October 30, 2020
Outdoor Avids Nature Excursion
The fall and winter season is a great time to explore the abundance of one-of-a-kind outdoor experiences that you can only experience in Niagara Falls. This four day itinerary showcases an amazing collection of outdoor activities including wineries, historic sites, botanical gardens, nature hikes, the natural wonder of the Falls, farm-to-table dining, a few hidden gems and attractions for those who love nature.
Begin your exploration of Niagara Falls' wide open spaces with a walk through 99 acres (40 hectares) of beautifully maintained gardens at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. Enjoy perennials, rhododendrons, azaleas, formal parterre garden, shade, herb and vegetable plantings, as well as the world-famous rose garden featuring over 2,400 roses.
After a leisurely stroll head towards the Butterfly Conservatory. This magical attraction features over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies floating freely among lush, exotic blossoms and greenery. Chances are, a butterfly will land on you for a picture perfect moment.
Next, hop in your car for a scenic drive through Wine Country to Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery & Restaurant. Ravine is home to organic vineyards, award-winning wine and a FeastOn certified restaurant that is regarded as one of the top 20 winery restaurants in the world.
Follow your meal with a walk through Queenston Heights Park where you'll find the Brock and Laura Secord Monuments, the southern terminus of the Bruce Trail and the Six Nations and Native Allies Commemorative Memorial. Nestled high atop the Niagara Escarpment, this is the birthplace of Niagara Falls - garden and nature lovers, hikers and picnickers have used this park for generations.
After a very busy start to your Four-Day Nature Excursion, find the ideal venue to serve as your home base throughout your stay by visiting www.niagarafallstourism.com/sleep/. Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada offers accommodation options to suit every need. From quaint bed and breakfasts and luxury fallsview hotels, Niagara has it all.
Start your day off by exploring a true hidden gem in Niagara Falls, the serene Oakes Garden Theatre. Here you'll enjoy superb panoramic views of the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls. Take a stroll along the curved pergola and capture some stunning photos with its unique architecture as your backdrop. Walk beyond the pergola to discover a Japanese style garden with lily pond and wishing bridge.
Continue south along the Parkway, passed the Falls, to arrive at Dufferin Islands. Ideal for an autumn nature walk, this quiet and secluded area contains several small islands connected by bridges and footpaths.
Complete the day with a truly memorable dining experience at AG Inspired Cuisine. Inspired by local growers and producers, AG's menu utilizes regional and seasonal ingredients, brought together by the inventive hand of Executive Chef Cory Linkson.
Follow this memorable culinary experience with a walk down to see the Falls Illumination - a must see for every visitor! Every night of the year, the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls are illuminated in glowing colours creating a stunning vista that can be viewed from near and far. The glowing waters against the dark sky elevate the beauty of the thundering wonder, making Niagara Falls at night unlike anything you've ever experienced.
Take a professional, educational and fun tour with Niagara Vintage Wine Tours to explore world-class wine and food experiences in Niagara Wine Country. Half-day and full-day tours available.
Experience Wine Country at the ultimate wine and food lover's playground at Peller Estates Winery & Restaurant. Tours and seminars are offered throughout the day, plus visit Niagara's only igloo-like lounge where you'll don a Peller Estates parka and taste Icewine at -10?C.
At Reif Estate Winery enjoy three signature wines while touring the estate, vineyard and cellar. A founding family winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Reif Estate Winery boasts one of the most sophisticated, educational tasting room experiences.
Complete your wine country tour at Hare Wine Co., where rustic and reclaimed materials throughout the winery pay homage to the region's past. Savour a premium flight of wines in the grand tasting room featuring high ceilings and industrial elements designed to resemble a turn-of-the-century factory.
After a day of exploring and experiencing some of Niagara's most notable wineries, enjoy a quiet meal at your hotel for a relaxing evening to rest and rejuvenate for tomorrow activities.
Start your final day of this excursion with Niagara Segway Tours along the Welland Canal - one of the worlds engineering marvels. Learn about the history of Niagara in a fun, easy and exciting way.
After the tour visit the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, watch the ships from the elevated viewing platform as they pass through the locks of the canal. Inside the museum, explore the many exhibits and artifacts that are on display.
Before you head home, make reservations at Vineland Estate Winery & Restaurant for an outstanding culinary experience. FeastOn certified since 2014, the restaurant offers cuisine featuring ingredients from local purveyors created by a team of chefs led by Executive Chef George Ward.
