactive light display, at Queen Victoria Park

In addition to displays and installations, trees and lightposts along the Niagara Parkway are wrapped in a rainbow of lights which captures the joyous atmosphere of this celebratory time of year.

Beyond dazzling lights, the Winter Festival of Lights offers brilliant fireworks displays:

• November 16 – approximately 8:00 pm
• Fridays November 22, 29, December 6, 13, 20, 27, January 3 & 10
• Nightly December 21-30 & Jan 1-5
• New Year’s Eve: 9:00pm & Midnight
• January 11 & 12

**Displays take place at 9:00pm unless noted otherwise

Schedule a trip to Niagara Falls to see the magical displays in person!  To make the experience even more special reserve a Fallsview Room to see the fireworks from the comfort of your room!

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and celebration with loved ones. It’s a holiday meant for reflecting on the bounty of great things that have happened throughout the year, and a time to gather with friends and family for relaxed companionship and delicious meals.

Thanksgiving in Canada happens on the second Monday of every year. In 2019, it’s on October 14. Thanksgiving in Canada is an official holiday, and many Canadians commemorate the day by spending time with those they care about.

If you’ll be visiting Niagara Falls for Thanksgiving weekend, check out these Niagara Falls tours and things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Many Americans also take advantage of the long Thanksgiving weekend in the States and head up north for holiday. If you’ll be in Niagara Falls for the American Thanksgiving November 28, here are some things to check out, like the Niagara Falls Festival of Lights.

Things to Do in Niagara Falls Ontario for Canadian Thanksgiving, October 14

Autumn in Niagara Falls is one of the nicest times of year to be outside, with trees and leaves changing colours and adopting brilliant hues. Get in touch with nature by heading out with the family to the Niagara River Recreation Trail. Traverse more than 50km of pedestrian and bicyclist paths along the Canadian side of the Niagara River. Check out beautiful wildlife, flora and fauna along the way.

Thanksgiving weekend, you can head to the Ball’s Falls 45^th Annual Thanksgiving Festival, October 11 to 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The festival features more than 170 juried artisans, food vendors, demonstrators and entertainers. It’s a beautiful community event celebrating the Thanksgiving season.

Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in Niagara Falls is one of the last weekends to head to the Floral Showhouse to see the Reiger Begonia Display. This colourful floral exhibit includes a mix of tropical foliage plants and begonias that create a stunningly gorgeous display.

Fall is also a great time to kick back with friends and family and check out winery Niagara Falls tours. Get a designated driver, grab your loved ones, and pop by wineries of the region to sample in-season fall flavours.

Thanksgiving weekend is your last chance to head to Safari Niagara before it closes for the season. Safari Niagara hosts the 7^th annual Boo in the Zoo event October 12 to October 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids can trick-or-treat around the zoo, with local businesses giving out goodies to visitors. There will be costume contests each day, a “Find the Golden Pumpkin” contest and a kids’ fun zone. Children ages 12 and younger receive free admission to the zoo on these days with a donation of a non-perishable food item.

Things to Do in Niagara Falls Ontario for American Thanksgiving, November 28

Looking for a different kind of American Thanksgiving? Head to Niagara Falls, Canada, for the long weekend. Niagara Falls is a great place to stay up north, with lots of fun events going on in late November.

The Niagara Falls Festival of Lights will be in full effect. Travel along the 8km route to see unique light displays, interactive art installations and more than 50 trees on Dufferin Islands wrapped with lights. There will also be light shows with music, like the Toronto Power Generating Station Light Show.

If you want to head somewhere special on the night of American Thanksgiving in Niagara Falls, the Greg Frewin Theatre is hosting DREAMER, The Supertramp Experience, a dinner-and-a-show event featuring talented Supertramp tribute band DREAMER. The buffet dinner is optional and can be added to any show ticket.

