What to See and Do this Labour Day Weekend in Niagara Falls

Fireworks for labour day weekend in Niagara Falls.
Fireworks over Niagara Falls.

The start of the school year is just around the corner, which means it’s time for one last summer hurrah. A visit to Niagara Falls is a great way to make the most of the Labour Day long weekend, and there are so many fantastic sights to see and attractions to check out! Here are a few of our picks for what to see and do this labour day weekend in Niagara Falls.

Coca Cola Concert Series & Falls Fireworks

The Coca Cola Concert Series in Queen Victoria Park draws to a close this Labour Day weekend with a lineup of free performances from:

  • Ben Hudson – August 31st
  • The Howling Horns – September 2nd
  • Under the Influence – September 3rd

Performances are from 8-10pm and are followed by spectacular fireworks over Niagara Falls. The daily fireworks shows run until September 3rd and will be happening on weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and holiday Mondays from September 7th to October 8th.

Niagara Brewing Company

Stop by Niagara Brewing Company on Clifton Hill to sip some awesome new brews, which are on the rotating taps for a limited time. Right now you can try exclusive brews like Clockwork Berliner Weisse, Annie’s English Ale, Irish Red Ale, and Cream Ale, along with their four signature beers.

And don’t forget to grab some delicious snacks and sit out on one of the brewery’s two outdoor patios to soak in as much of that summer sunshine as you can!

Niagara Speedway & Hornblower Niagara Cruises

Hornblower boat ride to the Falls.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises boat ride.

You’ll definitely want to check out a few attractions while in Niagara Falls this Labour Day weekend and Hornblower Niagara Cruises and the Niagara Speedway are at the top of our list. Hornblower Niagara Cruises offers iconic boat rides to the Falls and has a number of different experiences to choose from, including:

  • Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour – 20 minutes
  • Voyage to the Falls Evening Boat Tour – 20 minutes
  • Falls Illumination Cruise – 40 minutes
  • Falls Fireworks Cruise – 40 Minutes

And don’t miss out on the Niagara Speedway, which is one of Niagara’s newest summer attractions! This elevated outdoor go-kart course is the first of its kind in Canada and features a 4-storey helical spiral followed by a 2-tiered coaster style ramp.

Majestic Monarchs at Butterfly Conservatory

On September 1st and 2nd you can stop by the Butterfly Conservatory on the Niagara Parkway for their Majestic Monarchs event, which will teach you all about the migration of the beautiful Monarch Butterfly.

The event runs from 11am-4pm and will even give you the chance to help tag butterflies that are ready to embark on their journey south.

We hope your Labour Day weekend in Niagara Falls is one for the books!


The Tale of the Iron Scow

The iron scow.
Iron scow in the upper Niagara River.

This year marks the centenary of the iron scow (or “Old Scow”) wreck in Niagara Falls, and Niagara Parks will be paying tribute to this event with the unveiling of a new plaque on August 6th, 2018.

In honour of this historic Niagara landmark, let’s revisit the story of what happened on that fateful day on the Niagara River when the iron scow became legend.

The Incident

It was August 6th 1918 when a small dumping scow with two men aboard was dredging up sandbanks on the Niagara River, upstream from the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The scow was approximately 1.6 km up-river when it broke loose from the tugboat that was meant to bring it back to shore and began heading for the brink of the waterfall.

After breaking loose, the scow got caught on a rock shoal 838 yards from the waterfall’s edge, leaving the two men stranded in the middle of the turbulent upper rapids of the Niagara River.

The Rescue

The harrowing rescue mission of the two men onboard the marooned scow involved heroic efforts. A rescue boat couldn’t be sent to reach them, so instead, a lifeline cannon was brought to the scene by the U.S. Coast Guard to shoot a line from the Toronto Power House to the barge. It was this method, along with the tireless efforts of many people that brought the men back to shore using a breeches buoy rescue device.

