Riesling is the wine lover’s wine:  a pristine, transparent reflection of place, zesty and food friendly, as refreshing as a summer shower.

Start your tour at Vineland Estates, where you’ll see some of the oldest Riesling vineyards in Ontario.  Brian Schmidt crafts Riesling in an off-dry style, the best of which is the St. Urban Vineyard.  The winery restaurant has a beautiful view of the Lake Ontario and Toronto.  The gourmet market above the wine shop has a great selection of artisanal Canadian cheeses.

Quaint Jordan Village and Cave Springs located in Twenty Valley are a short Drive away.  Angelo Pavan makes no fewer than eight Rieslings, from sparkling to Icewine.  If you’re limited to just one, make it the old vine CSV, a dry full-bodied essence of Escarpment limestone.  The main street in Jordan is lined with boutiques and cafés, ideal for meandering after your tasting.

Next, make your way to Flat Rock Cellars, perched on top of the Escarpment overlooking Lake Ontario.  Proprietor Ed Madronich’s focus was clear from opening day in 2005:  the winery only makes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling.  Here you’ll want to try the Nadja’s Vineyard Riesling, named after Ed’s mother, a wine of shimmering purity and quivering acidity.  Gourmet food trucks are regularly spotted at Flat Rock on summer weekends, giving you more reasons to try another sample.

Your Riesling itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a taste of Canada’s signature style:  Icewine.  Head to Niagara-on-the-Lake and the birthplace of Icewine.  Inniskillen, founders Don Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser made some of their first wines from frozen grapes in the mid-eighties and have led the pack every since.  They produce four Icewines, but the Riesling in the class of the lot.

The Niagara Region has over 75 award wining wineries check out your next must sip wineries.

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People often ask when would be the best time to visit Niagara.  That’s not an easy question to answer.  Niagara shines in every season and there is a tantalizing variety of attractions all year round, from the grandeur of Niagara Falls itself, to botanical gardens, great theatre, festivals, vineyards and superlative dining.

SPRING FEVER N NIAGARA
If you schedule a springtime visit to Niagara, you will see an awesome display of Nature, a vision that should be declared a national treasure.  Miles of fruit trees burst into pink and white bloom and the orchards look like puffy clouds, just in time to celebrate Mother’s Day.  It’s a photographer’s dream.  A walk through the cherry, plum and peach orchards is a visual and olfactory overload.

For a perfect Sunday drive, begin at Grimsby and head out along historic Highway #8,  now Highway 89, a roadway that began as an Indian footpath.  This drive allows a more leisurely tour through the fruit growing area, making it easy to stop in the small towns, or to visit one of the vineyards.  During Spring in Niagara the roadside stands are bulging with spring produce in Twenty Valley.  You’ll make serendipitous discoveries of hidden gems like the Inn the Pines Market in St. Catharines, just one of the many fresh market farm stands in the Niagara area.  Here, Cheryl and Barney Barnes offer local seasonal produce, like strawberries, lettuces, and asparagus.  There are fresh eggs, along with homemade preserves and freshly cut flowers, and later in the season, hertitage tomatoes, cherries, plums and potatoes.  For lunch stop at any one of the superb restaurants that take advantage of the bounty that Niagara offers.

Enjoy visiting and exploring Niagara in the spring.

Photo credits:  Christine Hess

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There’s no getting away from it. Princess Diana took her kids and you must take yours for at least one thrilling ride on Hornblower Niagara Cruises, one of Niagara Falls‘ most enjoyed tourist attraction.  These tour boats hover at the foot of the Falls long enough to soak passengers in the deluge that is the ‘mist’ and thrill them with tales of rescues from the seething rapids.  Going early leaves most of the day to take in Niagara’s natural beauty.

After the foaming fury of the river, enjoy a little respite with a family picnic at Dufferin Islands. Nature area where flocks of ducks dabble in the waters between the interconnected islands.  Lie back and appreciate its serene beauty knowing that it’s completely free.

Having eaten, the kids are now ready to head to the Niagara Parks’ Butterfly Conservatory, home to thousands of tropical butterflies.  “Wear something colourful”, we were told.  The advice was good.  Barely ten feet inside the door, a giant Blue Morpho butterfly settles on my daughter’s shoulder.  One of some 2,000 tropical butterflies hatched in this indoor tropical jungle, it flutters off to a place of juicy orange sections.  Others prefer flower nectar, flitting between between flowering Porterweed and bleeding hearts.  Butterflies live only a few weeks at most, so the supply must constantly be replenished in a hatchery where we watch them emerging from their cocoons.

The kids have been great so we treat them to a meal with a view.  Suitably family friendly, the Skylon Tower’s buffet fist the bill with the added bonus of a ride to the observation deck in the price.

Day two starts with an adventure:  a descent down the metal staircase leading into the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, a wonderfully wile place to bring children old enough to enjoy a vigorous hike along the rocky paths leading down into the cool depths of the Niagara Gorge.

