Best Ways to Experience Niagara Icewine this Winter

Niagara's world-famous Icewine.
Glasses of world-famous Niagara Icewine.

Niagara Icewine is famous around the world, and this January there are a number of amazing events and festivals happening throughout the region that will connect you to the very best of Niagara’s delicious liquid gold.

Icewine Festival

The 2018 Niagara Icewine Festival is taking place January 26th-27th at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, offering guests the chance to sample premium VQA wines and icewines from over 15 top Niagara wineries. The festival will also feature food pairings created by top Niagara chefs, live music, and a stunning outdoor Icewine Winter Wonderland complete with twinkling lights and ice sculptures.

An Icewine Dinner with Jamie Kennedy

On January 19th, 2018 Windows by Jamie Kennedy Fresh Grill & Wine Bar will be hosting An Icewine Dinner with Jamie Kennedy where guests can experience delicious cuisine paired with wines from the award-winning Jackson-Triggs Winery. The evening will feature a mix and mingle with Chefs Jamie Kennedy and Jay Jackson, standing cocktail reception with canapés and pairings, five-course dinner with Niagara Icewine expertly woven throughout, and stunning views of Niagara Falls from the dining room’s floor-to-ceiling windows.

Icewine Beer

Niagara Brewing Company in Niagara Falls has just released their one-of-a-kind Niagara Icewine Beer for a limited time at their craft brewery located on Clifton Hill. Stop by the brewery to try this delicious craft beer on tap or pick it up in 375ml or 750ml bottles. It combines the sweet and complex flavours of icewine with the bubbly goodness of beer and is the perfect winter drink for beer and wine lovers alike.

Icewine & Ice Cream

Chateau des Charmes winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake will be hosting Icewine & Ice Cream events on January 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 22nd, 27th, and 28th in celebration of Niagara Icewine. This special winery event will feature tours and tasting of two Chateau des Charmes Icewines and will offer guests delicious hand-made local ice cream for one of the sweetest winter experiences in Niagara.


Embark on a Deck the Falls Holiday Walking Tour in Niagara Falls

Sheraton Fallsview holiday decor for Deck the Falls Holiday Walking Tours.
Deck the Falls decor in the Sheraton Fallsview lobby.

Deck the Falls Holiday Walking Tours are back in Niagara Falls as part of the city’s annual Winter Festival of Lights, offering people the chance to visit a number of spectacular venues throughout the city’s tourist district and experience culinary sampling, holiday beverages, desserts and treats, games, live entertainment, craft workshops, and more.

The tours are taking place on December 8th-9th and 15th-16th from 5-10pm with tickets available to purchase at the concierge desk located in the lobby of the Sheraton Fallsview hotel. Ticket holders will receive a tour pass that includes vouchers to be redeemed along the way at amazing destinations like the Sheraton Fallsview hotel for spiked spiced apple cider, a Market Fresh cinnamon bun and live music, the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls Fallsview hotel for joyful singing and a festive Hershey’s sample, the Marriott Fallsview hotel for a sample of Morton’s Grille AAA reserve filet accompanied by Niagara red or white wine, and the Scotiabank Convention Centre for a 360° photo and a pair of Deck the Falls gloves.

Other Deck the Falls experiences include horse-drawn carriage rides from the Table Rock Welcome Centre to the beautiful Floral Showhouse, the Christmas display at the Floral Showhouse, and Falls Incline Railway rides between the Fallsview District and the Table Rock Welcome Centre.

Embark on an unforgettable holiday adventure in Niagara Falls and book your tickets today for a spectacular Deck the Falls Holiday Walking Tour.


6 Reasons to Spend New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls New Year's Eve 2017If your goal is to make this year’s New Year’s Eve celebration unlike any other you’ve ever experienced, Niagara Falls is the perfect place to do it. For out-of-towners who have never visited Niagara Falls before, seeing this gorgeous natural sight is a memory you’ll never forget. Locals often enjoy staying in Niagara Falls because it features world-class entertainment amid gorgeous scenery. Visitors return to Niagara Falls again and again because there’s an allure to the city that makes it a warm and welcoming global destination. Pair the breathtaking attraction of Niagara Falls with a celebration to ring in 2018, and you’ve got an amazing way to welcome in the New Year.

