Category: Niagara Falls Hotels

Among the most unrecognized of Niagara’s attractions — and there are plenty of amazing sights, events, and activities that tourists to the area miss — are the Niagara region wineries. While vineyards throughout Italy, France, and California are known the world-over and visited by millions every year, Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, many of which have won global awards for taste and innovation, do not enjoy nearly the international acclaim they deserve.

Niagara Falls is for lovers, and a weekend of wine tasting is just another romantic way to enjoy the area. However, wineries are also excellent destinations for big groups, especially bachelor and bachelorette parties. Regardless of whom you’re going with, here are a few unique and exciting ways to experience Niagara’s remarkable wineries on your next Niagara trip.

The Traditional Winery Tours

If you are a winery wiz, you have probably already experienced a few group winery tours. These excursions put a group of wine-minded strangers together on a bus and shuttle them from winery to winery, with organized tours and tastings at designated spots. The Niagara region boasts more than a few of these familiar, traditional winery tours, and you can easily sign up for more than one to fill a week or weekend with wine tasting fun.

There are pros and cons to this winery tour format. When you register for a tour like this, you can be certain you will have time to stop at a few of the best wineries in the region, and there will be knowledgeable experts on hand to explain the history of different vineyards and vintages. Plus, the bus itself serves as your safe transport from place to place — as well as back to your Niagara Falls hotel headquarters.

On the other hand, these traditional tours often lump your group in with 10 or more other tourists, whom you may or may not get along with. Further, you rarely get the option of choosing which wineries to visit in a single tour, which means you might have to register for several tours to reach the wineries you care about, and you’ll likely visit one or two you couldn’t care less for. If these sound like deal breakers, you might consider another option on this list.

Self-Guided Winery Crawl

Of course, you can organize your own winery tour using online information about Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries and your own vehicle to carry you from one to another. This way, you see all the vineyards that excite you and none that don’t, and you can move along at your own pace. Additionally, you are surrounded only by those people you traveled to Niagara with.

Still, there are some downsides to this plan as well. First, by choosing your own winery stops, you might miss out on a hidden gem or never learn some fascinating information about certain vineyards. Second, there is no guarantee that your plan will bear fruit; perhaps your chosen winery is booked up for the day, closed for the season, or otherwise inaccessible. Finally, you must consider safe driving practices: Who in your party is willing to stay sober while so much good wine is passed around? A self-guided trip might save some bucks, but it also might dramatically impact your experience.

Wine Bicycle Tour

If you love the outdoors, enjoy stretching your legs, and can’t get enough fine wine, perhaps a wine bicycle tour is right for you. On these excursions, a tour company will provide a bicycle (as well as appropriate safety gear) and a tour guide to lead you through Niagara’s gorgeous wine country, visiting important wineries on your way. The ride is scenic, taking you through some of Niagara wine country’s most stunning grape fields as well as quaint towns and verdant forests. Plus, the ride tends to help you sober up between tastings, so you can enjoy your full day of wine and outdoor fun with a clear head.

Niagara Wine Class

Wine tasting tours tend to provide information on individual vineyards and wines, with precious little background for wine tasting novices. If you want to delve deep into wine culture before you are let loose on wineries, you might consider signing up for a wine-related course. In the Niagara region, some wineries host classes to educate the public on proper wine tasting, pairing, and crafting techniques, but there are also independent courses taught by wine experts around the valley.

Alternatively, if you find it likely that you’ll leave a few wineries with bottles in hand, you can sign up for a wine cooking course. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, Wine Country Cooking School is dedicated to teaching any level of cook about the delicate art of cooking with and around wine. You’ll have hands-on instruction in building multi-course meals around different styles of wine, so you can leave Niagara with a skill bound to impress friends and family — at least those who didn’t attend the class with you.

A number of amazing musicians and bands will be gracing stages all across Niagara this summer, offering unforgettable live entertainment in beautiful and picturesque settings. Check out any of these destinations for wonderful live performances, making your next trip to Niagara Falls an experience you won’t soon forget.

Coca Cola Concert Series

Every Friday night this summer you can stop by Queen Victoria Park for Niagara Parks’ annual Coca Cola Concert Series where local bands will be performing live shows followed by a fireworks display at 10pm. Experience awesome live entertainment in a beautiful setting and get ready for a totally unique Niagara Falls activity that people of all ages will enjoy.

Ontario Live Series

The Ontario Live Series is a new addition to the popular Coca Cola Concert series, adding live shows to the lineup every Wednesday night in Queen Victoria Park. Great bands and musicians from all across the province will be performing live throughout July and August, so don’t miss out on all of the fun and excitement.

