One of the many advantages of choosing Niagara as a vacation destination is that the region’s incredible diversity of places to go and activities to enjoy means no two travellers’ trips need to look the same. Answer the following questions to determine the travel experiences that are a perfect match for your Niagara vacation vibe.
a. Waking up early to hike, cycle, or try something new
b. Visiting a museum, historic site, or local neighbourhood café
c. Sleeping in and enjoying a scenic view with coffee
a. The promise of fun activities and adrenaline-filled experiences
b. Learning about local history, art, and traditions
c. Soaking up new-to-you landscapes and photo-worthy views
a. Activewear, runners, and gear for excursions
b. A guidebook or itinerary full of cultural stops
c. A camera, cozy layers, and outfits for sightseeing
a. Ziplining, kayaking, or exploring off-the-beaten-path spots
b. Taking a walking tour and chatting with locals
c. Relaxing somewhere beautiful to catch your breath and take it all in
a. Fuel between adventures — quick and local is best
b. The tastiest way to experience culture and tradition
c. Best enjoyed slowly with a great view
a. Proximity to activities and excursions
b. Being in a culturally rich or historic area
c. Views, ambiance, and a beautiful setting
a. Action shots of you doing something epic
b. Street scenes, architecture, or cultural moments
c. Landscapes, sunsets, and scenic overlooks
a. Recovering from a full day of adventure
b. Enjoying a relaxed dinner followed by some local entertainment
c. Watching the sunset or strolling somewhere scenic
a. Pivot quickly and find another adventure
b. Take it in stride and explore something nearby
c. Enjoy the slower pace and some extra time to chill
a. Something that gets your heart racing
b. Something that helps you better understand the destination
c. Something that makes you stop and say “wow.”
● Answered Mostly a’s → Adventure Seeker
● Answered Mostly b’s → Culture Seeker
● Answered Mostly c’s → Scenic Beauty Seeker
● An Even Mix of Answers → Variety Seeker
Scroll down to learn more about these travel experiences that are a perfect match for your Niagara vacation vibe.
A hotel in the heart of Niagara Falls will put you right in the centre of all the action that you crave! If you’ve got little thrill seekers in your travel crew, be sure to book a room at a hotel with access to one of Niagara Falls’ three incredible indoor waterparks: Great Wolf Lodge, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, or Waves Indoor Waterpark.
Niagara Falls overflows with activities sure to get your heart racing! After a day spent ziplining high above the Falls, jetboating through the Niagara River’s rapids, and exploring the ancient bedrock tunnels behind Niagara Falls, hit Canada’s biggest casino for some gaming excitement.
Thrill seekers looking for meals that also satisfy their sense of adventure will adore the interactivity at Brasa Brazilian Steakhouse, the hands-on fun of a make-your-own pasta experience at Terra Mia or grilling their own modern Japanese barbecue at one of KOCHI’s awesome Yakiniku tables.
Plan a day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake to brave the chill of Niagara’s Icewine harvest in Peller Estates’ 10 Below Icewine Lounge while you sip Canada’s liquid gold in an igloo-like space constructed out of over 13,000 kg of ice! Then, make your way to St. Catharines’ new K1 Speed, an electric go-karting facility with electric karts that can race at speeds up to 45 km/hour.
A hotel room or bed-and-breakfast in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the first capital of Canada, is an ideal hub for Niagara explorers who love being surrounded by historic homes and buildings, while within walking distance of world-class theatre and a broad assortment of galleries and museums.
Before your visit, be sure to book tickets for a show at The Shaw and then build your day around a matinee or evening performance that includes time to explore Fort George National Historic Site, RiverBrink Art Museum, and Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre. You’ll want to leave plenty of time to stroll the streets of Old Town and browse the interesting art at stops like King Street Gallery, Edward Spera Gallery, and Upper Canada Native Art. Popular Niagara-on-the-Lake festivals and events, including Soirée en Blanc, the Peach Festival, Shades of Summer, Artistry by the Lake, the Candlelight Stroll, and the Icewine Festival, are fun ways to experience the close-knit culture of this friendly community.
Get a taste for Niagara’s thriving farm-to-table scene at beloved local restaurants like Treadwell Cuisine, the MICHELIN-recommended Trius Winery Restaurant, and the restaurant at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery.
Culture seekers won’t want to miss the chance to spend a day touring around Niagara’s South Coast. Artists who participate in the annual Niagara’s South Coast Studio Tour also open their spaces throughout the year to visitors who make appointments. Other delightful diversions for your day include strolling around the shops and galleries of Ridgeway and Port Colborne, touring Fort Erie National Historic Site, and catching a performance at the Roselawn Theatre.
