Category: Niagara Falls Hotels

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and celebration with loved ones. It’s a holiday meant for reflecting on the bounty of great things that have happened throughout the year, and a time to gather with friends and family for relaxed companionship and delicious meals.

Thanksgiving in Canada happens on the second Monday of every year. In 2019, it’s on October 14. Thanksgiving in Canada is an official holiday, and many Canadians commemorate the day by spending time with those they care about.

If you’ll be visiting Niagara Falls for Thanksgiving weekend, check out these Niagara Falls tours and things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Many Americans also take advantage of the long Thanksgiving weekend in the States and head up north for holiday. If you’ll be in Niagara Falls for the American Thanksgiving November 28, here are some things to check out, like the Niagara Falls Festival of Lights.

Things to Do in Niagara Falls Ontario for Canadian Thanksgiving, October 14

Autumn in Niagara Falls is one of the nicest times of year to be outside, with trees and leaves changing colours and adopting brilliant hues. Get in touch with nature by heading out with the family to the Niagara River Recreation Trail. Traverse more than 50km of pedestrian and bicyclist paths along the Canadian side of the Niagara River. Check out beautiful wildlife, flora and fauna along the way.

Thanksgiving weekend, you can head to the Ball’s Falls 45^th Annual Thanksgiving Festival, October 11 to 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The festival features more than 170 juried artisans, food vendors, demonstrators and entertainers. It’s a beautiful community event celebrating the Thanksgiving season.

Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in Niagara Falls is one of the last weekends to head to the Floral Showhouse to see the Reiger Begonia Display. This colourful floral exhibit includes a mix of tropical foliage plants and begonias that create a stunningly gorgeous display.

Fall is also a great time to kick back with friends and family and check out winery Niagara Falls tours. Get a designated driver, grab your loved ones, and pop by wineries of the region to sample in-season fall flavours.

Thanksgiving weekend is your last chance to head to Safari Niagara before it closes for the season. Safari Niagara hosts the 7^th annual Boo in the Zoo event October 12 to October 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids can trick-or-treat around the zoo, with local businesses giving out goodies to visitors. There will be costume contests each day, a “Find the Golden Pumpkin” contest and a kids’ fun zone. Children ages 12 and younger receive free admission to the zoo on these days with a donation of a non-perishable food item.

Things to Do in Niagara Falls Ontario for American Thanksgiving, November 28

Looking for a different kind of American Thanksgiving? Head to Niagara Falls, Canada, for the long weekend. Niagara Falls is a great place to stay up north, with lots of fun events going on in late November.

The Niagara Falls Festival of Lights will be in full effect. Travel along the 8km route to see unique light displays, interactive art installations and more than 50 trees on Dufferin Islands wrapped with lights. There will also be light shows with music, like the Toronto Power Generating Station Light Show.

If you want to head somewhere special on the night of American Thanksgiving in Niagara Falls, the Greg Frewin Theatre is hosting DREAMER, The Supertramp Experience, a dinner-and-a-show event featuring talented Supertramp tribute band DREAMER. The buffet dinner is optional and can be added to any show ticket.

If you’ll be in Niagara Falls for American Thanksgiving, there’s no need to worry about what you’re going to eat. The best Niagara Falls restaurants will be open and ready to welcome you and your guests for Thanksgiving dinner.

You can check out Niagara Falls fireworks on Friday, November 29, at 9 p.m. Bundle up and head outside to see this magnificent one-of-a-kind show, or watch it from your Niagara Falls fallsview hotel room or restaurant.

If you’ll be in Niagara Falls a little earlier than the actual American Thanksgiving, head to the Holiday Handmade Market the weekend before, November 22 to 24 at Scotiabank Convention Centre. Get a head start on holiday shopping, where you can shop thousands of unique Canadian-made artisan products.

Get a Great Deal on Niagara Falls Hotels for Thanksgiving

Any time of year is fun to visit Niagara Falls or take a staycation right by the Niagara Falls waterfalls. The Thanksgiving weekends have a festive feel because they’re times of year when holidays like Christmas are just around the corner. Spending time with friends and family in Niagara Falls is always quality time.

If you’re interested in coming to Niagara Falls for a Thanksgiving weekend, book a stay with NiagaraFallsHotels.com. We’ve got great deals and packages for couples, groups and more.

Niagara Falls is a foodie’s paradise. The region is known for its farm-fresh produce, innovative chef creations, gorgeous Niagara Falls restaurants and welcoming hospitality.

There are always fun food-filled events happening on the Niagara Falls Canada side, featuring the best food and wine Niagara Falls has to offer. Check out these Niagara Falls food events when you’re looking for things to do near Niagara Falls in the upcoming seasons.

