Niagara Falls and Wine Country Guide
Description:
A visit to Niagara Falls is on the list of most travelers, - which explains why more than 7 million people visited last year alone. But a first time visitor can be overwhelmed by the variety of activities available, and may be unaware of the natural beauty of the broader area, or the fact that Canada's most famous wine growing country and culinary hotspot is just a short drive, or bike ride, away.
Author: Barbara R
Day 1 - Niagara Falls (ON)
Niagara Falls is the reason you are here - you and over seven million others who make the pilgrimage to see one of the wonders of the world each year. Chances are, if you are traveling to Niagara Falls on this first day, you will arrive sometime past noon. I'd recommend checking in to your hotel, -one with a great Falls' view like the newly opened tower of the Hilton Niagara, which has sliding panels beside the Jacuzzi tub so you can soak in a bubble bath while you gaze at the Falls. It's also officially the tallest hotel in Canada. The Sheraton Fallsview also has great room views, and the Tower Hotel in the Konica Tower is a newly renovated space with probably the most exciting views in the city. There's an amazing range of accommodations - from bargain to deluxe boutiques - and every kind of cuisine you desire.
The best time to view the Falls up close and personal is early in the morning, so save that for tomorrow. Take a walk along Fallsview Boulevard, do some shopping and maybe stop for a drink at one of the many outdoor patios. Make your dinner reservations early. This is a very busy town from May until October. For your first night, I'd suggest looking for one of the fine dining rooms with a view of the Falls, like The Watermark. End your night with a visit to the glamorous Fallsview Casino, topped off with a nightcap in R5, an intimate bar with spectacular views of the illuminated Falls.
1
Niagara Falls
Location:
view in google mapsNiagara Parkway
L2E 6T2 Niagara Falls (ON), Canada
Phone:
+1 905 356 6061(Tourist Information) /+1 800 563 2557(Tourist Information)5
Watermark Restaurant (The)
Location:
view in google maps6361 Fallsview Boulevard
33rd Floor, Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview
L2G 3V9 Niagara Falls (ON), Canada
Phone:
+1 905 353 7138 / +1 866 388 8396 (Toll Free)Day 2 - Niagara Falls (ON)
This is the day to really see the Mighty Niagara and you'll want to start early. It's a good idea to purchase the Great Gorge Adventure Pass at the kiosk at the bottom of Murray Street. The pass includes most of the major attractions in and around the Falls, as well as all day access to the People Mover which will take you to all the Niagara Parks Commission stops. You can even buy the pass ahead of time online at www.niagaraparks.com. You can pay by credit card, customize your pass and print out your ticket.
Do the Falls attractions first, starting with The Maid of the Mist. Last summer, Brad Pitt brought his children here to sail on the Maid while Angelina was filming nearby.
Use the People Mover to travel through the lovely parklands and visit the other attractions, like the Butterfly Conservatory, the White Water Walk, the Floral Clock, and the Botanical Gardens. Spend some exciting time on Clifton Hill, where the carnival atmosphere is lively and noisy. One of the best places to photograph the Falls is from the top of the SkyWheel ride. Ripley's Believe It Or Not is interesting but more suited to teens or adults, and some of the attractions, like the House of Horrors, are too scary for children. But there are plenty of things that will appeal to the younger set. Prices can add up, so think about buying one of the group passes, obtained at most of the outlets.
End your evening with a great pizza at Antica Pizzeria at the top of Clifton Hill, or go upscale and dine in the best restaurant in town, AG in the Sterling Inn. Save some time to take in a show at the Greg Frewin Theatre or visit one of the clubs, like the Dragonfly on Fallsview Boulevard. The shows at the Imax Theatre often display the history and fascination of the Falls, and help to add layers to your enjoyment.
