Tour Canada’s Niagara wine region this fall
Explore farm-to-table food, exceptional cool-climate wine and colourful displays of fall foliage in Ontario’s famed waterfall and wine regions.
Niagara Region | Niagara Falls Tourism
Niagara Escarpment
Approximate driving distance and time from Toronto: 60 miles (95 kilometres), 2 hours
Follows the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) southwest from Toronto to the region’s first sub-appellation, the Niagara Escarpment area.
Exit the highway and drive alongside lush vineyards, fruit orchards and farm fields. Treat your palate to a delightful adventure with world-class wine and fresh, farm-to-table cuisine in and around the charming communities of Winona, Grimsby, Beamsville, St. Anns, Lincoln, Jordan Village and St. Catharines.
With over 50 winemaking properties, there’s a lot to explore. Here are some suggested highlights. Find more to see, do and taste in Niagara Benchlands.
Wineries and vineyards
Hidden Bench Estate Winery
An organic vineyard producing outstanding chardonnays and pinot noirs tucked away on one of the prettiest country roads in the region. Book tastings and tours in advance.
Location: 4152 Locust Lane, Beamsville
Rosewood Estates Winery and Meadery
Sample and shop for signature wines, plus mead seltzers, wine, bourbon and cognac from this honey, grapes and lavender farm. Walk-ins welcome or pre-book a private 45-minute tour.
Location: 4352 Mountainview Road, Lincoln
Megalomaniac Wines
Pair wine tasting with panoramic fall views from one of the highest spots along the Niagara Escarpment in Vineland. Daily tasting experiences and guided vineyard walks are available to book.
Location: 3930 Cherry Avenue, Vineland
13th Street Winery
Recently recognized as the top winery in Ontario by the National Wine Awards of Canada, sample hand-crafted sparkling, red and white wines and famous butter tarts.
Location: 1776 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines
Attractions and activities
Painted Ladies of Grimsby Beach
A collection of whimsical, colourfully painted gingerbread-style cottages lines the street in this historic neighbourhood. This is a residential street with limited parking, so be respectful of private property.
Location: Auditorium Circle, Grimsby
Balls Falls Conservation Area
Follow a well-marked, one-mile hiking trail along the creek to a series of cascades and waterfalls. This is a section of the Bruce Trail, one of the oldest and longest continuous trails in Canada.
Location: 3292 Sixth Avenue, Lincoln
Food and drink
Beamsville Bakery
Get your fill of traditional European-style baked goods, pastries and famous honey-glazed donuts.
Location: 4966 King Street East, Beamsville
The Good Earth Food and Wine
The seasonal menu showcases the bounty of local, farm-fresh ingredients, pairing them perfectly with wine. Gardens, orchards and vineyards provide a scenic backdrop for dining on a warm fall day.
Location: 4556 Lincoln Avenue, Beamsville
The Restaurant at Redstone Winery
Dine with fine wines, vineyard views and live music on select evenings at this contemporary winery restaurant and outdoor terrace.
Location: 4245 King Street, Beamsville
The Restaurant at Pearl Morissette
Distinctive wines, a bakery and the upscale French-inspired eatery have recently landed this restaurant at the number one spot in Canada and a MICHELIN star.
Location: 3953 Jordan Road, Jordan Station
Accommodations
The Casablanca Hotel
Just steps from the Lake Ontario shoreline and close to nature trails, beaches and wineries, this cozy hotel makes a great home base.
Location: 4 Windward Drive, Grimsby
Inn the Orchard
Options include a peaceful log cabin or cozy loft cottage with modern interiors and gorgeous views of the surrounding cherry and peach tree orchards.
Location: 4299 Fairlane Road, Lincoln
Inn on the Twenty
Inn on the Twenty is an elegant village accommodation with a restaurant and spa. It is located across the street from Cave Springs Winery, home to some of Canada’s finest Rieslings.
Location: 3845 Main Street, Jordan
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Approximate driving distance and time from Beamsville: 29 miles (45 kilometres), 40 minutes
Continue east to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming historic town nestled in the top corner of the region where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario.
Well-preserved 19th-century Victorian architecture and its proximity to some of Canada’s oldest and most renowned vineyards make this one of the most picturesque and popular spots in Ontario.
The tree-lined Heritage District is home to boutique stores, antique shops, cafes and a cenotaph clock tower. Located at the foot of King Street, Queen’s Royal Beach and the Royal Gazebo offer great views of the Niagara River.
Learn more about Niagara-on-the-Lake and the surrounding wineries.
Wineries and vineyards
Peller Estates
Crafting quality wines for over 50 years, including Ontario’s famous Icewines, Peller offers a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience in the underground 10Below Icewine Lounge, made of ice.
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 at this lakefront winery.
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
Trius Winery
One of Canada’s pioneering winemakers, Trius offers traditional tastings as well as unconventional experiences, such as opening a bottle of bubbly with a sabre, exploring Canada’s most extensive underground sparkling cellar and Instagrammable wine-inspired art installations.
Location: 1249 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Attractions and activities
Fort George National Historic Site
See what military life was like in the 19th century during the War of 1812 at this former military post.
Location: 51 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Shaw Festival Theatre
Running strong since 1962, this theatre festival features works by George Bernard Shaw and more world-class plays on three different stages.
Location: 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Zoom Leisure Bikes
Rent traditional or electric bikes and set out on a scenic guided or self-guided tour of the area.