Niagara Culinary Tours

Niagara Culinary Tours brings groups of locals and visitors together for walking tours of notable restaurants in Niagara Falls. Attendees get to learn about Niagara Falls history, get to taste some of the most mouthwatering dishes available at each restaurant, and get to mix and mingle with other guests. Here are some events to plan for.

Mornings Just Got Better Food Tour

Every Saturday and Sunday morning through October, the Mornings Just Got Better Food Tour takes guests throughout Old Towne Niagara-on-the-Lake, kicking off wth a coffee and pastry for a 2km-loop tour. This foodie tour features sweet and savoury samplings, along with insights into Niagara wine country culture and heritage. The tour goes from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and costs $55 per person.

St. Catharines Food and History Tour

The St. Catharines Food and History Tour runs every Saturday through October and is a 3-hour walking tour offering insights into the history, food, wine and culture of St. Catharines. Visitors will get to head into the St. Catharines downtown, including a trip to the St. Catharines market, a St. Catharines fine dining restaurant that’s been going 30+ years strong, a vegan doughnut shop and a community cafe. The walk is a flat 2km loop, and vegetarian options are available with advanced request. Tickets cost $75 each.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Foodie Tour

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Foodie Tour is the ultimate foodie tour when you’re visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake. You can join in every Thursday through Sunday through November 25. Each tour starts at 1:30 p.m. and is 3.5 hours of food-filled fun, focusing on both the history and culture of Niagara-on-the-Lake as well as the local food flavours. Tour participants get to meet local chefs and restaurant owners and see cultural landmarks along the way. If you’re new to Niagara-on-the-Lake, this tour is a great way to explore the area, learn about a new place and enjoy a decadent time filling up on some of the finest food and wine the region has to offer. Tickets cost $75 per person, and groups are limited to 12 people each to keep each tour intimate. Vegetarian options are available with advanced request.

Ugly Sweater Holiday Food Tour

The Ugly Sweater Holiday Food Tour by Niagara Culinary Tours is held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in December. Guests are encouraged to wear their ugliest (or cutest) holiday sweater for the 2.5-hour walking tour. It includes food tastings and a chance for guests to pick up a unique last-minute holiday gift. The ugliest sweater wearer will win a special prize. Tickets are $60 per person. Each tour starts at 1 p.m. at the Irish Harp in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Winter Wonderland Food Tour

The Winter Wonderland Food Tour takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from January 2020 to March 30, 2020. Each tour kicks off at 1 p.m. at the Irish Harp Pub in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The tour costs $65 per person and is a 2.5-hour walking tour along 2km at a leisurely pace. Guests will sample food at Old Towne Niagara-on-the-Lake eateries and can expect tasty delights like Irish stew and hot cocoa.

Niagara Culinary Experiences

Meet Celebrity Chef Massimo Capra at a one-of-a-kind event among Niagara Falls restaurants, the Niagara Culinary Experiences presented by Falls Avenue Resort. This four-event series has four distinct culinary adventures to take with Chef Massimo at his Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant. Each dinner includes a mix and mingle with Chef Massimo, a cocktail reception with nibbles and bubbles, and a five-course dinner and wine pairings.

The dinner themes are:

• December 6, 2019, Natale a Tavola: This Christmas dinner features recipes passed down through generations.
• January 31, 2020, An Icewine Dinner: Ice wine is special sweet dessert wine that is made with Niagara region grapes still frozen on the vine. This unique type of wine inspired this dinner.
• March 27, 2020, A Culinary Tour of Abruzzo: Diners will taste dishes inspired by this southern central Italy region, located on an eastern shoreline of the Adriatic Sea.
• April 24, 2020, A Culinary Tour of Emilia Romagna: Taste flavours from this Northern Italy region, home to delicious Italian items like stuffed pasta and Prosciutto di Parma.

Get a great deal on a room at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel and these amazing five-course dinners. You can book a room-and-meal dinner for just $199 per person here.

Plan Your Foodie Trip to Niagara Falls

There are dozens of amazing Niagara Falls restaurants and food-and-wine things to do near Niagara Falls. Book a Niagara Falls trip to see why this part of the world is a top dining destination.

If you’re looking for a great Niagara Falls restaurant experience then you have come to the right place. Delectable international cuisine is the cornerstone of dining in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada and Niagara’s award-winning wine region enhances the diverse options. Niagara Falls has more to offer than just the spectacular waterfall, incredible Niagara Falls restaurants will satisfy foodies and restaurant enthusiasts. On your next visit to the Canadian side of the Falls, make sure to stop by one of these amazing restaurants in Niagara Falls.