Here the Niagara River roars through Crips Eddy at more than 40 km per hour.  We find massive boulders that once whirled in the river before it changed its course.  Delicate ferns cling to damp rocks and wild flowers thrive in the shade.  It takes three of us holding hands to reach around the trunk of a towering Tulip tree, one of the many southern species found in this protected wilderness.  Feeling energetic?  Rent bicycles to explore a section of the Niagara River Recreation Trail, a paved path paralleling the river.

For younger children the easiest way to see the Niagara river up close is on the White Water Walk just 4 km north of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.  Easily accessed by an elevator, the one kilometre boardwalk gets you close enough to the river’s edge to feel the drama of North America’s most intense rapids (class 6) and even be splashed by a rogue wave.  Safe and easily managed with a stroller, this Niagara riverside ramble is one we never miss.

Should the weather turn gloomy we have a back-up plan.  Hit an indoor waterpark for some spiral slides and spraying fountains, then visit Bird Kingdom, in indoor jungle filled with free-flying parrots and a historic Javanese Teahouse. If  we get get the timing right, we’ll see fruit bats feeding on apples and bananas.  And you don’t have to be a kid to beam with glee when tame lorikeets land on your to accept a drink of nectar.

After nightfall, when the blinking neon lights of Clifton Hill’s wax museums and arcades light up the night, we’ll ride the Niagara Skywheel, sharing an enclosed gondola that rises 50 meters above Niagara Falls.  We’re on vacation so we’ll stay up late for an evening stroll along the river to the Table Rock Welcome Centre to see the stately American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls illuminated with mega-watt colour.

Enjoy visiting and exploring natural Niagara.

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Where’s the party?

Niagara loves a good party, festival or event, and no matter what time of year you visit, you’re bound to find some sort of celebration happening.  While each has its unique flavour, they all share a “the more, the merrier” philosophy.

NIAGARA FALLS FIREWORKS
Year after year, Niagara Parks hosts Niagara Falls Canada’s longest running fireworks series. If you’re looking for a spectacular display in front of an unforgettable backdrop, that’s absolutely free then this event is for you.
May 19th to September 4th.

NIAGARA FALLS COMIC CON
Niagara Falls Comic Con has become such a beloved event that and entire weekend has been dedicated to the annual celebration of super heroes.  This year Barbara Eden from I Dream of Jeannie, Lee Meriwether from Batman and Caleb McLaughlin of Stranger Things, will be making their way to Niagara to mingle with fans.
June 2,3 and 4th.

NIAGARA FALLS SPRINGLICIOUS
Niagara Falls’ Springlicious is a great local street festival that serves up the best Niagara has to offer.  Explore historic Queen Street, and enjoy culinary delights, great live music, exceptional beers and wines from the Niagara Region. along with fun family entertainment.
May 26th, 27th and 28th

NIAGARA VEGFEST
Niagara VegFest in downtown St. Catharine’s Market Square celebrates the benefits of a plant based lifestyle by showcasing dozens of exhibitors, vendors and speakers from the Niagara Region and beyond.
June 3rd and 4th

NEW VINTAGE WINE FESTIVAL
Each year Niagara ushers in the summer with a solstice celebration like no other.  The New Year Vintage Festival’s annual Tailgate Party is held in the vineyard of the grape grower who’s been crowned ad Grape King during the annual Niagara Wine Festival. This delicious event celebrates the delicious connections between vineyard, farm, winemaker and chef with wine and food pairings, live music, and a whole lot of fun.  The New Vintage Festival also features two weekends of wine and culinary adventures at wineries across Niagara through the New Vintage Discovery Pass.  Discovery Pass holders can enjoy eight unique tasting experiences at award-winning wineries and designated drivers can enjoy eight mocktail and culinary pairings at a reduced rate with the Discovery Pass.
June 17th and 18th

THE FORT ERIE FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL
The Fort Erie Friendship Festival celebrates peace along the longest unprotected border in the world with great music, crafters, fireworks and fun events, like the Hand Across the Border giant human handshake across the Peace Bridge.
July 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th

CANAL DAYS
During the first weekend of August, Port Colborne celebrates Canada’s Civic Holiday with the annual Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival.  This four-day celebration is located in the South Coast and offers activities and attractions that celebrate the rich, nautical history of this marine community and its connections to the St. Lawrence Seaway.  Cruise Lake Erie on a Tall Ship,  enjoy concerts from top-notch talent, enjoy great family activities, shopping and food.
August 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE PEACH FESTIVAL
What better place to celebrate the perfection of the peach than Niagara-on-the-Lake?  The town’s annual Peach Festival in August includes live music, street markets, historic displays, entertainment, fun and lost of Greenbelt-grown peaches.

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There are so many exciting things to discover in Niagara.  Home to Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines, Twenty Valley and South Coast, we’ll keep you busy from morning to night and dreaming about what the next day will bring.  We’ve listed the top 9 reasons why visitors come back year after year.