If you’ll be in Niagara Falls for American Thanksgiving, there’s no need to worry about what you’re going to eat. The best Niagara Falls restaurants will be open and ready to welcome you and your guests for Thanksgiving dinner.

You can check out Niagara Falls fireworks on Friday, November 29, at 9 p.m. Bundle up and head outside to see this magnificent one-of-a-kind show, or watch it from your Niagara Falls fallsview hotel room or restaurant.

If you’ll be in Niagara Falls a little earlier than the actual American Thanksgiving, head to the Holiday Handmade Market the weekend before, November 22 to 24 at Scotiabank Convention Centre. Get a head start on holiday shopping, where you can shop thousands of unique Canadian-made artisan products.

Get a Great Deal on Niagara Falls Hotels for Thanksgiving

Any time of year is fun to visit Niagara Falls or take a staycation right by the Niagara Falls waterfalls. The Thanksgiving weekends have a festive feel because they’re times of year when holidays like Christmas are just around the corner. Spending time with friends and family in Niagara Falls is always quality time.

If you’re interested in coming to Niagara Falls for a Thanksgiving weekend, book a stay with NiagaraFallsHotels.com. We’ve got great deals and packages for couples, groups and more.

Niagara Falls is a foodie’s paradise. The region is known for its farm-fresh produce, innovative chef creations, gorgeous Niagara Falls restaurants and welcoming hospitality.

There are always fun food-filled events happening on the Niagara Falls Canada side, featuring the best food and wine Niagara Falls has to offer. Check out these Niagara Falls food events when you’re looking for things to do near Niagara Falls in the upcoming seasons.

Niagara Culinary Tours

Niagara Culinary Tours brings groups of locals and visitors together for walking tours of notable restaurants in Niagara Falls. Attendees get to learn about Niagara Falls history, get to taste some of the most mouthwatering dishes available at each restaurant, and get to mix and mingle with other guests. Here are some events to plan for.

Mornings Just Got Better Food Tour

Every Saturday and Sunday morning through October, the Mornings Just Got Better Food Tour takes guests throughout Old Towne Niagara-on-the-Lake, kicking off wth a coffee and pastry for a 2km-loop tour. This foodie tour features sweet and savoury samplings, along with insights into Niagara wine country culture and heritage. The tour goes from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and costs $55 per person.

St. Catharines Food and History Tour

The St. Catharines Food and History Tour runs every Saturday through October and is a 3-hour walking tour offering insights into the history, food, wine and culture of St. Catharines. Visitors will get to head into the St. Catharines downtown, including a trip to the St. Catharines market, a St. Catharines fine dining restaurant that’s been going 30+ years strong, a vegan doughnut shop and a community cafe. The walk is a flat 2km loop, and vegetarian options are available with advanced request. Tickets cost $75 each.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Foodie Tour

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Foodie Tour is the ultimate foodie tour when you’re visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake. You can join in every Thursday through Sunday through November 25. Each tour starts at 1:30 p.m. and is 3.5 hours of food-filled fun, focusing on both the history and culture of Niagara-on-the-Lake as well as the local food flavours. Tour participants get to meet local chefs and restaurant owners and see cultural landmarks along the way. If you’re new to Niagara-on-the-Lake, this tour is a great way to explore the area, learn about a new place and enjoy a decadent time filling up on some of the finest food and wine the region has to offer. Tickets cost $75 per person, and groups are limited to 12 people each to keep each tour intimate. Vegetarian options are available with advanced request.

Ugly Sweater Holiday Food Tour

The Ugly Sweater Holiday Food Tour by Niagara Culinary Tours is held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December. Guests are encouraged to wear their ugliest (or cutest) holiday sweater for the 2.5-hour walking tour. It includes food tastings and a chance for guests to pick up a unique last-minute holiday gift. The ugliest sweater wearer will win a special prize. Tickets are $60 per person. Each tour starts at 1 p.m. at the Irish Harp in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Winter Wonderland Food Tour

The Winter Wonderland Food Tour takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from January 2020 to March 30, 2020. Each tour kicks off at 1 p.m. at the Irish Harp Pub in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The tour costs $65 per person and is a 2.5-hour walking tour along 2km at a leisurely pace. Guests will sample food at Old Towne Niagara-on-the-Lake eateries and can expect tasty delights like Irish stew and hot cocoa.