Prime Steakhouse

Located in The Brock Niagara Falls-Fallsview, Prime is a contemporary steakhouse with a classic Fallsview flair. With premium steaks, exceptional service, and the most stunning views of Niagara Falls you will see why they are rated #1 Restaurant in Niagara Falls on TripAdvisor.

Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant

Massimo’s enticing dinner menu offers innovative takes on authentic Italian dishes using fresh and delicious ingredients from throughout the Niagara Region. Rated the #1 Italian Restaurant in Niagara Falls on TripAdvisor, this Fallsview restaurant offers classic Italian cuisine making for a satisfying and noteworthy dining experience with a spectacular view of Niagara Falls. Massimo’s is located on the Fallsview Dining Level of the Sheraton Fallsview hotel.

Ponte Vecchio

Featuring fine Italian dining, surrounded by an old-world atmosphere, Ponte Vecchio’s menu is designed to tempt your taste buds along with an award-winning wine list to compliment any dish. Enjoy an intriguingly delicious restaurant located in the Fallsview Casino Resort.

21 Club

From slow-roasted prime rib and perfectly charred custom-aged rib eyes, T-bone and striploins to sumptuous seafood, 21 Club Steak and Seafood is a cut above the rest. With 700 of the finest local and international wines, there is always a sommelier on hand to ensure the best pairing with your meal. Located on Fallsview Casino Resort.

Morton’s Grille Niagara Falls

Morton’s Grille offers a casual yet elegant atmosphere along with an impressive menu of succulent steaks, fresh seafood, burgers, salads and more. Delight your taste buds with an exceptional superbly executed dinner menu with the illuminated natural wonder, Niagara Falls, as your backdrop. Located in the Marriott Fallsview hotel.

Milestones On The Falls

Milestones brings delicious and innovative flavours to each dish. Made with fresh ingredients every day, the chefs are passionate about giving you a tantalizingly tasteful meal, from appetizer to dessert. Enjoy crave-worthy items with a direct view of the magnificent Niagara Falls, located in the Marriott on the Falls hotel.

Fallsview Grand Buffet

Niagara’s #1 Buffet Brunch and Dinner! This Niagara Falls restaurant is celebrated for its extensive 80 foot buffet with live-action cooking stations to create an interactive dining experience. Located on the Fallsview Dining Level of the Sheraton Fallsview, the selection, variety and spectacular views are all a part of the Fallsview Grand Buffet experience.

Hard Rock Café

Whether you decide to eat in the Elvis inspired dining room or the Beatles room you will have an incredible dining experience, there’s also an 80-foot guitar bar! It is a popular dining choice thanks to its dynamic tex-mex inspired menu and rock n’ roll atmosphere.  Located on the Falls Avenue Resort.

Niagara Distillery

Niagara’s newest distillery has opened on the corner of Falls Avenue and Clifton Hill. Niagara Distillery created six select spirits designed to be impeccable on their own or mixed to create your favourite cocktail. They proudly serve award-winning BBQ from Billy Bones BBQ.  The menu is packed with tender brisket, juicy burgers, and mouthwatering ribs cooked low and slow then caramelized in classic Billy Bones sauce to perfectly complement the craft spirits.

Niagara Brewing Company

Grab a cold craft beer that proudly represents Canada’s brewing heritage and today’s innovative craft beer scene. They’re passionate about providing the highest quality beer to enthusiastic consumers and take pride in what they do. While enjoying Niagara’s best craft beer, and no longer thirsty, you can enjoy any of their delicious menu options. It’s an added bonus that they’re food is as good as their beer, whether you want a snack or a full meal they’ve definitely got something to satisfy your taste buds. Located on the corner of Falls Avenue and Clifton Hill.

The changing leaves, crisp and cool weather and autumn harvests make fall a great time to book a Niagara Falls trip. There are festivals, artisan events, spooky scares and more in Niagara Falls.

Use Niagara Falls Hotels’ site to find the top places to stay for a trip to Niagara Falls. We feature the best Niagara Falls hotels that are close to all the action, so it’s easy to get to where you want to go.

1. Grape and Wine Festival

Kick off fall with the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival from September 14-29. Usher in the new bounty of grapes from the vineyards with wine-themed events all over Niagara Falls during this time.

You can check out:

• Wine tastings with a Discovery Pass, where you can get 8 wine and culinary experiences at your choice out of the 27 participating wineries
• The Montebello Park Experience, Canada’s largest wine festival on September 20-22 and September 27-29

There’s also the 68^th Annual Meridian Grande Parade September 28 at 11 a.m. in Downtown St. Catharines to check out. This time of year is a great time to sample the fine Niagara wines and connect with the local community.