1
Journey Behind The Falls
Location:
view in google maps6650 Niagara Parkway
L2E 6T2 Niagara Falls (ON), Canada
Phone:
+1 905 351 02542
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Museum
Location:
view in google maps4960 Clifton Hill
L2G 3N4 Niagara Falls (ON), Canada
Phone:
+1 905 356 22384
Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
Location:
view in google maps2405 Niagara Parkway
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens & School of Horticulture
L2E 6T2 Niagara Falls (ON), Canada
Phone:
+1 905 358 0025 / +1 905 356 2241(City Park Council)5
Floral Clock
Location:
view in google maps14004 Niagara Parkway
L2G 7K3 Niagara Falls (ON), Canada
Phone:
+1 905 371 0254(Tourist Information) /+1 905 356 2241(Tourist Information)7
Screamers House Of Horrors
Location:
view in google maps5930 Victoria Avenue
L2G 3N7 Niagara Falls (ON), Canada
Phone:
+1 905 357 76569
Konica Minolta Tower
Location:
view in google maps6732 Fallsview Boulevard
L2G 3W6 Niagara Falls (ON), Canada
Phone:
+1 905 356 1501 / +1 800 461 2492 (Toll Free)10
Cham Shan Temple
Location:
view in google maps4303 River Road
L2E 3E8 Niagara Falls (ON), Canada
Phone:
1.905.371.267911
Niagara Falls IMAX Theatre
Location:
view in google maps6170 Fallsview Boulevard
L2G 7T8 Niagara Falls (ON), Canada
Phone:
+1 905 358 3611 / +1 866 405 4629(Toll Free)Day 3 - Niagara On The Lake, Niagara Falls (ON)
Now it's time for some history, some retail therapy and some theatrical fun. A short drive from Niagara Falls will take you to Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of the most historically important and well preserved towns in Canada, often called "Canada's prettiest town". Old Fort George is a window into living history, recreating the days before the War of 1812. The Shaw Festival presents excellent theatre, and the main street of this lovely town is lined with specialty shops that are irresistible. There's elegant dining at historic places like The Charles Inn, and more casual dining at pubs like the Angel. Enjoy an authentic English high tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel. Tour the Laura Secord Home or visit the Riverbend Art Gallery for a glimpse of some of Canada's most historic art pieces.
There are many fine hotels here, from the elegance of the Queen's Landing and the warmly inviting Harbour house, to the simplicity of Apple Tree B&B.
Arrange ahead of time to secure tickets to one of the plays at the Shaw Festival. This season's The Ideal Husband" by Oscar Wilde, is spectacular. Afterwards, enjoy a drink in the bar at the Prince of Wales, where many of the actors come to decompress after a performance.
1
PRINCE OF WALES
Location:
view in google maps6 Picton Street
L0S 1J0 Niagara On The Lake, CA
Phone:
+1 905 468 32463
Apple Tree Historic B&B
Location:
view in google maps263 Regent Street
Box 1792
L0S 1J0 Niagara On The Lake, CA
5
QUEENS LANDING
Location:
view in google maps155 Byron Street
L0S 1J0 Niagara On The Lake, CA
9
Laura Secord Homestead
Location:
view in google maps29 Queenston Street
L0S 1J0 Niagara Falls (ON), Canada
Phone:
+1 877 642 7275 (Reservations)10
Fort George National Historic Site
Location:
Niagara On The Lake, CanadaPhone:
905/468-661412
Harbour House, an Ontario's Finest Inn
Location:
view in google maps85 Melville St
L0S 1J0 Niagara On The Lake, CA
Phone:
1-866-277-6677 or 905-468-4683Day 4 - Niagara Falls (ON)
This is the day to explore Wine Country. One of the best ways to see the area is by bike. There are several companies that conduct guided bike tours that include visits and tastings at four or five different wineries, as well as lunch. Be sure to pick up a bottle or two of the ones you particularly liked at the tastings. Many of these are wines that you can't buy anywhere else but at the cellar door. Be sure to visit the large and well established wineries like Peller Estates and Jackson-Triggs, but don't neglect the smaller boutique wineries that are making some of the best wine in the country - places like Daniel Lenko Winery and John Howard Cellars of Distinction.
1
Vineland Estates Winery - Restaurant
Location:
view in google maps3620 Moyer Road
Vineland Estates Winery
L0R 2C0 Niagara Falls (ON), Canada
Phone:
+1 905 562 7088 / +1 888 846 3526(Toll Free)