Exploring the Niagara Region

Many visitors to Niagara Falls will delight in its kitschy storefronts and the bright neon signs that invite them to experience some of its many attractions. However some tourists will prefer to take in one of the world’s most impressive spectacles and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the falls. Why not turn your next visit into a day long excursion while you walk, ride or drive along the Niagara River? Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of its surroundings and, in the meantime, get to learn more about one of the most historically significant areas of Ontario.

Travel through history

Several names associated with this area are now part of the Canadian mythology. A tour should include a visit to Queenston Heights, the historic battlefield where the British forces, along with First Nation warriors, defeated the Americans’ attempt to invade in 1812. Towering over the fields is the monument dedicated to Major General Brock; it can be seen from kilometres away and is even tall enough to serve as a reminder to our American friends. At the bottom of the battlefield, visit the home of Laura Ingersoll Secord in the beautiful village of Queenston, along with several other historic buildings.

A visit to the area should include a stop in several beautiful villages and towns. If you’re coming from Toronto, why not start your journey in the beautiful town of Port Dalhousie. Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, the sandy beach is very popular in the summer, both for swimming and admiring splendid sunsets. Next to it is the old part of town, with several cafés, restaurants and stunning examples of Georgian architecture. If you like walking, a series of four parks and a pedestrian bridge connect the old town area to the Martindale Pond and beyond. Walk across the pedestrian bridge and notice the old structure of the original canal built in 1829.

To get to Port Dalhousie from Toronto, drive West on the Queen Elizabeth Way until you reach exit 51, turn left on Seventh Street Louth and then right on Lakeshore Road; it becomes Main Street. Keep driving straight until you reach Lock Street, turn right and then left on Canal Street; there is a free parking lot next to Lakeside Park.

To go from Port Dalhousie to Niagara-on-the-Lake, instead of taking the highway, why not go for the more scenic drive. Get back on Main Street, turn left on Lock Street until you reach Lakeport Road, drive across the Martindale Pond and turn left Lakeshore Road. You will cross the bridge above the Welland Canal. Keep driving on Lakeshore and soon you will find yourself surrounded by vineyards. This road will take you to the historic old town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Lakeshore Road becomes Mary Street; turn left on Mississauga Street and right on Queen Street. This is the main commercial street.

If you prefer to go straight to Niagara-on-the-Lake from Toronto, keep driving on the Queen Elizabeth Way and after the Garden City Skyway, get off at exit 38B. Turn left on York Road, right on Airport Road, then right again on Niagara Stone Road. At the end of the road is Queen Street, the main commercial street in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Niagara-on-the-Lake: the prettiest town in Ontario

Even though it is a relatively small town, walking around to visit the different museums and historic sites can be a little daunting. Other than driving, your next best option is to rent a bike or a scooter. A few blocks before you reach Queen Street, on your left hand side on Mississauga Street near Mary Street, you’ll see eSkoot Niagara and Zoom Leisure Bike Rental and Wine Tours. The rates are really reasonable. To get a map of the town and the Niagara region, there is a tourist information office at 26 Queen Street, right downtown. You can also book a tour of the wineries through Grape Estate Wine Tours on Niagara Stone Road.

You can not get lost in Niagara-on-the-Lale; it is built like a checkerboard. There are many examples of stunningly well preserved commercial and residential 19th Century buildings. It is like walking in a movie set. But don’t limit yourself to Queen Street, the main commercial street. The most historic part is one street north, on Byron Street, between King and Wellington streets. Across from Simcoe Park, you’ll find the old St. Mark’s Anglican Church surrounded by the old cemetery. Walk a little further North on King and go for a picnic in Queen’s Royal Park where Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario. From there, appreciate the very nice view of Fort George.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is also known as a theatre town. From Spring to Fall every year since 1962, the Shaw Festival attracts many visitors to its 3 venues. It has also featured prominent names from the theatre world: Stephen Fry was among the famous actors and actresses to perform at the Festival recently.

There are also several places to visit for the history buffs: the Niagara Historical Society Museum, the Fort George National Historic Site, the Niagara Apothecary Museum, the McFarland House.

One of the most scenic roads in Ontario

There is no doubt that the Niagara Parkway, which links Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls, is one of the most scenic roads in Ontario. It will take you along the Niagara River through wineries, farmland and beautiful homes. There is also a trail parallel to the road that makes it safe to ride a bike or walk along it. Several attractions, historic places and rest areas are accessible along the parkway. It is an uphill road but it is relatively flat until you reach Queenston.