2. Niagara on the Lake’s Haunted Fort George Halloween

Fort George may be one of the most haunted places in all of the Niagara Falls area. It’s where many battles during the War of 1812 took place, and it’s still home to a historic military structure.

Get in the Halloween spirit with a candlelight ghost tour at Fort George. They’re held every Sunday in September at 7:30 p.m. and take place at various times Friday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s (plus October 30 and 31) in October. Tours last around a couple hours long and take visitors into Fort George after dark to hear about hauntings and history.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 13 and younger in September, and are $25 for everyone in October. There are also private ghost tour options.

3. Niagara Culinary Tours

If you love Italian food, you have to check out the 6^th Annual Niagara Culinary Tours, a taste of Italy at Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant. Celebrity chef Massimo Capra leads guests through an intimate dining experience featuring cuisines from different parts of Italy. Each dinner includes a meet-and-greet opportunity with chef Massimo, a standing cocktail reception with canapes and prosecco and a five-course dinner and wine pairings.

The first date for the event starts toward the end of fall. Here are all the dates:

• December 6: Natale a Tavola
• January 31: An Ice Wine Dinner
• March 27: A Culinary Tour of Abruzzo
• April 24: A Culinary Tour of Emilia Romagana

Dates sell out quickly. The event is $129 per person, and you can add on a hotel room stay in a Fallsview room for just $70 more per person. Get info here.

4. 9^th Annual HandMade Market

Get a head start on holiday shopping at the 9^th Annual Fall HandMade Market, which features handmade goods from more than 140 curated artisans from around Canada. Head to the 13^th Street Winery September 13 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and September 14 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to check out the event, which will include goods like jewellery, bags, fashion accessories, home décor, bath and body products, ceramics, wood and leather to purchase.

There will also be food, art and so much more. Entry is $6 for adults, and it’s free for kids ages 16 and younger.

5. Niagara Falls International Marathon

The Niagara Falls International Marathon brings people from around the globe to Niagara Falls to complete a marathon and other races. Runners can choose from a full marathon, marathon relay, half-marathon, 10K or 5K races. This year’s race takes place October 20.

The race provides a unique view of Niagara Falls landscape, taking runners to the brink of the Niagara Falls waterfalls. Registration prices increase on October 1. You can register here.

6. Frightmare in the Falls

Frightmare in the Falls is a spooktacular horror event taking place at Scotiabank Convention Centre October 26 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and October 27 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Attendees can check out:

• Attractions like “The Evil Dead” cabin, “Stranger Things” living room, the Ecto-1 car and the Thor “Supernatural” Impala
• Guest and panels, including Kane Hodder from “Friday the 13^th,” Bill Moseley from “The Devil’s Rejects,” and Tony Moran from “Halloween”
• Vendors and exhibitons, including comics, fashion, toys and collectibles, posters and more

Tickets include VIP options and after party tickets. Purchase here.

7. Taste the Season

Craving more wine? Get tickets to Taste the Season, with dates on Friday’s through Sunday’s through November 24. Dozens of Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries participate in this annual event, which gives attendees the opportunity to sample food and wine pairings at each participating winery. That’s a lot of food and drink!

Tickets cost $55 each. Every day, the wineries are available to visit using the pass from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Get tickets here.

Book a Place to Stay with Niagara Falls Hotels

Ready to start planning your Niagara Falls trip? Find the best Niagara Falls hotels.

Falls Avenue Resort has announced the dates for the 2019/2020 Niagara Culinary Experience series.  The popular events feature renowned Chef Massimo Capra, and highlight an Italian Region and winery each night. 

The events, hosted at Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant on the Fallsview Dining Level of the the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, sell out quickly with guests excited to rub elbows with the jovial Chef, and experience Italian cuisine with a master of his craft.

There are 3 events scheduled for 2019/2020 with guests having two options to reserve their attendance at the events.  Hotel Packages include 1 Night Fallsview Hotel Accommodations, a mix & mingle with Massimo Capra, standing cocktail reception with canapés and pairings, and a 5-course dinner with wine pairings,  or Dinner Only tickets (same inclusions without Hotel Accommodations).

December 6, 2019 – Natale a Tavola

A Christmas dinner that celebrates the nostalgia and tradition of recipes being passed from generation to generation.

March 27, 2020 – A Culinary Tour of Abruzzo

Often thought of as Italian cuisine at its purest, the culinary dialect of Abruzzo is influenced by the sea and the mountains.

