Getting acquainted with Niagara Falls Tourism Areas

What most tourists don’t fully understand before visiting the falls, is that the falls themselves are only a fraction of the things to see and do in Niagara.  Niagara is not only famous for its falling water; it’s also famous for its wine, history, canal waterways, and vintage services.  In among the variety of sights, there is something for everyone to discover.

Niagara Falls is the most common and will obviously attract the largest volume of tourism. While they are truly magnificent, there are many other areas that you should consider seeing. Follow the river downstream where you will find some of the most ferocious class 5 rapids anywhere. Hikers of all ages spend time carving their way down the trails of the gorge to sit by the rushing water, or just have a picnic.  Check out the tours of the large electric plants that produce electricity for 1,000’s of home across Canada and the US.  Find excitement at Clifton hill which has served as the entertainment complex for family fun for decades.  Check out cheaper accommodations, loads of souvenir shops, and a variety of fast food and dining options down Lundy’s Lane.  There’s a lot to discover if you know the right places to look.

If you have more elegant taste, then it would serve you well to head over to Niagara on the Lake. Following the Niagara Parkway into another world, as you will find yourself in a late 1800’s old world town.   Known for its vintage hotels, quaint Bed and Breakfasts, fine dining, specialty shops, and historical sites, it would make an ideal couples spot. Enjoy theatre at the Shaw Festival, or explore old world artefacts and history of the war of 1812 at the military Fort George Historical Site.  Feel like you’ve stepped back in time by touring the streets by horse drawn carriage, and sample world class wines created from the many vineyards in the region.  Located right where Lake Ontario and the Niagara River meet there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery and photo ops at every turn.

Once again for those with expensive tastes, a little known gem in the Niagara Region exists just west of St.Catharines. A small village called “Jordan Village” is about a 20 minute drive outside of Niagara Falls. Capture a breath of fresh air in this little town with flare! Located in the heart of Niagara’s Twenty Valley Wine Country you’ll find yourself delighted with fine dining, posh accommodations, and all the high class wine you could imagine. Although the setting has been built around the wine industry there is plenty to see and do from hiking the famous Bruce Trail through the Niagara escarpment to shopping at the exciting boutiques.  Among the main inn accommodations on the main street, you’ll also find an array of Bed & Breakfast style settings that will be sure to please. This would be another great venue for couples to get away and enjoy the finer things of life.

St.Catharines is a major hub as the larger city in the Niagara Region. Although it is not primarily tourism destination there is plenty to see and do here as well.  It is home to the Welland Canal, which connects two of the Great Lakes. Ocean liners and cargo ships from all over the world travel through the locks and carry goods into the United States without issue. Watch as giant ships climb hills as the locks hoist them 80 feet up.  As well as the canal, you’ll find another hot spot right on Lake Ontario called Port Dalhousie. Port Dalhousie is known for its world class rowing competitions and a summer time fun time! Hundreds of people come to dock at its oversized piers to watch the sunset or go for a ride on the historical carousel still in operation today for 5 cents.  A great destination for families with kids of all ages.