There’s something about Niagara’s awe-inspiring landscapes and attractions, storied historical sites, and critically acclaimed wine and culinary scene that has a special way of fuelling the deep pride of place that Canadians feel. Here are just ten of the many truly Canadian experiences visitors can enjoy in Niagara that serve as excellent reminders of how lucky we are to call this one-of-a-kind country home!
If you think witnessing the grandeur of Niagara Falls is a one-time experience, it’s time to expand your viewpoint. There are so many unique ways to take in the splendour of the Niagara River’s two crashing cascades that Lonely Planet crowned Niagara Falls as Canada’s best destination for an iconic travel experience. Revisit this world wonder from a fresh angle, like from a zipline, through the Niagara Skywheel’s climate-controlled gondolas, or on the incredible viewing platform at the Niagara Parks Power Station.
Get a taste of some of the red, white, and sparkling wines and Icewines that are wowing the world’s wine critics. With over 100 different wineries in the region, it’s easy to spend a few days touring and tasting at a blend of award-winning destination wineries, including Jackson Triggs, Two Sisters Vineyards, and 13th Street Winery, and sensational boutique properties, like The Organized Crime Winery, Black Bank Hill, and Lailey Winery.
The Bruce Trail, which winds all the way from Niagara to Tobermory, starts in historic Queenston Heights Park. Niagara’s 83 km of Bruce Trail offers panoramic views of vineyards, Lake Ontario, woodland, farmland, all four Welland canals and waterfalls. Event hikes, regularly hosted by the Niagara Bruce Trail Club, are an excellent way for visitors to Niagara to enjoy longer hikes without having to carry a lot of supplies. A bus takes hikers to the beginning of the hike, allowing them to end the hike back at their car. Along the way, there are checkpoints providing snacks and refreshments.
Canada is the country it is today because of many history-shifting moments that occurred right here in Niagara. Tours and interactive experiences at historic sites like Fort George, Old Fort Erie, and the Laura Secord Homestead are a fantastic way to learn about Canada’s proud past. Area museums, like the Niagara Falls History Museum, Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, and Lincoln County Museum and Cultural Centre, provide experiences that offer additional insight into Niagara’s many contributions to Canada.
A leisurely cycle or drive along the Niagara River Parkway is an excellent way to take in stunning Niagara scenery while learning some fascinating history along the way. The 55-km Parkway route runs beside the Niagara River from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake, passing several villages, attractions and historic sites. Be sure to make a stop at Queenston Heights and climb the 235 steps up Brock’s Monument, the largest monument of its kind in Canada, for an incredible view of one of the War of 1812’s most renowned battlegrounds where the British army, Canadian militia and First Nations allies defeated an invading American army.
Niagara Parks’ Butterfly Conservatory is another exceptional experience that’s hard to find anywhere else on the continent. No matter what the weather is doing outside, inside this tropical oasis, you’ll find over 2,000 vibrantly coloured butterflies fluttering freely about.
With just 5,000 seats, Niagara Falls’ OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino Resort offers an incredibly intimate venue for catching big-name acts and never being more than 150 feet away from the action! Upcoming concert and comedy performances include Tim Hicks, Charlotte Cardin, Jerry Seinfeld, and The Killers.
The world’s wine critics aren’t the only ones with Niagara on their radar. Niagara made quite the impression on MICHELIN Guide inspectors, who visited Niagara for the first time in 2024. Restaurant Pearl Morissette received a highly coveted MICHELIN Star, as well as the Guide’s Green Star, for its robust sustainability efforts. More recently, this Niagara Benchlands gem was awarded number 1 in Canada’s Top 100 Restaurants list! Fat Rabbit, a restaurant and whole-animal butchery in St. Catharines, and Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Trius Winery Restaurant were recognized with recommendations from MICHELIN Guide Inspectors. Fat Rabbit was also recognized as one of Canada’s top ten restaurants in Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants listing, where it was also awarded the honour of Concept of the Year.
Not to be outdone when it comes to earning critical acclaim, Niagara’s hotels are keeping pace with its restaurants and wineries. Earlier this year, U.S. News & World Report recognized a number of Niagara hotels in its prestigious Best Hotels In Canada listing. White Oaks Resort, Harbour House, Pillar and Post Inn and Spa, Sterling Inn and Spa, Queen’s Landing, and Oban Inn all received Top 100 recognition.
Niagara residents are well aware of just how lucky they are to live in an area blessed with some of Canada’s best growing conditions and most gorgeous scenery. During the summer months, weekly Supper Markets hosted throughout the region offer locals and visitors alike the chance to gather in beautiful parks in Port Dalhousie, Crystal Beach, Fonthill, and Welland to snack on delicious food truck fare, sip locally made wines, ciders, and craft beers, and enjoy live music.
Spring isn’t the only sesason for those who go mad for maple syrup to celebrate one of our country’s most beloved sweet treats! Head to White Meadows Farms for their after-the-boil Maple Tours and maple-inspired Tasting Boards. Canada’s oldest and finest sugar maple tree, the Comfort Maple, also calls Niagara home. The tree, which is estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old, is carefully protected at Fenwick’s Comfort Maple Conservation Area. Getting a photo in front of the tree’s six-meter trunk makes for the perfect souvenir of your trip.
Show your love for all things Canadian with a getaway to Niagara. Check out our Attractions, History & Heritage, Wineries, Arts & Entertainment pages and @visit_niagara on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for trip inspiration and to learn about upcoming events. Then, browse through accommodations and dining options to discover places that will perfectly round out your trip!
#myniagara