Niagara to Toronto: Vineyards vistas to downtown views

Stop 1: Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Canada offers stunning views of the Horseshoe Falls, punctuated by nightly illuminations and weekend fireworks. The city also blends natural beauty with entertainment, fine dining and casino excitement.

Things to do

Niagara City Cruises

Get up close to the falls on a thrilling boat ride to the base of this majestic natural wonder (ponchos included!).

Location: 5920 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

White Water Walk

A riverside boardwalk beside class 6 rapids—an easy, breathtaking stop.

Location: 4330 River Road, Niagara Falls

Niagara Helicopter Tours

Add adventure to your itinerary with a helicopter ride over the falls. In addition to spectacular views of the falls, on a clear day you’ll see the outline of Toronto to the north, and the shores of Lake Erie to the south.

Location: 3731 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

Food and drink

AG Inspired Cuisine

Upscale, locally sourced fine dining in a romantic setting with curated regional wine pairing.

Location: 5195 Magdalen Street, Niagara Falls

Weinkeller Restaurant

A cozy, rustic bistro and bar known for serving house-made wines and fresh Canadian fare.

Location: 5633 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

Places to stay

Fallsview Casino Resort

Overlooking Horseshoe Falls, Fallsview Casino Resort is an all-in-one destination for luxury accommodation, fine dining, live shows and gaming entertainment.

Location: 6380 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls

Sterling Inn & Spa

Experience luxury and rejuvenation at this romantic, boutique hotel and spa.

Location: 5195 Magdalen Street, Niagara Falls

Stop 2: Niagara-on-the-Lake

Approximate distance and travel time from Niagara Falls 15 miles (25 kilometres), 25 minutes

Niagara-on-the-Lake lives up to its reputation as “the prettiest town in Ontario” with well-preserved 19th-century Victorian architecture, including a cenotaph clock tower, scenic waterfront views and lush vineyards nearby.

Things to do

Niagara Parks

The Niagara Region is home to numerous parks and natural experiences. Visit the Botanical Gardens, a 99-acre (40 hectares) floral oasis and Butterfly Conservatory featuring over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Hourly parking is available.

Location: 2565 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Fort George

Step back in time for a glimpse of military life in the 19th century during the War of 1812 at this National Historic Site and former military post. 

Location: 51 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Shaw Festival

Founded in 1962, this theatre festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake stages world-class plays in three different theatres. 

Location: 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake Heritage District

Stroll the wide tree-lined walkways in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Heritage District. Shop at boutique stores like BeauChapeau Hat Shop and Victoria’s Teas & Coffees for fresh, ethically sourced coffee and tea.

Locations:

• BeauChapeau Hat Shop, 42 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Victoria’s Teas & Coffees, 108 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Zoom Leisure Bikes

Rent traditional or electric bikes and set out on a guided or self-guided tour of the region.

Location: 431 Mississauga Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Wineries, food and drink

Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake’s main attraction is award-winning wine. In fact, this historic town is home to some of Canada’s most established and oldest vineyards, some dating back over four decades.

Find more wineries with our wine lover’s guide to Niagara, Canada.

Peller Estates

Book one of the wine tour packages, including guided tours, tastings and overnight stays at celebrated Peller Estates.
Location: 290 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Konzelmann Estate Winery

Take in views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline beyond the vineyards on a wine tour.

Location: 1096 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery

A 23,000-square-foot (approximately 2,127 hectares) facility founded by the Great One himself. It also happens to be Ontario’s first combined winery and distillery. 

Location: 1219 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Kitchen76 at Two Sisters Vineyards

A short drive into wine country for Italian-inspired cuisine with vineyard views.

Location: 240 John Street East, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Queenston Heights Restaurant

Sunday brunch includes delicious Belgian waffles and eggs Benedict with a breathtaking view of the Niagara River. Make reservations online.

Location: 14184 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Bricks and Barley

When you’re in the mood for wood-fired pizza or tasty charcuterie grazing boards and craft beer. 

Location: 1573 Four Mile Creek Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Epicurean

Featuring a seasonal menu and al fresco dining in the large patio garden.

Location: 84 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Treadwell Cuisine

Hailed as one of Canada’s Top 10 Wine Restaurants by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Treadwell is a treat. For an extra treat, homemade fudge is made daily in small batches next door at Maple Leaf Fudge.

Location: 114 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Avondale Dairy

Stop in for pies, cakes and delicious ice cream made by hand in the old-fashioned way.

