Both you — and your wine glass — will have a tough time staying dry in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The two destinations in Ontario, Canada, just a half-hour drive apart, make the ultimate two-part getaway.
After experiencing adrenaline-pumping, mist-soaked attractions at the tourist-packed Falls, head north to relax and tour wineries and shops in the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Whether you’re driving all the way to Canada, or flying into Buffalo, New York first, start your adventure on the American side of Niagara Falls before crossing the border.
As if the sight of the Falls weren’t awe-inspiring enough, there are a number of ticketed adventures that let you see — and feel — them from different perspectives.
The most exciting of these on the American side is Cave of the Winds (niagarafallsstatepark.com) — a series of wooden decks and stairs that run alongside the Bridal Veil Falls, the smallest of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls.
Before riding an elevator to the base of the Bridal Veil, you’re handed a poncho and sandals so you won’t slip on the wet decks. Then it’s time to make your way up the stairs, as wind and water whip you with more force with each ascending deck. In some areas, you can actually reach out and touch the Falls.
If you reach the top, called the Hurricane Deck, you’ll experience tropical storm-like conditions as the spray thrashes down. It’s hard not to laugh — and scream — while you challenge yourself to stand up there for a few minutes.
The full Cave of the Winds tour will shut down Oct. 19th, but an abbreviated, drier version will remain open till Nov. 27th. The wooden decks are torn down each November, before being built up again in spring to ensure sturdy platforms free of water damage for summer tours.
Now, on to Canada. This side offers the best view of all three falls at once — the Bridal Veil, the American Falls (both on the American side) and the powerful Horseshoe Falls, which is the largest and mostly in Canada.
Before lining up for paid attractions, spend some time just walking along Queen Victoria Park (niagaraparks.com), which runs along the Niagara River. Pose for pictures in front of the Falls from different angles, marvel at the part of the river just before it drops about 170 feet over the Horseshoe Falls, or stop in one of the park’s many gardens.
The park is also the launching pad for many attractions — including WildPlay’s MistRider Zipline (wildplay.com/niagarafalls), which debuted over the summer. Four parallel lines zip riders alongside the Niagara Gorge, past the American Falls and facing the Horseshoe Falls. This attraction will be open every day in October, before switching to weekends-only through Nov. 27, then closing for the season.
For those who aren’t brave enough for the zip line, but still want adventure, book a Hornblower Niagara Cruise (niagaracruises.com). A catamaran starts out near both sets of American-side Falls, then gets as close as possible to the magnificent Horseshoe Falls. You’ll get another poncho, but good luck keeping the hood on as the wind and mist blow. The best part is when the boat bobs at the base of the Horseshoe, and you’re ringed by it on three sides.
For an adventure on land, take the Journey Behind the Falls (niagaraparks.com), which lets guests stand on a platform near the the bottom of the Horseshoe Falls, as well as go directly behind those Falls, where caves have been carved out in the rock so you can peek out for a different view of the action.
You can buy individual passes for the many Falls attractions, or package deals, which let you experience most highlights on either the American or Canadian side. Check each attraction’s calendar since many close or offer altered adventures in winter, but don’t worry — the Falls are even more breathtaking when parts of them are frozen, allowing for a winter wonderland experience.
When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the lively Queen Victoria Place Restaurant, where an open-air patio lets you gaze at the Falls while you eat. Don’t worry, there’s indoor seating too for cooler months. It’s located in the park, and the building once served as the home of Commissioners of Niagara Parks. Here, pub-style food made with local ingredients includes lunch and dinner options like a delicious starter of North Atlantic Crab, Artichoke and Asiago Cheese Dip. There’s also a Niagara Harvest Salad; and an Ontario Fusion Noodle Bowl.
As for hotels, Sheraton On The Falls is a block away from the park, and within walking distance of dozens of tourist attractions. Rooms that look out onto the Falls are available, and there are in-house restaurants, shops, a spa, pool, and connecting walkways to Casino Niagara as well as the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, perfect for kids.