There are so many reasons why a Niagara Falls New Years is one that beckons travellers from around the globe. From a free massive concert with some of today’s biggest names in music, to delicious dining with Niagara Falls wine that is adored by wine aficionados, to some of the liveliest nightclub parties around, Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve is always a good time. Here are just six of the many reasons why you should consider booking a trip to Niagara for a Niagara Falls NYE 2017:

The Dining

Niagara Falls is home to some of the most world-renowned restaurants on the planet, which makes the area a fantastic choice for a special occasion meal on New Year’s Eve. Some of the globe’s most notable chefs have a presence in Niagara Falls, with dining options including:

There are so many diverse choices for all tastes, and many restaurants provide beautiful views of Niagara Falls to enjoy as you dine. The whole family has delicious options, with lots of places that are kid-friendly, in addition to romantic dining options for couples.

Most Niagara Falls hotels also have luxurious dining offerings, so you’re only a few steps away from a delicious Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve 2017 meal. When you book Niagara Falls NYE 2017 packages, some hotels offer luxurious Prix Fixe meals in your package or vouchers to spend as you wish.

The Music

One of the most beloved Niagara Falls New Years events is the annual Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve concert in Queen Victoria Park. From 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., some of Canada’s most well-known and awarded artists take the stage to entertain more than 40,000 attendees at the free event, with the concert area opening at 6 p.m. In 2017, global sensations Simple Plan take the stage, along with Canadian stars Jess Moskaluke and bands Marianas Trench and James Barker Band. The diverse roster includes musical styles ranging from pop punk to country, giving everyone a little something to enjoy.

In addition to the main stage, there are several video screens that will broadcast the performances to people in the park, so all attendees can see the show from wherever they are. The Queen Victoria Park Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve bash also includes several food and drink options, plus lighting art and fireworks. Visitors can grab a bite at a nearby restaurant and visit the Table Rock Welcome Centre for shopping before or during the concert.

The Nightlife

If dancing the night away sounds like your idea of a great time on New Year’s Eve, then Niagara Falls has tons of options for partygoers. Niagara Falls NYE 2017 has dozens of nightclub extravaganzas, as well as club crawls, brewery events, singles parties, theme parties, masquerade balls, Latin dance nights, and so much more. Nightlife events are held at a variety of locations throughout the Niagara Falls area, including hotels and resorts, bars, nightclubs, and event venues.

Whether you love a good theme and enjoy dressing up in costume, or you want to get all dolled up in your finest attire and take over the dance floor, there are so many nightlife options in Niagara Falls that heat up New Year’s Eve. Niagara Falls is a top destination for groups looking to have fun, like bachelor and bachelorette parties, and it’s also a place where couples visit when they want to spend quality time together at exciting nighttime events.

The Weather

You might be surprised that the Niagara Peninsula enjoys a milder climate than many other places that are as far north. This means you’re not likely to have to face an ice storm, blizzard, freezing rain, or even a chilling wind, so you can still dress as fashionably as you want and be comfortable. The temperature will probably sit somewhere between 30 degrees and 45 degrees, so while you’ll probably want to wear layers to stay warm while you’re outside, you can still wear eye-catching party clothes that fit wherever you’re going.

For those who are looking to escape freezing temperatures, and for those who want to experience the New Year’s Eve holiday in a wintry wonderland, Niagara Falls strikes the perfect balance. Outdoor activities are freshly invigorating, and curling up with your beloved in your hotel room is sublimely cozy.

The Lights

Niagara Falls Lights & IlluminationsNiagara Falls is absolutely beautiful at night throughout the holiday season thanks to the Winter Festival of Lights, which runs through the end of January. Roughly three miles of Niagara Falls — including the tourist district and the Dufferin Islands — become home to millions of twinkling lights and scores of stunning, lighted displays. Niagara Falls itself is lit up all New Year’s Eve, so whether you’re at the Queen Victoria Park or are enjoying a Niagara Falls view from a nearby hotel or restaurant, seeing Niagara Falls bright and colourful is an absolutely stunning view.

In addition to the Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve fireworks shows are also spectacular to behold. There are two fireworks shows on New Year’s Eve, at 9 p.m. and when the clock strikes midnight. Young ones who need to get to bed early can still see a dazzling early show, and the nighttime fireworks show is talked about worldwide because of the one-of-a-kind Niagara Falls backdrop.

