Niagara Falls 
There is more to the Niagara Falls region than the mighty Horseshoe Falls! From exploring the tunnels behind the falls to biking the Welland Canal and exploring Niagara Ale Trail, there is plenty to occupy you all this summer in the Niagara Falls Region: From Wainfleet to Grimsby and from Fort Erie to St Catharines!
Jackson-Triggs Summer Concert Series
Summer Activities, Festivities and Events in the City of Niagara Falls
- Celebrate Canada Day!
- Opening August 29, a new immersive attraction offers an aerial journey over 56 km of the Niagara River, from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, featuring scenic landscapes, historic sites, and a close-up view of Horseshoe Falls. Niagara Takes Flight is Ontario’s first flying theatre experience, featuring a massive, 180-degree domed screen that invites guests to soar above the region’s most iconic landscapes and get closer than ever to Niagara Falls.
- Enjoy the illuminated Falls play background for a stunning fireworks show.
- Dine with a view, and satisfy your palate and eyes by reserving a table at these restaurants overlooking the three falls that make up the mighty Niagara Falls.
- Experience the remarkable Niagara Parks Power Station with Currents, an epic sight and sound night show inside the heart of the plant.
- Join Niagara Parks Heritage in commemorating the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Chippawa – the longest, most violent and bloodiest campaign of the War of 1812 on July 5 @ Chippawa Battlefield.
- Come enjoy concerts, performances, and children’s activities as part of Ukrainian Family Festival on Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 6248 Main St, Niagara Falls.
- Enjoy a day in picturesque Niagara Falls by visiting beautiful gardens on a tour organized by the Niagara Falls Horticultural Society on July 12.
- Enjoy live music, food, vendors, science and technology exhibits all in the beautiful Queen Victoria Park on July 11, from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm as part of Nikola Tesla Fest.
- Enjoy a vibrant celebration of creativity as members of the Niagara Parkway Artists’ Guild bring their easels and brushes to the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. Watch as artists paint en plein air, capturing the stunning surroundings in real time, and explore a variety of fine artwork available for purchase. July 19–20 and September 6–7
- Get ready for loud and colourful presentations, often held during festivals like Sinulog and Panagbenga, brought right to Canada’s soil. Gear up for fun and exciting Filipino parlour games like palo sebo during NIAGARA Fiesta Extravaganza at Fireman’s Park, 2275 Dorchester Road, Niagara Falls, on the long weekend.
- Voyage to the Falls and enjoy stunning views of the Niagara Gorge, American, and Bridal Veil Falls, and come face-to-face with the famous Canadian Horseshoe Falls with Niagara City Cruises.
- Whether you want to enjoy foot-stomping musicals or listen to multi-faceted performers, there is no shortage of entertainment at OLG Stage and Avalon Theatre at Fallsview Casino!
- Descend into Niagara Power Station’s 2,200-foot-long tunnel in a glass-enclosed elevator and learn how it expelled water back into the Niagara River at the base of Niagara Falls. Discover fascinating stories about this incredible feat of engineering as you make your way to an observation deck at the river’s edge for a breathtaking panoramic view of the magnificent falls.
- Race down the forty-two feet high Niagara Speedway!
-
Photo Credit: Niagara Falls Speedway
- Bike the Niagara Falls Recreation Trail!
- Zipline to the falls!
- Enjoy stunning blooms of spring and the Floral Showhouse, just a short walk south of the Falls and Table Rock Centre. Immerse yourself in a garden experience that celebrates the curiosity of the senses. The vibrant summer show explores how plants connect to sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste through a stunning selection of botanicals and creative elements.
- People watch at Clifton Hills!
- Visit Queen Street to join in on the fun and take a look at all the cool antique and show cars every Tuesday during summer.
- Walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the tranquillity beside the raw power and peril of the Niagara River’s Class 6 white-water rapids at White Water Walk!
- See Niagara Falls from up above at Skylon Tower!
- Spend 45 minutes learning about the history and geology of the majestic Niagara River and experiencing the excitement of playing in class 5 whitewater rapids as you journey on the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours.
