Niagara Falls 
Niagara Falls Tourism
Visiting Niagara Falls Region in the winter is like stepping into a historic snowy wonderland. Niagara Falls may be the natural wonder that brings millions of tourists to this area, but there are many more attractions and natural wonders in the city of Niagara Falls and in the surrounding towns that keep them coming back year after year.
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- Stroll along the Niagara Parkway running along the side of the Horseshoe Falls, get up close to the roaring Niagara River, and see the wondrous ice formations below.
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- The 4 km Niagara Gorge trail network offers hikers of all skill levels an opportunity to experience the natural wonders of prehistoric geological formations and a breathtaking view of the rapid waters of Niagara River Whirlpool deep inside the gorge.
- Niagara Helicopters promises visitors a tour of a lifetime. Soar across the sky and see the majestic Niagara Falls and the surrounding man-made and natural attractions from a bird’s- eye-view coated in a blanket of ice and snow.
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- In the heart of Clifton Hill, the Niagara SkyWheel is another way to see the beauty of the Horseshoe Falls from up above. Take a nighttime spin on the SkyWheel and enjoy seeing the falls and the surrounding area lit up in neon lights of the nearby attractions.
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- Journey Behind the Falls allows visitors to explore the 130-year-old tunnels, feel the vibration and see the Horseshoe Falls from a unique vantage point carved straight into the rock. The view will leave you breathless and a little wet.
- Some say the sheer energy emitted by the Niagara Falls made people go mad. Sign up for one of many ghost tours in the area and let guides take you through the streets previously traversed by rum runners and soldiers, discover the hidden gems and learn the stories and legends that Niagara Falls is known for.
- Experience a winter retreat at the Great Canadian Winter Lodge. The Whirlpool Golf Course has a variety of trails with scenic lookouts and snowshoeing equipment isavailable for rent onsite.
The towns surrounding Niagara Falls have their own stories and wonders to explore. Here are some local gems that will broaden your visit to Niagara Falls and will keep you coming back for more.
- Contrary to other optical illusions the Shrinking Mill only gets smaller as you get closer. It has something to do with the eye’s ability to see horizontal lines, but rather than reading about it, experience this unique optical illusion for yourself in the nearby city of Port Colborne.
- An adventure for the whole family awaits you at the Heartland Forest. Count how many totem poles you can spot along the Carolinian forest trail before arriving at one of the largest tree houses in Canada. Admission is free and trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Heartland Forest
- Historic Fort George in the nearby town of Niagara-On-the-Lake transports visitors back in time to the battle of 1812. Soldiers in red coats continue to patrol this former military base and can be seen firing their muskets in ceremonious presentations throughout the day. Take in the view from a scenic lookout or examine one of the cannons up close when you visit this historic site.
- While at Fort George, experience their newest attraction – an outdoor skating rink. Afterward, stop by the concession stand for some hot chocolate to enjoy around a fire pit and watch the other skaters go by under the twinkling lights. The Skating rink is free to use and skate rentals are available for a small fee.
- Sentineal Carriage offers narrated horse-drawn carriage tours of Niagara-on-the-Lake. 30 min, 45 min, and 1-hour tours are available and can be booked in advance on the company’s website.
- Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the pond and some bird watching at John’s Conservation Area in the town of Pelham. A variety of short trails of varying length and difficulty, as well as some wheelchair accessible routes, are yours to discover.
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- The 3.2km looped trail at the Woodend Conservation Area, part of the Bruce Trail, is suitable to most ages and skill levels. Local residents consider it an ideal spot to take their dogs for a long winter walk. Limited parking is available on site.
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- The Bruce Trail also passes through the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area. Hike along scenic lookouts, enjoy a hawk demonstration and learn about the early Grimsby settlers in this year-round destination.
- Dufferin Islands, located just south of theFalls on the Niagara Parkway, is a series of islands connected by small bridges. This lovers’ paradise offers a romantic setting for a winter walk while admiring the many birds and enjoying the twinkling lights in this quiet and secluded park.
- The Niagara Region is known for its’ abundance of wineries. If you are having a hard time deciding which winery to visit, why not take a wine tour. Pick from a variety of options, ranging from a half-day wine and cheese tour, a full-day tour with lunch, or an evening tour with dinner.
- Lake Erie is the smallest of the Great Lakes and often freezes in the winter. It is an ideal spot for ice fishing and is recognized as one of Ontario’s best spots for perch, but you can also catch walleye, bass, trout, and salmon.
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- If you are into ships and would like to learn how the Welland Canal locks operate, then the Catharines Museum at Lock 3 is your destination. The museum brings local history to life and also features the lacrosse hall of fame. You can learn about ships, locks, and Canada’s national sport all in one place.
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- While the canal is closed for winter maintenance, the Welland Canal Lock 7 hill in Thorold is a fun destination for spending a few hours tobogganing with the entire family.
- If you are a fan of hockey you’ll appreciate a visit to the Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery. Here you can sample, wine, whiskey, and beer and enjoy the Great One’s favorite activity as you skate on the onsite outdoor skating rink.
- Ball’s Falls in Lincoln, Ontario is one of many waterfalls in the Niagara Region. See the giant icicles of this majestic frozen waterfall as you enjoy the natural beauty and spectacular scenery of this conservation area.
- In the 19thand 20th century the waterfalls in the area were utilized to power local mills. Decew Falls in St.Catharines is a restored “Morningstar” water-powered mill originally built in 1872. You’ll get a great view of the falls while hiking the nearby trails and may be curious to know that the house located next to the mill served as a British military base during the War of 1812.
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- Visit the WWI memorial at the Chippawa Park in Welland. It commemorates the sacrifices the WWI soldiers made for the freedom of future generations and is the largest WWI memorial in all of Canada.
- The Freise Box is a free outdoor skating rink in the town of Grimsby. The rink has a maximum of 6 person occupancy and can be reserved for a private 45-minute skate or a game of hockey.
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