Niagara Falls wine country to Toronto road trip

Road trip from the romantic vineyards of Niagara to Toronto's dynamic downtown.

A man and woman cycling past rows of vineyards in Ontario’s wine country.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Experience historic small-town charm in the heart of Ontario’s famous wine region and vibrant energy and excitement in the nation’s largest city.

Sip award-winning wines, cruise the scenic Niagara Parkway and feel the mist of the Falls before heading to Canada’s largest city for skyline views from the CN Tower, world-class dining and vibrant neighborhoods.

From charming wine country towns to iconic urban attractions, this unforgettable road trip delivers natural wonders, culture and cuisine.

At a glance

Start: Niagara Falls
End: Toronto
Duration: 6 days

Stop 1: Niagara Falls

View of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls at Niagara Falls over the shoulders of a young couple embracing.
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

Niagara Takes Flight

Soar above the swirling rapids and ancient rock formations along the iconic stretch of River Corridor in the Niagara Region on an immersive flight simulation.

Location: 6650 Niagara River Parkway, 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 rustic bistro and bar known for house-made wines and fresh Canadian fare.

Location: 5633 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls

Places to stay

The Brock Niagara Falls – Fallsview

Designed for couples, this elegant hotel balances contemporary luxury with timeless charm. The hotel is home to Prime Steakhouse, Niagara Falls’ #1 rated restaurant.

 Location: 5685 Falls Avenue, Niagara Falls

Hyatt Regency Niagara Falls Fallsview

Indulge in ultimate comfort, sweeping views of the falls and refined dining.

Location: 6700 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls

Stop 2: Niagara-on-the-Lake

Approximate travel from Niagara Falls: 15 miles (25 kilometres), 25 minutes

A couple sits on the steps of a historic, stone building in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara-on-the-Lake

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 19th-century military life 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:

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.

Learn more about new, notable and small-batch boutique wineries in 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 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

Described as a farmhouse-focused brewery, visit the tasting room or relax on the outdoor patio.

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:

Niagara’s Finest Hotels

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

Locations:

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: Niagara Benchlands

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

Two glasses of wine and appetizing lunch dishes are served outdoors on a sunny day at 13th Street Winery.
13thStreet Winery, St. Catharines

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 quaint 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 travel from Twenty Valley to Toronto: 70 miles (110 kilometres), 1.5 hours

View from Toronto Islands of yachts and vessels in the harbour with the skyline and iconic CN Tower in the distance.
Toronto Islands

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

Toronto 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 led by locals.

Locations:

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:

Festivals and celebrations

FIFA World Cup 2026™

The Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) will be the first Canadian venue to host a FIFA World Cup 2026™ men’s match on select dates (June 12–July 2, 2026).

North by Northeast (NXNW)

Canada’s answer to NXNW showcases the best new and emerging talent (June 10–14, 2026).

Pride Toronto

The largest Pride event in Canada, celebrating the 2SLGBTQI+ community for a full month, culminating in a festive parade (June 1–30, 2026).

Toronto Fringe Festival

Alternative, unconventional and entertaining theatre (June 30–July 12, 2026).

Toronto Caribbean Carnival

An annual event showcasing the best of Caribbean culture, music and food (July 30–August 3, 2026).

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:

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

Location: The Distillery District, Toronto

Yorkville

Once a bohemian hub, this neighborhood is now known for its high-end retail shopping and some of Toronto’s finest eateries and restaurants, such as SassafrazBuca 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, colorful and fiercely local neighborhoods 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.

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 luxury resort-style hotel features tennis courts, a movie theatre, rooftop pool and bar and even deluxe picnic packages. Secure parking is available on-site.

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

Before travelling, check border wait times.

Know before you go

Visit Destination Toronto and Niagara, Canada for more local insights and trip planning information.

Contact an Ontario travel planner for help in creating a customized itinerary that meets your needs.

Getting around and accessibility

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.

Download the Access Now app to search for accessible businesses, trails and outdoor experiences in Ontario.

Weather

Plan to make this road trip any time during Ontario’s paddling season, from mid-May through early October.

Summers are mild and pleasant, with the possibility of hot and humid conditions. Spring and fall conditions are more variable, with the chance of frost and more precipitation before mid-May and after mid-September.

Learn more about the weather in Ontario and get suggestions on what to pack and how to prepare for your trip.

Currency, measurements and holidays

If you’re travelling from another country, helpful things to know about Ontario include Canadian currency, measurements and public holidays acknowledged in the province.

Safety information

Emergencies aren’t always the first thing we consider when planning a vacation, but knowing who to contact in an emergency is important.

Last updated: May 8, 2026

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