With a trip planned for Toronto we decided to tack on some extra days to also visit Niagara Falls. We hadn’t visited Niagara Falls in the winter, and REALLY wanted to check it out. I mean is there anything more romantic than cascading waterfalls, and twinkle lights galore?? If you haven’t been to Niagara Falls in the winter you’re in for a treat!
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Located just a hour from Downtown Toronto, Niagara Falls is a quick car ride, and a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city whether as a couple OR the whole family! There’s really something for everyone! If you’re looking for transport we highly recommend the Niagara Airbus Transfer.
If you’re planning to recreate our trip Toronto + Niagara, I highly suggest flying into Billy Bishop, and out of Pearson, as Pearson is closer to Niagara Falls. Flying out of Pearson will save you the trouble of having to go back downtown (just be sure to give yourself extra time at the airport, as Pearson does tend to get pretty busy).
If you’re looking to plan a visit here’s some info on: where to stay, eat, and adventure!
WHERE TO STAY
Hilton Niagara Falls / Fallsview
We’ve been to Niagara Falls twice, and both times we stayed at the Hilton Niagara Falls / Fallsview, and you seriously can’t beat the views, and the location!! We had a great stay! Whether you’re travelling as a couple, or with your family, this hotel really accommodates both! I love that they have both an infinity pool, as well as a pool with a water slide! There’s also live music downstairs, as well as Comedy shows, and pedway to a neighbouring Casino, so in addition to all the Niagara Falls attractions there’s lots of things to do in the evenings too!
But can we talk about this view tho? both from our room and the resto for breakfast the views at the Hilton truly are amazing.
ACTIVITIES
Niagara Parks Power Station and TUNNEL
Descend 180 feet in a glass-paneled elevator, and explore the 2,200-foot long tunnel, leading to an observation deck at the river’s edge!
Newly opened, the Niagara Parks Power Station is such a cool thing to experience because you really do get a feel for the true magnitude of the falls! Also there’s a new tunnel that hasn’t been open in years, so even if you’ve been to Niagara recently this is probably something you never experienced before! They have some cool interactive stuff too! Definitely check it out!
SkyWheel (Clifton Hill)
The ride duration varies from eight (8) to twelve (12) minutes with spectacular aerial views for miles in every direction — also makes for some great photo op 😉 just sayin’
I’ve never met a Ferris wheel I didn’t love, but the Skywheel is whole other experience entirely, and bonus it’s heated. So GREAT for a winter visit, such a super cozy way to take in the horseshoe falls as well as the US falls!
Skylon Tower Observation Deck
Visibility from the Observatory on a clear day is up to 80 miles (125 km)
It’s really funny because I got SO many messages on my Instagram about the Skylon Tower, despite standing at 775 feet, and arguably offering one of the best views of the falls, a lot of folks didn’t know about it! We popped over after visiting the Old Stone Inn (walking distance), just as the sun was about to set so the sky was like cotton candy! It was really something!!
Ziplining
We didn’t get a chance to zipline, but we did see some folks going across when we were in the Skywheel, and it definitely looked REALLY fun!! I’m adding it to my list for next time! There’s truly so much to do in Niagara Falls!
Niagara Helicopter
BOOK IT! All I can say is WOW, this was such an AMAZING experience I cannot think of anything more exhilarating and oof those views tho?? Truly incredible! We’re still talking about this experience! The helicopter over Niagara Falls truly is a once in a lifetime experience, and I definitely think it’s a MUST.
We went during the day, but they also just recently launched a new Niagara Helicopters Night Flight night tour so you can take in all the Winter Festival of Lights — it’s really quite something to see it all from above.
Winter Festival of Lights
Speaking of the Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls really does outdo themselves with creating a beautiful winter wonderland from November 12, 2022 all the way until February 20, 2023! Grab a hot chocolate along one of the stops on the Hot Chocolate trail, and take in all the beautiful lights!
They have a bunch of exciting things happening for the 40th anniversary, so be sure to check out their events calendar.
Catch a comedy show at Yuk Yuks
Old Stone Inn
Also offers some really fun events, so definitely take a peek at their events calendar to see what they have on the go!
