When asked, where is the best family destination within a two-hour drive from Toronto, my answer is the Niagara Region.
There are so many pockets of beauty and entertainment in the Niagara region, including Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines, Twenty Valley, and Niagara’s South Coast.
St. Catharines and Twenty Valley
As you enter the Niagara region, you’ll want to make a stop in Vineland in the town of Lincoln, and St. Catharines. As you travel through Twenty Valley, you’ll pass by century farmhouses, greenhouses, farms and fields. It’s such a lovely drive!
There are plenty of wineries along the rural roads in Twenty Valley, where you’ll find exceptional wines embodying the unique terroir of the Niagara Escarpment. Have lunch at the Vineland Estates Winery Restaurant, and shop for antiques at Vineland Antiques.
St. Catharines has some trend-setting shops, and restaurants; and if you’re traveling solo or with your partner, pubs and bars too. Jordan Village is a quaint historic village with lots to explore including one of a kind gift shops, a winery, restaurants, galleries, museums, and trails. Take a hike along the Niagara Escarpment on the Bruce Trail. Balls Falls Conservation Area is a must-see; you’ll find a waterfall two-thirds the height of Niagara Falls!
Niagara on the Lake
We visit Niagara-on-the-Lake at least once a year, so it has become an annual tradition for our family. The last time we visited, we stayed in the quaint town of Virgil just a few minutes away from the Old Town.
We pack a barbecue and lawn chairs, and enjoy a picnic by the Niagara River along the Wine Route (Niagara Parkway). The boys bring a soccer ball and kick it around before we have our picnic lunch. Bring your bicycles and ride along the paved Niagara River Recreation Trail which runs alongside the Niagara Parkway between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Queenston and then continues on to Fort Erie.
Then we’ll make our way to the downtown area, stopping by to see the boats and the Navy Hall. The original Navy Hall served as the home of Upper Canada’s Parliament from 1772-1796. We’ll also pass by the Fort George National Historic Site, the scene of several battles during the War of 1812.
We love walking into the shops along Queen Street; the well preserved heritage buildings, and flower displays are gorgeous. We’re always tempted to hop on a horse and carriage ride to tour the town.
Our favourite stops are the Olde Angel Inn for some pub fare, and Gelato at Carlotta’s for the best Italian ice cream.
For those active families, the flat terrain of Niagara-on-the-Lake makes it ideal for leisurely bicycling. Local companies will rent you a bike for the day.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is also a beautiful spot for a romantic weekend; visit one of the many wineries in the region by bicycle! Then, take in a performance at the Shaw Festival, one of the top repertory companies in the world featuring plays by George Bernard Shaw, musicals, comedies and provocative dramas.
Niagara’s South Coast
My first time visiting Niagara’s South Coast was a memorable one; it was back in high school. A few friends and I hopped into a beat-up “boat” and made our way to the lively community of Port Colborne in Niagara’s South Coast. We camped that memorable weekend! I’d like to go back with the kids to the sandy beaches of Lake Erie. Some of the best beaches include: Crystal Beach, Crescent Beach, Thunder Bay Beach, Waverly Beach, Nickel Beach, Centennial-Cedar Bay Beach, Long Beach and Pleasant Beach.
Port Colborne was named the World Fishing Network’s Ultimate Fishing Town in 2013, so it’s a great spot for catching perch, walleye, salmon and trout.
My son’s hockey team battled and won the International Silver Stick in Pelham last year. We stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton St. Catharines Niagara Suites in St. Catharines, and enjoyed the opening ceremonies at the new Meridian Centre in St. Catharines, home of the OHL’s Niagara Ice Dogs.
While you’re in this region, discover the thriving arts scene found along Niagara’s South Coast Arts & Culture Route, which covers artist studios, galleries, antiques shops, museums and cultural hot spots from Fort Erie to Wainfleet. Also stop and take a look at the Welland Canal to see ships passing through the lock. Then, visit Port Dalhousie, where you can stroll Lakeside Park and the kids can enjoy a 5¢ ride on the historic Carousel. There are many boutiques, restaurants and bars to enjoy.
Niagara Falls
Last but certainly not least, Niagara Falls is one site you must see in your lifetime. We’re truly spoiled to live so close to this natural wonder.
The kids love walking in up and down Clifton Hill, playing in the arcades and going into the various fun attractions and museums. For more daring adventurers, see the falls from the Skylon Tower and the Niagara SkyWheel, or take a boat tour that gets you as close as possible to the breathtaking flow of water, power and mist that is the Niagara Falls.
Kids will never want to leave the massive indoor water parks at Fallsview Indoor Waterpark. Get in touch with nature at the Bird Kingdom or the Butterfly Conservatory at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. And then enjoy some fabulous designer deals at Canada’s largest open-air outlet shopping centre, The Outlet Collection.
For the active family, hike along Canada’s longest footpath, The Bruce Trail which begins in Queenston Heights and ends in Grimsby, at a little bridge crossing 40 Mile Creek.
Where is your favourite spot to visit in the Niagara region?
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by The Tourism Partnership of Niagara. All opinions expressed are my own.
18 Comments
This is great to see! I am from Welland and you have hit many of the wonderful highlights of Niagara. Don’t forget Lakeside Park Antique Carousel in Port Dalhousie area of St Catharines where rides are still five cents!
Awesome! Thanks for visiting! I actually wrote about that in the post!
We are heading up that way in July! I haven’t been there in about 15 years so I am excited to get back.
Oooh have fun! July is hot hot hot!
I love this region, sadly, I haven’t explored most of it. Going to have to make a point to explore more.
I would love to visit this area. I have never been there. It is beautiful and has a lot of educational things for the kids to learn.
I’ve always wanted to visit the Niagra region. Not just to see the falls, but also to see about the beautiful scenery. It’s nice to see there is so much to do and explore there.
This is really one of the best place to unwind and just take a break from the world. With every destination, there is something for you to do to keep yourself busy while enjoying the view and the vacation. I love that there’s things to do for the whole family and there’s things to do all by yourself.
I had no idea there was so much to do and see. I’d love to bring the family up there for a few days!
My husband and I had a whole vacation planned to go to Canada’s side of Niagara and the night before our trip we realized his passport was missing! So unfortunately we weren’t able to find it and stayed local. And now we have kids so we have yet to actually get there. But I know we will someday!!
Oh no! That’s too bad. Hopefully you can plan a visit with the whole family 🙂
This is an area I have always wanted to visit! Such quaint and beautiful towns too!
I’ve never been in Niagara Region but I’ve always heard good feedback about this beautiful place. I love those pics.
I have always wanted to see this area and all it’s beauty for myself. The pictures are excellent.
all those photos looks amazing! what a nice place to visit with your friends and family!
This is so lovely! I would love to see Niagara in person.
Love this! Been to the Falls just about every year since a kid! Always a treat!
It’s a nice tradition! Lucky for us to live so close to the Region!