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
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 inside the Sheraton on the Falls.
Sheraton on the Falls Hotel
Located in the lobby of the Sheraton on the Falls 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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Of course, it’s important to “be in the moment” when you’re on vacation — experiences aren’t fun experiences when you’re fussing about something and not seeing or hearing what’s around you. However, no vacations are 100 percent unforgettable; some details are sure to slip out of your memory, especially as time goes on.
To help with this, make sure you think about important camera options while you’re packing for your Niagara vacation. This will ensure you come home with all the memories you made during your stay nice and secure. Read on for some Niagara Falls’ tips for photographers you can follow on your next trip to this stunning part of the world.
Think Waterproof
As you’ve no doubt realized, being a waterfall (well, actually three of them combined), Niagara Falls is wet! So, as a result, with many of Niagara Falls’ activities taking place in or around the falls, your belongings are likely to get hit with some of the spray of the rushing water.
If you have extremely delicate or costly photography equipment, you may want to either forgo bringing it with you in certain situations, or purchase some protective coverings for it. If you’re considering taking a boat ride to get up close to the falls so you get a wonderful vantage point for photos, you might be wondering, how wet do you get on the Maid of the Mist boat ride? The fact is, you can get quite wet. While the tour company does provide each ticket holder with a complimentary hooded rain poncho to protect their clothing, this won’t help your equipment (or your shoes). You therefore need to be prepared.
As well, if you’re been reading Niagara Falls’ vacation tips and heard people rave about the Journey Behind the Falls tour, you should add this to your itinerary. However, note that it’s possible for your camera equipment to get splashed during this experience, too. While you see the natural wonder from behind, you are close enough to hear it thunder, and splash-back is a distinct possibility.
Because you don’t want to irreparably damage your priceless equipment — not to mention jeopardize participating in other Niagara photo-ops — because some water seeped in to the intricate tech, do your research on the best gear for these situations.
For example, look into waterproof camera options. Plenty of companies sell inexpensive disposable waterproof cameras that can even go fully underwater without experiencing damage. Alternatively, see if you can find waterproof covers for your high-end equipment if you really want the best pictures you can get. As for clothing, rain hoods are useful, but you will probably need something more comprehensive to be safe. No matter what you select, to preserve your experiences of the falls’ relentless onslaught, you’ll need to find something that won’t be easily damaged by the elements.
Think Big
When it comes to Niagara Falls’ photography tips, it’s also important to think about scope. The grand vistas around the falls will barely fit into your field of vision when you’re there, so capturing them with a camera is truly a feat. This is where having different lenses will help you out. Wide angle lenses allow you to include more of the scenery in your picture, and are available in a variety of sizes.
To help you take better shots when photographing Niagara Falls this way, keep in mind that it helps if you make sure there’s something interesting in the foreground; you don’t want the image to leave the viewer’s eye wondering, searching for a focal point.
If you like quirkier photos, you might bring along a fish-eye lens too. This ultra-wide-angle style can create really interesting shapes, distortions and compositions, and offers lots of creativity. A lens of this type will also make it easier to get an unusual perspective of the falls and the surrounding areas. Moreover, the curve of the lens might allow you to achieve a wider view of certain landscapes.
Think Light
Next, as with any location, taking top photographs in Niagara Falls is all about lighting. From the breathtaking pastels of sunrise, to the “golden hours” around sunset, and then the eye-catching, bright explosions of fireworks at night, there are plenty of opportunities for both amateurs and professionals to snap dazzling photographs.
Because the middle of the day is bright and sunny though, and one of the worst times for taking travel photography, you might want to spend this time catching up on your sleep or checking out attractions which don’t need to be captured on camera.
If you’re still using film cameras, you could consider purchasing a variety of film for the various lighting situations you will find yourself in on a trip to Niagara Falls. Remember that the color temperature of the film will affect how your subjects appear in different lights, and slower films can be better for taking pictures of Niagara Falls at night.
Bring a Tripod
Lastly, for some truly stunning photographs of Niagara Falls, long exposure shots often come out best. Work some magic by bringing along a tripod, and then leave the shutter open on your camera to snap pictures of the thundering falls over a long period of time. These types of photos will almost make you feel like you have captured the actual movement of the rushing water while you’re there.
Better yet, make use of your tripod and a slow shutter speed to get a good look, in your photographs, of the lovely colors of the falls and the surrounding cityscape at night. They’ll shine even brighter using this technique.