Niagara Brewing Company & Hard Rock Cafe Patios

Enjoy great beer, food, and live music while soaking up the sun on the outdoor patios at Niagara Brewing Company or the Hard Rock Patio, both located just steps away from the beautiful Horseshoe Falls. Both Niagara Brewing Company and the Hard Rock Patio feature live music from local musicians and offer a wide range of food and drinks for you to enjoy with friends and family.

Matthew Good

There are still a number of exciting Canada 150 celebrations to enjoy this summer in Niagara Falls, including a free concert by Matthew Good, lead singer of the popular Canadian alt-rock band, Matthew Good Band. The show is taking place on August 26th at 7pm at the Scotiabank Convention Centre, but seats are limited so make sure to get there early to secure a spot at what’s sure to be an incredible live music experience.

Matt Andersen

Juno award-nominated musician Matt Andersen will be performing a live show in Niagara on July 14th at the beautiful Jackson Triggs Amphitheatre. Matt Andersen is an amazing Canadian singer-songwriter and blues guitarist and you can pair your tickets to his show with a delicious and one of a kind Cellar Dinner at Jackson Triggs Winery.

Niagara’s newest and coolest ice cream shop is officially open at the bottom of Clifton Hill and Falls Avenue. With only a handful of locations throughout Ontario, Sweet Jesus offers soft serve creations that push the boundaries of ice cream and feature incredible ingredient combinations that you’ve never seen before.

Dig into the Bangin’ Brownie, made up of chocolate soft serve, caramel, chocolate sauce, brownie bits and chocolate cookie crumble, the Bounty Killah with coconut soft serve, shredded toasted coconut and dark chocolate sauce, the Red Rapture with vanilla soft serve, red velvet cake, cream cheese icing, raspberry puree and meringue crumble, or the Krusty the Kone which is a colourful combination of vanilla soft serve, cotton candy pieces, cotton candy sauce and rainbow sprinkles.

There are plenty of other unique and delicious flavours to check out on the menu, and if you’re looking for a classic soft serve experience, you can also find favourites like caramel, chocolate, vanilla, coconut, and chocolate and vanilla twist. So take a break from sightseeing around Niagara Falls and stop into Sweet Jesus for a sweet and refreshing summer snack unlike any you’ve ever had before.

Summer is jam packed with events but one you won’t want to miss is the Falls Fireworks Illuminations. All throughout the summer you can catch a glimpse of the Falls in an unforgettable way — lit up by beautiful fireworks.

The fireworks display takes place every Friday and Sunday evening through the summer, but special holiday shows occur on:

• Canada Day – July 1
• Independence Day – July 4
• Civic Holiday – August 4
• Labor Day – September 1

Once you’ve picked when you will take your trip, the next part is figuring out the best place to view Niagara Falls fireworks. In truth, you can see the illuminations from nearly anywhere in the city, and no matter where you catch a glimpse of them, you’ll be thrilled by the light and color. However, there are a few extra-special spots with incredible sightlines, to include:

Niagara Parkway

The Niagara Parkway is the main thoroughfare through Niagara Falls — for motorists and pedestrians alike. The road follows the Niagara River through Ontario, providing amazing all-angle views of Niagara Falls and plenty of other attractions, including Clifton Hill and a few dozen Niagara wineries. The Parkway is the oldest path in Ontario, even dating back before Europeans began settling in the area. Today, you can walk the Parkway during the day to enjoy the stunning landscaping and fascinating scenery — or, even better, you can take a nighttime stroll and enjoy the fireworks over Niagara Falls.

The Table Rock Welcome Centre

Ideally one of your first stops in Canada, the Table Rock Welcome Centre is perhaps the best place to see Niagara Falls — as well as the fireworks in Niagara Falls. One of several welcome centres around the Niagara Parks, Table Rock sees the most visitors thanks to its stunning location. During special event days, the centre boasts live music in addition to the concert, so you can enjoy exciting accompaniment to the flashes and bangs. No matter when you visit, you can sit on the grass, enjoy some ice cream, and watch the fireworks explode high above the falls right in front of you.

Hornblower Niagara Cruises

When the sun is up, you can’t miss taking a boat ride to the base of the falls and feeling the thundering waters all around you. However, when night comes, most of the Niagara cruises close — except Hornblower. This brand-new experience gives you the chance to see the Niagara Falls firework high above as you cruise in the water below. A beloved and best place to view Niagara Falls is swiftly becoming the best place to watch illuminations thanks to this new tour option from Hornblower Cruises.