April 24, 2020 – A Culinary Tour of Emilia Romagna

This highly productive region is the source of many Italian staples that line the cupboards of kitchens throughout the world and is considered to be the culinary heart of Italy.

Every event in the 6 year history of the series has sold out; don’t miss your opportunity to attend these unique experiences – Make your Reservation now!

The Annual Harvest BBQ at Reif Estate Winery is a great event to attend to usher in a Niagara Falls fall season. Foodies and wine lovers can delight in amazing food and wine made from authentic Niagara Falls region ingredients, in a picturesque setting unlike any other in the world.

Reif Estate Winery is regarded as one of the top Niagara wineries for its gorgeous, elegant environment, with breathtaking vineyards and world-class service. The winery has been in business since 1983, spanning 125 acres of vineyards along the Niagara River.

At the Annual Harvest BBQ, visitors can eat a scrumptious in-season meal paired with some of Reif Estate Winery’s top selections. If you’re looking for things to do in Niagara Falls Canada in September, add this event to your list.

Annual Harvest BBQ at Reif Estate Winery Details

When: Friday, September 13, 2019, from 7-10 p.m.

Where: Reif Estate Winery, 15608 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0

Cost: $65 per person, plus taxes and gratuity; Reifstyle wine club members get 25% off

Contact: 905-468-7738, http://www.reifwinery.com

Harvest BBQ?

If you like fine food and fine wines, the Annual Harvest BBQ is for you. The event lasts around three hours, with a family-style dinner that encourages guests to linger, converse with loved ones and make new friends around the table. Seating is assigned, and groups can be accommodated to sit together. The event is meant to be a casual, friendly, enjoyable time for all who come.

The dinner takes place in Reif Estate Winery’s elegant back cellar. If the weather is nice, the cellar’s door will be lifted for indoor-outdoor ambiance to enjoy with dinner.

Before and after eating, guests can wander around the grounds as they enjoy a glass of wine. Live entertainment lasts throughout the event, and is typically easy listening live acoustic music those with a wide range of musical tastes will enjoy.

What’s on the Annual Harvest BBQ Menu?

Fall kicks off in September, so expect hearty and seasonal fare that will get palates excited for the changing of the seasons. The meal will feature locally grown ingredients from the Niagara Falls region.

The Annual Harvest BBQ menu will have selections including:

• Grilled bratwurst
• German potato salad
• Fresh baked bread
• Apple strudel

Guests will be able to pair their meal with one of the winery’s famed wines. Try a selection of wines including the River Road Gewurztraminer Riesling 2018, a crisp and refreshing wine with notes of fresh citrus and lychee; and a Cabernet Merlot 2018, with flavours of plum, mulberry and raspberry.

Reif Estate Winery serves VQA wines, which stands for the Vintners Quality Alliance. The VQA distinction means each wine is guaranteed to have the high quality and authenticity of origin for Canadian wines in Ontario. Reif Estate Winery wines are made with grapes grown on site for truly local selections.

Make a Day of It at Reif Estate Winery

There are so many Niagara wineries to choose from, that you can head to Reif Estate Winery earlier in the day before the Annual Harvest BBQ and visit others before going back for dinner.

The Reif Estate Winery is a Niagara Falls winery that serves ice wine, a unique wine made in Niagara Falls when grapes are still frozen on the vine. The resulting wine is sweet and strong, a tasty dessert wine selection that has a flavour unique to the region.

Reif Estate Winery has a sensory garden, where you can see the flavours, aromas and colours associated with the wines produced in the region. There are also local charcuterie and artisan cheese plates available for purchase, as well as light bites from the winery’s outdoor kitchen.

You could also head to Reif Estate Winery earlier for a public or private tour and tasting, including wine and chocolate, wine and cheese, and red wine and charcuterie tasting options. You can see the winery during the day before going back at night for dinner.

If You Love Wine, Niagara Falls Is the Perfect Place for Tastings

The Niagara Falls region is home to dozens of beautiful Niagara wineries, each with their own special story and wine flavours. Head to Niagara Falls for fun events like the Annual Harvest BBQ at Reif Estate Winery. You could spend days or weeks visiting all the wineries and trying the very best wine Niagara Falls has to offer, including ice wine.

Book a stay at one of the best Niagara Falls Hotels for a welcoming place to stay on your Niagara Falls trips. Hotel concierge can help with transportation for all your wine tasting needs. You can also check out our Niagara Falls winery packages, which includes a room, dining deals and a stop to Reif Estate Winery and many more along the way.