The Magic

Niagara Falls is also home to one of the most magical experiences in all of North America, thanks to local legend and International Grand Champion of Magic, Greg Frewin. This year’s New Year’s Eve bash at the Greg Frewin Theatre starts off with a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., That is followed by a Las Vegas-style buffet at 7:30 p.m., which includes fresh crudités, salads, seafood, herb-roasted chicken, pasta, a beef-carving station, and a dessert station to delight all palates.

Greg Frewin’s world-class magic show commences at 9 p.m., and dancing at 11 p.m. with The Associates classic rock band will take you all the way into the New Year and beyond. Guests will also receive sparkling wine to toast at midnight, along with hors d’oeurves and party favours.

Visit NiagaraFallsHotels.com to Book Your Niagara Falls New Years Room

Whether you ring in the New Year with your eyes on the waterfalls, or you take in the magic at the Greg Frewin Theatre, Niagara is the perfect place to say goodbye to 2017 and hello to 2018.

Most Niagara Falls hotels have New Year’s Eve packages that provide guests relaxing stays in rooms that offer views of Niagara Falls, plus amenities ranging from dining to spa services to nightclub parties. Browse NiagaraFallsHotels.com to find a Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve 2017 package that works for your interests and budget.


Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve Celebration

Fireworks over the Horseshoe Falls for Niagara Falls New Year's Eve celebration.
Fireworks show during the Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve celebration.

The 2018 Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve celebration is going to be a spectacular affair, with the musical lineup for the annual free concert in Queen Victoria Park having just been announced. This year’s all-Canadian lineup will include Marianas Trench, Simple Plan, country singer Jess Moskaluke, and Ontario country band, The James Barker Band.

Every year, Niagara Falls hosts one of the largest outdoor New Year’s Eve celebrations in the country, and 2018 is sure to be another amazing event. In addition to the free concert, people can watch a dazzling fireworks show over Niagara Falls after the midnight countdown and also experience the city’s annual Winter Festival of Lights.

The Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve celebration will draw to a close the amazing Canada 150 celebrations that have been happening all throughout the year, and ring in 2018 in spectacular style. There are also a number of wonderful dining, accommodation, and entertainment destinations to check out while in the city, so start planning your Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve getaway today, and get ready for the experience of a lifetime.


Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve Dining Guide

Discover the best Fallsview dining that Niagara Falls has to offer this New Year’s Eve and make it a spectacular evening full of delicious food and amazing views.

Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra.
Holiday drinks at the Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra.

The Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra

The Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra inside the Crowne Plaza Fallsview hotel is offering two New Year’s Eve dinner seatings, featuring 3 courses of delicious seasonal dishes and magnificent views of Niagara Falls. During the early seating, you can choose from main courses like Sicilian Stuffed Chicken Supreme, Crispy Skinned Atlantic Salmon, Peach Glazed Angus Short Rib, and Porcini Mushroom Risotto, while the late seating offers choices like N.B.C. Black Lager Braised Lamb Shank, Sicilian Stuffed Gam Hen, Porcini Dusted Atlantic Salmon, Fruit of the Sea, and Upper Canada Ricotta Gnudi.

Dining guests will also receive a glass of champagne at midnight to enjoy while taking in the dazzling sight of fireworks over Niagara Falls, and party favours to commemorate the special evening.

Fallsview Buffet

The Fallsview Buffet located inside the Sheraton Fallsview hotel is offering an amazing New Year’s Eve dinner where the food is as great as the view. Choose between an Early Seating or Late Seating and indulge in fresh food from live-action food stations. The Fallsview Buffet dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Niagara Falls, and on New Year’s Eve it’s the place to be to catch the beautiful fireworks show over the Falls.

The Late Seating dinner also includes sparkling wine for a toast at midnight, and a DJ with dancing, so don’t miss out on this unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration.

Spend your New Year's Eve with us at Morton's Grille Niagara.
New Year’s Eve at Morton’s Grille Niagara Falls

Morton’s Grille

Located inside the Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa, Morton’s Grille is Niagara Falls’ newest Fallsview dining experience. And on New Year’s Eve the restaurant will be offering fabulous dinner menus at a Traditional Three-Course Seating from 4-6pm, Deluxe NYE Four-Course Seating from 6-9pm, and Celebration Menu Seating from 9pm-1am.

