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 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!
- Enjoy the illuminated Falls play background for a stunning fireworks show.
- Dine with a view, and satisfy your palette and eyes by reserving a table at these restaurants overlooking the three falls that make up the mighty Niagara Falls.
- The Spot Experience brings you a dining experience in a unique and unexpected location. In this special edition, get ready to enjoy a spectacular 4-course dinner at the Oakes Garden Theatre with views of Niagara Falls while enjoying a candle lit concert!
- Experience the remarkable Niagara Parks Power Station in with Currents, an epic sight and sound night show inside the heart of the plant.
- Enjoy a day in picturesque Niagara Falls by visiting ten beautiful gardens on tour organized by the Niagara Falls Horticultural Society on July 8.
- Serbian school “Nikola Tesla” is hosting a special celebration to at Queen Victoria Park on July 9, 2023, from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm, and Niagara Parks will be celebrating Nikola Tesla Day on July 10 inside Niagara Parks Power Station.
- Get ready for loud and colorful presentations done during certain festivals like the sinulog and panagbenga brought right to Canada’s soil. Gear up for fun and exciting Filipino parlor games like palo sebo during NIAGARA Fiesta Extravaganza from August 5 to 7, 2023 Fireman’s Park, 2275 Dorchester Road, Niagara Falls.
- 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 the forty-two feet high the 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.
- 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 tranquility 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.
- Enjoy a dinner overlooking the falls at Table Rock Patio!
- Cross the Canadian and American border without a document in hand on 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.
- 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.
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 2023 series features top Canadian talent, including Jann Arden, Serena Ryder, The Reklaws, Strumbellas, Chantel Kreviazuk and electro jazz singer Charlotte Cardin, who won three Juno Awards last year including Artist of the Year.
- Parks Canada and re-enactors from all across North America will bring Fort George National Historic Site back to its Camp Niagara roots when thousands of troops trained here to fight during the First World War on June 24 & 25, 2023.
- Enjoy Music Niagara’s Summer Festival, which will feature many events from June 18 to August 29, 2023.
- Visit 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 8 2023 @ 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 8, 2023.
- Celebrate the art form of jazz in the Niagara Region 3 days of live jazz & events throughout Niagara – Niagara Jazz Festival.
- Join Niagara-on-the-Lake Ghost Walks for a traditional Ghost Walks of “Canada’s Most Haunted Town”. Featuring stories at the Olde Angel Inn, Courthouse and Prince of Wales Hotel and more.
- Indulge in Bubbly, Tea and Symphony, a delightful afternoon tea experience on July 29. For $125, enjoy a glass of bubbly, scrumptious food, complimentary wines, a variety of teas, and live auctions. Set in the picturesque Willowmere Haven, accompanied by a quartet from the Niagara Symphony Orchestra.
- Join Parks Canada and the Friends of Fort George for a weekend of muskets and majesty on August 19 & 20, 2023. 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 12th, 2023, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm @ Queen St from Victoria St to King Street.
- Visit Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre from Saturday, August 5 to Sunday, August 6, 2023, to see a wide range of original works including paintings, photography, sculpture, woodwork, glass, pottery, textiles, jewellery and more.
- Join the Friends of Fort George for a social evening, celebrating Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice! This Regency evening will include tea and treats, music, games, and more! July 20, 2023
- Stop at pop-up/road side fruit markets to taste the fresh of the farm 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 Niagara River!
- Enjoy a horse carriage ride along the Historical 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.
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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 7 to 9, 2023.
- 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 12 & 13, 2023.
- 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.
- Experience history brought to life with a thrilling reenactment of the Napoleonic War at Old Fort Erie. Witness the fort transform into a European fort as hundreds of reenactors from across Ontario and the United States take over the grounds to set up camp and man the walls and siege lines. August 26 & 27, 2023
- 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 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.
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Summer Activities in Pelham
- Enjoy free concerts on Thursday nights at Fonthill Bandshell.
- Chill on the Hill for four days of family fun at Fonthill during Pelham Summerfest – July 13 to 16, 2023
- 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 8 to September 21.| 4:00pm – 9:00pm
- 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 Freedom Train, the Dreamboats, Grace2 Tragically Hip Tribute, Mystic Highway 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 4 to 7, 2023.
- 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 to September, 2 to 4 pm daily, except Canada 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 Mud Lake conservation area that 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 waterfowls, 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.
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Summer Activities in Welland
Welland FloatFest
- Get your inflatables, and your kiddies and get to Welland for the annual Welland Floatfest! – Sunday, July 9 | 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
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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 Thursdays 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 Loura 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.
- Taking place against the historic backdrop of scenic Downtown St. Catharines, enjoy multiple stages sending a spectrum of sound throughout the Downtown during Davids & DeLaat 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 14 & 15, 2023.
- 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.
- Cheer the participants of the Annual Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. Aug 6 to 13@ 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.
- 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. July 14, July 28, Aug 11, Aug 25, Sept 15.
- See E.D. Smith’s Refractometer, Penny-Farthing Bicycle and more at Grimsby Museum! The museum also offers Wednesday History Walks on selected dates, exploring heritage topics and local history at 7:00 pm during spring, summer, and fall.
- 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.
Is there a 2023 list?
The same article will be updated before Canada Day.