Location: 461 Stewart Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara Oast House Brewers

Location: 2017 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Places to stay

Vintage Hotels

Combine the quaint small-town charm and romance of a historic hotel with luxurious, modern amenities and spa services at one of three properties.

Locations:

• Prince of Wales, 6 Picton Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Queen’s Landing, 155 Byron Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Pillar and Post, 48 John Street West, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara’s Finest Hotels

Stay at one of three deluxe boutique properties in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s romantic Old Town.

Locations:

• The Charles Hotel, 209 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Harbour House Hotel, 85 Melville Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
• The Shaw Club Hotel, 92 Picton Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Riverbend Inn & Vineyard

This striking, Georgian-style mansion is located along what many consider to be Ontario’s prettiest drive, the Niagara River Parkway, and is surrounded by vineyards and gardens.

Location: 16104 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Stop 3: Twenty Valley

Approximate distance and travel time from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Twenty Valley: 24 miles (40 kilometres), 40 minutes

The Twenty Valley region along the Niagara Escarpment is a sub-appellation of the Niagara Peninsula wine region. Quaint villages, family-run boutique wineries and vineyards are worth further exploration. 

The tiny village of Jordan in Twenty Valley is brimming with charm and a surprising number of wineries and independent boutiques.

Wineries, food and drink

13th Street Winery

Enjoy great food, art, wine and arguably some of the best butter tarts in Ontario.

Location: 1776 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines

Restaurant Pearl Morissette

This MICHELIN-starred winery restaurant was recently awarded the top spot on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list for its French-inspired, regionally driven menu.

Location: 3953 Jordan Road, Jordan Station

Cave Spring Vineyard

This landmark vineyard is a mainstay of the village and a must-stop for Riesling lovers. It’s also home to the oldest functioning wine cellar in Ontario.

Location: 3836 Main Street, Jordan Village

Jordan House 

Enjoy a pub lunch at this historic roadhouse with an upscale twist.

Location: 3751 Main Street, Jordan Village

Where to stay

Inn On The Twenty

A boutique hotel and restaurant on Main Street, directly across the road from the celebrated Cave Springs Cellars.

Location: 3836 Main Street, Jordan Village

Stop 4: Toronto

Approximate distance and travel time from Twenty Valley to Toronto: 70 miles (110 kilometres), 1.5 hours

Canada’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, Toronto is a multicultural mosaic of art, heritage, cuisine and entertainment.

From renowned art galleries to graffiti culture, haute couture to vintage shopping and fine dining to market food stalls, explore the diversity of Ontario’s trendiest city.

Things to do

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

Explore provocative and powerful exhibitions at one of the largest art collections in North America.

Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

Discover a wealth of contemporary art.

Location: 158 Sterling Road, Toronto

Bata Shoe Museum 

One of Toronto’s more unusual attractions explores the history of shoes with a unique collection of more than 13,000 exhibits spanning 4,500 years. 

Location: 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Aga Khan Museum 

Showcases the range and significance of Islamic arts with exhibits and beautiful gardens. It’s about a 15-minute drive north of downtown, parking is available.

Location: 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto

Toronto Neighbourhood Shopping Guide

From high fashion to vintage markets, there’s a shopping experience for just about every whim and fancy.

Harbourfront Cruising

Cruise Toronto’s harbourfront in style on a sightseeing harbour tour, available from April to November. You can also choose from a variety of dining cruise experiences.

Location: 207 Queen’s Quay West, Toronto

Toronto Heli Rides

Take in the sights of the city from above on a helicopter tour that departs from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Hanger 1. 

Location: 2 Eireann Quay, Toronto

Culinary Adventure Co or Tasty Tours Toronto

Discover the city’s culinary scene on a walking tour with local foodies.

Locations:

• Culinary Adventure Co., 92 Front Street East, Toronto
• Tasty Tours, 30 St Andrew Street, Toronto

Toronto Bicycle Tours

Tour the city on two wheels. Packages include downtown routes and Toronto Islands tours.

Location: 124 St. Patrick Street, Toronto

Toronto Island SUP or Oceah Oceah SUP & YOGA

Explore Toronto’s waterfront and islands on a stand up paddling or kayaking excursion.

Locations:

• Toronto Island SUP, Wards Island, Toronto
• Oceah Oceah SUP & YOGA, 1575 Lakeshore Boulevard West, Toronto

Festivals and celebrations

North by Northeast (NXNE)

Canada’s answer to NXNW showcasing the best new and emerging talent (June 11–15, 2025).