Choose from main course dishes like the 8oz. Hanger Steak, Grilled Salmon Fillet and Chicken Picatta, and desserts like NY Cheesecake, Morton’s Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake, and White Chocolate Pecan Bread Pudding, and get ready to have an unforgettable New Year’s Eve dinner.

Milestones on the Falls

Milestones on the Falls, located inside the Marriott on the Falls hotel, is offering a fantastic New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe Menu, featuring three courses of delicious culinary delights. Choose between entrees like a 10oz. New York Striploin, Miso Glazed Cod, Portobello Mushroom Chicken, and 12oz. Slow Roasted AAA Prime Rib, and have a world-class dining experience in direct view of the thundering Niagara Falls.


Niagara’s Best Santa Claus Parades

Niagara Region Santa Claus Parades
2017 Niagara Area Santa Claus’ Parades

The holiday season is here and one of the best ways to celebrate is by attending one of the region’s many Santa Claus parades, happening now until Christmas all around Niagara.

Niagara Falls

This year’s Niagara Falls Santa Claus Parade is taking place on Saturday November 18th at 11am on Queen Street in downtown Niagara Falls. The parade will feature twelve marching bands, stilt walkers, inflatable gingermen and snowmen, amazing floats including a special Mrs. Claus float, a giant inflatable Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and Santa Claus. During the parade the Salvation Army will be giving out free hot chocolate at Rosberg Family Park, there will be free face painting, balloons and caricatures near City Hall, Canada Post will be collecting letters to Santa along the parade route, and Tim Hortons will be giving away free coffee, hot chocolate and lattes at the corner of Valley Way and Queen Street.

St. Catharines

On Sunday November 19th St. Catharines will be hosting their annual Santa Claus Parade beginning at 1pm on McGuire Street and ending on Queen Street. The day’s festivities will also include a post-parade party from 2-4pm at the Meridian Centre where families can enjoy a free skate, visit with Santa, kids crafts, face painting, and outdoor pony rides.

Welland

Welland’s 2017 Santa Claus Parade is on Saturday November 18th at 4pm, beginning at Canadian Tire Financial Services and travelling west towards Civic Square. Once at Civic Square there will be the lighting of Welland’s beautiful Christmas tree, visits with Santa, and free hot chocolate and treats.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

The historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake will be hosting a Christmas Parade on Saturday December 9th, with a number of fantastic floats travelling down the town’s charming downtown streets beginning at 11am.

Fort Erie

This year’s Fort Erie Santa Claus Parade is happening on Saturday November 18th at 4pm, beginning at Jarvis Street and Niagara Boulevard. And don’t miss out on the pre-parade entertainment happening from 2-4pm on Jarvis Street.


Trius at Hillebrand Winery: An Outstanding Winery

Spotlight on Trius at Hillebrand: An Outstanding Niagara Winery

 The Niagara region is known for its wine, and you can easily spend weeks on end touring every vineyard and tasting every varietal. However, if you only have a few days (or hours!) in Niagara Falls, there is one winery you can’t miss: Trius Winery. Award-winners several times over — and for several years in a row — the winemakers of Trius at Hillebrand are renowned for crafting some of the best bottles in the world, let alone the Niagara region. If you are eager to taste some of the best wine Niagara wine country has on offer, you can’t miss this amazing Hillebrand winery.

The Trius Story

Vineyards in Niagara Region
Niagara Wine Country

Though Niagara Falls is more than 12,000 years old, the region hasn’t been known for wine very long. In fact, many of today’s most renowned wineries began in the second half of the 20th century — as is the case with Hillebrand Estates in Ontario. After the Second World War, Canada had a reputation for poor-quality alcohol; even its winemakers focused on proof over taste. Canada’s vineyards were filled primarily with high-yielding, tolerant Labrusca (fox) grapes, which were later mixed with cheap, bulk wine — or worse, grape juice. The result was sticky, sweet, and strong wine coming from most of the nation’s vineyards.

