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NIAGARA FALLS
White Water Walk
Legends on the Niagara Golf
Elements on the Falls
The Authentic Niagara Experience At Niagara Parks, authentic adventures are what we do. Experience our owned and operated spectacular attractions, locally-sourced cuisine, immersive heritage sites, award-winning golf courses, and geographically unique natural sites all along the picturesque Niagara Parkway. Niagara Parks Travel Trade Division can help plan your ultimate Niagara Falls adventure from start to finish.
Start planning your adventure today at niagaraparkstraveltrade.com
The Niagara Parks Commission Tour & Travel Trade Division P (905) 371-0254 ext. 2 TF 1-877-642-7275 ext. 2 F (905) 356-8448 E groups@niagaraparks.com
Niagara Falls Tourism There is something for everyone in Niagara Falls. Sure, one of the world’s most amazing natural wonders put us on the map. And that’s what people plan on seeing. But what visitors discover is so much more. So come experience the majesty of the Falls. Hear the wall of roaring water that was perfectly carved during the ice age more than 12,000 years ago. Feel its spray as it rushes by. Then be amazed knowing that this is just the start to your trip of a lifetime. Your adventure has just begun. World-class hotels. An award-winning wine region. Excellent shopping. Fun and entertainment. Restaurants to match every palette. Championship golf courses. Outdoor adventure. A rich cultural history. This is also Niagara.
Ready. Set. Plan your best vacation yet!
Easy, Customized Planning There are so many things to see and do in Niagara Falls and you don’t want your clients to miss any of it. Ask the team of professionals at Niagara Falls Tourism to help you create a memorable vacation that will send them home with lasting memories. We are experienced at planning unique and unforgettable adventures suited to specific schedules, interests and budgets. Most of all, we know how to fit in as much as possible so you can explore the best that Niagara has to offer. Come for an Inspection Seeing is believing. That’s why we invite you to view all that Niagara Falls has to offer before your group’s arrival. This will allow you to: • Visit all the regional amenities • Meet the Niagara Falls Tourism Performance Team • Meet our Hospitality Service Partners To arrange your personal site visit or join any of our pre-arranged seasonal familiarization tours, call our Leisure Travel Trade Sales Team. 1-800-56FALLS (563-2557) LeisureSales@niagarafallstourism.com
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There are so many exciting things to discover in Niagara Falls that will keep you busy from morning to night — and dreaming about what the next day will bring! We’ve listed what we think are the top 9 reasons why visitors come back year after year. However, our best advice is to experience Niagara Falls for yourself and find your own reasons to return.
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First Stop: The Falls
Sweet Dreams
Easy Transportation
Over 14 million people a year come to experience this spectacular wonder of the world. Pictures don’t let you hear its mighty roar or feel its spray. It’s a must-see on your bucket list.
A good night’s sleep is pretty much a given. From luxurious 4-diamond hotels to convenient, budget-friendly motels, we have more than 16,000 rooms available.
Pick your mode of transportation to get here! We’re close to three major airports and are accessible by bus and train. Plus, there are four international bridges connecting Niagara Falls to the United States, making trips by motor coach a great option. Once you arrive, our WEGO bus system makes your tourism experience easy. Travel in comfort as WEGO gets you from your accommodations to all the top sight-seeing destinations.
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Four Season Destination
Wine Country
Dining with a View
Warmer months have their appeal, especially if you come to enjoy one of our many world-class golf courses or to hike the endless trails. But don’t stay away when winter arrives. Only then can you witness the Falls transform into frozen beauty, an unparalleled visual experience.
Take a tour through our worldrenowned wine region and stop in at some of our award-winning wineries that are home to celebrity chefs. This is also your chance to try Niagara’s famous Icewine.
When it’s time to eat, sit down to amazing local cuisine paired with Niagara wines. Many restaurants offer a view of the illuminated falls to add an ambiance to your meal unlike any other in the world.
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Shopping Galore
Great Entertainment
Fun Attractions
From boutique shopping to factory outlets to souvenir stores, shoppers can fill their bags with fabulous finds all day.
See Vegas style shows with a Niagara flair. Choose from live theatre, magic shows or music performances. Afterwards, relax with a glass of wine, try your luck at a casino or put on your dancing shoes. No matter what you like to do, there’s something to keep the fun rolling into the night.
Niagara Falls has a long history of thrill-seekers — see for yourself at the Niagara Falls Daredevil Exhibit. Today’s thrill-seekers will love taking a high-speed jet boat tour through Class 5 whitewater rapids or descending into the Niagara Gorge on a zip line!
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Be Amazed. We can’t prove that time stands still when you’re looking at the Falls, but it sure feels like it. One of the great wonders of the world tends to have that effect on people. Visitors are cast under its spell as one-fifth of the world’s fresh water crashes down to the basin below right before their very eyes. When visiting Niagara Falls, a ride into the heart of the Falls aboard Hornblower Niagara Cruises is an absolute must. Once aboard, visitors will tour the Great Gorge, American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and, of course, get an up-close-and-personal connection with the thundering water, awesome power and amazing mist of the mighty Horseshoe Falls. Hornblower Niagara Cruises has taken this legendary experience to a whole new level. Stateof-the-art, 700-passenger catamaran boats feature new onboard passenger comforts and conveniences including tiered decks for 360-degree unobstructed viewing, dry viewing areas, on-board concessions and passenger washrooms.