To ensure your luggage doesn’t get too heavy, it pays to take a lightweight travel tripod with you on your trip. With this device, you will also be able to more easily control your camera’s manual settings, and use advanced photography techniques such as focus stacking, HDR, and panoramas.
The Garden Terrace Gazebo at the Sheraton on the Falls.
Niagara Falls is famously known as the Honeymoon Capital of the World, but this incredible city is also a perfect location for your dream wedding as it’s teeming with natural beauty and home to a number of amazing event venues, hotels, and restaurants.
Stunning Venues
From small gatherings to large affairs, Niagara Falls has the perfect venue for any size wedding and reception:
Sheraton on the Falls
The Sheraton on the Falls is a luxurious 4-Diamond hotel that features a Great Room that can accommodate up to 1200 people and be reserved in sections to host 400 people each. The Sheraton also offers a stunning Fallsview Studio reception room and has a one-of-a-kind Garden Terrace Gazebo that is perfect for an intimate outdoor reception overlooking Niagara Falls.
Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview
Host the Niagara Falls wedding of your dreams in the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview’s elegant ballroom, which can hold up to 600 people and features beautiful natural lighting and crystal chandeliers. And the grand staircase at the hotel’s entrance offers a stunning location for wedding photos.
Marriott on the Falls
The Oakes Ballroom in the Marriott on the Falls hotel is a fantastic choice for large and small weddings as it can accommodate over 500 guests and be split into two rooms, each with a 200 person capacity. The hotel also offers an unbeatable location overlooking the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and is a world-class accommodation destination.
Dining & Accommodations
There’s more to an unforgettable wedding than just the venue, and many Niagara Falls hotels will help make your wedding as special as it can be with exquisite specialized menus created by talented food and beverage teams.
And when you host your Niagara Falls wedding at the Sheraton on the Falls, Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview, or Marriott on the Falls hotels you will also be connected with luxurious accommodations including Fallsview guestrooms that offer magnificent views of Niagara Falls from floor-to-ceiling windows.
Niagara has been experiencing record-breaking cold temperatures, transforming the area into a beautiful winter wonderland of icicles and snow. The Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls are a breathtaking sight and now is the perfect time to visit Niagara Falls to experience their beauty and wonder.
Bundle up in your warmest coat and take a walk to the brink of the Horseshoe Falls for a stunning view of the icy waterfall and surrounding parklands. And while you’re there you can also check out the one-of-a-kind Journey Behind the Falls attraction that gives you access to the 130-year-old tunnel system running directly behind the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and take in the sight of the frozen water from up close.
For a warmer Niagara Falls viewing experience, you can book a relaxing hotel stay in a beautiful Fallsview guest room at hotels like the Sheraton on the Falls, Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Fallsview, or Marriott on the Falls, which offer views of the magnificent Niagara Falls from floor-to-ceiling windows. And for incredible Fallsview dining experiences check out Fallsview Buffet, the Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra, Milestones on the Falls, Morton’s Grille, or Windows by Jamie Kennedy Fresh Grill & Wine Bar.
And for a quintessential winter experience in Niagara Falls, make sure to visit the Niagara Icewine Festival at the Scotiabank Convention Centre January 26th and 27th where you can experience the best Icewines from more than 20 of Niagara’s best wineries, delicious food pairings, and live musical entertainment.
Embark on a Niagara Culinary Experience in the upcoming New Year and get a taste of the very best food and wine that Niagara Falls has to offer.
An Icewine Dinner with Jamie Kennedy
The Fallsview dining room at Windows by Jamie Kennedy.
On January 19th, 2018 Windows by Jamie Kennedy Fresh Grill & Wine Bar will be hosting An Icewine Dinner with Jamie Kennedy in the restaurant`s beautiful Fallsview dining room. The event will showcase the best of Niagara`s world-famous “liquid gold“ with delicious seasonal dishes and wine pairings from Jackson-Triggs Winery. It will also feature a mix and mingle with Chefs Jamie Kennedy and Jay Jackson, standing cocktail reception with canapés and pairings, and a five course dinner with wine pairings. Niagara Icewine is a cherished Canadian product and this January you can sip and savour the very best of it at this one-of-a-kind culinary event.
