From the rumbling and churning waters of the Niagara River to the tiny fluttering of wings at the Butterfly Conservatory, a weekend spent exploring the Niagara region is much more than just witnessing the wonders of nature, it’s also about experiencing a 56-kilometre corridor full of adventure. Located between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie, just steps from the river, are a series of historic sites, natural attractions and one-of-a-kind experiences you will find nowhere else in the world. Here is how to make the most of a summer weekend in one of Ontario’s most popular destinations.Â
After witnessing the power of Niagara Falls at its mist-covered brink, you can feel its power firsthand at Journey Behind the Falls — housed within Table Rock Centre — where you descend 125 feet into the 130-year-old tunnels that run behind the Falls and vibrate from the force of the water. Following the tunnels, you will emerge at an observation deck at the foot of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, the perfect location for a dramatic selfie.
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For generations, the Falls’ roaring waters have been used to power homes across the region — a story you can learn about at the Niagara Parks Power Station, which was built in 1905. The generator floor of the meticulously preserved power station houses exhibits, interactive displays and artifacts that detail the fascinating history of hydroelectric power generation in Niagara. The story of the Niagara Parks Power Station wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the brand-new Tunnel experience. Travel by glass-enclosed elevator 180 feet below the station floor to the original 2,200-foot tailrace tunnel that leads you to an observation platform where you can marvel at never-before-seen views of both the Canadian Horseshoe and the American Falls from below.
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End your visit with the nighttime show, Currents, where the walls and floor of this more-than-a-century-old space are transformed by colourful lights, projected images and thrilling music to tell the story of how water becomes electricity.
Explore around the Falls
After discovering all about its namesake cataracts, explore in and around Niagara Falls. Travel south along the banks of the Niagara River to discover Old Fort Erie, a British-constructed fort across from Buffalo, N.Y., that played a significant role in the War of 1812. Enjoy learning more about the war and the role the fort played protecting Canada – don’t miss one of the heart-pounding artillery demonstrations.
Follow your visit with a stop at the Floral Showhouse, located just above Horseshoe Falls, to take in its three main displays featuring orchids, ferns, succulents and other tropical species — as many as 20,000 plants are grown here annually.
From there, head to the White Water Walk – a quarter-mile boardwalk where you can learn about the area’s geological history, plants and animals. Continue along the Niagara Parkway to the Whirlpool Aero Car, less than a 10-minute drive north of the Falls, to view the Niagara River’s Whirlpool and its class six rapids from the comfort of a historic cable car that spans 3,500 feet across the Niagara Gorge.
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Head toward Niagara-on-the-Lake
Following the Niagara Parkway north toward Niagara-on-the-Lake, make your first stop the Butterfly Conservatory, located within the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. Take a quiet stroll along its 180 metres of pathways while keeping your eyes open for some of the more than 2,000 fluttering insects, representing 45 different species, flying freely through the conservatory.
Next, stop in at the Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum. Located in the charming village of Queenston, it is the former home of William Lyon Mackenzie, a politician from the early 1800s who started an independent newspaper, The Colonial Advocate. Only a couple blocks away is the equally historic Laura Secord Homestead, the restored home of the famed heroine of the War of 1812, who warned the British of a surprise attack by the Americans.
Just before you arrive in Niagara-on-the-Lake, be sure to visit McFarland House to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea featuring freshly baked scones and desserts at its Conservatory Tea Room. Built at the turn of the 19th century by Scotsman John McFarland, the house is now a historic site where costumed interpreters provide guided tours. The estate’s surrounding park is also open for picnicking, walking and cycling.
Experience it all and save
Be sure to purchase a Niagara Falls Adventure Pass Plus for $99 plus tax, which gives you access to all the above attractions. And, to help you get around, it also includes two-day access to the WEGO bus transportation system, which connects Niagara Parks attractions and area hotels, the Falls Incline Railway connecting Table Rock to the Fallsview Tourist Area, and a round-trip fare for the Niagara-on-the-Lake WEGO shuttle. Learn more at visit niagaraparks.com/deals.