- Cross the Canadian and American border without a document in hand on the Whirlpool Aero Car!
- Then walk across the International Border on Rainbow Bridge to see Niagara Falls from a whole new perspective with your travel documents!
- See the world’s rarest egg, 2-headed animals, and authentic shrunken heads at Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium.
- Explore the great gorge and take a trip back in time as you wander past boulders left behind as the Falls eroded through this area thousands of years ago at Niagara’s Glen!
- Camp!
- Feed the ducks at Dufferin Islands Park!
- Play Golf!
- Journey Behind the Falls to hear and see the thunderous Falls.
- Climb aboard Canada’s largest observation wheel and enjoy memorable views of the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Niagara River and other landmarks.
- Take a #selfie as you mingle your way through Louis Tussaud’s WaxWorks with your favourite star! From horror villains to Hollywood’s elite, there are lots of wax people for you to meet!
- See thousands of butterflies at the Butterfly Conservatory.
- Niagara Falls is getting a new summer festival – Misty City Music Festival. Featuring two stages and performances across both days, Misty City promises to offer an abundance of world-class live music for everyone to enjoy.
- Play Dinosaur Adventure Golf – one of Canada’s largest miniature golf courses with a massive 70,000 square foot playing surface!
- Enjoy various family activities at Heartland Forest Nature Experience.
- Experience the enchantment of ‘Evolution,’ a spectacle like no other starring Greg Frewin! This captivating show showcases rare and amazing magic, exotic birds, and state-of-the-art illusions that will ignite your imagination and leave you amazed beyond belief. @ Greg Frewin Theatrical Centre
- Support local at Niagara Falls Farmers’ Market, which showcases local growers, makers, and bakers from across the region. It also features weekly live music and entertainment, children’s activities, community initiatives, and more. Every Saturday between 7 am and 1 pm @ The Exchange (5943 Sylvia Place)
Summer Activities in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
- Visit the wineries!
- Jackson-Triggs Summer Concert Series is back this summer. The 2025 series features top Canadian talent, including performances from Colin James, Chantal Kreviazuk, and many more!
- Explore Fort George National Historic Site on an exclusive, in-depth tour of the site delivered by the site manager who literally ‘wrote the book’ on the fort. On this special tour, you’ll be guaranteed to avoid the crowds and hear stories not often told during regular hours.
- Enjoy Music Niagara’s Summer Festival, which will feature many events including Cabaret with Julie Nesrallah, Norbert Heller: Mozart, Beethoven & Beyond, Toronto All-Star Big Band: Dinner & Show until August 15, 2025.
- Visit the Lavender Farm at Niagara Essential Oils & Blend.
- Go for the freshly baked cherry pies and stay for the fun at this Cherry Festival! Saturday, July 5, 2025 @ St. Mark’s Church.
- See more than 14 plays on 3 stages along with loads of different events and activities at the Shaw Festival!
- Eat the ice cream at Avondale Dairy Bar!
- Tour several private gardens spread over Historic Old Town during the Annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Garden Tour – Saturday, July 12, 2025.
- Re-enactors from all over North America will descend upon Fort George on July 12 & 13, 2025, as they re-enact one of the pivotal events in Niagara during the War of 1812. Battle re-enactments will be happening at 11:00am and 3:00pm on Saturday and 1:00pm on Sunday.
- Celebrate the art form of jazz in the Niagara Region with days of live jazz & events throughout the Niagara Region. – Niagara Jazz Festival.
- Join Niagara-on-the-Lake Ghost Walks for a traditional Ghost Walk of “Canada’s Most Haunted Town”. Featuring stories at the Olde Angel Inn, Courthouse and Prince of Wales Hotel and more.
- Join Parks Canada and the Friends of Fort George for a weekend of muskets and majesty on August 16 & 17, 2025. Napoleonic-style French uniforms will fill Fort George, with demonstrations and battle reenactments happening both days.
- Climb to the top of the Brock Monument!
- Enjoy lots of tasty “Peachy” delights from local bakeries and restaurants, and of course, local growers selling their delicious fresh peaches. on August 18 & 9, 2025, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm @ Queen St from Victoria St to King Street.
