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Niagara: from wonders to wineries

Niagara: from wonders to wineries

Believe it or not, NiagaraExternal Link Title is much more than just the falls.

 

In addition to its incomparable natural wonder, the Niagara region is home to modern cuisine and wineries; it's home to world-class entertainment and casinos; and it's home to outdoor and historical experiences.

 

Whether you've never visited Niagara or have seen the falls five times already, there's always something new to explore. We've put together a quick guide to help inspire your next trip to the Niagara regionExternal Link Title.

The Journey Behind the Falls
The Journey Behind the Falls

Niagara Falls

 

While there is more to the region than the falls, a trip to Niagara still wouldn't be complete without visiting them. And why wouldn't you? The sound of the water as you approach it, the mist you feel on your face as you look up 165 feet at a true natural wonder, and the sheer power of the falls that you can feel to your bones... those things never really get old.

 

When it comes to experiencing Niagara FallsExternal Link Title, there are plenty of options to choose from.

 

Taking a boat cruise for an up-close and soggy view is the most classic approach. Don your mist poncho, climb up to the observation deck of a Hornblower CatamaranExternal Link Title, and tour the Great Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls, all from down below. Wait until night time, and watch the falls light up in color, on a special "Illumination Night Cruise."

 

If you enjoyed the front of the falls, why not head behind them. On your Journey Behind the FallsExternal Link Title, step into an elevator and descend 150 feet through bedrock to your destination below the rim of the gorge, right into the heart of Niagara Falls. A quick walk through a tunnel and you'll be standing behind a wall of water free-falling more than 13 stories; it's a view like no other.

 

After seeing it from the front and the back, what's left? How about from above? You won't find a more exciting way to experience Niagara Falls than from the cockpit of a helicopter. Embark on a Niagara HelicopterExternal Link Title and fly as close as possible to the thundering water on your personal tour. You'll want to bring your camera to this one.

Niagara Helicopters
Niagara Helicopters Credit: Mike Reyno

If a great view of Niagara Falls is your ultimate goal, the remarkable Skylon TowerExternal Link Title allows you to take in the scenery from 775 feet above the action. Indoor and outdoor observation spaces and two separate dining rooms all provide a fantastic look at the natural wonder and beyond, with views stretching for 80 miles.

 

Playing outside

 

Beyond the falls, the Niagara region is full of great reasons to get outdoors.

 

If you love to get out on the links, the area is home to Canada's largest collection of golf courses. There are 48 courses to choose from, so you're guaranteed to find one that you love. If you don't know where to start, hop on the Niagara Golf TrailExternal Link Title, a route bringing you to seven of the region's top courses.

 

For a relaxing outdoor experience, head to the South Coast region of Niagara and tan the day away on one of the eight beautiful, sandy beaches of Lake Erie. Water lovers might also pay Port Colborne a visit. Named the World Fishing Network's Ultimate Fishing Town in 2013, it's a great place to hook trout, salmon, walleye and perch, or just relax with a line in the water.

 

Want to get your heart rate up? Hundreds of miles of cycling trails can be found in Niagara, from winding roads to challenging hills and everything in between. Take an easy cycle along the Welland Canals Parkway TrailExternal Link Title, skirt vineyards as you ride the Niagara River Recreation Trail, or take on sections of the lengthy Greater Niagara Circle RouteExternal Link Title -- a popular destination for avid cyclists.

 

From biking we turn to hiking. The Niagara Escarpment -- a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve -- is a fan-favorite for hiking and nature walks. Head out on the Bruce TrailExternal Link Title, Canada's oldest and longest footpath, to immerse yourself in nature at your own pace.

 

While it isn't necessarily a hike, the White Water WalkExternal Link Title is an incredible way to experience one of the world's wildest stretches of whitewater. Walk along a boardwalk and take in the incredible Whirlpool Rapids, where fast-moving water creates standing waves 10 to 15 feet high.