DON’T MISS During peak season, visitors will revel in Canada’s longest running fireworks series held against the backdrop of the Falls and the city skyline.
Group tours have been raving about the VIP-dedicated motor coach reception and exclusive Group Tour check-in. These, along with date- and time-specific ticketing to boarding means no more waits! To ensure those onboard appreciate the entire experience, Hornblower offers 30-minute Souvenir Audio Guides in English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese Mandarin, Japanese and Korean. If you think the Falls is amazing during the day, wait till you see it at night. Beginning at dusk all year long, the Falls is spectacularly lit each evening. (During peak season, there’s even an amazing fireworks display.) And there’s no better way to view it than aboard one of the Hornblower’s extraordinary night cruises, set against the backdrop of evening sunsets.
Hornblower Niagara Cruises
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Niagara Parks - Journey Behind the Falls
Hornblower Niagara Cruises
Niagara Helicopters
Fireworks
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For a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Niagara Helicopters takes visitors on a flight with aweinspiring views. These seven-seat helicopters fly over just about every major site in Niagara. But the most captivating moment happens while hovering at Horseshoe Falls: rainbows appear and disappear from all directions. Niagara Parks - Journey Behind the Falls is as magical as looking at it from above. Your group will be mesmerized as soon as they step into the elevator that will take them 150 feet down through bedrock to tunnels behind the Falls. From there, it only gets better as visitors stand in the mist and witness the natural spectacle of the Falls around them. This amazing adventure can be enjoyed year round.
WANT A CLOSEUP? The many lookout points next to the Falls feature coin-operated binoculars so you can get as close as you want, without getting wet.
The only thing that rivals seeing the Falls up close is seeing it in 4-D. The sites and sounds of the Falls — from every angle — are cleverly showcased at Niagara Parks - Niagara’s Fury using technology previously only used in satellites and medicine. This Universal Studios-style attraction unfolds in a 360-degree theatre that executes a multi-sensory experience. The temperature will drop, the floor will tremble and water will bubble and spray. You’ll never look at the Falls the same way again, after seeing it in 4-D. Certainly, after seeing the Falls, you can’t help but think about the generations of people who have witnessed its power. The Niagara IMAX Theatre offers a unique way to explore the Falls year round: through a six-storey-high screen and state-ofthe-art surround sound. Its movie — Legends and Daredevils — transports audiences through time as they follow the 12,000-year history of the Falls. From the days when Native peoples worshiped the thunder spirits to the first Europeans who saw the great wonder to the more recent legends who have gone over the Falls and lived to tell about it, watching this IMAX movie is an adventure in itself.
Niagara Parks - Journey Behind the Falls
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Niagara Helicopters
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NIAGARA GLEN & WHIRLPOOL
Whirlpool Jet Boats
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In one word, the Niagara Parks - Niagara Glen is incredible. Nature enthusiasts can take an easy hike through a pristine forest, past boulders left by glaciers thousands of years ago, to the Niagara River’s most famous whirlpool. If your group is feeling daring, they’ll love jet boating down the river with Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. Boats will take your group traversing along the breathtaking Niagara River. Upstream, you’ll enter Class 5 whitewater rapids and then take a thrilling spin in the whirlpool. Visitors can opt for a “soaked to the skin” Wet Jet experience or stay completely dry in a domed jet boat.
Niagara Parks - Whirlpool Aero Car
For an entirely different perspective, the Niagara Parks - Whirlpool Aero Car offers an unprecedented view of this phenomenon high above the whirlpool rapids. Those in your group who want to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground will enjoy the Niagara Parks - White Water Walk, a boardwalk at the very edge of one of the wildest stretches of whitewater. It’s the perfect viewpoint to marvel at the power and beauty of trillions of gallons of water forcing its way downstream. Niagara Parks - Niagara Glen
MUST DO!
INSIDER TIP:
If you don’t want to get wet, but still want the thrill of a jet boat ride through Class 5 rapids, the Jet Dome will keep you dry! Pneumatic doors close at the right points in the tour to keep you from getting wet. This is also a great option if you want to bring along your camera.
The hiking trails surrounding the Niagara Parks - Niagara Glen offer the opportunity to view ancient rock formations and a wide variety of unusual plants and flowers.
Whirlpool Jet Boat
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Ready. Set.
e menu in h t Ni n o ag ’t s a a Practically anything your tour group desires.
