December 19, 2022
There's "Snow" Place Like Niagara Falls!
Do you think you know Niagara Falls, Canada!? If you haven’t visited the frosty falls during the winter, then think again! Our natural wonder evolves once the leaves change and Jack Frost has hit the region, transforming Niagara Falls into a winter wonderland! Whether you embrace the cool winter elements, or would rather cozy up inside to a breathtaking view, winter may just be the ideal time to #ExploreNiagara.
First things first, kick off your beautiful winter adventure and check into a Fallsview Hotel overlooking the mighty Canadian Horseshoe falls. Don’t worry that it gets dark early, nightly Falls Illumination, which includes a brand new $4 million lighting grid bringing twice the light with 82% less energy, will allow you to see the epic waterfall in a whole new light - literally! Take it all in as you enjoy a gourmet dinner at the Skylon Tower Revolving Dining Room, towering 775 Feet above the falls, the rotating rooms provides the perfect 360 degree view of the winter wonderland below. With full bellies and bright eyes, round off your night with a drive through the Winter Festival of Lights, Canada’s largest illumination festival. The festival is a winter tradition known for its more than 3 million lights on display along the Niagara Parkway.
While your alarm clock might not wake you up, the thundering icy waters right outside your window might – rise and shine early for the busy day ahead! Craving that classic weekend diner brunch? Venture down Lundy’s Lane to the Falls Manor Restaurant, serving up home style breakfasts since 1953. Or check out the extra ordinary (and terrestrial) breakfast being served at the Flying Saucer Restaurant, a local go to spot for breakfast and midnight greasy snacks.
After your interstellar breakfast make some new interspecies friends and step into the Butterfly Conservatory at Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. There, you can stroll through lush greenery, taking in the magical sight of 2,000 delicate butterflies as they flutter around you. Explore more winged creatures as you venture through Bird Kingdom, the world’s largest indoor aviary, with the more than 400 birds and a slew of other incredible creatures from the tropical rainforest. Enjoy a mid-day bite at the top of Clifton Hill at Kelsey’s, and take in all of the action on the Street of Fun. After lunch take off in a climate controlled gondola ride above the city on the Skywheel or save the world from a zombie apocalypse in the action-packed 6D ride, Zombie Attack. If it’s a tropical escape you’re seeking, visit Fallsview or Waves Indoor Waterparks and relax poolside. Both waterparks are attached to hotels, with spas, making your relaxing tropical paradise closer than you think!
Ready to brace for the cold!? Journey Behind the Falls and get up close and personal with sheets of ice and snow that form so thick that at the crest of the falls it can appear they have completely frozen over. Discover the ancient story of Niagara’s Fury and relive the experience in this 360 degree multi-sensory theatre. After all of this frosty fun, head back to your fallsview hotel to unthaw and get ready for a night on the town!
Enjoy dinner and a show at Greg Frewin Theatre, a jaw-dropping magical experience that features a rare Siberian tiger, exotic birds and mesmerizing illusions that put you face to face with this international grand champion of Magic! Thrills and excitement continue at Canada’s largest gaming resort, the Fallsview Casino Resort. With over 3000 slot machines, 130 table games and a buzzing poker room plus several bars, restaurants and lounges, you’ll find the perfect ending to a great day!
After yesterday’s busy day, sleep in and check out late to make sure you’re fully refreshed after your weekend away. Pack your bags and head out to Niagara Helicopters for one of their majestic tours to take one last glimpse of the snowy globe below as you circle above the epic Niagara Falls.
Meander down the Niagara Parkway, to Peller Estates Winery and experience renowned Niagara Icewine with a winery tour and tasting in Niagara-on-the-lake. While you’re there, take in the Icewine Festival, happening weekends in January to celebrate cherished Ontario Icewine. Purchase a bottle for a special occasion and relive your Niagara winter adventure even after your getaway ends. If Icewine isn’t quite your taste, Niagara region is sprawling with more than 90 wineries, breweries and distilleries that provide a unique product and story for your winter trip. Get the best of both worlds at the distinctly Canadian Wayne Gretzky Estates, with a choice of sipping on their in-house made whiskey or wine.
This is just a small sampling of the unforgettable winter experiences that await you in Niagara Falls. An accessible drive from anywhere in the greater Toronto area, and a short drive from the international airports in both Toronto and Buffalo, Niagara Falls presents an accessible list of winter activities for any family and traveller.