Windows by Jaime Kennedy

You don’t have to be outside to see the fireworks over Niagara Falls; if you book a table at the renowned Niagara Falls restaurant, Windows by Jamie Kennedy, you can enjoy fine wining and dining while watching the show. Appropriately named for its floor-to-ceiling glass that provides an amazing panorama of the falls, Windows is also celebrated for its hand-crafted meals and cocktails. Chef Jaime Kennedy draws inspiration from the fertile lands of the Niagara region, which produce much of the food and drink you’ll see on your table. It’s easy to fall in love with Niagara when you can use all five senses to experience its beauty.

Niagara SkyWheel

Located on Clifton Hill, the Niagara SkyWheel is easily Canada’s largest observation wheel, taking riders up more than 175 feet over the Niagara horizon. Unlike other Ferris wheels, the SkyWheel provides a completely enclosed, temperature-controlled environment. During the day, you can catch birds-eye views of Horseshoe, Bridal Veil, and American Falls as well as see the snaking Niagara River far into the distance. At night, you can relax in comfort as the fireworks explode over Niagara.

Rainbow Bridge

In itself a Niagara landmark, the Rainbow Bridge connects the New York side of Niagara Falls with the Ontario side. Slightly downriver from the falls, the bridge is the best place to see Niagara Falls in panorama: You can take snapshots that include all three waterfalls, Goat Island, and the Niagara Falls, Ontario skyline if you angle your camera just right. From this spot, you are far enough away to avoid the shuddering bangs of the fireworks, and you can take amazing pictures of the whole of Niagara illuminated in vibrant color.

For most folks, Niagara Falls is on the bucket list for how it looks during the day. However, that doesn’t mean you should tuck into bed as soon as the sun sets. The dazzling Falls Fireworks Illuminations are just one reason you should explore Niagara after dark. With fewer people pacing the Niagara streets, you can enjoy a more intimate view of the city and enjoy a special look at the falls reflecting colorful lights. To see this magic firsthand, book a trip to Niagara Falls today.

A summer visit to Niagara Falls isn’t complete without a visit to wine country  in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and there are plenty of unique festivals and events happening throughout the summer that will connect you with the best wine experiences that Niagara has to offer.

Sip & Sizzle

Running from May 5-28, the Sip & Sizzle winery event in Niagara-on-the-Lake will be offering guests a unique summer wine experience with over 20 wineries serving up delicious grilled food with specially selected VQA wine pairings. You can expect pairings like Inniskillin Wines’ 2013 Reserve Shiraz Cabernet served with a grilled chicken taco, and Chateau des Charmes’ 2016 Sauvignon Blanc paired with a grilled prawn, shoot, and sprout salad, and many more.

You can experience a guided Sip & Sizzle aboard a luxury tour bus with Magnificent Tours of Niagara, Niagara’s largest tour company:

Sip and Sizzle Wine Tour

Savour the Sights

Jackson-Triggs Winery will be hosting their Savour the Sights event on May 13 and June 3, featuring five courses of remarkable cuisine and fine wine served in beautiful locations throughout the winery grounds.

Decked Out at Creekside Estate Winery

Visit Creekside Estate Winery on June 2 for their Decked Out event which will feature wine, food, and live music along with special early access to June’s Creek Freek shipment. The winery’s covered deck offers expansive views of the winery’s vineyards and this evening will be the perfect chance to experience it in style.

Graze the Bench

Over 8 Niagara wineries will be participating in this year’s Graze the Bench event, taking place from June 3-4. These wineries will be pouring their favourite vintages, both old and new, and serving them alongside delicious culinary dishes. There will also be live music to enjoy and lively atmospheres, making for a wonderful weekend event for wine lovers and foodies.

Niagara Homegrown Wine Festival

This year’s Niagara Homegrown Wine Festival will be taking place from June 7-8 in Niagara-on-the-Lake and is a great place to celebrate the start of summer with friends. Participating wineries include:

• 13th Street Winery
• Colaneri Estate Winery
• Creekside Estate Winery
• Fielding Estate Winery
• Inniskillin Wines

and more. The festival will allow guests to experience amazing seasonal wines and features special events like the TD Tailgate Party where over 35 Niagara wineries will be serving up incredible food and wine pairings.

Thrilling Across Niagara Falls

WildPlay MistRider Zipline to the Falls

Whirlpool Jet Boat

Fallsview Indoor Waterpark

For many people, a vacation is a time to let loose. They might abandon their diet, drink more than they usually do, and suspend their exercise program. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this because, after all, vacations are meant to be fun, but for others it’s not quite the way they prefer to spend their vacation.