Inniskillin Ice Wines
Inniskillin's Ice Wines can't be beat

Wining and dining Niagara

 

Do you like to visit cellars, sample vintages and discover the perfect pairings? A wine-lover's paradise, over 80 wineries call the Niagara region home. Of those, nearly 30 can be found in the Niagara-on-the-Lake area -- named TripAdvisor's #1 food and wine destination in Canada. The area is also home to the Icewine FestivalExternal Link Title, an annual two-week celebration of this quintessentially Canadian drink. Sample it, enjoy it alongside local cuisine, and find out how it's made.

 

Speaking of local cuisine, Niagara is full of great eatsExternal Link Title sourced from local ingredients. Whether you're walking the town in search of a quick bite, are celebrating at a fancy restaurant, or just want a bite with your wine, you won't have trouble finding somewhere to fit your tastes.

 

As mentioned, Niagara-on-the-Lake has a reputation for fine cuisine, and 14 of the region's restaurants have come together to form Signature KitchensExternal Link Title: "a culinary group celebrating the joys of local, artisanal and seasonal cuisine." Drop by the Riverbed InnExternal Link Title for country cooking with views of local wineries, have your pick of steak and seafood at the Cannery RestaurantExternal Link Title, or try out the menu at the Epicurean's dinner bistro.

 

Want to eat after a day spent around the falls? For a meal with a view, grab a seat basically on top of Horseshoe Falls at Elements on The FallsExternal Link Title. Directly across from the natural wonder, indulge your senses with a meal from renowned chef Massimo Capra at the Rainbow RoomExternal Link Title. Or head to Windows by Jamie KennedyExternal Link Title, where farm-to-table cuisine can be enjoyed with a 13th floor view of the falls.

 

Want fine dining at a great price? Head to BenchmarkExternal Link Title, where students of the Niagara College's Canadian Food & Wine Institute hone their trade. Or, cook your own fantastic meal at the Wine Country Cooking SchoolExternal Link Title

Niagara-on-the-Lake Farmers' Market
Niagara-on-the-Lake Farmers' Market

Finally, if you're planning a picnic, head to one of the many farmers' marketsExternal Link Title scattered throughout the region for the best in local produce, baking and ingredients.

 

Never a dull moment

 

Now that you're well fed, what kind of entertainment are you in the mood for?

 

Passionate about performing arts? Head to the Shaw FestivalExternal Link Title, a production company that creates a steady stream of musicals, dramas and comedies you won't want to miss. For an all-season mixture of theater, dance, music and comedy head to St. Catharines' First Ontario Performing Arts CentreExternal Link Title. Or for a bit of a lower key entertainment experience, take in a comedy show at Yuk Yuk's Comedy ClubExternal Link Title or dinner theater at Oh Canada Eh?External Link Title, a lighthearted musical focused on Canadian icons and stereotypes.

Shaw Festival Theatre Niagara
Shaw Festival Theatre Niagara

Like to learn? Move back in time at the Niagara Falls History MuseumExternal Link Title. Head to Fort GeorgeExternal Link Title, the headquarters for the Centre Division of the British Army during the War of 1812. Watch soldiers in redcoats fire muskets, or fire one yourself. Or follow Niagara's South Coast Arts & Culture Route and jump from gallery to studio to museum.

 

Love to shop? Visit the Canada One Factory OutletsExternal Link Title or the Outlet Collection at NiagaraExternal Link Title and walk away with a great deal.

 

Enjoy a good card game? Niagara has two world-class casinos, one of which, the Niagara Fallsview CasinoExternal Link Title, is the largest in Canada, so you'll always be able to find an open seat at the table. You can also head down to the Fort Erie Race TrackExternal Link Title and try your luck on the horses.

 

Want to feel like a kid again? Stroll by the wax museum, haunted housesExternal Link Title, and arcades on the "Street of Fun," Clifton HillExternal Link Title.

 

Found a few things you loved on this list? Start planning your Niagara trip on the Visit Niagara website.