In September 2018 Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE), owner, developer and manager of integrated resorts throughout the United States and Northern Asia, announced that they had been selected by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) as the service provider for the Niagara Gaming Bundle in Niagara Falls, Ontario, following a competitive procurement process. This past year has been an exciting time as MGE readied itself to take over day-to-day operations at Fallsview Casino Resort, Casino Niagara, and the future 5,000-seat Niagara Falls Entertainment Centre.

At the time, Dino DiCienzo – President Canadian Niagara Hotels said,

“In selecting Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, OLG has selected an internationally recognized gaming destination operator which will take Niagara’s casinos to the next level. I am confident MGE will work collaboratively with the community”.

Today that collaboration is more true than ever as MGE and Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc (CNHI) are pleased to announce that Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc is investing in MGE’s Niagara Falls operation. DiCienzo, head of Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc (CNHI) will also serve as vice chair of MGE Niagara Entertainment Inc.’s board of directors, the entity that manages Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara.

Read the full press release for the DiCienzo investment in MGE Niagara Falls →

If you’re driving into Niagara Falls, you might pass through Queen Street, a historic part of the Niagara Falls downtown area with lots of quaint local shops, fabulous restaurants and sights to check out. Queen Street has been thriving since the 1850s and remains a financial hub for Niagara Falls, as well as a place locals and tourists love to visit.

If you’re travelling to Niagara Falls, head to Queen Street for a nice morning, afternoon or

evening away from the waterfalls. Here are some things you can do on Queen Street.

Dine at Treadwell

Treadwell is a farm-to-table restaurant on Queen Street that is so delicious, people from Toronto rave about it. The menu showcases local ingredients in delectable dishes like roasted heritage chicken breast with in-season vegetables, potato and herb gnocchi with mushrooms and Swiss chard, and pan roasted halibut with cherry tomato and Focaccia Panzanella salad.

The restaurant is a force to be reckoned with because it has its own bakery next door and an on-site sommelier who will guide you through wine pairings for each dish. The interior is understated yet elegant, while the outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy Niagara Falls weather.

See a Show at Shaw Festival

Shaw Festival on Queen Street presents 13 plays on three stages from April through December, plus activities and events throughout the year. Come here to see local acting talent on the big stage, in diverse theatre selections including shows for the whole family. If you want to watch live art in Niagara Falls, this is a great destination to check out.

Take a Horse Carriage Ride

See Queen Street from a unique vantage point by taking a horse carriage ride around. You’ll spot carriages near the Prince of Wales on Queen Street. Tours range from 30 minutes to an hour and start at $95CDN. Find info here.

Visit the Niagara Apothecary

Learn about Niagara Falls history at the Niagara Apothecary on Queen Street, an authentic museum restoration of an 1869 pharmacy. Marvel at historic medicines, talk with the staff about how the pharmacy operated and learn about some of the remedies that were used for various ailments for customers who visited the pharmacy back then.

The Niagara Apothecary is free to enter and also sells natural bath and body products you can use today. It’s a little slice of Niagara Falls and Canadian history that’s neat to check out.

Get in the Christmas Spirit Any Time of Year

Just Christmas on Queen Street gets you in the holiday spirit all year-round. The Christmas-themed shop is a bevy of snowmen, elves, reindeer, holiday paintings, ornaments and so many more Christmas decorations.

If you love Christmas and want to collect some Niagara Falls souvenirs, or get a head start on your shopping, this place will give you all the warm and fuzzy feelings.

Buy a Fair-Trade Souvenir from Ten Thousand Villages

Ten Thousand Villages is a great shop for those who are concerned about where their goods come from. The store on Queen Street is a fair-trade shop, meaning purchases directly support the makers who crafted the items. Purchasing goods from here enables shoppers to support the global village, one where designs are created using natural or recycled local materials and are made with traditional handiwork.

Ten Thousand Villages has just about any type of good you could be look for, from home décor and fashion accessories, to kitchen, dining, furniture and clothing goods. You get to purchase one-of-a-kind goods, and you help the maker through your purchase – a win-win.

Grab Some Ice Cream at COWS

You can smell the heavenly scent of handmade ice cream when you walk by COWS. It’s no wonder lines to the creamery sometimes spill out onto Queen Street. The ice cream here is that good.

COWS’ claim to fame comes from the down-home ingredients, including 16% butterfat, fresh cream and real eggs. The ice cream is mixed slowly to keep air out, resulting in a ridiculously creamy and thick consistency that will leave you licking your spoon. Try flavours like brownie explosion, caramel macchiato and sea salted toffee.

See Wildlife Art at Edward Spera Gallery

You’ll do a double take when you walk into Edward Spera Gallery. The artist’s paintings look like photographs, capturing the essence of wildlife from Africa, India, Southeast Asia, China, South and Central America, and beyond.