Location: 431 Mississauga Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara Botanical Gardens
Explore traditional landscaping, rose and herb beds and wild gardens at this floral oasis. The on-site butterfly conservatory features 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
Food and drink
Queenston Heights Restaurant
Sunday brunch includes Belgian waffles and eggs Benedict, accompanied by a breathtaking view of the Niagara River. Make reservations online.
Location: 14184 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Treadwell Cuisine
Hailed as one of Canada’s Top 10 Wine Restaurants by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. 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
Niagara Oast House Brewers
Kick back with small batch, farmhouse-style brews and back-country barbecue fare at Brushfire Smoke.
Location: 2017 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Accommodations
Riverbend Inn & Vineyard
Surrounded by vineyards and gardens, this striking, Georgian-style mansion is located along what many consider to be Ontario’s prettiest drives.
Location: 16104 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Vintage Hotels
Combine the quaint small-town charm and romance of a historic hotel with luxurious, modern amenities, spa services and upscale dining at one of three inns.
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
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
Niagara Falls
Approximate driving distance and time from Niagara-on-the-Lake: 18 miles (30 kilometres), 30 minutes
Cap off your journey with a visit to the iconic Niagara Falls, famous for its breathtaking beauty and timeless romance.
The landmark attraction in the city of Niagara Falls is the spectacular set of three waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side and the American and Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side.
Formed during the Ice Age, Niagara Falls has the highest waterfall flow rate in the world, with approximately 3,000 tons (28 million litres) of water plunging over its edge every second. See the 170-foot-high (52 metres) Horseshoe Falls from several vantage points and perspectives.
St. David’s is a sub-appellation located north of Niagara Falls, home to a long-standing winemaking tradition.
Find more things to do in and around Niagara Falls.
Wineries and vineyards
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery
A down-to-earth, multi-generational family-owned farm and winery with an onsite restaurant specializing in wood-fired pizza.
Location: 1366 York Road, St. Davids
Château des Charmes
Old-world wine-making traditions continue at this stunning family-run estate. Reserve a winery tour and tasting experience.
Location: 1025 York Road, St. Davids
Attractions and activities
Journey Behind the Falls
A network of tunnels and viewing decks lead you to a unique perspective from below and behind the curtain of water. The entrance is inside the Table Rock Centre.
Location: 6650 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
White Water Walk
Ride an elevator 230 feet (70 metres) down into the Niagara Gorge and follow a 1,312-foot (400-metre) boardwalk along the edge of the white water rapids of the Niagara River. Several viewing platforms allow you to stop and take in the sights.
Location: 4330 River Road, Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls Power Station
This decommissioned facility has been transformed into an exciting landmark attraction. Immersive exhibits include a vast underground tunnel that leads to an observation deck at the river’s edge, located at the base of Horseshoe Falls.
Location: 7005 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
Niagara Helicopter Tours
Get a bird’s eye view of the falls and the surrounding area bathed in fall foliage. On a clear day, 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
Niagara Falls Revolving Restaurant
Continental cuisine is served at over 750 feet (225 meters) above the falls in the Skylon Tower dining room, which rotates at one revolution per hour for maximum panoramic impact. Evening seating is extra special with the falls illuminated in colour.
Location: 52 Robinson Street, Niagara Falls
AG Inspired Cuisine
One of Niagara’s go-to fine-dining spots featuring bold and creative farm-to-table dishes. Choose from à la carte or farm-style sharing menus.
Location: 5195 Magdalen Street, Niagara Falls
Getting here and around
Customs documentation
Travellers to Canada must present a valid passport or NEXUS card. Get more information on customs, passports and requirements.
By air
Most flights into Toronto land at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), approximately 30 kilometres (18 miles) northwest of the city centre.
UP Express is a swift and convenient way to travel to and from the airport in just 25 minutes. Alternative ways to travel downtown include Toronto transit, taxi, Uber or Lyft.
Several major car rental companies also operate at Terminal 1.
Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) is conveniently located along Toronto’s waterfront just minutes from downtown. Porter Airlines provides flight service between major US cities, including New York City, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Las Vegas.
By land
There are 14 road border crossings into Ontario from the United States. Check border wait times and find out what you’ll need to know to cross the border into Canada.
Getting around
Toronto’s Transit Commission (TTC) includes an extensive city streetcar, subway and bus network. Buy a TTC Day Pass to move around the city at your leisure.
Bike Share Toronto provides bicycle rental kiosks across downtown Toronto.
This itinerary is designed as a self-drive road trip; however, you can customize a car-free route with GO Transit. Regular train and bus service is scheduled from Union Station in downtown Toronto to Hamilton and Niagara Falls. WEGO is a hop-on-hop-off transportation system that connects tourism attractions and hotels in the Niagara region.
Know before you go
Visit Tourism Niagara Canada for more information on the Niagara Region. If you have time, consider spending a few days in Toronto. Visit Destination Toronto to plan your stay.
Weather
Ontario is a four-season destination. Temperatures and weather change dramatically throughout the year. Learn more about the weather in Ontario and get suggestions on what to pack and how to prepare for a fall road trip.
Currency, measurements and holidays
Find helpful things to know about Ontario, including 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 essential.
Land acknowledgement
The Niagara Region is situated on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, covered by the Upper Canada Treaties. It is also part of the land under the Dish With One Spoon Wampum agreement.
Toronto is on the traditional territory of various Indigenous nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
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Last updated: July 15, 2025