Niagara Culinary Experiences

Meet Celebrity Chef Massimo Capra at a one-of-a-kind event among Niagara Falls restaurants, the Niagara Culinary Experiences presented by Falls Avenue Resort. This four-event series has four distinct culinary adventures to take with Chef Massimo at his Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant. Each dinner includes a mix and mingle with Chef Massimo, a cocktail reception with nibbles and bubbles, and a five-course dinner and wine pairings.

The dinner themes are:

• December 6, 2019, Natale a Tavola: This Christmas dinner features recipes passed down through generations.
• January 31, 2020, An Icewine Dinner: Ice wine is special sweet dessert wine that is made with Niagara region grapes still frozen on the vine. This unique type of wine inspired this dinner.
• March 27, 2020, A Culinary Tour of Abruzzo: Diners will taste dishes inspired by this southern central Italy region, located on an eastern shoreline of the Adriatic Sea.
• April 24, 2020, A Culinary Tour of Emilia Romagna: Taste flavours from this Northern Italy region, home to delicious Italian items like stuffed pasta and Prosciutto di Parma.

Get a great deal on a room at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel and these amazing five-course dinners. You can book a room-and-meal dinner for just $199 per person here.

Plan Your Foodie Trip to Niagara Falls

There are dozens of amazing Niagara Falls restaurants and food-and-wine things to do near Niagara Falls. Book a Niagara Falls trip to see why this part of the world is a top dining destination.

If you’re looking for a great Niagara Falls restaurant experience then you have come to the right place. Delectable international cuisine is the cornerstone of dining in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and Niagara’s award-winning wine region enhances the diverse options. Niagara Falls has more to offer than just the spectacular waterfall, incredible Niagara Falls restaurants will satisfy foodies and restaurant enthusiasts. On your next visit to the Canadian side of the Falls, make sure to stop by one of these amazing restaurants in Niagara Falls.

Prime Steakhouse

Located in The Brock Niagara Falls-Fallsview, Prime is a contemporary steakhouse with a classic Fallsview flair. With premium steaks, exceptional service, and the most stunning views of Niagara Falls you will see why they are rated #1 Restaurant in Niagara Falls on TripAdvisor.

Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant

Massimo’s enticing dinner menu offers innovative takes on authentic Italian dishes using fresh and delicious ingredients from throughout the Niagara Region. Rated the #1 Italian Restaurant in Niagara Falls on TripAdvisor, this Fallsview restaurant offers classic Italian cuisine making for a satisfying and noteworthy dining experience with a spectacular view of Niagara Falls. Massimo’s is located on the Fallsview Dining Level of the Sheraton Fallsview hotel.

Ponte Vecchio

Featuring fine Italian dining, surrounded by an old-world atmosphere, Ponte Vecchio’s menu is designed to tempt your taste buds along with an award-winning wine list to compliment any dish. Enjoy an intriguingly delicious restaurant located in the Fallsview Casino Resort.

21 Club

From slow-roasted prime rib and perfectly charred custom-aged rib eyes, T-bone and striploins to sumptuous seafood, 21 Club Steak and Seafood is a cut above the rest. With 700 of the finest local and international wines, there is always a sommelier on hand to ensure the best pairing with your meal. Located on Fallsview Casino Resort.

Morton’s Grille Niagara Falls

Morton’s Grille offers a casual yet elegant atmosphere along with an impressive menu of succulent steaks, fresh seafood, burgers, salads and more. Delight your taste buds with an exceptional superbly executed dinner menu with the illuminated natural wonder, Niagara Falls, as your backdrop. Located in the Marriott Fallsview hotel.