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Eat. Niagara Falls is a foodie’s dream. Celebrity chefs, mouth-watering cuisine and a stunning view are all ingredients that make dining in Niagara an exceptional experience. While farm-fresh and unique local fare form the cornerstone of this rich culinary tradition, it’s further enhanced with an amazing offering of international cuisine inspired by countries around the world. For those who want a real treat, the award-winning independent restaurants and wine bars in Niagara Falls are perfect. However, if you’re looking for popular restaurants with recognized names, you also don’t have to look far. Many of the world’s most well-known restaurant brands reside just steps from hotels and attractions. Requests for casual fare are covered too. Those on a tight schedule are always thrilled to be able grab a quick and delicious bite to eat at any number of pubs, grills and cafés located throughout the city. International brands and a range of fun-themed restaurants also offer menus that cater to just about any taste.
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INSIDER TIP: Each autumn, the Niagara Wine Festival offers incredible live entertainment, artisan shows, tours, seminars, parades — in addition to the amazing local food and wine.
DON’T MISS 21 Club, four-diamond steak & seafood restaurant at Fallsview Casino Resort
Whether it’s fine dining or more casual fare, several restaurants offer an extraordinary view of the Falls. Take your group for a fabulous evening meal and they’ll have a bird’s eye view of the illuminated Falls.
360˚ Dining View
Silently revolve 360 degrees once every hour at Skylon Tower’s Revolving Restaurant, 775 feet above the Falls! Views of the Falls - Sheraton on the Falls
Explore Local Wineries
ASK US ABOUT… If you can’t decide on where to eat, a Culinary Tour is a great way to experience locally grown cuisine from several restaurants. At each venue you’ll sample the food, meet the chefs and then walk to the next restaurant!
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Cheers. If you tour through the countryside it won’t take long to notice there is an abundance of wineries — over 120 in fact, spread throughout the Niagara Peninsula. Niagara’s microclimate provides the ideal conditions for the bountiful harvests that produce our world-class wines. Here’s a quick tour of what you can expect.
Find the best of the region’s vineyards by following the wine route through the countryside by car, bike or guided tour. Many wineries are traditional familyrun establishments that started perfecting their craft in Europe generations ago, while others practice cutting-edge techniques. A guided tour of their facilities may start in the vineyard, take you through their underground cellar, and end with wine tastings in the tasting bar or wine pairings in a dining room. Tastings are often accompanied by artisanal cheeses or locally made chocolate and even ice cream. Some wineries treat you to a meal created by a celebrity chef. There are many bed and breakfasts in the area to make this an overnight outing. If you time your visit right you can help us celebrate our wine! In the summer, be the first to try the year’s wines at the Niagara New Vintage Festival. Autumn plays host to the Niagara Wine Festival where you can enjoy tours and tastings at Niagara vineyards, concerts, regional cuisine, artisan shows, and entertainment. In January, join in the festivities at the Niagara Icewine Festival, a wonderful way to experience winter in Canada and try Ontario’s most famous wine. For more information on specific wineries, visit niagarafallstourism.com.
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TOP REASONS TO COME TO WINE COUNTRY: • Award-winning wineries • Celebrity chefs • Beautiful landscapes • Educational and fun winery tours • Wine festivals • Icewine, our “liquid gold”
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Lundy’s Lane Take the red line of the WEGO (see page 45) Lundy’s Lane offers variety! Along this street shoppers can spend the day exploring over 75 shops and boutiques for unique items or they can do it all at one location by stopping by the Canada One Brand Name Outlets. After a day of fun, Lundy’s Lane has a meal to satisfy any appetite. Restaurants in the area offer everything from international to local cuisine. If you don’t have time for a leisurely meal, plenty of fast food establishments are here as well. Even the live entertainment caters to all tastes and budgets. This is where you’ll find the awardwinning Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show, which has entertained over 600,000 guests from around the world within a log cabin! The whole family can ride the waves and slides at our premier Waves Waterpark located in the Americana Resort. Lundy’s Lane has no shortage of accommodations to choose from. Visitors can stay at full service resorts with waterparks and spas, to very affordable inns. There are even three full service campgrounds. Although Lundy’s Lane is the furthest district from the Falls, you’re never far from anything no matter where you are. It’s easy to get around when you use the WEGO Niagara Transit System. Count on it to get you to and from all the major attractions.
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Tussaud’s Waxworks and the Guinness Museum of record-breaking facts. But Clifton Hill is also full of souvenirs, from Harley Davidson collectibles and memorabilia to Native art at the Canada Trading Company. This is where you can buy Canadian maple syrup. Clifton Hill offers lots of fun restaurants and an array of inns, motels and hotels that will keep you in the heart of the action and only a block from the Falls.