Pride Toronto

The largest Pride event in Canada, celebrating the 2SLGBTQI+ community for a full month, culminating in a festive parade (June 1–30, 2025).

Toronto Fringe Festival

Alternative, unconventional and entertaining theatre (July 2–13, 2025).

Honda Indy

A premier motorsports event at Exhibition Place (July 18–20, 2025).

Toronto Caribbean Carnival

An epic event showcasing the best of Caribbean culture, music and food (July 31–August 4, 2025).

Food and drink 

Popular brunch spots

Local favourites to start your day, whether that’s breakfast or brunch, include Café Boulud in Yorkville, Union on Ossington, Bonjour Brioche Bakery and Café and Lady Marmalade in Toronto’s east end.

Locations:

• Café Boulud, 60 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto
• Union, 72 Ossington Avenue, Toronto
• Bonjour Brioche, 812 Queen Street East, Toronto
• Lady Marmalade, 265 Broadview Avenue, Toronto

MICHELIN-starred restaurants

Toronto is the first Canadian city to be recognized in the MICHELIN Guide. Book reservations at one of Toronto’s recently awarded MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Several restaurants were also awarded the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Award for menu items at great value.

The Distillery District

This pedestrian-only entertainment neighbourhood is home to a cluster of bars, cafés, restaurants, bakeries, brewpubs and a chocolate-maker. Naturally, there’s a distillery in the district, so enjoy a tour and tasting at Spirit of York Distillery. 

Location: The Distillery District, Toronto

Yorkville

Once a bohemian hub, this neighbourhood is now known for its high-end retail shopping and some of Toronto’s finest eateries and restaurants, such as Sassafraz, Buca Osteria & Bar and Alobar. Modern and upscale, the menu at W Hotel reflects Toronto’s multicultural culinary scene.

Location: Yorkville, Toronto 

St. Lawrence Market

Located in a large, historic brick building that bustles with organic groceries, bakeries, cheese and olive vendors, restaurants and food stalls. Try the famous peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery or Paddington’s Pump. 

Location: 93 Front Street East, Toronto

Kensington Market

One of the city’s most eclectic, colourful and fiercely local neighbourhoods is a mix of boho, vintage shops, fresh vegetable stalls, cheese and spice shops, bakeries, trendy bars and an array of fusion restaurants tucked into the historic Victorian architecture. You’ll find everything from Jamaican patties to Chilean empanadas.

Location: Kensington Market, Toronto 

360 The Restaurant

If it’s a view you’re after, you can’t beat the revolving dining room experience 350 metres (1,150 feet) up the CN Tower.

Location: 290 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto

Places to stay

Hotel X

Toronto’s first luxury resort-style hotel features tennis courts, a movie theatre, rooftop pool and bar and even deluxe picnic packages. Secure parking is available onsite.

Location: 111 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto

Bisha Hotel

A mix of hotel and residences in Toronto’s Entertainment District featuring suites designed by artist Lenny Kravitz, a rooftop patio with infinity pool and the upscale KOST restaurant on the 44th floor. Valet parking is available.

Location: 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto

1 Hotel Toronto

This downtown hotel strikes the perfect balance between urban and cottage chic with reclaimed and upcycled materials, natural design elements plus high-end perks like a rooftop pool.

Location: 550 Wellington Street West, Toronto

Shangri-La Toronto

With its stylish décor, top-notch service and signature cocktails, you won’t want to leave, especially if you treat yourself to a visit at the Miraj Hamman Spa.

Location: 188 University Avenue, Toronto

Crossing the border

Required documents

U.S. visitors to Canada must present a valid passport or NEXUS card.

Find out what else you’ll need to know to cross the border into Canada.

Border crossing locations

There are 14 road border crossings from the United States into Ontario. Border crossing locations from New York State into the Niagara region in Canada include:

• Lewiston-Queenston Bridge from Lewiston, New York to Queenston, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
• Rainbow International Bridge from Niagara Falls, New York to Niagara Falls, Ontario
• Peace Bridge from Buffalo, New York to Fort Erie, Ontario

Before travelling, check border wait times.

Getting around

You’ll need a private vehicle to complete this self-driving Ontario road trip in its entirety.

However, you will find several walkable destinations, including Niagara-on-the-Lake and Twenty Valley.

Toronto has an extensive transit system, including city streetcars, subway and bus network and a regional train service with connections to Niagara Falls. Buy a TTC Day Pass to move around the city at your leisure.