Hillebrand was among the first wineries to change this perception. In 1979, Hillebrand was built in the Niagara region to cater to a different class of wine drinkers. Growing Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Vidal, and Marechal Foch grapes instead of the typical fox grapes, Hillebrand was able to produce new and exciting wines that, before the winery’s founding, were only available from expensive European importers. Not only was the winery among the first to experiment with new varietals, but it was the first to produce Niagara’s iconic and unique icewine. After just 10 years, Hillebrand was able to diversify into different brands, establishing Trius first as a label for specialty blended reds, then as a leader in delectable Niagara wines.

Not long ago, Trius became such a beloved brand that it has taken a dominant role at the Hillebrand Estates. If you enjoy Trius labels at home, you can visit this Hillebrand winery to see the grapes growing in the fields and learn exactly how your favorite vintages get made. Hillebrand has long been an innovator in the Niagara region, and Trius continues that legacy with a long list of award-winning wines, which you can taste on your next trip to Niagara.

The Best of the Best

Trius offers dozens of outstanding wines, so there is hardly any opportunity for you to choose the wrong vintage. Still, if you want to taste the best that Trius has to offer, you should be sure to sample the following reds, whites, and sparkling golds during your tour:

  • Trius Red. The first wine Trius ever produced continues to be among the best at the winery. A combination of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes comprises this red blend, which has won several trophies and awards during its 30 years on the shelf.
  • Barrel-Fermented Chardonnay. Light and fresh, with a distinctive mix of sharp apple and musty oak, this sparkling wine is full of dimension. In a world where Chardonnay is often scoffed at for lack of depth, this wine certainly stands out.
  • Pinot Noir. Crafted from grapes in a single vineyard, this wine should prove Trius’s supremacy among Niagara wineries. Boasting deep, full flavors like black cherry, black tea, and leather, this Pinot Noir exemplifies its varietal in the best ways.
  • Cabernet Franc Icewine. Icewine is one of Hillebrand’s specialties, so you must sample their latest showcase icewine while in town. Frozen on the vine, the Cabernet Franc grapes are hand-harvested and pressed to produce an utterly matchless wine experience. The balance between sweetness and acidity makes icewine a perfect pairing wine, so you can try it at the Trius Winery Restaurant.

Tastings and Tours

Bottles of Niagara Region Wine
Wines of Niagara Region

If your next Niagara trip is a romantic one for you and your significant other, you should plan a Couple’s Wine Country Escape. If you are obsessed with anything sparkling, you can schedule a Tasting Stars tour. If you want a historic winery experience, you might register as a Trius Wine Club Member and sign up for The Grape Stomp to be followed by a trip Into the Vault.

Trius offers visitors 18 distinct winery tours — most of which come with additional activities, like spa treatments and nights out in Niagara Falls — but there are several other ways to taste and explore Trius at Hillebrand. For example, for an immaculate pairing with food, you cannot miss lunch or dinner at Trius Winery Restaurant, which is often rated among the best places to eat in the Niagara region. You can also purchase the best Trius wines online, through their store, or in wine shops throughout the area and beyond.

Trius has a reputation for excellence, and a trip to Trius is an excellent way to spend your vacation. No matter what your plans are for your next Niagara tour, you must devote some time to Trius at Hillebrand.


2018 Strawberry, Apple, & Peach Festivals in Niagara

Fruity Fun in Niagara-on-the-Lake: Peach Festivals & More

 

Strawberry Pie
Fresh Strawberry Pie

Thanks to its proximity to large bodies of water — including two of the world’s largest lakes, which allow the falls to be the wonder that they are — the Niagara region enjoys a mild climate relative to its surroundings in New York and Ontario. While deep winter can get nippy, generally the area around Niagara Falls is temperate, which makes the region ideal for growing sweet, natural treats.

While Niagara Falls might be known for its world-class vineyards, it is cultivating a reputation for its orchards, as well. Niagara’s fruit crop is copious, containing peaches, pears, plums, cherries, rspberries, and strawberries. In fact, the peach, cherry, and strawberry harvest is so immense that the region celebrates the fruits with three huge festivals every summer.

While this year’s fruit festivals have just passed, you can plan your summer vacation next year to coincide with Niagara’s strawberry, cherry, and peach celebrations.

Strawberry Festival

Typically held the third Saturday in June — making the next date to remember June 16, 2018 — the Strawberry Festival at Niagara-on-the-Lake celebrates absolutely everything about that heart-shaped, red berry. Organized by St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, the festival intends to educate locals and visitors about the area, benefit community groups and activities, and ensure everyone has good, wholesome fun.