The Legacy

While the two men were able to return to safety after the wreck, the iron scow still remains stuck in the upper Niagara River, just a short distance away from the brink of the waterfall.

Join Niagara Parks in honouring this historic Niagara Falls event on August 6th, 2018. The event takes place at the old Toronto Power Generating Station on the Niagara Parkway from 7-8pm.


Planning a Kid-Approved Family Vacation to Niagara Falls

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark in Niagara Falls.
Family fun at Fallsview Indoor Waterpark.

Celebrate the summer season with a Niagara Falls family vacation that kids and adults will love! Home to exciting attractions, themed restaurants, and affordable accommodations, Niagara is the perfect place to plan a kid-approved weekend getaway for the whole family!

Attractions

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark

Kids and adults alike will love all of the thrills and excitement that Fallsview Indoor Waterpark has to offer! Featuring 16 waterslides, a full-sized wave pool, 1,000-gallon tipping bucket, plunge bowl, outdoor activity pool, adult-only Jacuzzis, and more, the waterpark offers a full day of  water fun just steps away Niagara Falls.

And Fallsview Indoor Waterpark makes it easy to book a family getaway with fanastic hotel & waterpark getaway packages that give you access to the waterpark and connect you with amazing Niagara Falls hotel stays.

Niagara Speedway Go-Karts

One of Niagara’s newest and most thrilling summer attractions is the Niagara Speedway located right on Clifton Hill. The Niagara Speedway is an elevated outdoor go-kart course spread across four acres, featuring a 4-storey helical spiral and a 2-tiered coaster-style ramp. It’s a fast and exciting attraction for people of all ages!

Hornblower Niagara Cruises

No summer visit to Niagara Falls is complete without a Hornblower Niagara Cruises boat ride, which takes you into the mist and as close as you can get to the magnificent Canadian Horseshoe Falls . Hornblower offers a number of iconic Niagara Falls journeys including:

  • Voyage to the Falls Boat Tour (20 minutes)
  • Voyage to the Falls Evening Boat Tour (20 minutes)
  • Falls Illumination Cruise (40 minutes)
  • Falls Fireworks Cruise (40 minutes)

And to make your Niagara Falls boat voyage even more convenient and unforgettable, Hornblower offers Mobile Ticketing Scan & Go, 360° views, free wifi, and onboard refreshments!

Dining

Sweet Jesus Ice Cream

Sweet Jesus ice cream cone
Sweet Jesus’ signature Krusty the Kone flavour.

Located at the corner of Clifton Hill and Falls Avenue, Sweet Jesus ice cream shop offers innovative and delicious soft serve creations that you’ll have to see (and taste) to believe. Some Sweet Jesus signature flavours include:

  • Birthday Cake – made with vanilla soft serve, cream cheese icing, birthday cake bits, and rainbow sprinkles.
  • Hella Nutella – made with chocolate and vanilla twist soft serve, Nutella sauce, wafer cookies, Corn Flakes, and toasted pistachios.
  • Krusty the Kone – made with vanilla soft serve, cotton candy pieces, cotton candy sauce, and rainbow sprinkles.

And with straight up soft serve, limited-time seasonal cones, and dairy-free options, Sweet Jesus is a delicious dessert experience that everyone can enjoy!

Rainforest Cafe

Embark on an adventure in dining at Rainforest Cafe Niagara Falls. Located on Clifton Hill, Rainforest Cafe offers an extensive menu of family favourites like burgers, salads, sandwiches, and pastas, which can be enjoyed inside a unique rainforest-like dining room. Kids will love the animatronic animals and 80-foot bubbling volcano, while the indoor thunderstorm every 30 minutes complete with lightning, thunder, and a wall of rain is sure to impress the whole family.

Accommodations

Clifton Victoria Inn

Clifton Victoria Inn is a family-friendly hotel in Niagara Falls located across the street from Falls Avenue Resort and just one block away from Niagara Falls and the Clifton Hill tourist district. It’s a great place for families to stay on a Niagara Falls family vacation as it offers spacious Family Suites and amazing amenities like a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, free wireless internet, and free parking.