FIRST STOP NIAGARA FALLS
Over 14 million people a year come to experience this spectacular world wonder of the world.  Pictures don’t let you hear it’s mighty roar or feel its spray, it’s a must-see on your bucket list.

FOUR SEASON DESTINATION
Warmer months have their appeal, especially if you come to enjoy one of our many world class golf courses or hike the endless trails.  But don’t stay away when winter arrives.  Only then can you witness the Falls transform into frozen beauty, an unparalleled visual experience.

WINE COUNTRY
Take a tour through our world, renowned wine region and stop in at some of our award winning wineries that are home to celebrity chefs.  This is also your chance to try Niagara’s famous Icewine.

DINING WITH A VIEW
When it’s time to eat in Niagara, sit down to amazing local cuisine paired with Niagara wines.  Many restaurants offer a view of the illuminated Falls to add an ambiance to your meal unlike any other in the world.

SHOPPING GALORE
From boutique shopping to designer factory outlets to souvenir stores, shoppers can fill their bags with fabulous finds every day.

FUN ATTRACTIONS
Niagara Falls has a long history of thrill seekers – see for yourself at the Niagara Falls Daredevil Exhibit at the Imax Theatre attraction.  Today’s thrill-seekers will love taking a high speed  jet boat tour through Class 6 whitewater rapids or descending into the Niagara Gorge’s Wildplay Zipline.

GREAT ENTERTAINMENT
See Vegas style shows with a Niagara flair.  Choose from live theatre, magic shows, or  music performances.  Afterwards, relax with a glass of wine, try your luck at a casino or put on your dancing shoes.  No matter what you like to do, there’s something to keep the fun rolling into the night.

EASY TRANSPORTATION
Pick your mode of transportation to get here!  We’re close to three major airports and accessible by bus and train.  Plus there are four international bridges connecting Niagara Falls to the United States, making trips by motor coach a great option.  Once you arrive, our WEGO bus system makes your tourism experience easy.  Travel in comfort as WEGO gets you from your accommodations to all the top sight seeing destinations.

SWEET DREAMS
A good night’s sleep is pretty much a given.  From luxurious 4 diamond hotels to convenient, budget friendly motels, we have more than 16,000 rooms available.

Visit Niagara Canada for yourself and find your own reasons to return.

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In summer, Niagara is a green paradise, a beacon for hikers who can explore the Niagara portion of the Bruce Trail as it winds along the Escarpment.  This is high season!  The Shaw Festival is in full swing and there’s a palpable buzz in the shops along Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake, in the historic district of Jordan (Twenty Valley), and on the walkways beside the Falls.  The Falls take on a new drama with nightly illuminations and weekly fireworks displays.

Niagara Beaches
Summer temperatures in the Niagara Region can get surprisingly steamy, but there are sandy beaches on Lake Ontario and Lake Erie that are havens for summer visitors.  Waverly Beach, located in the South Coast has shady trees as well as a sandy beach and views over the water to the Buffalo Skyline.  Nickel Beach, located in the South Coast on Lake Erie, is famous for its sand dunes and for the protected and rare Fowler Toads that inhabit the beach.  Long Beach is a gem with a busy cottage community, beach volleyball, sand castle building and large expanses of sandy sunning areas.  If you are a diver, the Sherkston Quarry Beach, a large spring-fed quarry, lets divers explore the ruins of a hundred year old mind on the quarry floor.  The beach at Queen’s Royal Park is on the Niagara River and offers unforgettable landscape views – Fort Niagara across the river in New York State, and the ever-changing river, with its jet boats and sailboats.  In St. Catharines, Sunset Beach, best known to locals as Municipal Beach, is just off the Waterfront Trail and close to the famous Welland Canal.

If beaches aren’t your thing but you still want to be outdoors, plan a picnic, stopping at places like Upper Canada Cheese in Jordan Station to pick up artisan goodies then heading to one of the scenic pull-offs along the Niagara Parkway to enjoy the great weather.  For the cycling enthusiasts, the Bike Train allows travelers to come to Niagara with their bikes and tour the Niagara Circle Route, or test their stamina with the uphill Welland Canal Route.

Summer is also festival and event season in Niagara.  Signature events such as Canada day celebrations that happen in every town.  You don’t want to miss Welland’s ‘FloatFest’ – bring and inflatable tube and float along the Welland Canal.  In Port Colborne, there’s Canal Days, a three day marine heritage festival.  Boat lovers shouldn’t miss the Henley Regatta.  For outdoor pleasure, anyone who loves horses would enjoy a horse trek along the beaches of Lake Erie, with Horseplay Niagara.  If you plan it right, you can enjoy great food and wine at the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration with special dinners, wine tastings and events at participating wineries.  In the summer months, Niagara buzzes with its best on display for the over 14 million visitors who will come to enjoy the Niagara Region’s attractions.

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