Clifton Hill Take the red line of the WEGO (see page 45) This is Niagara Falls’ eclectic fun zone. To find it, just look for the giant Niagara Skywheel. While you’re there, take a ride in one of its climate-controlled gondolas to catch a view of the city from 175 feet (53 metres) above. At the base of the wheel is Dinosaur Adventure Golf, one of Canada’s largest miniature golf courses, spanning 70,000 square feet. Golfers putt around a 50-foot-high, steamerupting volcano and 50 life-sized dinosaurs that tower above the attraction’s two 18-hole courses. Have you ever been on a 6D motion ride? Climb aboard the new Wild West Coaster where your seat transports you directly into the movie attraction. A combination of movement, sounds, wind and light effects will make you feel like you are actually in the movie! The fun continues at Movieland Wax Museum of the Stars. Take your picture with top movie, television and music celebrities from Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow to Marilyn Monroe. The House of Horrors waits for you at the end of the museum tour. Enter if you dare! If hair-raising horror isn’t for you, make your exit at the Fun Factory gift shop where you can create a replica of your own hand at the Wax Hands Emporium. The novelty museum tour keeps going as you make your way through Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Louis
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Fallsview Boulevard Take the blue line of the WEGO (see page 45) If you’re after a great a view, book your hotel room or restaurant table in this action-packed district. Just 500 yards from the Niagara River, Fallsview Boulevard offers the most spectacular experience of Niagara Falls and the newest hotels and restaurants. This is where the night life is happening, world-class luxury hotels cater to your every need and you’re right in the midst of the fun. Spend a few hours relaxing at a spa, dine at a world-class restaurant then hit the dance floor or try your luck at the Fallsview Casino. Don’t miss the Niagara Falls IMAX Theatre where you can learn about Niagara Falls and its history through IMAX film. While you’re there, stop by the Niagara Falls Daredevil Exhibit to see and touch the actual barrels that carried people over the Falls and somehow remained intact.
Skylon Tower
ICONIC ATTRACTION: Hop on the “Yellow Bug” glass-enclosed exterior elevators at the Skylon Tower and glide to the top in 52 seconds. From the indoor and outdoor Observation Decks you’ll be able to see the Falls, the Great Gorge, Niagara wine country and the city below. Make sure you reserve a table at the Revolving Restaurant where you will enjoy award-winning cuisine 775 feet above the Falls while silently revolving 360 degrees once every hour. You can also dine at the more family friendly Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room. Admission to the Ride-tothe-Top and Observation Decks attractions are free for diners.
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Niagara Parks - Botanical Gardens
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BOOK ENOUGH TIME! These are just a few of the amazing attractions to see while in Niagara Falls. Don’t miss out on the rest. Book a hotel room for two or three or nights so you can take in more of what the area has for you to enjoy.
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If you come to Niagara for its beauty, the Falls is just your starting point. There is an abundance of nature, horticulture, agriculture and fluriculture for your group to explore and admire. See it all by taking a scenic drive along the Niagara Parks - Niagara Parkway. Your journey will take you to world-famous gardens situated on hundreds of acres of parkland, spread across 55 kilometres. In between stops you’ll catch beautiful views of the Niagara River as you make your way towards Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Ten minutes north of Niagara Falls you can get out of your car or step off the bus at the Niagara Parks - Botanical Gardens, a 99-acre floral showcase that includes a formal parterre garden, a two-acre rose garden (that’s over 2,400 roses!) and one of Canada’s finest collections of ornamental trees and shrubs. Stop in between dawn and dusk every day of the year. Don’t leave the Niagara Parks - Botanical Gardens before visiting North America’s largest glass-domed butterfly conservatory. It provides a great winter escape where you can roam around the exotic rainforest-like setting surrounded by more than 2,000 tropical butterflies, made up of 45 different species.
Niagara Parks - Floral Showhouse
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INSIDER TIP: Some would say that there is no better way to explore our area than on a bicycle. Make a day of it on your own or join a cycle adventure tour. The paved Niagara Parks - Niagara River Recreation Trail will lead you through the stunning countryside alongside the Niagara Parks Niagara Parkway as it stretches over 58 kilometres.
Next stop: Niagara Parks - Floral Showhouse. Just a short walk from the Falls, you will be amazed by the array of orchids, succulents and other tropical plant species on display. In the summer, visitors can extend their visit to the spectacular gardens surrounding the Niagara Parks - Floral Showhouse. Stroll through the extensive rose gardens, ponds and fragrance garden and rest on a bench in the peaceful Arists Garden. Be sure to put the Niagara Parks - Floral Clock on your agenda too. A display of 16,000 carpet-bedding plants arranged in an intricate design has made this site as popular to photograph as the Falls. At 40 feet wide, this is one of the largest floral clocks in the world. A tower at the back of the clock houses Westminster chimes that you can hear every 15 minutes. Niagara Parks - Butterfly Conservatory Niagara Parks - Floral Clock
DON’T MISS: For a fragrant experience, in May and early June Niagara Parks’ 10-acre Lilac Garden is in bloom, featuring over 1,200 plants of more than 200 varieties. Locate it on the north side of the Niagara Parks - Floral Clock. fallstraveltrade.com | 21
WILD. Ready. Set.
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For those who prefer the more delicate creatures, we’ve got them too. Visit the Niagara Parks - Butterfly Conservatory at the Niagara Parks - Botanical Gardens where 45 species of tropical butterflies make their home.
Marineland
SEASONAL ATTRACTIONS: Avoid disappointment by checking these attractions’ schedules when planning your trip. Only the Niagara Parks - Butterfly Conservatory and Bird Kingdom are open year-round.