Nestled against the craggy cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, Niagara Benchlands’ miles of rolling vineyards and family fruit farms are broken up by a collection of small towns brimming with local charm. Choosing a hotel or vacation rental as your home base here will help you explore all this picturesque region has to offer.
A Bruce Trail hike or e-bike tour are both relaxing ways to take in the beauty of this part of Niagara at a slower pace. Finding one of Niagara’s more off-the-radar Escarpment waterfalls while exploring Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, Rockway Conservation Area, or Louth Conservation Area is another fun activity to add to your itinerary. If you’re visiting in the spring, Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is one of the best vantage points in the region to watch the annual hawk migration and boasts incredible panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario.
Restaurants and wineries in the Niagara Benchlands excel at blending tasty dishes with terrific views. Best bets for a meal with a side of stunning scenery include Megalomaniac, Vineland Estates Winery, Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery, The Good Earth Food & Wine Co., Lake House Restaurant, and The Shore. Those eager to experience Niagara’s first and only MICHELIN Star-rated restaurant will want to make a reservation at Restaurant Pearl Morissette well in advance of their trip. Missed the reservation window? Swing by RPM Bakehouse, the restaurant’s sister property, for a delicious brunch.
Once you get a feel for the verdant vistas of the Niagara Benchlands, it’s fun to see and sip from a completely different wine country point of view in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Spend an afternoon touring around the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and plan a stop or two at an area craft brewery as well, like Silversmith Brewing Company, The Exchange Brewery, or Niagara Oast House Brewers. On your way back to your Niagara Benchlands accommodation, make a stop in Port Dalhousie to catch a spectacular Lake Ontario sunset.
Smack dab in the centre of Niagara, a St. Catharines stay is a wonderful option for those seeking a vacation that offers a little bit of everything. In addition to having a downtown that feels edgy and urban in all the right ways, just a short drive away, you’ll find lovely rural wineries, the cute lakeside town of Port Dalhousie, and convenient access to some really excellent hiking and biking.
A visit to the St. Catharines Farmer’s Market is highly recommended for a fresh-from-the-field take on Niagara’s vibrant farm-to-table food scene. Afterward, vintage treasure seekers will be pleasantly surprised by the excellent selection of vintage and thrift shops within just a few blocks. Spend some time watching the huge ships make their way through the lock system at the Lock 3 viewing platform located right beside the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canal Centre. Those who prefer a stroll or cycle on a paved path can follow the Welland Canals Trail all the way to Port Dalhousie. For a hike on the more natural side, hop on a section of the Bruce Trail at Short Hills Provincial Park, which is just down the road from Henry of Pelham Family Estate. Be sure to check the events calendar at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre to see which concerts and arts performances coincide with your visit.
St. Catharines is home to a red-hot food scene that’s recently captured the attention of MICHELIN Guide inspectors. Can’t-miss culinary spots for a meal to remember include Fat Rabbit, Les Incompetents, Odd Bird, Bolete, and Pharmacii. Those who love a sweet treat will want to leave room for a buzzed-about Beechwood doughnut or buttertart from 13th Street Winery’s bakery.
Since it’s just a short drive down the QEW to Niagara Falls, scheduling a few hours of Horseshoe Falls fun is extremely easy from St. Catharines. Take a misty cruise to the base of the Falls, follow the Niagara Parks Power Station’s incredible underground tunnel to a one-of-a-kind view of the Falls, hike the White Water Walk, or hitch a ride for a sky-high view on the Niagara SkyWheel.
Find even more attractions, wineries, craft breweries, historic sites, outdoor activities, and entertainment that reflect your vacation vibe for your next Niagara escape. Be sure to check out @visit_niagara on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for additional trip inspiration and to learn about upcoming events. Then, scroll through suggestions for local accommodations and restaurants to curate your dream Niagara itinerary.
A: Wildplay Niagara Falls Zipline, Whirlpool Aero Car, Fallsview Casino, OLG Stage and wine tastings across the regions many wineries.
A. Niagara Falls viewpoints, Skylon Tower, overlooks along the Niagara Parkway
A. Two Sisters, Reif Estates, Trius, Henry of Pelham, Oast House Brewers, Silversmith Brewing Company, Bench Brewing Company, Ironwood Cider House and many more.
A. Popular things to do at night are visit Clifton Hill, see a concert at OLG Stage and go to one of the many bars and clubs.
A: Yes. You can hike Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, Jet Boat down the Niagara River and cycle along the Niagara Parkway.
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