Niagara Falls is a favourite with newlyweds and those who know there’s much more to see on the other side of the sheets.
To follow are a few ideas of what’s new, and exciting in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Barrelling Over the Falls with Niagara Helicopters
I always feel confident when I get on a helicopter, right up until the moment it takes off. Then I have to stifle a little scream. I know helicopters have excellent safety records; it’s just the excitement getting to me. On my flight with Niagara Helicopters, I grabbed for the safety strap and held my breath as we flew over the city, then banked into a steep curve above Niagara Falls. As the pilot slowly circled, we could see all three falls below us, the impressive Canadian side Horseshoe Falls, and the smaller Bridal Veil and American Falls on the US side. Looking up, I could follow the shimmering Niagara River from the horizon to the lip of the falls, where it seemed to hang for a moment before plunging down 57 metres (188 feet) to explode into clouds of foam.
For another heart pounding adventure, read the article: Heart-Pounding White Water Niagara Falls Boat Rides with Niagara Jet Adventures
Grape Expectations in Niagara-on-the-Lake
When our Airbus H130 helicopter turned north towards Lake Ontario, I started to breathe easier. I knew a glass of bubbly was waiting for me on touchdown at Two Sisters Vineyards. The city gave way to a patchwork of green fields, and soon we landed on a postage-stamp-size meadow surrounded by tall trees. Jannine Lavoie, GM and Dieter Unruh, Sommelier Magister were waiting to usher our group into the Two Sisters Italianate chateau in Niagara-on-the-Lake. We toured the Barrel Cellar, where we saw the massive kegs used to lessen the tertiary aromas of oak in the wine due to less contact with the barrel. It’s meticulous decisions like this that set TSV’s ultra-premium wines apart. That, and the unique geography and terroir of the vineyard. I had a lovely view of the escarpment that allows for their extended growing season – ice wine, anyone? – and enjoyed a wine tasting on the patio overlooking acres of vines and fruit trees. Platters of antipasti arrived courtesy of Italian-focused Kitchen76. The menu offers authentic Sicilian and Italian family recipes handed down to the two sisters from their grandmother. The carciofi, crispy artichokes rolled in Parmigiano-Reggiano, were irresistible, especially when paired with a 2019 Chardonnay, a National Wine Awards of Canada gold medal winner.
Get Ready to Rolls – Royce, that is…
All too soon, I found myself humming Warren Zevon’s, My Ride’s Here as a heavenly vintage 1965 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud III, one of two owned by Community Transportation Group, rolled up to the curb. They also have Lincoln, Jaguar and classic London cabs on hand, but sadly you can’t drive them; a chauffeur takes the wheel. Perhaps that’s the best idea for a wineries tour anyway. Ready to take you wherever your heart desires, this classic Rolls is one of Jay Leno’s favourites, and it had heads turning everywhere along our route. At first, I thought people in Niagara-on-the-Lake were incredibly friendly, but then I realized they were waving at the car. Queen Elizabeth, I can relate.
Bring On the Bubbles at Trius Winery and Restaurant
My next stop was the infinitely Instagrammable Trius Winery and Restaurant. After establishing Canada’s reputation as a contender and winning Best Red Wine in the World in 1991, Trius hasn’t rested on their laurels or vines, as the case may be. Keeping up with the times, they’ve created art installations throughout the property that offer the perfect shots to go with their perfect wines. Try a glass of rose at the Rose Lookout, surrounded by roses, of course. Take a tour of Canada’s most extensive underground cellar to sip a sparkling Blanc de Blancs. Then be part of the bubbly fun at Sparkling House, a tasting room complete with a swing, a bathtub and pink macarons nibblies.
The Darkest Hour Illuminated
When night fell, I headed to Horseshoe Falls with See Sight Tours. We took a trip up to the control tower that illuminates the falls with 12,600 multicoloured LED lights. Friendly operators will help you change the colours to whatever you like using an iPad. You’ll have your own 15 minutes of fame, and a birds-eye view of the results as you paint the thundering falls in your favourite shades. Time it right, and you may also be able to see the nightly fireworks show.
Explore the Tower of Power – Niagara Parks Power Station
If you want to get close enough to feel the spray from Horseshoe Falls, take a trip to the newly opened Niagara Parks Power Station. Built in 1905, when architectural beauty still went hand in hand with functionality, this Beaux-Arts building has been handsomely restored. Sun pours in through the massive arched windows and shines on to a row of huge robin’s-egg blue generators surrounded by immersive exhibits on the history of electricity. It was more fraught than you might think. The race for power dominance lead to a famous feud between the inventors Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, and this power station is one result of the contest.
You can learn more on a guided tour or take a free trip on the glass elevator 180 feet down to the shoreline observation deck. Walk through a former spillway along a 2,200-foot brick-lined tunnel, originally built with shovels and dynamite by lantern light. As you stand on the deck, you’ll have a great view of the falls and cruise boats bobbing in the mist. Don’t miss the ticketed evening sound and light show called Currents. It bathes the power station in 3D projections set to music and reacts to your movements. Now that’s power.
Read the article: Of Wind and Water on the Maid of the Mist Niagara Falls
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
I’m not a gambler, but I bet you’ll like the Fallsview Casino Resort Hotel. You may be tempted to visit the largest gaming floor in Canada, with over 20,000 square feet of slot machines and gaming tables, or you can choose to enjoy the full-service spa, pool, and multiple dining options. Each of the 375 rooms has a view of a portion of the falls. The apartment-sized suites have wraparound views and plenty of room for family and friends.
Check the schedule for the newly opened OLG Stage and the Avalon Theatre. Ringo Starr, Colin Jost and the Lumineers have appeared there recently.
Where to Dine in Niagara Falls
Romantic dinners are a way of life in Niagara Falls, and as a result, there are many fine dining establishments just waiting to be enjoyed. AG Inspired Cuisine is a standout. They’ve received the CAA/AAA 4 Diamonds Award and are one of TripAdvisor’s 10 Best Niagara Falls Restaurants. Executive Chef Cory Linkson serves locally sourced proteins in the classical French style in a sophisticated setting. He cooks “by the seasons,” working hand in hand with farmers and growers and, naturally, the best local wineries.
For history lovers, a trip to The Flour Mill Scratch Kitchen Restaurant in the Old Stone Inn is a treat for the mind as well as the taste buds. The Flour Mill has hosted the likes of Prime Minister P.E. Trudeau, Princess Diana, and John Legend under its high beamed ceiling. Its hand-built stone walls date to 1904. Enjoy table-side magic with the prestidigitations of Edward Stone and magic on your plate with artisanal, organic produce, house-cured meats and specialty Niagara cheeses.
For more casual fare, the newly renovated Table Rock House Restaurant has an outstanding view of Horseshoe Falls and is perfect for a light lunch. The tiered seating is ideal for watching the illuminated falls at night.
After Dinner Winter Treat
Canada’s largest free outdoor light festival celebrates 40 years of sparkle at the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights until February 20, 2023. Over seventy-five larger-than-life displays twinkle nightly along the festival route. Walk or drive, but either way, make sure to stop in along the Hot Chocolate Trail. There are 17 stops and over 20 twists on the original marshmallow recipe. Try a Dirty Snowman.
Author Debra Smith was hosted by Niagara Falls Tourism. As always, her opinions are her own.
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