- Visit Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre from Saturday, August 2 to Sunday, August 3, 2025, to see a wide range of original works including paintings, photography, sculpture, woodwork, glass, pottery, textiles, jewellery and more.
- Join Niagara Parks Heritage at Mackenzie Printery and celebrate the Louis Roy Press and its connection to the 1793 Act to End Slavery. Discover how Canada’s oldest printing press helped John Graves Simcoe shape the province of Upper Canada at the Mackenzie Printery during Simcoe Days.
- Join the Friends of Fort George for a social evening, and celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen, n English author from the early 19th century, whose work is contemporary to the time period portrayed at Fort George, and provides a glimpse into the middle & upper class lifestyles of the regency period which is something many officers left behind when they came to Upper Canada. August 7, 2025.
- Stop at pop-up/roadside fruit markets to taste the fresh fruits from the Niagara region!
- Go on an enchanted journey back in time with costumed guides and folklore to match as you learn more about Laura Secord.
- Go on a winery tour on the bike!
- Step inside Fort George after dark and learn about its history and hauntings during a 1.5 to 2-hour candlelight ghost walk.
- Take a horse ride along the Niagara escarpment!
- Go for stand-up paddling on the Niagara River!
- Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride along the Historic District and down the main street of Old Town.
- Tell the time at the Floral Clock!
- Credit: Niagara Parks
- Take a picture at the Queen’s Royal Park gazebo. It provides sweeping views of Lake Ontario and sometimes the Toronto Skyline, adding to its reputation for being visually beautiful and a place to relax.
- Hike through Woodend Conservation Area and sweeping vistas of Lake Ontario and Niagara Escarpment slopes.
- Explore the heritage buildings and the picturesque downtown on a walking tour.
.
Summer Activities in Fort Erie
Credit: Jeff Speed/Destination Ontario
- Have a full weekend of free family fun and entertainment in Historic Downtown Ridgeway all weekend long at Downtown Ridgeway Summer Festival from July 11 & 12, 2025
- Enjoy a Murder Mystery at Old Fort Erie. Join the investigation, search for clues, question suspects, and solve the mystery during this outdoor evening of suspense. Dress appropriately for the weather. Saturday, July 12, 2025
- Get just-picked produce, farm specialties like baked goods, maple syrup, honey, VQA wines, and more at Ridgeway Farmers’ Market.
- Take a journey through time at Old Fort Erie and experience what it was like during the War of 1812 as soldiers clashed and cannons were fired with the Annual Siege of Fort Erie Reenactment. Explore the fort as hundreds of reenactors demonstrate why the site is known as Canada’s bloodiest battlefield. Then, watch the full battle reenactment on Saturday and Sunday on August 9 & 10, 2025.
- Explore Riverwalk located along the Niagara Boulevard between Queen Street and Bertie Street that offer majestic views of the Peace Bridge and the Niagara River.
- Learn more about Fort Erie’s history – visit Fort Erie Historical Museum, the Fort Erie Railway Museum, the Battle of Ridgeway Memorial Park Site, Mewinzha: First Nations Gallery.
- Have a beach day at Crystal Beach or at Crescent Beach Park.
- Go on a guided tour of the historical Point Abino Lighthouse!
- Listen to concerts for free at Waterfront Park (3855 Terrace Lane, Crystal Beach).
- See more than 1000 animals of native and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds at Safari Niagara.
- See the Peace Bridge all aglow at night.
.
Summer Activities in Pelham
- Enjoy free concerts every Thursday night at the Fonthill Bandshell.
- Chill on the Hill for four days of family fun at Fonthill during Pelham Summerfest – July 17-20, 2025
- Enjoy offerings from local restaurants, wineries & Breweries and live entertainment each Thursday evening in a beautiful setting in downtown Fonthill during Pelham Supper Market. Thursdays, June 12 to September 4, 2025 from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
- See the oldest sugar maple tree in Canada at the Comfort Maple Conservation Area.
- Explore the 6km Gerry Berkhout Trail that runs from Murdoch Road to the edge of Centennial Park.