A Culinary Tour of Tuscany with Massimo Capra
Embark on a culinary tour through Italy`s Tuscan region at A Culinary Tour of Tuscany with Massimo Capra on March 23rd, 2018 in the Rainbow Room`s stunning Fallsview dining room. Tuscany is a place of picturesque vineyards, magnificent art and architecture, and simplistic yet flavourful cuisine. This exclusive culinary event will capture the spirit of one of Italy`s most beloved regions and will feature a mix and mingle with Chefs Massimo Capra and John Casciato, a standing cocktail reception with canapés and prosecco, and a five course dinner with wine pairings from Antinori Winery.
A Culinary Tour of Veneto with Massimo Capra
The final culinary event in this year`s Niagara Culinary Experiences Series is A Culinary Tour of Veneto with Massimo Capra on May 11th, 2018. Veneto has given the world amazing dishes like risotto and tiramisu and world-renowned wines like merlot and prosecco. This dinner event will take place in the Rainbow Room`s Fallsview dining room and feature a five course dinner menu inspired by the culinary and wine-making traditions of this famous Italian region. Book your tickets today and prepare to be transported from Niagara Falls to the magical streets of Venice, Verona, and the like.
Niagara Icewine is famous around the world, and this January there are a number of amazing events and festivals happening throughout the region that will connect you to the very best of Niagara’s delicious liquid gold.
Icewine Festival
The 2018 Niagara Icewine Festival is taking place January 26th-27th at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, offering guests the chance to sample premium VQA wines and icewines from over 15 top Niagara wineries. The festival will also feature food pairings created by top Niagara chefs, live music, and a stunning outdoor Icewine Winter Wonderland complete with twinkling lights and ice sculptures.
An Icewine Dinner with Jamie Kennedy
On January 19th, 2018 Windows by Jamie Kennedy Fresh Grill & Wine Bar will be hosting An Icewine Dinner with Jamie Kennedy where guests can experience delicious cuisine paired with wines from the award-winning Jackson-Triggs Winery. The evening will feature a mix and mingle with Chefs Jamie Kennedy and Jay Jackson, standing cocktail reception with canapés and pairings, five-course dinner with Niagara Icewine expertly woven throughout, and stunning views of Niagara Falls from the dining room’s floor-to-ceiling windows.
Icewine Beer
Niagara Brewing Company in Niagara Falls has just released their one-of-a-kind Niagara Icewine Beer for a limited time at their craft brewery located on Clifton Hill. Stop by the brewery to try this delicious craft beer on tap or pick it up in 375ml or 750ml bottles. It combines the sweet and complex flavours of icewine with the bubbly goodness of beer and is the perfect winter drink for beer and wine lovers alike.
Icewine & Ice Cream
Chateau des Charmes winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake will be hosting Icewine & Ice Cream events on January 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 22nd, 27th, and 28th in celebration of Niagara Icewine. This special winery event will feature tours and tasting of two Chateau des Charmes Icewines and will offer guests delicious hand-made local ice cream for one of the sweetest winter experiences in Niagara.
Deck the Falls decor in the Sheraton on the Falls lobby.
Deck the Falls Holiday Walking Tours are back in Niagara Falls as part of the city’s annual Winter Festival of Lights, offering people the chance to visit a number of spectacular venues throughout the city’s tourist district and experience culinary sampling, holiday beverages, desserts and treats, games, live entertainment, craft workshops, and more.
The tours are taking place on December 8th-9th and 15th-16th from 5-10pm with tickets available to purchase at the concierge desk located in the lobby of the Sheraton on the Falls hotel. Ticket holders will receive a tour pass that includes vouchers to be redeemed along the way at amazing destinations like the Sheraton on the Falls hotel for spiked spiced apple cider, a Market Fresh cinnamon bun and live music, the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls Fallsview hotel for joyful singing and a festive Hershey’s sample, the Marriott Fallsview hotel for a sample of Morton’s Grille AAA reserve filet accompanied by Niagara red or white wine, and the Scotiabank Convention Centre for a 360° photo and a pair of Deck the Falls gloves.
Other Deck the Falls experiences include horse-drawn carriage rides from the Table Rock Welcome Centre to the beautiful Floral Showhouse, the Christmas display at the Floral Showhouse, and Falls Incline Railway rides between the Fallsview District and the Table Rock Welcome Centre.
Embark on an unforgettable holiday adventure in Niagara Falls and book your tickets today for a spectacular Deck the Falls Holiday Walking Tour.