Spera is constantly travelling to find new inspiration, so you’ll always see something fresh in the gallery. If you’re an art collector in Niagara Falls, his gallery is definitely worth a visit.

Book a Niagara Falls Trip

Queen Street is only a short drive away from the Niagara Falls waterfalls. The places mentioned here are a few of our favorites, but there are so many more fun things to check out when you visit Queen Street and beyond in Niagara Falls.

Book your stay with Niagara Falls hotels, and check out Queen Street and more while you’re here.

Summer is coming to a close, so don’t miss out on these fun Niagara Falls events while the weather is nice and warm. From yoga at Journey Behind the Falls, to a tour that packs five fun destinations in one night, put these things to do in Niagara Falls on your end-of-summer itinerary.

1. See a Concert at the Summer Music Series and Watch Niagara Falls Fireworks After

Friday and Sunday nights through September 2, head to Queen Victoria Park for a free Niagara Falls concert kicking off at 8 p.m. The stage overlooks Niagara Falls for a concert experience unlike any other.

Here are the upcoming performers:

• Sunday, August 11: Alessia Cohle
• Friday, August 16: Riley Michaels
• Sunday, August 18: House of David
• Friday, August 23: By Design
• Sunday, August 25: Safe as Houses
• Friday, August 30: Elyse Saunders
• Sunday, September 1: Gravely James
• Monday, September 2: Jessica Wilson

The Niagara Summer Music Series stage is right near Table Rock House Restaurant and Queen Victoria Place Restaurant, so you can grab a bite to eat outside to hear the music, or head to dinner before the show.

After every show, see Niagara Falls fireworks light up the sky at around 10 p.m.

2. Check Out Niagara Falls newest Restaurant – Niagara Distillery

If you’re into sampling local spirits, head to the newly opened Niagara Distillery for craft spirits and cocktails. The distillery serves up a variety of spirits, including whisky, moonshine, vodka, gin and rum. Drink your preferred spirit on the rocks, or try a signature iced or frozen concoction.

Enjoy your drink in the summer weather on the patio. Pair it with some summer barbecue from Billy Bones BBQ at the distillery, with a selection including ribs, burgers, sandwiches and all the fixins’. The Niagara Distillery is the perfect place to go for an authentic taste of Niagara Falls food and drink.

3. Have an Epic Evening Visiting Niagara Falls Hot Spots

Want to experience some of the coolest things to do in Niagara Falls, all in a single night? Check out the Epic Evening in Niagara Falls Tour, a five-stop adventure in Niagara Falls.

The tour takes off daily at 3:30 p.m. and is five hours of fun. First, you’ll head to Konzelmann Estate Winery for a VIP tour and tasting, where you can learn about the winery’s history, see the view across Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline from the observation deck, and kick off your evening with a tasting of four wines.

Then, head to another wine tasting at Reif Estate Winery, one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s founding family wineries. Hop aboard Hornblower Niagara Cruises afterward, where you’ll get sprayed by the majestic mist of the falls as you get a close-up view.

Enjoy dinner at the Fallsview Buffet, where you can see Niagara Falls from any table in the restaurant. Finally, take a tour on the Journey Behind the Falls, which takes you through a tunnel directly behind the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. It’s an epic night you’ll never forget!

Tickets cost $159 for teens/adults ages 13 and older, and $79 for kids ages 6 to 12. Children ages 5 and younger are free.

4. Try a Whirlpool Jet Boat Ride

If you’re into adventure, hop on a Whirlpool Jet Boat tour for a thrilling time. Each tour lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, where you’ll check out beautiful Niagara Falls scenery and learn about the history of the War of 1812, the Niagara Gorge and Niagara Falls.

Feel the rush of the rapids as you travel (and spin) on these boats built with triple turbo diesel water jet systems. You’ll head from Niagara River into the Niagara Gorge at an exhilarating 55 miles per hour. Then, you’ll head through Class 5 “Devil’s Hole” rapids. Yes, you will get wet, and that’s all part of the fun.

Tickets are $69.95 for teens/adults ages 13 and older and $45 for children ages 12 and younger.

5. Do Some Yoga at Niagara Falls

Unleash your inner yogi at Namaste Niagara, a truly one-of-a-kind experience where you can get into Warrior I, Downward Facing Dog and other poses while overlooking the rushing waters of Niagara Falls. Being so close with nature while going on the physical, mental and emotional journey of a yoga class is an elevated experience.

The yoga class happens every Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. through September 1 and lasts 45 minutes long. Afterward, participants can enjoy brunch at Queenston Heights and Whirlpool Restaurants, which is included in admission. Tickets are $60 per person.