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Niagara Falls is a place where you can go on endless adventures. If you don’t mind getting a little dirty, you can get into nature by exploring our region’s beautiful hiking trails or jet boating up the Niagara River. But for those who want to explore their wild side in a tamer setting, check out some of these attractions where we bring nature to you. Take your pick or see all of our popular wildlife attractions. Marineland, Bird Kingdom and Niagara Parks - Butterfly Conservatory get you up close to creatures from the water, land and air. A little warning about our water friends: you may get wet! If you only have time for a quick excursion into the wild, stop in at Bird Kingdom for a tropical rainforest adventure that ends at the largest indoor free-flying aviary in the world. Visitors travel through theme rooms like Explorer’s Base Camp, where they can hold parrots, and Night Jungle, where it is dark by day and light by night so the owls, bats and reptiles will be active when you come around. This multi-level rainforest is a safe haven to more than 300 birds — many of them are endangered or threatened in the wild. Don’t miss the Small Aviary that houses the smaller birds. Our most famous wild attraction is Marineland where you can see the largest collection of beluga whales in the world. Watch the dolphins, walruses and sea lions entertain the crowd and get an awesome view of the killer whales at the underwater viewing room. Don’t forget to feed the bison, elk and deer, then head over to the rides! Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be kept busy all day.
DON’T MISS THE OTHER ATTRACTIONS! Marineland will take a full day to explore. Make sure you book a hotel room for two or three nights so you can visit some more attractions in and around Niagara Falls. Make this a trip to remember!
Marineland
Bird Kingdom
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Escape.
Ready. Set.
DON’T MISS Clifton Hill is home to a bevy of cool exhibits including Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks and the Guinness World Records Museum
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AMAZING VIEWS Capture bird’s-eye views of Niagara Falls aboard the Niagara SkyWheel, Canada’s largest observation wheel.
If there’s one thing we know, Niagara SkyWheel
it’s how to keep visitors
Shaw Festival
entertained. Whether it’s a relaxing night out, a chance to let loose and laugh or an intriguing evening of theatre, it’s pretty clear that the fun doesn’t stop in Niagara once the sun goes down.
Renowned casinos, elegant wine bars, friendly pubs and popular nightclubs will let your group unwind. Those looking to the arts will also find no shortage of options. One of the world’s finest theatre companies, the Shaw Festival, has called the Niagara Region home for more than five decades. The cast and crew of the Shaw stage the works of George Bernard Shaw as well as playwrights of his era. It’s an event so compelling that the Shaw Festival has continued to draw audiences and artists back year after year since 1962. For those wanting a night with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, Fallsview Casino, a Las Vegas-calibre venue in the heart of Niagara Falls, attracts a long list of top musicians, entertainers and comedians. There isn’t a bad seat in the house in this intimate setting. With no audience member being more than 100 feet from the stage at Fallsview, fans have a once-in-a-lifetime experience up close and personal with their favourite act. There are plenty of opportunities to combine dinner and a show as well. If your group is looking for a spectacle that will entice the imagination, they’ll love the fact that International Grand Champion of Magic, Greg Frewin, has brought his awe-inspiring dinner show to Niagara Falls. Greg has captivated audiences on some of the biggest
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stages in the world — including Las Vegas. See him perform live with his tigers and an incredible team of magician’s assistants to execute illusions created exclusively for the audiences in his signature theatre in Niagara Falls. Looking for a night of song and dance? Fans of musicals have made Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show one of the most popular evening experiences in Niagara Falls. It’s been voted Niagara Falls Attraction of the Year seven times! Why the rave reviews? From their rustic log cabin theatre, Canadian iconic figures — such as Mounties, Lumberjacks, Anne of Green Gables and even a Hockey Player — bring guests a night filled with comedy, music and a mouth-watering, five course meal. The flag-waving finale makes such an impact that it has guests on their feet every night.
Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show
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INSIDER TIP:
Fallsview Casino
Be sure to check out the entertainment calendar for the state-of-the-art Scotiabank Convention Centre. It hosts various concerts, popular musical acts and live entertainment throughout the year.
Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill
Grand Champion of Magic, Greg Frewin
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Door-to-Door
Toronto & Buffalo Airports • All Size Groups • FIT • Wine Tours • Niagara Sightseeing • Conferences
• Off-Site Transportation • Custom Tours • Meet & Greet Service • Flights monitored • Uniformed Courteous Drivers Call your travel agent or
905-374-8111 (24 hrs) On-Time Guaranteed
niagaraairbus.com
Ready. Set.
Do you love being surrounded by the beauty of nature? We’ve got some great ways to get out and explore Niagara’s natural beauty away from the bright lights and excitement of the city. Golfing is the perfect way to explore different landscapes. There is no shortage of beautifully tailored and artfully designed courses where you can perfect your game. Niagara has the highest concentration of golf courses in North America — over 50 in fact! Combine this with one of the longest playing seasons on the continent and you’re in golfer’s paradise. Some of our favourite golf courses feature stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment, the Niagara Whirlpool and even the Horseshoe Falls. Many are world-class courses but are suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a championship course that provides the challenges of sand traps and water hazards, or just a quick nine-hole game, the area has a course to satisfy new and experienced golfers alike.