Milestones On The Falls

Milestones brings delicious and innovative flavours to each dish. Made with fresh ingredients every day, the chefs are passionate about giving you a tantalizingly tasteful meal, from appetizer to dessert. Enjoy crave-worthy items with a direct view of the magnificent Niagara Falls, located in the Marriott on the Falls hotel.

Fallsview Grand Buffet

Niagara’s #1 Buffet Brunch and Dinner! This Niagara Falls restaurant is celebrated for its extensive 80 foot buffet with live-action cooking stations to create an interactive dining experience. Located on the Fallsview Dining Level of the Sheraton Fallsview, the selection, variety and spectacular views are all a part of the Fallsview Grand Buffet experience.

Hard Rock Café

Whether you decide to eat in the Elvis inspired dining room or the Beatles room you will have an incredible dining experience, there’s also an 80-foot guitar bar! It is a popular dining choice thanks to its dynamic tex-mex inspired menu and rock n’ roll atmosphere.  Located on the Falls Avenue Resort.

Niagara Distillery

Niagara’s newest distillery has opened on the corner of Falls Avenue and Clifton Hill. Niagara Distillery created six select spirits designed to be impeccable on their own or mixed to create your favourite cocktail. They proudly serve award-winning BBQ from Billy Bones BBQ.  The menu is packed with tender brisket, juicy burgers, and mouthwatering ribs cooked low and slow then caramelized in classic Billy Bones sauce to perfectly complement the craft spirits.

Niagara Brewing Company

Grab a cold craft beer that proudly represents Canada’s brewing heritage and today’s innovative craft beer scene. They’re passionate about providing the highest quality beer to enthusiastic consumers and take pride in what they do. While enjoying Niagara’s best craft beer, and no longer thirsty, you can enjoy any of their delicious menu options. It’s an added bonus that they’re food is as good as their beer, whether you want a snack or a full meal they’ve definitely got something to satisfy your taste buds. Located on the corner of Falls Avenue and Clifton Hill.

The changing leaves, crisp and cool weather and autumn harvests make fall a great time to book a Niagara Falls trip. There are festivals, artisan events, spooky scares and more in Niagara Falls.

Use Niagara Falls Hotels’ site to find the top places to stay for a trip to Niagara Falls. We feature the best Niagara Falls hotels that are close to all the action, so it’s easy to get to where you want to go.

1. Grape and Wine Festival

Kick off fall with the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival from September 14-29. Usher in the new bounty of grapes from the vineyards with wine-themed events all over Niagara Falls during this time.

You can check out:

• Wine tastings with a Discovery Pass, where you can get 8 wine and culinary experiences at your choice out of the 27 participating wineries
• The Montebello Park Experience, Canada’s largest wine festival on September 20-22 and September 27-29

There’s also the 68^th Annual Meridian Grande Parade September 28 at 11 a.m. in Downtown St. Catharines to check out. This time of year is a great time to sample the fine Niagara wines and connect with the local community.

2. Niagara on the Lake’s Haunted Fort George Halloween

Fort George may be one of the most haunted places in all of the Niagara Falls area. It’s where many battles during the War of 1812 took place, and it’s still home to a historic military structure.

Get in the Halloween spirit with a candlelight ghost tour at Fort George. They’re held every Sunday in September at 7:30 p.m. and take place at various times Friday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s (plus October 30 and 31) in October. Tours last around a couple hours long and take visitors into Fort George after dark to hear about hauntings and history.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 13 and younger in September, and are $25 for everyone in October. There are also private ghost tour options.

3. Niagara Culinary Tours

If you love Italian food, you have to check out the 6^th Annual Niagara Culinary Tours, a taste of Italy at Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant. Celebrity chef Massimo Capra leads guests through an intimate dining experience featuring cuisines from different parts of Italy. Each dinner includes a meet-and-greet opportunity with chef Massimo, a standing cocktail reception with canapes and prosecco and a five-course dinner and wine pairings.