Niagara Falls not only offers visitors the chance to let their hair down but it’s also extremely easy for health-conscious travellers to maintain their usual routine while still enjoying everything the area has to offer. Additionally, this is a great opportunity to explore new restaurants, get outdoors, and experience Niagara in a very different way.

If you have an upcoming vacation to Niagara Falls these are some great ways you can maintain your healthy lifestyle without sacrificing the enjoyment that a vacation should be all about.

1. Healthy Eats

Niagara Falls has no shortage of restaurants and almost every type of cuisine is represented here. This also includes many options for vegetarians and vegans. Many of the area’s top restaurants have vegetarian or vegan options on their extensive menus but if you want to visit a restaurant that caters specifically to your dietary preferences then you’re in luck.

One of the most popular cuisines for vegans and vegetarians is Indian and there are several Indian restaurants in Niagara Falls. Passage to India and Curry Queen Indian Cuisine are two of the most popular. You’ll also find Mediterranean food at Pita Pit and Sahara, both of which offer delicious meat-free options.

2. Spa Experiences

Treating yourself to a spa experience is something everyone should consider while on vacation but visiting one of Niagara Falls spas can be an entirely different experience. Whether you’re in dire need of an expert massage or want a healthy skin treatment you’ll have no problem finding a spa that suits your needs.

However, if you want something more luxurious consider a visit to the Christienne Fallsview Spa in the Sheraton Fallsview hotel. With a priceless view of the falls and a wide range of services including full body skin treatments, massage, nail treatments, and more this is one experience that you’ll definitely want to add to your itinerary. Visit their website to view their packages and special offers as well.

3. Get Outdoors

Maintaining your exercise schedule is no problem in Niagara Falls. Not only can you keep your FitBit happy by walking all over the town to see the sights, but there are a number of other ways to get some exercise in while you’re here.

Hiking along the river is another way to exercise but it might not feel like it as you explore the many trails. Some of the more popular trails are the Whirlpool Trail and Devil’s Hole Trail. This is a more strenuous hike with many steps and stairs. Experts advise that you should be cautious on this trail as there have been instances where people have fallen into the river and you should always bring water and let someone where you’re going.

4. Go Ride a Bike

Biking is not only a great way to get around the city but you’ll burn calories while you’re at it. Bike rentals are widely available throughout the city and you can choose from a simple cruiser to a more robust mountain bike. Rentals can vary from a day to a week or any time that’s convenient for you.

In addition to biking around the city, you can also get out of town and enjoy the countryside. The Niagara Parkway is a wonderful place to ride and there are numerous restaurants and shops along the way. You can also go on a winery tour by bicycle. As you cycle from winery to winery you can sample the wines and many offer hors d’oeuvres as well to keep your energy up.

5. Make Use of Your Hotel’s Gym

If you prefer to exercise in peace and like to set aside time for your workout routine then your hotel’s gym is the place for you. Almost every hotel in Niagara Falls has some variation of a gym with much of the equipment that you’re familiar with:

• Treadmills
• Stair Steppers
• Free Weights

and more are there for your use, so why not take advantage?

Exercising this way also means that if you’re with your family or a group you can your own time to work out without compromising any schedule you might have. This means you don’t have to sacrifice your exercise schedule and can still join in on all the fun.

Whether you book an appointment at one of the many Niagara Falls spas, rent a bike during your stay, or visit one of Niagara’s veggie-friendly restaurants there are many ways to make your visit a healthy one. So utilize these tips and enjoy your vacation without sacrificing your lifestyle.

The Niagara Region has been named the host of the 2021 Canada Summer Games, which are one of the country’s largest and most prominent sporting competitions and are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter events. In 2021, young amateur athletes from throughout the country will be coming to Niagara to represent their province or territory and compete in sports like basketball, soccer, track and field, rowing, tennis, volleyball, baseball, cycling, golf, diving, and more.

The inaugural Canada Games were held in 1967 in Quebec City, and since then have developed into one of Canada’s most important multi-sport competitions, fostering many athletes who go on to represent Canada in the Olympic games. This will be a great time to book a getaway to Niagara Falls, as visitors and locals will be able to get tickets and watch a variety of sporting events happening throughout this amazing region while still experiencing all of the sites and attractions that it has to offer.

And to keep up to date with the latest Canada Games news and get in on the conversation, make sure to use the hashtags #NiagaraAreYouIn, #CanadaGames, #WeAreIn, and #ExploreNiagara on social media, and also follow @Niagara2021 and @CanadaGames on Twitter.