Summer Activities in Port Colborne
Splashtown Niagara
- Beat the heat at the inflatable water park called Splashtown Niagara at Nickel Beach.
- Enjoy free concerts featuring a fantastic lineup of artists, including Strictly Hip, The Caverners, Taylor’s Story and many more!
- Join for Port Colborne’s signature event, Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival, and comprises a number of fascinating attractions as marine vessels gather for four days to celebrate the city’s maritime heritage along the canal. Explore the decks, try your hand at the wheel, or feel the spray as you cruise the Empire Sandy, Tall Ship on Lake Erie or the E.M. Cotter Fire Boat along the Canal wall. August 1 to 4, 2025.
- Enjoy a walk along the Port Promenade and discover the shops of Historic West Street and the Downtown Business District.
- Go Scuba diving to explore the Easter Basin wrecks off Port Colborne!
- Start your fishing trip from Sugarloaf Marina!
- Have tea at Arabella’s Tea Room at Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum and Heritage Village – Open Daily from June 1 until September 30, from 2 to 4 p.m., except Canada Day and Labour Day.
- Show off your skateboarding tricks at the Marine-themed Skate & BMX Park – Algoport.
- Build sandcastles at Nickel Beach or Centennial Beach.
- Picnic at Lock 8 Gateway Park and watch ships that pass through the Welland Canal and into Lake Erie.
- Go trail riding with HorsePlay Niagara.
- Explore Mud Lake Conservation Area, which offers scenic nature trails, superb bird watching, and fishing.
- Bike the 24-kilometre Friendship Trail that begins at Port Colborne Seaway Park and ends at Historic Fort Erie.
City of Port Colborne
Summer Activities in Wainfleet
- Join for the Annual Marshville Heritage Festival in Wainfleet and learn for about the lifestyle of a Wainfleet farm family in the 1890’s . – Labour Day Weekend.
- Camp, see the many waterfowl, sunbathe at the long sandy beach and more at the Long Beach Conservation area.
- Go birding at Wainfleet Wetlands Conservation Area
- Enjoy boating, swimming and fishing at Chippawa Creek Conservation Area.
- Enjoy a beach day at Wainfleet Lake Erie Public Access Beach.
.
Summer Activities in Welland
Welland FloatFest
- Get your inflatables, and your kiddies and get to Welland for the annual Welland Floatfest! – Sunday, July 20 | 12:00 PM at Lincoln Street Docks
- Cheer the participants of the many international water sporting events taking place at Welland International Flatwater Centre.
- Go on a historical walking tour of Welland!
- Enjoy Welland Bridge 13 in Downtown Welland lit up every night!
- Go for a walk in Merritt Island trail or bike the Welland portion of Great Niagara Circle Trail!
- Rent a canoe, kayak or pedal boat and explore Welland via the water.
- Cheer the participants of the many international water sporting events taking place at Welland International Flatwater Centre.
- Taste local at Welland Farmers’ Market.
- Enjoy free concerts at Merritt Park this summer – Fridays | 07:00 PM
.
Summer Activities in Lincoln/West Lincoln
- Find hidden treasures at the antique stores of Lincoln.
- Say hello to the Ostriches at Ostrich Land!
- Explore worlds of the early Pennsylvania Mennonite settlers and the Edwardian Schoolmistress at Jordan Historical Museum.
- Hike the Bruce Trail to the magnificent waterfalls of Ball’s Falls Conservation Area.
- Explore Niagara’s Sonoma Valley – Twenty valley features over 50 vineyards that include many of the province’s best, boutique wineries.
- Spend an afternoon noshing Zooma’s incredible food, and a glass of Sue-Ann’s award-winning wine from noon ’til 4pm and during select weekends in summer at Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery.
- Stargaze at Chronos Observatory of Calamus Estate Winery during special days!
- Go cherry picking at Cherry Avenue Farms.
.
Summer Activities in Thorold
- Explore Short Hills Provincial Park.
- Enjoy the old town charm of downtown Thorold! The second Thursday of every month, Figg Street Co. on Front Street in Thorold hosts an art event featuring local artists.
- Have a family fun day at Merrittville Speedway.