There are several strawberry farms in and around the Niagara region where you can enjoy picking some fresh strawberries straight from the plant. At the festival, you can buy bushels of fresh strawberries pre-picked and washed — but the most exciting strawberries on offer are already baked into delectable treats. No matter what your favorite strawberry creation is, you’ll likely find it at the Niagara Strawberry Festival; in years past, there has been an abundance of:

  • Strawberry shortcakes
  • Strawberry crepes
  • Strawberry pies
  • Strawberry ice cream
  • Strawberry jam

Additionally, there is plenty of barbecue foods, including the local favorite of grilled corn, so if you bring along someone who isn’t keen on strawberries, there will certainly be treats for them to enjoy, too.

However, the Strawberry Festival isn’t just about indulging in delicious food. Visitors can take tours of the historic church and learn about the history of St. Andrews, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the greater Niagara region. Every year, there is a silent auction with fantastic baskets and other prizes. Finally, small booths sell adorable accessories, books, and other trinkets. The Strawberry Festival is full of small-town charm — and it is just minutes away from big-city Niagara Falls.

Cherry Festival

Perfectly timed to take advantage of the best weather of the Niagara valley, the Cherry Festival is always in early July. While the sun is shining bright and warm, you can explore the festival grounds around St. Mark’s Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake and celebrate the crispest, juiciest, sweetest cherries you will ever taste.

Like the Strawberry Festival, the Cherry Festival does its best to place emphasis on everyone’s favorite small, round fruit. While cherry pies are easily the highlight of the event, there are dozens of other untraditional treats, including all sorts of cherry preserves. Stalls for vendors also abound; the clothing booth is usually a prime attraction, with all sorts of new and old styles to peruse.

Also like the Strawberry Festival, the Cherry Festival is largely held as a fundraising endeavor for St. Marks Church, which is one of the most historic buildings in the region, dating back to 1790. As a result, there is a massive silent auction every year during the festival, during which concert tickets, vacations, and date nights are available to win. If you can’t wait to experience the next Cherry Festival, plan a Niagara vacation for July 7, 2018.

Peach Festival

Niagara Peaches cut in half
Fresh Niagara Peaches

The biggest fruit festival of them all, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival is always a smash. Peaches are undoubtedly among the best fruits — juicy, tingly, and lusciously sweet — and the town goes all-out to celebrate their harvest in early August. You just missed Peach Festival 2017, which occurred on August 12 and 13, but you have plenty of time to make next year’s festival, which is slated for August 11 and 12, 2018.

The Peach Festival is so grand because it is usually among the last big events during Niagara’s summer high season. Celebrations last two full days and extend into the night. While the sun is up, you can explore local growers’ fresh-picked peaches in the marketplace, where local bakeries and restaurants have also set up shop, purveying traditional peachy delights, like cobbler, ice cream and marmalade, as well as less conventional peach treats, like peach shortcake and peach cheesecake. In fact, the entire length of Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake is typically covered with merchants selling all sorts of knickknacks and keepsakes — peach-related and otherwise.

Throughout the festival, live music from some of the area’s best bands accompany shoppers and revelers. This year, festival organizers were able to lock down The Toronto All Star Big Band, as well as The Ben Show, a street performer for all ages. Next year should be even bigger and better, and you don’t want to miss it. So reserve a room at a Niagara Falls Hotel during the fruit festival of your preference!


Niagara for Two: Niagara Falls Couples’ Packages & More

Niagara for Two: A Romantic Night Out for Couples in Love

No matter how long you’ve been with your significant other — be it five dates or 50 years — you should always make time for date nights. Research by the Marriage Foundation discovered that one night every month devoted to a partners-only date improved a married couple’s longevity by 14 percent. Date nights give you a chance to communicate with your partner, to have fun, and build a stronger bond with the person you love. Ultimately, date nights allow you to rekindle your romance — and there’s no better place for romance than Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls couples’ packages are affordable, approachable ways to get time alone with your loved one and reaffirm the love you have for one another. This guide will help you plan a night of romance with your significant other, so you can fall even more in love.