And with great family getaway packages that bundle together accommodations and attraction experiences, planning a Niagara Falls family vacation has never been easier.

Sklyine Hotel and Waterpark

Another fantastic Niagara Falls hotel for families is the Skyline Hotel & Waterpark. The Skyline offers a variety of guest rooms for groups of all sizes including family suites that have 3 queen size beds to accommodate up to six guests.

The Skyline’s central location and indoor climate-controlled skywalk to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, Skyline Hotel & Waterpark also connects you to the best accommodations, dining, entertainment, and attractions that Niagara Falls has to offer.


Top Niagara Music Events to Attend this Summer

Niagara's live music events are happening all summer long.
Niagara’s live music events happening all summer long.

Summer’s finally here and it’s the perfect time to catch amazing live music events in one-of-a-kind venues all around Niagara. Here are 3 Niagara music events that you won’t want to miss!

Coca Cola Concert Series

June 1 – September 3, Queen Victoria Park

The Coca Cola Concert Series is back for another year in Queen Victoria Park, featuring live musical performances from local Niagara artists across a variety of exciting genres. You can catch these free live performances on select dates from June 1st – September 3rd at 8pm, which finish with a spectacular fireworks show over Niagara Falls at 10pm.

This year’s series will kick off with performances from Graywater, Gravely James, Chelsea Crites, The Treetops, Jessica Wilson, Ear Candy, and more!

Jackson-Triggs Summer Concert Series

Jackson-Triggs Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Jackson-Triggs Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake is once again hosting their popular Summer Concert Series from June through September, featuring incredible live musical performances in a beautiful outdoor amphitheatre in the vineyard. Concert Only and Concert & Cellar Dinner tickets are both available.

This year’s Summer Concert Series performers include:

  • Whitehorse – June 15, 2018
  • Broken Social Scene – June 16, 2018
  • Serena Ryder – June 22-23, 2018
  • Alan Doyle – July 4-5, 2018
  • The Trews – July 6, 2018
  • The Sheepdogs – July 7, 2018
  • The Tenors – July 13-14, 2018
  • Johnny Reid – July 17-18, 2018
  • Matt Andersen – July 19, 2018
  • Finger Eleven – July 20, 2018

For the full lineup and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.greatestatesniagara.com/Store/Amphitheatre-Tickets.

Sugarland

Fallsview Casino Resort, Niagara Falls

Grammy Award-winning country music duo Sugarland is coming to Fallsview Casino Resort on July 6th and 7th, performing hits like Stuck Like Glue, Stay, All I Want to Do, Baby Girl, It Happens, and more. Tickets start at $150 and can be purchased at Fallsview Casino’s Resort’s Box Office or online.


Two Canadian Casinos Offer Grand Niagara Falls Views

Niagara Falls Casinos
Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort

Gaming is even more exciting when Niagara Falls grandeur surrounds two popular casinos. Get all the key details on Canada’s Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara before you depart on your thrilling Ontario trip. Everyone who enters these always-open casinos, bets, wins, and drinks alcohol must be 19 or older. Who’s ready for never-ending fun?

Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort

If you’re seeking an elegant casino hotel, Niagara Falls, Canada, is your ultimate destination. Book your stay with Niagara Falls Hotels for the best rates. Enjoy lavish overnight accommodations with a 200,000-square-foot gaming space at the four-diamond Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort on Ontario’s Fallsview Blvd. The area’s newest and biggest casino resort’s 374 luxury suites and rooms soar high above Niagara Gorge on a cliff, providing stunning Horseshoe Falls and vibrant city backdrops. This hotel boasts wonderful amenities, 24-hour room service, indoor pool, fitness center, and spa indulgences like facials, manicures, massages, body wraps, steam room, and whirlpool.