Book Your Niagara Falls Trip

You still have time to experience summer fun in Niagara Falls. Book a stay at one of the best hotels in Niagara Falls. Each one is close to all the action mentioned here, so you can walk to your destination and get around easily.

It’s true that Niagara Falls is home to one of nature’s most breathtaking sights – the waterfalls – but it’s also a place where visitors can have a memorable vacation for years to come. There are so many Niagara Falls attractions to satisfy you no matter what you and your family are into. Here are seven fun things to do near Niagara Falls to add to your itinerary, that you might not have known about before.

1. The Ice House Winery

Niagara Falls is known around the world for ice wine, a unique sweet wine made from grapes that are still frozen on the vine. Niagara Falls weather makes the region the perfect place to produce this dessert wine. If you enjoy wine, ice wine is a must-try when you’re looking for things to do in Niagara Falls. The Ice House Winery is the perfect place to check it out.

Head here to try a variety of tasty ice wines, as well as the super cool N’Ice Slushies, made with the winery’s signature ice wines. Try offerings like ice wine riesling and ice wine Gewürztraminer here.

2. Dufferin Islands

Dufferin Islands Park is a stunningly beautiful piece of nature in Niagara Falls. The small and secluded islands span 10 acres and are connected by wooden footbridges. There’s lots of nature around, including fish and birds, plus indigenous vegetation.

It’s free to visit Dufferin Islands, where you enjoy solitude, walk along babbling brooks and escape from city life. If you visit here during winter, you can see trees lit up and holiday decorations as part of the Winter Festival of Lights.

3. Hershey’s Chocolate World

Fun for kids and adults alike, Hershey’s Chocolate World is a larger-than-life journey into all things chocolate. The venue is 4 stories high and 7,000 square feet of chocolatey goodness, where you can taste freshly made chocolate and fudge and gorge out on sweet goodies like chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Try a chocolate shake, mix and match your favorite chocolates in the candy machine to take with you, dig into a chocolate chip cookie and more. Hershey’s Chocolate World sells branded merchandise and has fun figures like a giant chocolate Kiss greeting visitors as they enter.

4. Short Hills Provincial Park

Nature lovers will love Short Hills Provincial Park, the largest park in Niagara Falls covering 660 hectares of land. The park’s name comes from the short hills that are a result of glacial erosion that occurred more than 12,000 years ago. A visit to this park is also a lesson in Niagara Falls natural history.

Traverse one of the park’s seven trails, including the Paleozoic Trail that takes visitors to a view of Swayze Falls. You might see Niagara Falls wildlife along the way, including birds, wild turkeys and deer amid the gorgeous plants and scenery.

5. Heartland Forest Nature Experience

It’s free to visit Heartland Forest Nature Experience, a kid- and family-friendly spot offering a variety of outdoors activities and entertainment. Some of the things to check out include music nights, nature school for kiddos, camps, gardening clubs, wood shops, train rides, forest art and astronomy nights.

There are outdoor paths to walk, which feature learning opportunities about the surrounding wildlife. Keep an eye out for frogs, birds and garter snakes along the way.

6. White Water Walk

Get up-close to Niagara Falls nature on the White Water Walk, a quarter-mile boardwalk adjacent to the Niagara River’s Great Gorge Rapids. The White Water Walk is a self-paced activity, where visitors can check out the rapids from several observation areas throughout the walk. Besides the water, see 410-million-year-old rock formations at various views.

The walk is a flat path that’s suitable for all ages and abilities. You’ll take an elevator down to the base of Niagara Gorge before embarking. There is an entrance fee, of about $10.50USD/$14CAD for adults and $6.50USD/$9CAD for kids ages 6 to 12.

7. The Screaming Tunnel

If you’re into spooky things and other worlds, you should visit the Screaming Tunnel in Niagara Falls. This tunnel is off Warner Road in northwest Niagara Falls, near Perridiso Estate Winery between Garner Road and Queen Elizabeth Way.

Legend has it that a young girl burned to death in the tunnel. Some say she ran to it to escape a burning barn but didn’t survive. Other tales say her father set her on fire in the tunnel, while others claim she was set on fire after being assaulted. Her screams are said to be heard today, especially when you’re in the tunnel around midnight.

It’s also rumoured that if you go to the tunnel at night and light a match within the middle of it, the spirit of the girl may cause the flame to be extinguished. Go if you dare.

So Many Fun Things to Do Near Niagara Falls

This is a taste of the multitude of Niagara Falls attractions to check out, no matter what you’re into – chocolate, ghosts, nature and more. For more things to do in Niagara Falls, check out our blog.