Niagara Parks - Legends on the Niagara
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Niagara Parks - Niagara Glen
INSIDER TIP:
If golfing isn’t your game, hit the trails around the Niagara Gorge. The Niagara Parks - Niagara Glen is a nature reserve deep within the gorge that has 4 kilometres of paths for you to explore. Some areas have steep and rugged terrain so proper footwear is recommended. A must-see on your hike is the Niagara River Whirlpool, formed by a right-angle turn in the river’s path that forces the rushing water into a counterclockwise spin.
MORE TO EXPLORE:
Easier trails can be enjoyed at Niagara Parks - Dufferin Islands, 10 acres of secluded parkland. Several small manmade islands connected by bridges and footpaths provide a tranquil place to relax and enjoy nature for a couple of hours. Bird watching and catch-and-release fishing are popular activities.
Organize a customized adventure for your group. The Niagara Region has an abundance of outdoor activities to choose from and an extensive system of rivers and lakes that are perfect for leisure boating, canoeing and kayaking. Take your pick: adventure hiking, cycling tours, geocaching at select Niagara wineries, paddle boarding or historical walking tours… discover nature any way you want!
Going fishing? Cast your line along the Niagara River, Lake Ontario or Lake Erie to catch a variety of species, including Pacific salmon, steelhead, lake trout, bass or musky.
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NEW. Ready. Set.
Zip Lining
ZIP LINING COMING 2016
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DON’T MISS Explore Canada’s rich history at the Niagara Falls History Museum, Battle Ground Hotel Museum and Willoughby Historical Museum.
Relive. Ready. Set.
The historical landmarks and museums across Niagara tell the
INSIDER TIP: Self-guided tours of the Battle of Queenston Heights start at the foot of Brock’s Monument and include a climb to the top — where your group will be treated to magnificent views of Lake Ontario and Niagara Falls.
stories that shaped Canada as a nation. It’s as though the pages of North America’s history books have come alive. One of the most interesting places to explore Niagara’s remarkable history is at Niagara Parks - Old Fort Erie , which was the scene of one of the most famous battles of the War of 1812 when the United States declared war on Upper Canada. Those visiting the site take a step back in time to witness British, Canadian, Iroquois and American forces battling over this strategic location. For another perspective on the time, head over to the Fort George National Historic Site - Parks Canada — the headquarters for the war. It offers visitors the opportunity to recapture the experiences of the soldiers and families stationed there 200 years ago. The newly renovated Niagara Parks - McFarland House is one of the few buildings in the Niagara area that pre-dates the War of 1812. An impeccable testament to Georgian style, it has a wonderful history that includes being used as a hospital and headquarters for both the British and American armies. Those visiting rave about the costumed interpreters who give guided tours of the building.
Niagara Parks - Brock’s Monument
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Year after year, the Niagara Parks - Laura Secord Homestead continues to enchant visitors from around the world. Authentically costumed guides retell the stories of adventure that made Laura Secord one of the most famous names in Canadian history.
Niagara Parks - Old Fort Erie
YOU’LL LOVE: If you come to Niagara in August, check the schedule to see when the Annual Siege Weekend at Old Fort Erie is happening. Watch as hundreds of re-enactors battle during the day, or join a lantern tour at night.
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INSIDER TIP: Not all attractions are open year-round. Check their websites for hours of operation.
The Niagara Falls History Museum lets you explore the history that changed our nation through many interactive stations. Try on a replica uniform and handle a musket in the Gale Family War of 1812 gallery, then build a bridge or walk the “tight-rope” across the Falls like daredevils of the past in the community gallery. The museum is located steps away from where the Battle of Lundy’s Lane took place, considered the bloodiest battle of the War of 1812.
Niagara Falls History Museum
The Battle Ground Hotel Museum, a restored 1850’s tavern, is actually located on the grounds of the Lundy’s Lane battlefield. Visitors can get a glimpse into the past by touring through the tavern’s restored rooms. Another way to experience early life in our region is by visiting the Willoughby Historical Museum, a one-room schoolhouse located near another battle site: the Battle of Chippawa. Learn about our earliest rural settlers through a collection of report cards, photographs, farming tools and family heirlooms.
Welland Canals
It’s not just the War of 1812 that has left an indelible mark. The area has a deep connection to the Underground Railway, as those escaping slavery were ferried across the Niagara River to safety. Visitors to the Niagara Freedom Trail can take in a collection of 15 historic landmarks that highlight this important time. At the St. Catharines Museum & Welland Canals Centre, your group can marvel as ships work their way through the amazing canal. In fact, you won’t get a closer look at a Great Lakes ship unless you’re a sailor yourself! While there, enjoy the museum’s galleries, Underground Railroad exhibit and outdoor Discovery Park or stroll along the recreational trail. History buffs will want to take in Niagara Parks Mackenzie Printery, the 19th century home of rebel publisher William Lyon Mackenzie. It showcases 500 years of printing technology and includes the authentic ambiance of a period print shop. Welland Canals
36 | Niagara Falls, Canada
Fascinating history and rich cultural heritage are the foundations of an unforgettable vacation in Niagara Falls.