Excitement at Fallsview Casino Resort

Romantic couple viewing Niagara Falls
Romantic Niagara Falls

There is nothing quite like the rush of adrenaline to bring two people close together. That’s why Niagara’s best gaming club, Fallsview Casino Resort, is an excellent starting point for your date night in Niagara Falls. The floor offers 200,000 square feet of tables, machines, and more, giving you ample opportunities to take home a windfall — or splurge on an even greater couple’s vacation in Niagara Falls.

There is plenty of diversity to hold your interest and keep your heart racing on your romantic night out. If slots are your game of choice, you can choose among 3,000 machines, ranging from a single cent to $100 per pull. You can also enjoy machines for reel poker and video poker; however, if you prefer the real card game experience, you can find a spot at more than 130 tables around the floor. In addition to various forms of poker, you can try your hand at baccarat, blackjack or casino war, as well as a variety of non-card games, like roulette, craps, and pai gow.

If you ever get tired of the flashing lights and bells — or if your wallet is too small to contain all your winnings — there are other romantic adventures within Fallsview. The casino theater boasts an astounding 150 shows per year, and with 1,500 seats, it almost always has room for two more. In the coming months, the venue will host some big names in music, including CCR, Melissa Ethridge, Roger Daltrey, and Sarah McLachlan, all of whom provide a thrilling and tender experience for date night.

Dinner With Romantic Views

Every good date night includes food. Fortunately, as a region noted for its fresh and delectable produce, Niagara Falls is a center for amazing cuisine. Regardless of whether you are dining in a hotel buffet or at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you can be certain to enjoy high-quality food.

Still, you should strive to find something special for Niagara date night — and outstanding views will set the mood perfectly. Only a handful of restaurants offer uninterrupted views of Niagara Falls, so you should make a reservation for two at the following places:

  • Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra. Perhaps named in honor of Rainbow Bridge, which connects American and Canadian sides of the falls, the Rainbow Room looks onto the thundering waters of Horseshoe Falls. The internationally known chef Massimo Capra uses his familiarity with local Ontario ingredients to craft fresh, exciting plates and drinks.
  • Windows by Jamie Kennedy. Another renowned chef to build a leading restaurant in Niagara Falls, Jamie Kennedy’s Windows offer several walls of floor-to-ceiling glass for an unbroken picture of Horseshoe Falls. Paired with Kennedy’s marvelous cuisine, the views make for a very romantic night out.
  • Skylon Tower Revolving Dining Room. You can pay for a trip up to Skylon’s observation deck, or you can enjoy a meal in the dining room while enjoying a birds-eye view of Niagara Falls and beyond. The panorama is so gorgeous you might almost forget to eat — until the mouth-watering food arrives.

Passion and Privacy All Night Long

Celebrating Red Wine in Niagara
Enjoy Niagara’s Wine Country

After a few hours of excitement and some unforgettable food and drinks, you should finish your night out with some time together. As the crowds retreat indoors for more entertainment at casinos and clubs around the city, you’ll likely find the parks and pathways around Niagara Falls calm and comfortable for a quiet, moonlit walk. Year-round, Horseshoe Falls is lit by colored lights after the sun sets, creating an ethereal atmosphere perfect for love, and during the summer months, you might even enjoy a firework show during your stroll. The explosions of color should mimic the feelings of passion and devotion you harbor for your significant other.

While you walk, you might enjoy seeing Niagara from different perspectives after dark. If you chose to eat somewhere besides Skylon Tower, you might pay for a night ride up the elevator to the observation deck. Shrouded in shadow, the Niagara region is even more beautiful after the sun sets. You can also see nighttime Niagara from on-high by riding the SkyWheel, the enormous observation wheel on the edge of Clifton Hill. Eventually, you should retreat with your loved one to your hotel room, where you can end the night in a sumptuous bed — if you booked a top-tier hotel through Niagara Falls Hotels, that is.


