Spring is the perfect time for a family getaway to Niagara that reminds everyone of just how truly amazing Canada is! Whether you’re in the mood for a serving of awe-inspiring nature, a hit of history, a pop of pop culture, or an animal adventure, Niagara has something that will leave everyone in the family feeling the love for the incredible things that have happened and are continuing to unfold in Canada.
The sheer power of the Niagara River’s Class 6 white water rapids is difficult to comprehend until you’re standing right beside them on Niagara Park’s self-guided White Water Walk experience. After taking an elevator 70 metres down to the base of the Niagara Gorge, follow the wooden boardwalk that runs alongside the river and feel the rush of the crashing waves as the sound echoes up the 410-million-year-old rock layers of the Niagara Gorge.
Exploring a historic battlefield becomes much more exciting when you can complete the feat of ascending 235 steps to take in one of Niagara’s most storied views! Brock’s Monument, located in Queenston Heights Park, is 56 metres (185 feet) high and honours the final resting place of Major General Sir Isaac Brock, who was killed in the War of 1812’s Battle of Queenston Heights and is considered to be the founding hero of Upper Canada, and his Aide-de-Camp Lieutenant Colonel John Macdonell. Brock’s Monument opens for the season on May 18.
While a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Fort George, one of the War of 1812 military posts that defended Upper Canada against American attacks, is always fascinating, there’s something extra special that happens if you time your trip right. Fort George is reputed to be the most haunted site in the most haunted town in Canada, and Candlelight Fort George Ghost Tours are offered throughout the spring and summer, beginning in May.
While it might be the promise of an ice cream cone that initially excites the kids about a visit to the Welland Canals Centre, the spectacle of a giant tanker working its way through the marvel of engineering that is the Welland Canal has a way of leaving everyone wowed! After some time watching the excitement from the elevated viewing platform, there’s a great playground and fascinating exhibits to explore at the St. Catharines Museum.
See for yourself why riding one of the Lakeside Park Carousel’s 68 intricately carved animals is a spring rite of passage for so many. This historic carousel, a Charles I.D. Looff original, hand-carved beginning in 1898, is beloved by all who visit and still costs just five cents a ride! Afterward, walk to the end of the Port Dalhousie Pier, where, on a clear day, you can see right across Lake Ontario to Toronto! The Carousel is open weekends and holidays from May 18 to July 1 and daily through September 2.
The carefully restored historic village at Ball’s Fall’s Conservation Area offers a fascinating glimpse into what life was like in the early days of Canada. Visitors can explore a historic family home, an operating flour mill, a lime kiln, a church, a blacksmith shop, a carriage shed, and more.
In addition to big waterfalls, Niagara happens to be home to southern Ontario’s largest remaining bog. The trails and boardwalks that wind through the Wainfleet Bog make it a wonderful place to spend a spring day exploring and enjoying the bog plants, butterflies, migrating songbirds, and animals that make their homes in the restored habitat sections.
Explore forests and meadows with a furry new farm friend this spring during On The Brink’s Alpaca Walks. After meeting the herd, guests are paired with an Alpaca to walk on a lead around this picturesque family farm located in the heart of Niagara.
Thousands of gamers, TV and movie buffs, and celebrity chasers descend on Niagara Falls for the annual Niagara Falls Comic Con each spring. With over 200,000 square feet of exhibitors, vendors, artists, celebrities, memorabilia, workshops, video gaming and more, the event really does offer something for everyone. This year’s celebrity roster includes a diverse collection of guests ranging from Nightmare on Elm Street’s Robert Englund to The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The Young and The Restless’ Eric Braeden.
Get to know Safari Niagara, a 150-acre nature park that is home to more than 1000 animals of native and exotic mammals, reptiles, and birds, on a whole new level. The Park’s Junior Zookeeper For The Day experience invites children between the ages of 10 and 17 to help with feeding and exhibit maintenance, learn how to evaluate the health and well-being of animals, and discover how the zoo works to protect wild species and preserve natural habitats. This experience is offered daily between June 9 and September 1.
Remind your family just how amazing Canada is on a spring adventure in Niagara. Check out our Family Fun, Attractions, History & Heritage pages and @visit_niagara on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for trip inspiration and to learn about upcoming events. Then, browse through accommodations and dining options to discover places that will perfectly round out your trip!
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