Niagara Parks - Mackenzie Printery
NOT JUST A DAY TRIP: Niagara’s rich history will take more than a day to discover. History enthusiasts will want to spread this experience over two or three days, mixing in some of the other attractions Niagara Falls has to offer along the way.
Niagara Parks - Laura Secord Homestead
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Ready. Set.
Year-Round JUST AS COOL: Winter tip: The colder months bring their own unique beauty and activities to Niagara Falls but come prepared! A winter coat, scarf, boots, hat and mittens or gloves will keep you focused on the fun and not the chill. Shopping is plentiful in Niagara Falls should you need to get warm clothing when you arrive.
What’s the Weather Like? Approximately the same distance from the equator as Seattle, Chicago, Detroit and Boston, Niagara Falls enjoys a four-season climate. Though winters are chilly, the spring and summer seasons are very pleasant and autumn in Niagara is a colourful and comfortable season. Month
High
January
-2°C
32°F
-8°C
17°F
February
0°C
33°F
-8°C
17°F
March
6°C
43°F
-4°C
25°F
April
13°C
55°F
2°C 35°F
May
20°C
69°F
8°C
June
25°C
76°F
13°C 55°F
July
28°C
82°F
16°C 61°F
August
27°C
80°F
15°C
September
22°C
72°F
11°C 51°F
October
15°C
60°F
5°C 41°F
November
9°C
47°F
0°C
December
3°C
7°F
-5°C 22°F
38 | Niagara Falls, Canada
Low
46°F
59°F
32°F
Fun. DON’T MISS: The parklands along the Niagara River contain more than 1 million daffodils in the spring, the largest display in North America.
Festivals and Events to See We’ve got plenty to celebrate in Niagara, from gorgeous flower displays to our famous Icewine. Here are our top picks that attract visitors year-round. For up-to-date list visit.... niagarafallstourism.com/events Niagara Icewine Festival Shaw Festival Theatre Niagara New Vintage Wine Festival Friendship Festival Annual Siege at Niagara Parks Old Fort Erie Re-enactment
January April – November June July August
Niagara Wine Festival
September
Annual Chrysanthemum Display at the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse
November
OPG Winter Festival of Lights
November – January
Niagara Food Festivals
Throughout the Year
New Year’s Eve
December
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Ready. Set.
SHOP. Anyone heading to Niagara Falls is going to want to leave room in their luggage. From boutique stores with one-of-a-kind items to outlet malls with international brands, the city is a shopaholic’s dream.
Outlet Collection at Niagara
40 | Niagara Falls, Canada
Canada One Outlets
Galleria Shop at Fallsview Casino Resort
A first stop for many is the newly built Outlet Collection at Niagara — Canada’s largest open-air shopping centre. It’s quickly become known for offering brand name fashion and lifestyle retailers at outlet prices. With close to 100 marquee retailers, names such as Coach, Nike, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and Bass Pro Shops* have all become mainstays for anyone wanting a little — or a lot of — retail therapy. Bargain hunters and brand aficionados should plan to visit the Canada One Outlets. Its moniker “Great Brands — Even Greater Prices,” does not disappoint. This factory outlet mall has an incredible selection of brand name stores offering the very best prices. With more than 50 shops, the venue is a wonderful mix of national, international and
local retailers that deliver a unique shopping experience. Well-known brands at this location include Nine West, adidas, Guess and Tommy Hilfiger* – just to name a few! If high end is your group’s style, one of the most spectacular places to shop is the Galleria Shops at Fallsview Casino Resort. Marble floors, soaring ceilings and gorgeous arches in the Belle Epoque style set the tone for a luxurious day of shopping. The gently curving streetscape of The Galleria Shops offers dozens of boutiques filled with the latest styles, accessories, gifts and collectibles, toys, and specialty foods. There is nothing else like the Galleria in Canada, as its design, materials and quality are on the same level as the top casino resorts in Las Vegas.
Also, visitors from the United States shouldn’t miss out on our three dutyfree shops Duty Free Americas. It’s one of the great things about crossing the border! On trips to Canada that last longer than 48 hours, shoppers can purchase duty-free products right before they cross back into the USA.
DON’T MISS: Souvenir City is the Largest FREE Attraction for your Niagara Falls experience, located along the scenic Niagara Parkway only 5 minutes north of the mighty Niagara Falls. Truly are a One-Stop-Shop, Souvenir City features a Gift Shop, Food Court, Chocolate World, Fudge Factory, Free Photo Ops, and Live Glass Blowing from Rossi Glass Niagara. Souvenir City
* Shop names may change without notice.
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Snow. Ready. Set.
