The Niagara region has way more than meets the eye to offer besides the natural beauty of the falls themselves. Thousands of people cross to border to see the falls up close, but there are many great things on both sides of the border to do and see that will dazzle you if you’ve never been to the region before. Here is our collection of five great things to do in the Niagara Falls area.
The Inniskillin Winery
If you think the falls are the only thing the region is known for, think again. The region is gaining quite a reputation for its wide variety of wines. The Inniskillin Winery allows wine lovers to taste some of the best wines the region has to offer, all in a very convivial atmosphere. One of the things the winery is most known for is for its wide selection of ice wines. For those who are unfamiliar with them, ice wines are made with grapes that have been frozen beforehand. Once the grapes have reached a certain temperature, they are then thawed and pressed, which is said to intensify the flavor and give them a distinct character.
You’ll also have the chance to embark on a guided tour with a wine guide that will give you some history on the region and introduce you to the winemaking process.
Journey Behind the Falls
The Niagara Falls can be accessed from many viewpoints, but few are as impressive as the journey behind the falls. Journey Behind the Falls allow you to get a literal behind the scenes look at the falls, all for a few dollars. The journey starts with an elevator ride to an elevated observation deck overlooking the Niagara Valley and Horseshoe Falls. You will then be able to navigate through a series of intricate caverns that will allow you to go directly behind the cascading sheets of water. You have to be prepared for the place to be crowded, as it is one of the most popular attractions for tourists. However, it is still a must see experience for any nature lover.
Visit the Niagara Fallsview Casino
The Niagara Fallsview Casino is one of the greatest attractions in the region. In addition to housing what is considered by many to be the best Niagara Falls hotel, the casino is a gambler’s dream with over a thousand slot machines and 150 game tables to choose from. If you’re not a fan of gambling, you can always visit the Avalon ballroom or check out the 200,000+ square feet of shopping space the casino has to offer. If you want the unwind, the casino also has a magnificent spa and a huge golf course if you want to work on your swing.
Visit the Niagara Aquarium
A visit to Niagara Falls wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the world famous Niagara Aquarium. Located on the south side of the border, the aquarium has over 1000 species of aquatic wildlife on display. It has everything from sharks to penguins, seals and a wide variety of exotic fish.
Check out the Region’s Forts and Trails
The Niagara region if full of history and has something for everyone. Fort George and Fort Erie are two of the biggest attractions in the region and are a must for any history buff. You can actually book Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto that visit these attractions on the way to the falls! You’ll have the chance to travel back in time by entering through their once heavily fortified gates.
Old Fort Niagara is another must see in the region if you’re a history lover. This particular fort is located on the US side of the border and is one of the most significant historical landmarks in the region. During different times in history, the fort was controlled by French, British and American legions and has been the setting for many wars, including the Indian War and American Revolution. The fort still has a vault filled with gunpowder kegs, old cannons and ancient army barracks.
If you’re a nature lover, you can’t come to the region without going through its miles of scenic trails. Fort Erie friendship trail and Circle Creek are two great trails to visit if you aren’t afraid to get your feet wet.
Niagara Falls Conclusion
Whether you’re visiting alone, with your friends, or with your family, the Niagara region has tons to offer besides the falls. In addition to the attractions mentioned above, the Niagara region also has a vibrant nightlife, great restaurants and quaint pubs. The Niagara region always has something new to offer, so don’t be afraid to explore and uncover some of the hidden gems that it has to offer.
