Niagara Falls is a collection of waterfalls at the Canadian/US border in the Niagara region. It’s a destination full of natural wonders. On the American side you’ll find the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. On the Canadian side you’ll find the Horseshoe falls. I spent my weekend on the Canadian side and got stunning views of all the falls and enjoyed plenty of activities that Niagara Parks has to offer.

This weekend getaway is perfect to enjoy with friends, family or your partner! My trip focused around the adventure and beauty that the Niagara region had to offer. My travel style is fitting in as much as I can see and do while I’m in a new city (with my camera in hand of course)! Below you’ll find an itinerary to help you get the most out of your visit.

Friday

Once you’ve made it to the Niagara region, check into your hotel and head to the Falls! If you get there early you may be lucky enough to spot a rainbow!

Walk the full length of the falls to the end where you can get your picture in front of the Canada150 sign.

For me, the view kept getting better the closer I got to the Horseshoe falls. It’s crazy to see the power and beauty of this natural wonder so close. From this distance you can feel the mist of the falls.

Niagara Brewing Company

Stop by Niagara Brewing Company for a few brews. They’re located on Clifton Hill near the falls. If you like light beers like me, you’ll love their premium lager. I also enjoyed their honeymoon peach radler, that got its name from Niagara being nicknamed “The Honeymoon Capital of the World”.

Skywheel

If you want a view of Niagara from above, you can take a ferris wheel ride on Sky Wheel, also located on Clifton Hill.

Night Lights: Journey Behind the Falls After Dark

This experience lets you travel 38km below ground to get right next to the Horseshoe Falls. You can see the Journey Behind the Falls during the day or at night.You can really see the power of the water from below as it comes down the side of the Falls. I suggest visiting at night for three reasons. First, the crowds were much smaller at night. It’s only open to 150 people nightly for Canada’s 150th. Less people allows for better access in the tunnel to walk directly behind the falls and to the observation deck where you can be right in front of the falls. Second, what a sight to see the falls illuminated up close. Third, you’ll have the best spot in town to view the nightly fireworks show at 10:00pm.  The Journey Behind the Falls: Night Lights version is available until September 4th from 9:30pm-10:30pm.

Where: 6650 Niagara Parkway

 

Saturday

Hornblower Niagara Cruises

Take this boat tour that will take you as close as you can to the falls. You’ll journey past the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Make sure to wear your poncho because not only will you see the Falls up close but you’ll also feel them.

Where: 5290 Niagara Parkway

Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse

For over 70 years, visitors have enjoyed the sights of the floral showhouse. Visit an oasis of orchids, succulents and other tropical plants. Visit the gardens outside and the green-house indoors.

Where: 7145 Niagara Parkway

Niagara Parks White Water Walk

Beautiful but dangerous perfectly describes the Niagara rapids. They’re classified as level 6, which means they’re unpredictable and the most dangerous type of rapids in the world. Walk alongside these powerful rapids on the white water walk. You’ll be able to take on the deceptive tranquility and roar of the river safely from the board walk. You need to see these rapids in person to truly understand their power. I also learned on this walk that the colour of the water is from dissolved minerals due to the erosive power of the water.
Where: 4330 River Rd

Niagara Parks Whirlpool Aerocar

Take this cable car ride for a stellar view of the Niagara Whirlpool and Class 6 whitewater rapids from above. You’ll be suspended 250ft in the air from six study cables. This aero car designed by a Spanish engineer, Leonardo Torres Quevedo has been running since 1916. Fun fact: you’ll cross the Canada/US border 4 times on this trip because of the v shape of the border at this point.

Where: 3850 Niagara Parkway

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens & Butterfly Conservatory

Stop and smell the roses. The Botanical Gardens has over 99 acres of gardens that you’re able to see for free. You’ll be able to see plenty of plants including the famous rose garden that features over 2400 roses. While you’re at the Botanical Gardens you can also visit the Butterfly Conservatory. This activity does have an admission price but you’ll be able to see over 2000 butterflies/45 species of butterflies. Walk through this tropical paradise as butterflies circle around and if you’re lucky, maybe one will even land on you.

Niagara Falls Adventure Pass

For more details on things to do in Niagara visit Niagara Parks. They have passes available so that you can get the most out of your visit. If you buy online you’ll save 30-48% and it includes a pass for the WEGO bus! You can get your pass here.

Dinner at Taco Tequila

Head here for dinner and enjoy some Mexican dishes and their 45 oz Margarita! Next up, head to Fallsview Casino!

Sunday

Niagara on the Lake/Winery Tour

Take the Niagara Parkway to Niagara on the Lake. The town is adorable and full of cute shops and restaurants. Park your car and take a walk along the street and stop for lunch at one of the restaurants! While you’re at lunch, decide which wineries you want to check out for the second part of the day.

There were so many wineries to visit. I stopped at NOMAD by Hinterbrook. I’m so happy we ended up here. They had a great selection of wines. Some of Hinterbrook’s wines are already available at the LCBO but it was a great opportunity to sample and purchase some of their other wines. The samples were free with the purchase of the bottle. As soon as I tried the Traveller’s Reisling I knew I had to add a bottle of it to my collection. It’s a light, refreshing German style Riesling with sweet aromas of peach and melon.

Click here for a list of all the different wineries you can visit.

My group was lucky to have a DD kind enough to drive us to different winery stops. If you don’t have a DD, you can book a wine tour that will pick you up in Niagara and take you to multiple winery stops. Visit here for some winery tours you can book.

 

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