Often maligned as tacky, dingy, and disappointingly kitsch, Niagara Falls suffers a bad rap. Recently, it has even had to fend off the dubious distinction of being named Canada’s worst tourist trap. However, as a long-time Ontarian (albeit one who now lives full-time in Paris), I’m throwing out an unpopular opinion: anyone who berates the Falls didn’t do them the right way.
Most international visitors head straight to the star attraction, the Horseshoe Falls, take their obligatory selfie, then dart in and out of the city—which is, admittedly, like Las Vegas, only perhaps gaudier—before returning to their point of origin. To actually appreciate this breathtaking landscape, travelers should consider expanding their itinerary to include local gems.
Stroll the Streets of a Beautifully Preserved Heritage Town
You could call the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake the antithesis of Niagara Falls, where flashy neon lights, casinos, theme rides, and chain restaurants dominate the cityscape.
Just a half hour’s drive north of Horseshoe Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) is a picturesque heritage town where baskets of pink and purple petunias hang from Victorian street lamps, and charming boutiques sell everything from antiques and handmade pottery to maple fudge and homemade jams.
Think the Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow brought to life. While the town swells with tourists during the high season, the brick heritage buildings, colorful storefronts, genteel avenues, and horse-drawn carriages offer visitors a leisurely respite.
Visit the Rolling Vineyards of Canada’s Wine Country
Thanks to the area’s lake-moderated microclimate, Niagara is Canada’s largest wine region, boasting more than 120 wineries—many of which are small-batch, boutique producers. This region is best known for ice wine, but it also excels in cool-climate varieties such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc.
As you explore, check out newer and smaller specialty wineries like Frogpond Farm, Ontario’s first organic winery, and Two Sisters Vineyards, which recently won a gold medal for its 2020 Chardonnay at a prestigious international wine competition.
Set Off on an Ale Trail
If you’re not a wine drinker, there’s an impressive alternative: the Niagara Ale Trail. This trail leads beer lovers to more than a dozen standout breweries, stretching from the Benchlands of the Niagara Escarpment in the west to the city of St. Catharines and NOTL on the east.
For those interested in unique brews, The Bench Brewing Company in Beamsville specializes in sour and mixed fermentation beers, while The Merchant Ale House in St. Catharines has been serving craft beer for over 20 years.
Additionally, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, The Exchange Brewery uses local fruits—such as blue plums and sour cherries—for their fruit beers, contributing to the rich tapestry of regional offerings.
Take in a Show
Launched in 1962, the Shaw Festival has made NOTL a premier theater destination and is now the second-largest repertory-theater company in North America. The festival runs from February to December, staging numerous annual productions across its three stages and attracting some 250,000 spectators each year.
Rent a Bike and Hit the Trails
Outdoor enthusiasts can spend a delightful afternoon biking along the Niagara Parkway. This easy, paved riverside path stretches 35 miles alongside the river, offering numerous stops at historic sites, wineries, and scenic photo opportunities. Regular and e-bike rental services are readily available in NOTL.
Experience the Falls Differently
For an adrenaline rush, consider strapping into a zip-line to glide over the majestic Niagara Falls or board the historic Whirlpool Aero Car. This open-air cable car, dating back to 1916, provides breathtaking views of the whirlpool below.
Additionally, check out the new Tunnel attraction at the Niagara Parks Power Station, which offers visitors a unique perspective of both the Horseshoe and American Falls.
Conclusion: Give the Falls a Chance
The conversation around Niagara Falls as a tourist destination continues to evolve. Visitors should approach the city with a sense of humor, recognizing its kitschy charm while also exploring the sites that enrich the experience. By embracing both the Falls and its surrounding attractions, travelers can witness one of nature’s most exhilarating displays—a wonder that has been 12,500 years in the making.