You can immerse yourself in one of the most important chapters of Canadian history by visiting the house of legendary figure Laura Secord in the beautiful historic community of Queenston. This quiet village also features the Mackenzie Printery in the historic restored home of publisher, rebellion leader and Toronto’s first mayor William Lyon Mackenzie. The Printery is located at the bottom of Queenston Heights, the famous battlefield where British and Canadian soldiers, helped by Natives, defeated an invasion attempt by Americans in October 1812. From the Mackenzie Printery, there is a path through a wooded area that goes all the way up to Queenston Heights Park. You can also just drive to the top. The beautiful park features the monument to Major-General Brock, killed during the battle, and also provides a great view of the Niagara River flowing South.

Go for a trek down the Niagara Gorge

Keep driving North along the Niagara Parkway and soon you will come across the floral clock on your right. Keep driving a little further; you’ll see the Butterfly Museum and the Botanical Gardens on your right hand side; it is well worth a visit.

Immediately after you’ll see a parking lot on the left. It is another great place for a picnic. Not only can you admire the stunning view of the Niagara Gorge; you can actually go down the gorge and choose from several trails in the Niagara Glen. Get a map of the trails inside the building next to the parking lot. It is free; just make sure you buy enough parking time. Choose your trail according to their level of difficulty; they are mostly moderate, except for the Whirlpool Trail which is considered difficult. Be aware that you will be walking through rocky terrain and wooded areas so make sure you wear the appropriate footwear. It is a very nice way to spend a few hours surrounded by pristine nature with some trees estimated to be about 800 years old. Walking around the entire Glen is about 4 km and can be completed in 1,5 to 2 hours.

As you walk on the River Trail along the Niagara River, you will probably witness many Jet boats going upstream towards the Whirlpool, a large area of the Gorge where the strong currents create a natural whirlpool. It is fascinating to see those powerful boats fight against the strong currents. Needless to say, do not attempt to step in the water.

From the Whirlpool to Niagara Falls

After trekking on the Niagara Glen, you might want to see what the Whirlpool is all about. Get back on the Niagara Parkway and drive a little further towards the falls. Quickly you will see the Whirlpool Aero Car on your left. You can simply park you car and admire the great view or, even better, take the cable car ride over the Niagara River; it is truly spectacular.

If the Niagara Glen is not your cup of tea, you can still get close to the Niagara River. Stop at the White Water Walk a bit further South along the Parkway. An elevator ride will take you down to a tunnel and a boardwalk overlooking the rapids.

If the falls were your final destination, by then you will be literally a few kilometres away. Look up and you might see the mist rise above the Horseshoe Falls; as you get closer, you will hear the roar. The Horseshoe Falls are the Canadian section of the falls; it is where about 90 % of the Niagara River flows. There is plenty of parking spots near the falls. But be aware that in the middle of summer, it fills up quickly and your only option might be to park a few kilometres away along the Niagara Parkway and take a shuttle bus back to the Falls.

Travel by bike, by train, by bus

Of course, you might want to start your visit to the Niagara area with the Falls and then drive in the other direction towards Niagara-on-the-Lake. So the quickest way to the Falls from Toronto is to drive on the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) until you reach the town of Niagara Falls and follow the directions for highway 420.

If you are planning a bicycle trip along the Niagara Parkway, it is much easier to go in that direction; you will be going downhill most of the way. You don’t want to bring your bike? No problem; use Zoom Bike Share. You can rent a bike at 2 different stations in Niagara Falls, ride it and leave it at any of the other stations in Queenston and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Go to their website to see how it works.

You don’t drive? Easy. There is a GO Train service during the summer months from Toronto to Niagara Falls. Once in Niagara Falls, you can get a pass for WEGO, the bus shuttle service that links many different sites around the area.  It is a very efficient way to visit the area. It can also take you to Niagara-on-the-Lake.

From Toronto to Queenston

If you are short of time, you might prefer to start you visit to the Niagara Area in Queenston. There is a scenic drive that I like to take. Take the QEW to exit 38B, turn right on Regional Road 89 and right again on York Road. You will travel through the historic village of St. Davids to Queenston Heights, another beautiful drive.

When to go to the Niagara ?

Of course, summer is the busiest time to visit the Niagara area. If you have a choice, I highly recommend you plan your trip in October. The leaves are colourful and the price of accommodation drops dramatically. And the different sites are a lot less crowded.