Niagara City Cruises–Fireworks Cruise
If you happen to be visiting on a Saturday during the winter months you NEED to book the Niagara City Cruises–Fireworks Cruise. Ours was cancelled due to weather (we arrived during that massive impromptu snowstorm), but we’ve done it in the summer before, and it’s really an incredible experience. You get SO close to the falls, and the fireworks at so FUN!
FOOD AND DRINK
Beer tasting at Niagara Brewing and Dinner at Niagara Distillery (located just next door)!
If you’re looking for a super fun night out, look no further than the Niagara Brewing! Even during a fairly significant storm there were still lots of locals out for an open mic night enjoying a pint! We had a blast, and loved the line up from the open mic!
We did a sampling of their 4 most popular beers, and I have to say the Peach was my favourite! It was SO good!
After we hung out at the brewery for a bit, we popped over the Niagara Distillery for some BBQ (it’s right next door). We might have ordered a bit more than we bargained for! Definitely bring your appetite for this place because the portions are very generous!
We ordered wings, nachos to share, and we both got the fried chicken sandwich, and everything was seriously SO good! Kind of wish I was eating that sandwich again right now to be honest!
Food was great, service was great! And you know it’s a good spot when there’s lots of locals (did I mention it was pretty blustery out that night?). The location is also pretty great definitely lots on the go in that area!
Flour Mill – Old Stone Inn
Truly the BEST food we had on our entire trip! And the service was on another level! You can clearly tell they are using quality ingredients, and really care about the food they are preparing. Everything we had was truly incredible. We can’t recommend it enough!
What we ordered: Bacon tree (it was d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s, and an experience in and of it’s self), Caesar salads, Travis got the wagyu burger, and I got the lobster tostados, and both were exceptional.
The Old Stone Inn also offers outdoor dining in their domes + huts (so stinking cute) this place is like a Hallmark movie!! You gotta come here!!
Table Rock House Restaurant
You will not find a closer or better view of the falls than the Table Rock Restaurant, I also loved their focus on local ingredients, and wines. I tried the Ontario White Wine flight, and it was so fun to try and learn about the local wines!
Hilton Niagara Falls / Fallsview Restaurant
Breakfast at the hotel is located on the 33rd floor, and WOW the views of the falls are truly breathtaking ! Such an epic way to start the day. Eggs benny was also fire (as the kids say). Definitely recommend!
WHAT’S NEAR BY :
EXPLORE NIAGARA ON THE LAKE
If your schedule allows, and you have an afternoon free while visiting Niagara Falls you might consider popping over to Niagara on the Lake (located only 15 mins away).
Niagara on Lake is such a dreamy little town filled with wineries, and local shops!
You might also consider stopping in for lunch, and then heading to see a Christmas play! Or visit the Wayne Gretsky Estate Winery & Distillery which offers wine, beer, and spirits (so a little something for everyone) as well there is also a skating rink!! So there’s definitely plenty to do!
PREMIUM SHOPPING OUTLETS
Also located 15 minutes from Niagara Falls is some pretty amazing outlet shopping! We hopped into an uber went to the Outlet Collecton at Niagara to spend the afternoon taking advantage of some great sales!
Also you can get some sweet pics with this Niagara sign (seen above).
WHAT TO PACK
Definitely make sure you check the forecast ahead of time, and pack layers! Niagara Falls is pretty laid back with style, so you can totally be dressy/causal, and not feel out of place! Especially this time of year! I was happy to have packed my parka, and boots. I think when it comes to Winter travel you definitely want to be prepared so you’re comfortable! I always say you can do anything so long as you’re dressed for it!
THANKS FOR FOLLOWING ALONG
Hope you found this post helpful! If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to comment here or reach out on Instagram @shortpresents! Special thanks to Niagara Falls Tourism for hosting us, and planning the MOST fun itinerary! If you’re looking for a wintery destination look no further than Niagara Falls!! There’s really so much to offer!
If you’re interested in seeing more from our trip be sure to pop over to Instagram, and catch all our Niagara Falls IG stories in our Niagara Highlight!
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