Niagara Region
From the backbone of Ontario, the Niagara Escarpment, across the breezy Lake Ontario and Lake Erie shorelines and finally to the thundering Horseshoe Falls, Niagara region’s dramatic landscapes and southern latitude contribute to uniquely perfect grape-growing conditions. Renowned for its breathtaking natural wonder, Niagara Falls, Niagara is also Ontario’s most established wine region, home to over 120 wineries producing internationally recognized, cool-climate varieties, including Rieslings and Icewine.
But waterfalls and wine are just the start.
The non-stop excitement of indoor waterparks, speedways and waxworks keeps families entertained all year round. Meanwhile, world-class casinos, fantastic farm-to-table cuisine, historic forts, inspired theatre, miles of cycling trails, renowned golf courses, and sandy Great Lakes shorelines prove Niagara lives up to its moniker as ‘Honeymoon Capital of the World’.
To learn more about all there is to see and do in the Niagara Region, scroll down or visit the region's tourism website.
Where is Niagara Region?
The Niagara region is about a 90-minute drive along the QEW highway southwest of downtown Toronto, and it’s home to three of the busiest border crossings to the United States: the Queenston Lewiston Bridge, the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie.
The area is comprised of the communities of Twenty Valley, St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake, the city of Niagara Falls and Fort Erie along Niagara’s South Coast.
Places to Visit in Niagara Region
More key cities in this region include Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines and Fort Erie.
Perched on the banks of the Niagara River as it feeds into Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake oozes old world charm and the slower pace of a time gone by.
St. Catharines, the largest urban centre in the area, is located en route to Niagara Falls along the QEW and serves as a great central spot from which to explore the region.
Named after its historic War of 1812 military post, the town Fort Erie sits directly across the river from Buffalo, New York. Daily tours of Old Fort Erie demonstrate what life was for the British, First Nations and American soldiers.
Things to Do in Niagara Region
Soak in the spectacle and splendor of the mighty Niagara Falls. Formed from the Ice Age, Niagara Falls is approximately 12,500 years old and boasts the world’s highest flow rate, with about 28 million litres (over 3,000 tons) of water plunging down every second. It’s thought to be the world’s fastest-moving waterfall... not bad for an old glacier.
See the falls lit up during the Illumination of the Falls from an evening cruise or get up close to the action. There’s even a zipline across the Niagara Gorge for those seeking heart-pounding adventure.
Beyond the falls, Clifton Hill is an action-packed street of family entertainment with rides, wax museums, mini golf and a speedway. Two casinos, great dining, local craft breweries and some of the country’s finest wineries offer vineyard visits and tastings.
Theatre goers are treated to productions written and inspired by George Bernard Shaw at the Shaw Festival Theatre, while history buffs are invited to explore Fort George and Old Fort Erie, two War of 1812 posts, as well as several unique heritage sites and museums, like the Laura Secord Homestead or the Niagara Apothecary, a pharmaceutical museum.
Add to all that 12 months of festivals, including the Winter Festival of Lights and the Niagara Icewine Festival, and you’ll have no trouble finding year-round getaway inspiration here.
The Trikers
Last updated: January 21, 2022
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