- Watch the ships and learn more about the history of Thorold through artifacts from the Thorold and Beaverdams Historical Society at Lock 7 viewing centre.
- When summer ends, visit Howells Pumpkin Farm.
- Walk the boardwalk of Mel Swart Lake Gibson Conservation Park.
- Can you walk the 32 km long Laura Secord Trail from Thorold to Laura Secord Homestead, which Laura Secord walked during the War of 1812 in the service of her country
- Cross the Welland Canal aboard the Port Robinson Ferry.
Summer Activities in St Catharines
City of St. Catharines
- Bike Welland Canal or Ship watch at any of the four cities – St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland and Port Colborne.
- What is summer without tasting Lip Smackin’ Finger-Lickin’ Ribs from all over North America? St Catharines Rotary RibFest is always held on the civic long weekend at Montebello Park.
- Taking place against the historic backdrop of scenic Downtown St. Catharines, enjoy multiple stages sending a spectrum of sound throughout the Downtown during Downtown Block Party. Along with diverse music, expect vendor markets, family games, activities, and so much more while surrounded by the best dining and eclectic shopping experiences in the Niagara Region. July 26, 2025.
- Discover various restaurants of downtown St. Catharines. During Downtown D’Lish, participating restaurants in the downtown core offer exclusive prix fixe lunch and dinner menus for a limited time. August 1 – 31.
- Cheer the participants of the Annual Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. August 3 @ 61 Main Street, St. Catharines
- Enjoy a beach day at Lake Ontario Beaches!
- Revel in Norm Foster comedies during The Foster Festival.
- Get tickets to Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) games as Niagara River Lions play all throughout summer at Meridian Centre,
- Discover the history of St Catharines and Welland Canal at St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre. While there, learn more about Canada’s National Summer Sport through
Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum. - Explore 15 craft breweries at Niagara’s Ale Trail.
- Check out the many events taking place at First Ontario Performing Arts Centre!
- Take your toddler to Lakeside Park Carousel.
- Hike to Decew Falls, and see the working grist mill rebuilt in 1872 at Morningstar Mill.
- Visit Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery for winery tours or for the many gourmet foodie events!
- Say Opa, loud and clear as you experience a true Greek celebration with traditional music and the Kalamatiano, Tsamiko, Zeimbekiko and other Greek dances during Labour Day Weeekend.
- Visit St Catharine’s Farmers Market for the “best that Niagara Grows”. Enjoy hands-on experiences, including making butter, creating seed mosaics, honey tasting, market searches and more during Market Discovery Table and the sounds of local musicians at Music in the Square.
- Explore the boardwalk to reach Port Dalhousie Inner Range Lighthouse.
- Go on a guided tour of Welland Canal on a segway.
- Enjoy a beach day at Lake Ontario Beaches!
- Take kids to see animals at Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm and it is free to visit.
Summer Activities in Grimsby
- Enjoy breathtaking and panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario and hike to Beamer Falls at Beamer Conservation area.
- Join The Great Canadian Historical Songbook for a fun, family-friendly show on Saturday, July 5 at Nelles Manor. Enjoy history through music starting at 1 p.m.—don’t forget your chairs, blankets, or picnic!
- Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with An Afternoon with Jane Austen at Nelles Manor on July 19 and 26. Enjoy music and lively gossip on the lawn with performances by the Nelles Manor Players, starting at 1 p.m.
- Discover the works of local artists at Grimsby Public Art Gallery.
- Enjoy movies under the stars at Coronation Park on Friday nights from 7:30pm – 10:30pm. August 8, 15, 22, 29.
- See E.D. Smith’s Refractometer, Penny-Farthing Bicycle and more at Grimsby Museum!
- Get fresh food and locally farmed products from Grimsby Farmers Market: every Thursday from the end of May until Thanksgiving weekend on Main Street in Grimsby from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
- Grimsby Beach is a historic neighbourhood known for its brightly coloured “gingerbread cottages” or “painted ladies.” Enjoy strolling through the area’s unique streets, parks, and waterfront access to Lake Ontario.
Is there a 2023 list?
The same article will be updated before Canada Day.