When you’re ready for a more upscale, laid-back scene, start making your way towards Niagara-On-The-Lake.
On the way, stop at more fun sites like the Whirlpool Aero Car (a cable car that transports you high above the racing whirlpools of the Niagara River through the Nov. 6 seasonal close); the White Water Walk (a boardwalk trail along the wild waters of the Niagara Gorge, through Nov. 6); and the Butterfly Conservatory (a walk-through habitat where 2,000 insects flutter around and land on your head, shoulders and arms.)
In Niagara-on-the-Lake, check in at 124 on Queen Hotel and Spa, which has a prime location on Queen St. in the middle of the adorable downtown area. Stylish, modern rooms, suites, and villas here are spread out across several low-rise buildings, and many have terraces. There’s a fitness center and spa, and a concierge to help guests with services like booking a ride in one of the horse-drawn carriages seen around town.
The hotel’s best feature though, is that Treadwell Farm-to-Table Cuisine (treadwellcuisine.com) is onsite. Food from Niagara region producers are turned into delicious dishes that change with the season. Recent options included an irresistible app of zucchini blossoms deep-fried in a crispy tempura batter and served with a peppery mayo mixture. Current mains are duck leg confit and a dish called Pan Seared Filet of Lake Huron Pickerel. Don’t miss the cheese plates for dessert, which pair wonderfully with wines from the area.
Speaking of wine, the town is dotted with vineyards and wineries you can visit for tastings and lunches. The region is known for its ice wine — there’s even an Icewine Festival coming up on select weekends in January — but produces other varieties as well.
Head to Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery for tours and tastings. You can walk among the vineyards or enjoy a meal in the restaurant here, with choices like a daily soup served with a sour cream and chive muffin; seasonal salads; and entrees like Marinated and Baked Ontario Tofu and Silversmith Black Lager Braised Lamb Shank.
Ravine produces everything from merlot to riesling, but don’t miss their fruity, flavorful sauvignon blanc. If you buy a bottle to take home, also check out the gift shop in the back, selling everything from pretty bowls to cheeses and jars of fancy mustard. The family who runs the vineyard also operates a garden and farm, using the foods produced for their canned goods, shop and restaurant.
Back on Queen St., take time to stroll the strip and stop in the many shops, boutiques and sweets shops. The town has a heavy British influence, since it was a British military base and British loyalists who fled the U.S. after the American Revolution settled here. So you’ll find clothing imported from England, and shops selling savories like kidney pie.
A cool local shop is Reiner’s (reiners.ca), selling leather goods like animal-shaped ottomans for kids. And don’t miss Il Gelato di Carlotta, which churns out amazing, award-winning Italian-style ice cream.
And if you didn’t get your fill of water in Niagara Falls, take a 10-minute walk from Queen St. to Queen’s Royal Park for a view of peaceful Lake Ontario.
If you go…
Getting there: The drive from NYC to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls takes about seven hours. From there, it’s just over a half hour by car to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Or fly into Buffalo from about $150 round-trip. Don’t forget your passport or other proof of U.S. citizenship.
Stay:
* In Niagara Falls – Sheraton On The Falls (sheratononthefalls.com) offers rooms with a view of the main attraction in a high-rise packed with restaurants and other amenities. It’s within walking distance of most sites you’ll want to visit. Rates from $110 a night at current exchange rates.
* In Niagara-on-the-Lake: 124 on Queen Hotel and Spa (124queen.com) is centrally located on Queen St., the town’s main commercial strip. Luxury accommodations range from deluxe rooms to multi-bedroom villas. Rates from $250 a night, and drop to $175 on Nov. 1.
More info: On the U.S. side of the Falls: niagara-usa.com; on the Canadian side of the Falls: niagarafallstourism.com or niagaraparks.com; on Niagara-on-the-Lake: ontariotravel.net or niagaraonthelake.com.
