RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER
February • 2022
ADVERTORIAL
EXPLORE NIAGARA FALLS As an international bucket-list destination, Niagara Falls offers so much to explore beyond the famous waterfalls. Whether your idea of a perfect escape includes getting close to nature, thrilling adventures, live entertainment, walking in the footsteps of history, or tasting your way through a culinary delight, Niagara Falls has something for everyone. Did you know that many attractions, experiences, and restaurants are open 365 days a year? Visiting in the winter season brings even more excitement to the city with the annual Winter Festival of Lights and the beauty of the icy façade of the Falls. Nighttime views are equally spectacular, with the Falls Illumination shining a rainbow of colours across both the Canadian Horseshoe and American Falls. TOP SIX REASONS TO (RE)DISCOVER NIAGARA FALLS
1. THRILLING VIEWPOINTS
The majestic Falls are, of course, at the top of the list, but if you haven’t explored the many ways to experience the world wonder, you need to visit again. See the Falls from a bird’s eye view with Niagara Helicopters or an exhilarating ride on WildPlay Zipline to the Falls. Descend 130 metres into tunnels with Journey Behind the Falls, then head to the top of the Skylon Tower for dramatic 360-degree views from
LIKE NEVER BEFORE above. For an up-close and unforgettable sight, don’t miss a boat tour with Niagara City Cruises, where you’ll don the iconic red poncho and head straight towards the Horseshoe Falls. 2. THE WONDROUS OUTDOORS
Niagara Falls has some of Canada’s most beautiful public gardens and landscaped parks. While blooms are magnificent each season, spring is one of the most colourful times to visit. Niagara Falls is the Daffodil Capital of North America, boasts an impressive tulip display, a Magnolia Allee, a fragrant Centennial Lilac Garden, an iconic Floral Clock, and one of Canada’s largest Botanical gardens. With 56km of nature, Niagara Parks is a popular hiking destination. The Niagara Glen is a designated Nature Reserve with paths that wind through a Carolinian Forest, overlooking the mighty Niagara River. Nestled high atop the Niagara Escarpment, Queenston Heights Park is the birthplace of Niagara Falls and a terminus point of the famous Bruce Trail. Golf lovers can book a tee time at world-class courses in Niagara Falls, including Niagara Parks’ Legends on the Niagara and the Whirlpool Golf Course, one of Canada’s premier courses. Cyclists journey to Niagara Falls from near and far to ride over 300km of scenic routes along the
Niagara River Recreation Trail and Greater Niagara Circle Route. Niagara Falls is an international birdwatching destination with over 280 species. Each February, bird lovers gather at Birds on the Niagara International Bird Festival and Celebration. 3. CULINARY DELIGHTS
Niagara Falls is full of culinary gems! Sip and savour your way through critically acclaimed, locally inspired dining options paired with award-winning wines, craft brews, and spirits. Experience beautifully crafted dishes at AG Inspired Cuisine, the #2 Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Canada. The menu utilizes seasonal ingredients brought together by the inventive hand of executive chef Cory Linkson. The historic Flour Mill Scratch Kitchen Restaurant is acclaimed for its weekend “BLunch” and private dining in cabins and domes in the courtyard. A view takes ambiance to a whole new level. Dine right at the brink of the Falls at Table Rock House Restaurant. Enjoy 360 degrees views at the Skylon Tower Revolving Dining Room and even more incredible views day or night at Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant, 21 Club at the Fallsview Casino, and Watermark Restaurant, voted most romantic in Niagara Falls. For a truly Canadian treat, head to Maple Leaf Place to
sample flights of maple syrup. This one-of-a-kind tasting experience is within the interactive Maple Trail, the world’s only indoor Maple Sugar Bush. 4. FAMILY FUN
Memories are made on Clifton Hill with attractions and games for the young and young at heart. From the Niagara SkyWheel to Dinosaur Adventure Golf and Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the “Street of Fun” offers year-round excitement. For tropical escapes at any time of the year, head indoors to the Butterfly Conservatory, the multi-level rainforest at the Bird Kingdom, Canada’s largest indoor aviary, and splash away at Fallsview Indoor Waterpark or Americana Resort’s Waves Indoor Waterpark. 5. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Canada’s Entertainment Capital is home to state-of-the-art entertainment venues for concerts, theatre, and live shows. The Fallsview Casino Resort is the largest in Canada, and the world-renowned Shaw Festival is just minutes away in Niagaraon-the-Lake. Visitors can find live music at restaurants and bars throughout the year and during Niagara Falls Music Live events. The inaugural Music Live event in 2021 took place over six nights and featured over 75 performances at 20 venues.
6. HISTORY
Start with a visit to the Niagara Falls History Museum to explore the history that changed a nation, steps away from tours of Drummond Hill Cemetery and a War of 1812 battle site. As a final stop of the ‘Underground Railroad,’ pay homage to the bravery of freedom seekers on a Black History tour with Niagara Bound Tours, led by Lezlie Harper, a fifth-generation freedom seeker. Launching in 2022, visitors can discover the rich Indigenous history and culture of Niagara Falls with the Indigenous Niagara: Living Museum Tours, an interactive guided tour. To explore an engineering feat, the architecturally stunning Niagara Parks Power Station opened to the public in 2021 with exhibits during the day and an immersive sound and light experience each night. In July 2022, the second phase of the power station opens. Travel down the tailrace tunnel to emerge beside the thundering base of the Horseshoe Falls. With so much to see and do in Niagara Falls, we recommend visiting for three to four days to soak it all in. Visit niagarafallstourism.com for itinerary ideas, planning tools, and to learn more about the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit. We look forward to welcoming you in 2022!