The first date for the event starts toward the end of fall. Here are all the dates:

• December 6: Natale a Tavola
• January 31: An Ice Wine Dinner
• March 27: A Culinary Tour of Abruzzo
• April 24: A Culinary Tour of Emilia Romagana

Dates sell out quickly. The event is $129 per person, and you can add on a hotel room stay in a Fallsview room for just $70 more per person. Get info here.

4. 9^th Annual HandMade Market

Get a head start on holiday shopping at the 9^th Annual Fall HandMade Market, which features handmade goods from more than 140 curated artisans from around Canada. Head to the 13^th Street Winery September 13 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and September 14 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to check out the event, which will include goods like jewellery, bags, fashion accessories, home décor, bath and body products, ceramics, wood and leather to purchase.

There will also be food, art and so much more. Entry is $6 for adults, and it’s free for kids ages 16 and younger.

5. Niagara Falls International Marathon

The Niagara Falls International Marathon brings people from around the globe to Niagara Falls to complete a marathon and other races. Runners can choose from a full marathon, marathon relay, half-marathon, 10K or 5K races. This year’s race takes place October 20.

The race provides a unique view of Niagara Falls landscape, taking runners to the brink of the Niagara Falls waterfalls. Registration prices increase on October 1. You can register here.

6. Frightmare in the Falls

Frightmare in the Falls is a spooktacular horror event taking place at Scotiabank Convention Centre October 26 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and October 27 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Attendees can check out:

• Attractions like “The Evil Dead” cabin, “Stranger Things” living room, the Ecto-1 car and the Thor “Supernatural” Impala
• Guest and panels, including Kane Hodder from “Friday the 13^th,” Bill Moseley from “The Devil’s Rejects,” and Tony Moran from “Halloween”
• Vendors and exhibitons, including comics, fashion, toys and collectibles, posters and more

Tickets include VIP options and after party tickets. Purchase here.

7. Taste the Season

Craving more wine? Get tickets to Taste the Season, with dates on Friday’s through Sunday’s through November 24. Dozens of Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries participate in this annual event, which gives attendees the opportunity to sample food and wine pairings at each participating winery. That’s a lot of food and drink!

Tickets cost $55 each. Every day, the wineries are available to visit using the pass from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Get tickets here.

Book a Place to Stay with Niagara Falls Hotels

Ready to start planning your Niagara Falls trip? Find the best Niagara Falls hotels.

Falls Avenue Resort has announced the dates for the 2019/2020 Niagara Culinary Experience series.  The popular events feature renowned Chef Massimo Capra, and highlight an Italian Region and winery each night. 

The events, hosted at Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant on the Fallsview Dining Level of the the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, sell out quickly with guests excited to rub elbows with the jovial Chef, and experience Italian cuisine with a master of his craft.

There are 3 events scheduled for 2019/2020 with guests having two options to reserve their attendance at the events.  Hotel Packages include 1 Night Fallsview Hotel Accommodations, a mix & mingle with Massimo Capra, standing cocktail reception with canapés and pairings, and a 5-course dinner with wine pairings,  or Dinner Only tickets (same inclusions without Hotel Accommodations).

December 6, 2019 – Natale a Tavola

A Christmas dinner that celebrates the nostalgia and tradition of recipes being passed from generation to generation.

March 27, 2020 – A Culinary Tour of Abruzzo

Often thought of as Italian cuisine at its purest, the culinary dialect of Abruzzo is influenced by the sea and the mountains.

April 24, 2020 – A Culinary Tour of Emilia Romagna

This highly productive region is the source of many Italian staples that line the cupboards of kitchens throughout the world and is considered to be the culinary heart of Italy.

Every event in the 6 year history of the series has sold out; don’t miss your opportunity to attend these unique experiences – Make your Reservation now!