Here are three wonderful day-trip destinations closeby to Niagara Falls, which will add fun and excitement to any Niagara getaway:

Toronto

Toronto is a lively city located an hour and a half’s drive away from Niagara Falls. The bustling capital of Ontario offers an endless list of unique and exciting things to see and do and is a perfect day-trip destination. Visit the city to experience some of the country’s best dining, entertainment, and shopping at destinations like Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Ontario Science Centre, Hockey Hall of Fame, Distillery District, Kensington Market, and the Eaton Centre.

Buffalo, New York

Located at the head of the Niagara River and right across the border from Fort Erie, Ontario, Buffalo is a great city that makes for a fun-filled day-trip. Highlights of this upstate New York city include the Albright-Knox Art Gallery featuring amazing modern and contemporary art from artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Frida Kahlo;

The Darwin D. Martin House Complex designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, famous American architect of  the “Fallingwater” house and the Guggenheim Museum; the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens; and more. You can also visit the city to catch a Buffalo Sabres or Buffalo Bills game and experience diverse and delicious cuisine.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming and picturesque town located a short 25-minute drive away from Niagara Falls. This world-famous wine-growing region offers amazing winery experiences that include tastings, tours, and exquisite dining as well as historical experiences at sites like Fort George and Queenston Heights. And this year starting in April, visitors can catch world-class theatre performances at the famous Shaw Festival Theatre, which puts on incredible plays from playwright George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries.

When many people travel the process is quite similar across the board. Arrive at destination, collect baggage, head to rental car desk. Having a rental car is very much an integral part of the way we travel. Many travelers don’t even hesitate when adding a rental car to their booking; it’s just simply what they’ve always done.

However, rental cars can be expensive, especially in popular destinations and during high season. Parking fees can quickly add up and sometimes even finding a place to park can be a headache. Niagara Falls is no different. As one of the most popular destinations in North America the streets can be crowded, parking lots fill quickly, and traffic can be difficult. So why bother with a car?

Niagara Falls has a comprehensive public transportation system that eliminates many of the needs for a rental car. So read below to learn more about how you can have access to the entire city and leave most of the driving to us.

Bicycle

Biking is not only an easy way to get from point A to point B but it also allows you to slow down a bit and take in the sights while you ride. Renting a bike is easy as there are several centrally located shops that will loan you a sturdy bike and helmet with hourly or daily rates to suit your needs.

Although most bike rental companies are open only during the warmer months, this is still an easy, fun, green, and effective way to see Niagara at your own pace and have a little fun doing it. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a spin down the Niagara Parkway, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and enjoy the beautiful Niagara landscape and scenery.

Bus Service

Niagara Falls wants to make it as easy as possible for visitors to get around with ease and have done just that with the WEGO bus system. The WEGO bus is one of the keystones of the Niagara Falls transportation system, and is simple and easy to use. The bus system hits all the major sights and attractions. In addition, their busses offer bike racks and a convenient app to plan your route.

The fares are simple; it’s $7.50 per person 13 or older, $4.50 for people younger than 12, and children under 5 ride for free. These fares are in Canadian dollars and the pass is good for 24 hours. WEGO often has special promotions and offers so be sure to ask your hotel concierge about ways you can save even more money on your transportation costs.

Taxi, Uber, and Lyft

Just like any city or popular travel destination, Niagara Falls has several taxi and limousine companies to suit your needs. Taxis can be easily hailed on the street or a member of your hotel staff can call one for you. If your needs require a larger vehicle it’s best to book a van or limo to get your and your group where you need to be.

For those who prefer to use their smartphones for transportation Uber and Lyft are both available in Niagara. Uber X serves the entire Niagara region including both the Canadian and the United States sides of the falls. Lyft offers similar options so you can use your app to keep things simple.

Your Own Two Feet

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to get around Niagara is on your own two feet. Niagara Falls is an exceptionally walkable city and not only do you get to explore at your leisure but you’re not encumbered by traffic or wait times when Uber is busy, and it’s totally free.

Because of Niagara’s relatively compact size it’s easy to walk from your hotel to view the falls, head over to the Botanical Gardens, stop in at one of the many restaurants for lunch, then walk back. Not only do you get to slow down and take it all in but you’re getting your daily dose of exercise as well.

The city planners in the Niagara area have gone to great lengths to make sure that visitors have safe, reliable options and choices when it comes to getting around the city. With the WEGO bus system and biking and walking choices visitors have actually helped to create a more sustainable transport system that has resulted in fewer cars on the street, less congestion, and fewer emissions.

So when you’re planning your Niagara Falls vacation skip the car rental. Not only will it save you money but it will free you from the responsibilities of driving, parking, and, inevitably, trying to find your keys. Instead, take the bus, rent a bike, or walk. You’ll see more of Niagara than would otherwise and experience this charming little city in an entirely new way.