5 Places in Niagara Falls to See Fall Foliage

Niagara Falls in AutumnAutumn is a glorious time of year to visit Niagara Falls: The summer crowds disperse, the hotel prices drop, the warm temperatures mellow, and the lush, verdant trees turn passionate shades of red, orange, and yellow. Though the fall foliage in the Niagara region doesn’t hit its beautiful peak until about the second week of October, visits to Niagara Falls throughout the fall season will be rewarded with glimpses of the leaves aflame in autumn colors. While any time of year is the best time to visit Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls in autumn is certainly hard to beat. Here are the top five spots around Niagara Falls for excellent views of the autumn foliage:

1. Dufferin Islands

Just a short walk from the main tourist district in Niagara Falls, Dufferin Islands Park is comprised of a series of small, man-made islands covered in flourishing forest. Quiet and serene, the park is an excellent escape from the busy walkways closer to the falls. The islands are linked by a series of quaint footbridges, and paths crisscross throughout the forest allowing visitors to explore the park for the absolute perfect spot to rest and relax.

At the start of September, the leaves on Dufferin begin to rapidly change into violent hues. The fallen leaves make excellent cushions for picnics — you might even want to bring along a bottle of Niagara wine. It is difficult to take a bad picture of Dufferin in the autumn, with the landscape so bright and beautiful.

2. Skylon Tower

While a skyscraper might not be your first instinct when you are considering places to see fall foliage, Skylon Tower is absolutely one of the best lookout spots in all of Niagara Falls. The unmissable observation deck soars 775 feet above the rushing falls, providing panoramic views of the Niagara Region, to include its changing fall leaves. From this vantage point, you can look over acres of red, orange, and yellow forest in America and Canada, as well as:

  • Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Falls
  • Niagara wine country
  • The Great Gorge
  • The Toronto and Buffalo skylines

Plus, you can visit the observation deck again at night for a completely different view, which shows the Falls themselves consumed with bright colors as well as the glittering city lights far below.

Tickets to the Skylon Tower observation deck are about $10 per adult and $6 per child. While you are in Skylon, you might also want to enjoy a meal at the outstanding revolving restaurant, which rotates to give you 360-degree views while you dine on world-class fare.

3. Goat Island

On the American side of the falls, you can take a path to Goat Island — a rather small, heavily wooded island between the two U.S. waterfalls and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. Goat Island provides a unique vantage point, from which you can view the magnificent autumn colors of the Niagara region while taking in the thundering Falls. The walking paths around Goat Island are truly sublime, especially during the fall season; you can also explore the connected Green Island (which isn’t so green in September and October) and Luna Island, which separates Bridal Falls from American Falls. Goat Island is also home to the Cave of the Winds, where you can see the U.S. falls up close, from below.

American Falls in Autumn4. Devil’s Hole State Park

While you are on U.S. soil traipsing Goat Island, you should also stop by Devil’s Hole State Park. This natural park is full of the same fiery hues as the rest of Niagara in the fall, but its hiking trails tend to be less crowded than more prominent tourist spots. Like Dufferin Islands, paths crisscross the park, leading to lookouts over the Niagara Gorge, clearings with picnic benches, and even close-ups with the eponymous Devil’s Hole, which consists of whirlpools and rapids that make Niagara River outstandingly dangerous. The main trail through the park is well-tended, but it is steep, so you should bring sturdy hiking shoes and a thirst for adventure.

5. Rainbow Bridge

When you can finally pull your eyes away from the flaming foliage on the New York side, you should head back to the Ontario side using the Rainbow Bridge. Completed in 1941 — after the previous connection between Niagara Falls, New York and Niagara Falls, Ontario, the Honeymoon Bridge, collapsed due to heavy ice floes — the Rainbow Bridge is a structure internationally renowned for its architectural beauty and outstanding views. The bridge gained its memorable name almost immediately after construction began in 1939, but the name was solidified with an engraving of a passage from the Book of Genesis, which references the “bow in the cloud.”

From the bridge, you can see up the Niagara Gorge to all three waterfalls plus the iconic Niagara Falls, Ontario skyline, which includes the soaring Skylon Tower as well several top hotels. You can cross the bridge by car, bike, or foot, and the latter two give you plenty of time to take in the mixed reds, oranges, and yellows of the fall season. Currently, the toll for Rainbow Bridge is $0.50 for pedestrians and $3.75 U.S. or $4.75 Canadian for autos. It’s the best time to visit Niagara Falls, Canada, and you can tell for yourself from Rainbow Bridge.

When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls? All year-round, you can find fun and fantastic views, but in autumn, nature puts on a show. Many tourists return year after year to revel in the natural beauty of Niagara in the fall, and once you see it in person, you’ll probably want to do the same.