As a guest, you can access the resort’s massive gaming floor easily to try your luck at 3000-plus slot and video poker machines (1¢-$100 denominations). Over 130 table games include baccarat, blackjack, Caribbean stud, craps, and roulette. Join one of the poker room’s 26 tables. Check the casino’s website for the latest promotions like Tuesday Date Nights and Thursday Rendezvous for Two. After spending specified amounts, visit the Players Advantage Club Booth. Show your receipt(s) to receive rewards including free slot plays in various sums. Put some of your winnings toward personal treats, souvenirs, or gifts at diverse Galleria shops.

Fallsview Casino’s over 20 casual to fine dining options suit every taste with an international flair from authentic Asian and Italian to classic Canadian cuisine. Grab quick bites at Auntie Anne’s, Falls & Firken, Canyon Creek, Johnny Rockets, Tuscan Market, Shoeless Joe’s, Mama Mia’s, Subway, Famous Coffee Shop, Tim Horton’s, Starbucks, and Sweet Point. For relaxed meals, visit Grand Buffet, Golden Lotus, Noodle Bar, Sushi & Oyster Bar, or Falls Deli. Refined palates may prefer Ponte Vecchio and 17 Noir.

Sip your favorite cocktails at lounges and bars. When you’re in the mood for live entertainment, settle into Avalon Theatre. The all-star lineup has included such renowned recording artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Harry Connick Jr., John Legend, Matchbox 20, Tim McGraw, Steven Tyler, and many others. Various famous Niagara Parks and Niagara Falls attractions are just an easy walk from the casino resort.

Casino Niagara

Casino Niagara
Niagara Falls Casino Niagara

For more betting action, visit Casino Niagara, the classic Niagara Falls, Ontario, casino on Falls Avenue. Two players’ floors spread popular games across 95,000 square feet. Choose from 1500 slots (1¢-$5 denominations) and 45 table games from Mississippi stud and blackjack to Spanish 21 and roulette. Refer to the casino website for current Players Advantage Club promotions such as Double Point Mondays to multiply your winnings and Friday Ladies Nights to receive exclusive prizes.

At Casino Niagara, you get to relish personal favorites at restaurants offering wide menu selections. Enjoy whatever you’re craving at three dining and beverage spots. All are close to Casino Niagara’s gaming area that promises nonstop excitement. That means you can devour quick bites before betting or celebrate afterward by clinking drink glasses.

Fuel yourself hastily with deli sandwiches, chips, pastries, and coffee or tea at Perks Café. Sample numerous international varieties at Market Buffet. Combine sporting events with pub eats and drinks in LEV2L Sports Bar & Entertainment. This premier gaming and sporting restaurant’s 50-plus high-definition plasma screens broadcast action-packed games. Place wagers on multiple sports. Get an adrenaline rush by testing your skills at the interactive gaming zone’s hottest sports-oriented challenges. Live entertainment ranges from eclectic local bands to acclaimed tribute shows to hilarious comedy acts.

Lodging Options

You may want to choose lodgings close to a casino or other attractions you plan to visit. Because the Niagara Falls Hotels website contains over 165 properties of all kinds, you’ll find multiple options to meet your needs. The Victoria Motor Inn on Ontario’s Victoria Ave., for example, is just a short walk to Casino Niagara and the must-see falls. It features newly updated guest rooms, Jacuzzi tubs, and an outdoor swimming pool. Search for the perfect resort, hotel, motel, inn, or bed and breakfast for your party. Make your reservations today so the fun can begin.


Preview Your Visit via the Live Niagara Falls Webcam

Niagara Falls Aerial Shot
Niagara Falls from high up above

Go online anytime to observe two popular tourist spots via the Niagara Falls webcam. Live high-definition feeds from the sky-high Sheraton Fallsview Hotel provide panoramic views of Canada’s majestic Horseshoe Falls and equally impressive Rainbow Bridge. Staying at your choice of 165 luxurious to comfortable Niagara Falls Hotels will make these fun attractions easy to reach. Discover what to expect on your exciting trip below.

Niagara Falls Overview

This world-famous spectacle on the Ontario, Canada and New York, USA, border has been fascinating international visitors for decades. Melting glaciers formed Niagara Falls nearly 12,000 years ago. Previously, honeymooners found this breathtaking wonder a romantic destination. Daredevils engaged in stunts like walking on tightropes above the rushing water and crossing the roaring cascades in barrels.

More recently, sightseers come for the setting’s natural beauty and physical phenomenon’s uniqueness. Goat Island separates Niagara River’s two main waterfall areas. The left Canadian bank’s larger Horseshoe Falls has a 185-foot height. It boasts a 2200-foot curved crest that resembles a horseshoe. On the right bank, American Falls measures 190 feet tall by 1060 feet across.

Horseshoe Falls Streaming Video

From an amazing 23rd-story vantage point at Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, this webcam overlooks magnificent Horseshoe Falls. Still photos can’t compare to seeing this forceful waterfall and exciting fireworks shows in real-time action. Horseshoe Falls claims about 90 percent of Niagara River’s water, after hydropower generation diversions. Viewing this picturesque spot 24/7 via live streaming footage will make you eager to plan or enjoy your Canadian visit.

Rainbow Bridge Webcam

Bridal Vale and American Falls
The Bridal Vale, American Falls and Rainbow Bridge

What’s the scenic way to cross the American/Canadian border and encounter the waterfalls? Drive 1,450 feet across beautifully arched Rainbow Bridge above Niagara Gorge. Check out this locale via the Rainbow Bridge webcam anytime while arranging your trip. Discover current weather, road conditions, and traffic flow before your arrival and whenever you use the bridge. It provides four lanes for vehicles with $3.75 U.S. and $4.75 Canadian dollar (CAD) tolls along with welcoming pedestrians and bicyclers ($1 in each country’s currency). All methods are thrilling experiences with nature’s splendors surrounding you.

Area Attractions

To see the falls in person, park across from Horseshoe Falls. On the other side of the street, peer over the edge into the mist for an awe-inspiring rush. If you want to grasp the falls’ immense power more closely, enjoy a Hornblower Niagara Cruise. Additional adventurous options include taking a jet boat tour of whirling Devil’s Hole Rapids and soaring through the sky with WildPlay on an exhilarating MistRider Zipline.

As a popular tourist area, Niagara Falls boasts fun and entertainment for all ages besides the waterfalls. Diverse attractions include theme and water parks, casinos, theaters, museums, festivals, golf courses, sky diving, botanical gardens, wildlife parks, forts, shopping, spas, beer and wine tastings, fine dining and theme restaurants, fireworks displays, and nightclubs.

Overnight Accommodations

The Niagara Falls hotel options are as abundant as the area’s cascading and spraying water. From luxury resorts and hotels to cozy motels and inns to quaint bed and breakfasts to family-friendly campgrounds, you’ll find suitable accommodations for you and your travel companions. Here’s a sampling of various types of possibilities:

Sheraton Fallsview Hotel: When you stay where the Niagara Falls webcam originates, you’ll relish the same spectacular views from your four-diamond room with comfy beds.

Holiday Inn by the Falls: Guest room amenities range from queen- and king-size beds to whirlpools to private balconies. Relax at the on-site Nordic Spa.

Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls: Enjoy conveniences including sitting areas and upgraded bathrooms, freebies from breakfast buffets to HBO movies, and inviting public spaces like the atrium terrace.

Blue Moon Motel: You’ll appreciate optional yet affordable one to three beds, whirlpools, and kitchen apartments.

Lion’s Head B&B: This highly rated and elegant home offers beautiful guest rooms, ensuite bathrooms, and gourmet French breakfasts.

Campark Resorts: Over 400 cabins and tent sites give you access to hot showers and bathtubs, miniature golf, arcade, horseshoes, volleyball, and more.

Many other comfortable accommodations with attentive service at great rates are close to top attractions. Start exploring your hotel and activity options online today to make your trip unforgettable. If you’re planning far enough ahead of time, keep checking the Niagara Falls webcam to see what awaits you in upcoming seasons.


4 of Niagara’s Best Markets to Visit this Spring

If you’re planning a getaway to Niagara Falls this spring, set some time aside to shop for fresh local produce and amazing specialty products at any one of these unique Niagara markets.

Niagara Falls and St. Catharines Farmers Markets

Niagara Falls and St. Catharines

Niagara markets offer fresh fruits and vegetables this spring.
Fresh fruit available at Niagara’s farmers markets.

Visit the Niagara Falls and St. Catharines farmers markets to shop for fresh local produce and amazing artisan food items. Many fruits and vegetables are now coming into season including apples, rhubarb, carrots, beets, and radishes, which you can buy directly from local Niagara growers while they’re at their freshest.

The Niagara Falls Farmers Market is located at 5943 Sylvia Place and is open on Saturdays from 6am-12pm, while the St. Catharines Farmers Market is located at 91 King St. and is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 6am-2pm.

Spring to the Market

Club Italia, April 18th

Spring to the Market is a hands-on marketplace event taking place at Club Italia where you can shop for a variety of food, fashion, and cosmetic items, and experience expert cooking and styling demonstrations, spa services, DIY workshops, mystery prizes, and more.

This special spring event is hosted by the Niagara College Event Management Program with proceeds going to the Niagara College Nourishing Minds Program. Admission price is $5.

Etsy: Made in Canada Niagara Spring Market

The Hare Wine Co., April 28th

Shop around for great hand-made products made by Niagara Etsy artisans at the Etsy: Made in Canada Niagara Spring Market on April 28th. Taking place at The Hare Wine Co. in Niagara-on-the-Lake from 10am-4pm, this countrywide pop-up market offers some of the very best in homemade local goods.

Canadian Gifts & Marketplace

Canadian Gifts & Marketplace is an open-concept Niagara market and store.
Canadian Gifts & Marketplace inside the Sheraton Fallsview.

Sheraton Fallsview Hotel

Located in the lobby of the Sheraton Fallsview hotel in Niagara Falls, Canadian Gifts and Marketplace is a unique open-concept shopping experience where you can shop for amazing souvenirs and merchandise, and indulge in fresh food and drinks at the Fresh Market Bakery. It’s located just a short walk away from the world-famous Horseshoe Falls and is a great place visit when you want to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a little retail therapy.

Visit any of these Niagara markets this spring for wonderful merchandise and one-of-a-kind shopping experiences.


What to Do this St. Patrick’s Day in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls St. Patrick's Day illumination.
Horseshoe Falls illuminated in green lights for St. Patrick’s Day.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Niagara Falls with these fun and exciting events happening in the city this Saturday March 17th:

Niagara Falls Green Illumination

This Saturday March 17th in partnership with Tourism Ireland’s “Global Greening” campaign, the Canadian Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls will be illuminated in vibrant green lights in honour of St. Patrick’s Day.

The illumination will be taking place from 9pm to 1am at the top of the hour along with a number of other iconic landmarks around the world including the Colosseum in Rome, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Sydney Opera House, and Empire State Building.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Niagara Brewing Company

Niagara Brewing Company on Clifton Hill will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this Saturday with great beer, live music, and Irish stew! Put on your green gear and get ready to celebrate with live music starting at noon and a live performance by the Danny Boys starting at 8pm.

And along with awesome beer like a new American Pale Ale and the signature Niagara Premium Lager you can enjoy traditional Irish stew made with chunks of seared beef and vegetables stewed in a Hennepin Stout, served on top of delicious garlic leek mashed potatoes.

Doc Magilligan’s St. Patrick’s Day Party

Doc Magilligan’s Irish Pub on Lundy’s Lane is having a four day St. Patrick’s Day celebration starting on Thursday March 15th with a St. Patrick’s Day Kick Off Party and featuring a St. Practice Day event on Friday March 16th, St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th, and Irish Family Day on Sunday March 18th. Festivities will include live music all throughout the weekend, performances by Irish dancers, a full Irish menu featuring Corned Beef & Cabbage, Fish & Chips, and more!


Nightly Niagara Falls Fireworks Shows Coming this Summer

Fireworks Over Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls fireworks being launched from the Niagara Gorge.

Summer in Niagara Falls means the return of fireworks over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, and this year, in celebration of the Falls Fireworks Series’ 25th anniversary, there will be daily fireworks shows happening all throughout the summer!

The new and expanded fireworks schedule includes 111 shows and kicks off on Victoria Day (May 18-21) and Memorial Day (May 25-28) long weekends. Shows will be happening:

  • May 18-June 17- Weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and holiday Mondays
  • June 18-September 2- Daily
  • September 7-October 8- Weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and holiday Mondays

The Falls Fireworks Series is Canada’s longest-running fireworks series, which is definitely worth celebration. Each fireworks show will take place at 10pm and can be best enjoyed from spots like the brink of the Horseshoe Falls, Table Rock Welcome Centre, Queen Victoria Park, the Niagara Parkway, Fallsview restaurants, and Fallsview hotel rooms.

Take in the spectacular sight of fireworks over the Horseshoe Falls and experience the best of summer in Niagara!


Famous Canadian Foods to Try on Vacation

10 Quintessentially Canadian Foods to Try in Niagara Falls

For many, traveling is all about getting out of the house and trying something new. One of the best things you can open your mind to on a vacation is new foods. When you think of Canada, you might not immediately picture unique cuisines, but you’d be surprised at the amount and quality of quintessentially Canadian foods available. Canada is a land rich in delicious and fascinating foods, so on your next trip to Niagara Falls, seek out some of the following top 10 Canadian foods and satisfy your craving for a culinary adventure.

Maple Syrup
Canadian Maple Syrup

1. Maple Syrup

Of course, one of the most Canadian foods to try has to be anything maple-syrup flavored. You’ve surely heard the phrase: “as Canadian as maple syrup,” and it’s no wonder, because the country produces around 80 percent of the world’s pure maple syrup and is the largest exporter of maple products globally. You’ll also find the iconic maple leaf front-and-center on the Canadian flag, so it’s not surprising that everything maple-flavored is closely linked with Canada.

When you’re on a visit to this part of North America, you’ll have plenty of choice when it comes to testing out maple products. For starters, enjoy some of the purest and freshest maple syrup you’ve ever tried on some pancakes or waffles, or chow down on baked goods with maple flavoring, such as doughnuts. There are also maple candies galore to try, with maple toffees being particularly popular. (These also make a wonderful souvenir to take home with you.) There is a lot of other Canadian food to try, but don’t miss out on what they are famous for.

2. Poutine

Americans might think of French Fries as one of their most patriotic dishes, but Canadians have added some flavors to these fried potato goodies to make it truly their own. Their concoction is called poutine. If you’re looking for a tasty, heart-clogging food to try in Canada, an ample serving of fries, layered with savory gravy and chewy cheese curds, will do just the trick. It will give you a classic local dish with a satisfying amount of flavor and texture.

Gourmet chefs have experimented with poutine and added ingredients like foie gras or black truffles over the years, but we’re partial to the regular standby. For something a little meatier without going too far from your everyday favorites though, just add some bacon or other meat to your poutine. Alternatively, use poutine as a side with a memorable Montreal smoked meat sandwich. This is a bit like the pastrami sandwiches found all over New York City in delis, but uses some different spices.

3. Butter Tart

You can’t make a list of top 10 Canadian foods without Butter Tart. If you’re looking for something sweeter when searching for a good Canadian food to try, order up a serve of butter tart. This no-fuss dessert has been around almost as long as Canada itself. It is comprised of a flaky, buttery, pastry shell filled with a type of custard made of butter, eggs, sugar, and syrup, usually of the maple variety. The tarts can be runny or firm, depending on the pastry chef’s inclinations; and they’re often topped with raisins or nuts for extra pizazz.

4. Nanaimo Bar

You might have had some of this slice before, but never realized that it actually originated in Canada and is another example of famous Canadian foods. The tasty Nanaimo bar is a no-bake, bar dessert which was named after the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia (it’s found on the pretty island of Vancouver Island, just off the coast of Vancouver).

Nanaimo bars are usually made with a graham-cracker crumb base, with some coconut and walnuts potentially added, then filled with a vanilla-custard center and topped with chocolate ganache. Amazing, right? There are numerous variations on this combination, too, such as peanut butter and mint chocolate, so there’s a bar to suit every taste. It has to be on your list of food to try in Canada. Maybe you’ll just have to try them while you’re in Niagara Falls!

5. Beavertail

If you’re a vegetarian, don’t be turned off by the name of this other classic Canadian sweet treat. Beavertails are essentially balls of dough molded into the shape of a beaver tail (hence the name) and then fried. After that (yes, there’s more!), the dough is topped with anything your heart desires. The most common toppings are chocolate and fruits, though various other candy bars are popular as well. This pastry concoction is decadent and delicious, so it’s strange that it’s barely heard of below the border. One of the less famous Canadian foods, Beavertail is still a must-taste treat!

6. Game Meat

The forests in Canada are extensive, with almost 90 percent of the country uninhabited. This means the wild animal populations are allowed to flourish, giving Canadians access to the choicest game meats anywhere in North America. If you identify as a carnivore, here are some of the meats you might like to try while visiting the Great White North:

  • Boar
  • Bison
  • Reindeer
  • Moose
  • Elk
  • Deer
  • Rabbit

7. Ketchup Chips

When you just need something to nibble on when relaxing in one of the top 10 hotels in Niagara Falls, pick up a bag of Canada’s favorite ketchup-flavored potato chips. Canadians swear by the salty chips which are doused in a tangy reddish powder, even if Americans have never caught onto the fad. We know you’ll fall in love with them as much as we have, though one piece of advice: keep a napkin handy to wipe the extra flavoring off your fingers, or you might see little red fingerprints all over your clothes and face. There is probably a good number of Canadians who will be outraged to learn Ketchup Chips are so low on a list of Top 10 Canadian Foods.

8. Bannock

Another Canadian delicacy to try out from a bakery or restaurant is bannock. Taking its name from a traditional Scottish flat bread, bannock is a type of griddled bread. It is a very versatile foodstuff and can be used as a replacement for standard bread in pretty much anything. It can be used instead of focaccia in gourmet sandwiches; made into a base for hot dogs or burgers; and eaten by itself but topped with things like icing and sugar to get a doughnut-like snack. If you’re planning to go camping while in the Niagara region, note that bannock can be made simply over a campfire, too.

9. Tourtière

You might have had plenty of meat pies in your time, but have you ever had a tourtiere? With the French-sounding name, it’s no wonder that this Canadian meat pie dish originated in the province of Quebec. It is typically made using ingredients such as pork, beef, veal, and/or potatoes, and wild game is also regularly added to give even more flavor. A traditional tourtiere with be loaded with perfectly spiced meat surrounded by flaky, golden crust, and it’s the perfect choice to warm you up in the winter months.

10. Montreal Bagels

If you’re a fan of bagels, you can’t leave Canada without having tried what are labeled as Montreal bagels, the signature baked goods of the city. These food items are smaller, denser, and sweeter than the type of bagels New York City is known for, and usually come topped with sesame or poppy seeds. To eat like a local, spread yours with lox and cream cheese.