Icewine 101: Niagara has the perfect climate to create the Icewine that has made us famous, but it wasn’t until the early 1980s that Niagara winemakers began experimenting with how to produce it. Their perseverance paid off as today, this sweet dessert wine has helped Canadian wines gain global recognition. Quality Icewine can only be made from grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine, as this allows them to concentrate and intensify their flavour. Once the temperature has reached -8°C or lower for a sustained period they are hand-picked. The frozen grapes are pressed immediately to gently release a thick, highly concentrated, yellow-gold liquid that becomes the sweet wine that has brought the Niagara Region global acclaim. 42 | Niagara Falls, Canada
Be prepared to be dazzled when you visit Niagara Falls in the winter. You’ll soon forget the wintery chill as you gaze at the
Winter Lights
thick layer of ice that covers trees, rocks, railings, light posts and fences formed by the mist and spray from the Falls.
The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights
This shimmering scene transforms into a rainbow of colour every evening at dusk. Watch as the colours twinkle in the ice and leave you in awe. Make sure to time your visit so you can enjoy the annual Icewine Festival that spans three weeks in January. This is when the Niagara Region salutes our celebrated and exotic dessert wine. Canada is ranked the largest Icewine producer in the world and Niagara is at the heart of it. Our yearly cold spell provides the ideal conditions for producing Icewine that is envied worldwide for its quality and selection. There are lots of activities surrounding this festival, from casual winery tours to formal galas. For a more lighthearted outing, partake in the festivities at Canada’s longest ice bar where Icewine is served in an ice glass. Better yet, buy a Niagara Wine Festival Discovery Pass to gain access to events at over 30 wineries that host their own unique in-house celebrations. You can even take a carriage ride along the wine route. Discovery Pass holders can enjoy eight experiences per pass. Learn more at niagarawinefestival.com.
Icewine
The Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights is another big attraction where visitors can enjoy the glow of over three million holiday lights along 5 kilometres of the Niagara Parkway from November to January. We also happen to host an amazing outdoor New Year’s Eve Celebration in Niagara Parks - Queen Victoria Park, highlighted by free concerts featuring major music industry stars and topped off by a spectacular fireworks display. Winter really is a wonderful time to visit Niagara Falls!
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Ready. Set.
Accommodated. To make the most of your trip to Niagara Falls, plan to stay two or three nights! There are so many attractions that it is impossible to explore them all in a day excursion. You could spend a weekend just exploring wine country alone! The incredible shopping, adventures around the Falls and exciting nightlife require more than a day or two to experience. That’s why we believe the most important part of planning your trip to Niagara Falls is booking a hotel and for the proper amount of time so you don’t miss out on anything. From luxurious hotels with a view of the Falls to convenient, budget-friendly motels, 16,000 rooms are available for our guests. If you want to treat yourself, ask us about our world-renowned branded and independent properties ranging from 2-diamond to 4-diamond status.
FALLS INCLINE RAILWAY: If you stay in the Fallsview tourism area, chances are you’ll want to make your way down to Table Rock to stand at the edge of Horseshoe Falls. The Niagara Parks - Falls Incline Railway provides quick access directly from the top of the Fallsview moraine to all the attractions, shopping and dining options at Niagara Parks - Table Rock Centre. The climatecontrolled railway can accommodate strollers, scooters and wheelchairs and is in service year-round. 44 | Niagara Falls, Canada
FREE WEGO APP: Download the Transit Stop WEGO app at the iTunes App Store. Get quick and easy access to bus arrival times on your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch.
Ready. Set.
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WEGO has four bus lines, represented on the map in four different colours. One or two day passes for the buses. are available at most hotels in the area, and passes can be prearranged for visitors.
Lew Q u e is to n en B r id s to n ge
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Explore Niagara Falls in comfort and relaxation. WEGO is a state-of-the-art bus system that connects accommodations and tourist areas so you don’t have to worry about finding your way around. WEGO operates all year to service visitors, no matter when they choose to explore our world-class destination.
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Ready. Set.
Travel. (90 minute drive to Niagara Falls)
Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
CANADA
Toronto
U.S.A
(45 minute drive to Niagara Falls)
Hamilton Airport (YHM) Hamilton
Niagara-onthe-Lake St. Catharines
Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF)
Niagara Falls Welland
(30 minute drive to Niagara Falls)
Fort Erie
Port Colborne
Buffalo
LAKE ERIE VIA
46 | Niagara Falls, Canada
GO
Flying
Driving
Train
Go Transit
Niagara Falls is just 30 minutes from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, 45 minutes from the Hamilton International Airport and 90 minutes from Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport.
We’re connected to the USA by three international bridges: the Fort Erie Peace Bridge, Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge and Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.
Via Rail provides service to Niagara Falls with connections throughout Ontario, Quebec and New York.
During the peak season, GO Transit offers train service between Toronto and Niagara Falls.
COME FOR THE SIGHTS. STAY FOR THE SHOPPING. Located just minutes from an incredible mix of world class wineries, rich cultural destinations and just 15 km from the majestic Niagara Falls, Outlet Collection at Niagara the area’s premier shopping destination. Save on over 100 irresistible brand names including Michael Kors Outlet, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Coach Outlet, kate spade new york, Lacoste Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Calvin Klein Outlet and many more.
ONLINE BOOKING TOOL AVAILABLE! VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GROUP AND FIT PROGRAMS
For tourism inquiries contact tourism@outletcollectionatniagara.com
www.outletcollectionatniagara.com 300 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada