When in Ontario, Canada, one of the absolute must-do experiences is witnessing the breathtaking Niagara Falls in all its glory. It’s a tick mark for tourists. But don’t just stop there for beyond the spectacular waters lies a world of botanical gardens, butterfly conservatory, scenic drives, and the storybook charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake. To celebrate my birthday, our family decided to take a two-day trip to explore it all—starting with the iconic waterfalls, following the picturesque Niagara Parkway, and ending in the quaint, historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. What unfolded was not just a journey through stunning landscapes and hidden gems, but also a celebration filled with laughter, wonder, and memories that will last a lifetime. Read on to know the things to do at Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara Falls
We drive from our home in Downtown Toronto and check into our hotel at Niagara Falls. Our room offers a spectacular aerial view of Niagara Falls, allowing us to see both the American and Canadian sides of the falls. The Niagara Falls are actually not one but three waterfalls formed by the Niagara River, which acts as a border between the USA and Canada. The Horseshoe Falls, as the name suggests, is in the shape of a horseshoe and is the largest falls located on the Canadian side. The other two falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, are on the American side. We can see the Rainbow Bridge over the Niagara River, which helps visitors cross from one side to the other. It’s a to-die-for view, and my husband Rafiq has ensured that we get the best.
Incline Railway
Without wasting time, we decide to head to the falls to get a closer look. We take the Falls Incline Railway, which quickly gets us to the Table Rock Welcome Centre. If you don’t have a room facing the falls, then the Falls Incline Railway are also a good option to get an aerial view of the falls.
Table Rock Welcome Centre
We stroll through the Table Rock Welcome Centre at the edge of the Horseshoe Falls. There are restaurants, souvenir shops and viewing points. Access to attractions such as Journey Behind the Falls and The Tunnel at the Niagara Park Power Station is from here.
Niagara Falls Up close
We head to the falls to get a close view. There is a deafening roar as the Niagara River plunges down the falls. It sends up mists and water droplets that gently caress us. At specific points, we see rainbows created by the dance of the water droplets and sunlight. We click pictures and spend time just admiring this natural beauty.
The Maid of the Mist/ The Hornblower
We see boats with tourists in raincoats on the Niagara River, going close to the base of the falls. The American boat rides are called Maid of the Mist, while the Canadians call it the Hornblower. A good way to identify which boat ride you’re seeing is by the colour of the raincoats worn by the passengers – red for Hornblower and blue for Maid of the Mist.
Niagara Falls at Night
We head back to our hotel and, in the evening, enjoy dinner with family and friends. We retire to our room and are spellbound by the view of Niagara Falls that is illuminated at night. The next morning, Rafiq rises early to catch the sunrise over the Niagara Falls. The transformation from darkness to morning and ever-changing colours at the horizon is mesmerizing.
Clifton Hill
The next morning, we check out and drive through Clifton Hill, a popular attraction among children and youth. The ‘Street of Fun’ has restaurants, entertainment options and shops. We see the Niagara Speedway go-kart track and the Niagara Sky Wheel, a 175-foot Ferris wheel that provides aerial views of the falls. Big Top Mirror and Lazer Maze, Movieland Wax Museum, Ripley’s Selfie Studio, House of Frankenstein and lots more. Our children in their twenties have enjoyed these attractions on their earlier visits with friends. We drive past the Niagara Casino Tower between the Sheraton and Crowne Plaza.
Niagara Parkway
It’s now time to say goodbye to Niagara Falls and head towards the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. We drive on the Niagara Parkway, a scenic road which runs parallel to the Niagara River. It’s a joy to watch the trees in fall colours of yellow, orange and ochre. The plan is to stop at vantage points or wherever we feel we want to explore further, including a stop at the Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory.
Niagara Whirlpool Aero Car
But first up, we halt at the Niagara Whirlpool, a natural whirlpool formed by erosion of the Niagara Escarpment by the Niagara River. You can hop on the Niagara Whirlpool Aero Car for a scenic ride over the Niagara Gorge and watch the whirlpool. Although the cable car is on the Canadian side, it takes you over both Canadian and American territories! There is a beautiful souvenir shop close by, and we swiftly pass it and head back to the car to drive to our next stop.
Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory
The botanical gardens span 99 acres, featuring landscaped gardens and meadows with ornamental trees, a myriad of flowers in various colours, and much more. You can spend a day in the botanical gardens. It is also home to the Butterfly Conservatory and Garden Café. We see the ‘Niagara Strait’ sculpture by Gordon Reeves, consisting of two steel walls representing the walls of Niagara Gorge. We stroll through the gardens briefly and head to the Butterfly Conservatory.
Imagine you are in a lush, green rainforest with a pond, a waterfall, and butterflies fluttering around you. You are strolling along the pathway, and you can hear the water gushing, flowers blooming, and butterflies sitting on your palms and shoulders, not just for a fleeting second but for extended periods. These butterflies have stunning colours and patterns, and some are as big as a child’s palm. I am speechless, and this immersive experience is a memory I shall cherish forever.
There is even an ‘Emergence’ window where you will see the various stages of the butterfly’s lifecycle. Kudos to the mastermind behind this concept and for the meticulous execution of this glass-enclosed conservatory, which is indeed paradise on earth! We stroll through the gift shop, which features numerous butterfly-inspired home decor items, jewellery, and other knick-knacks.
Queenston Heights Park
We head back to the car and continue our drive. We are now in Queenston village, the site of the Battle of Queenston Heights in 1812. Now it has the Queenston Heights Park. We can see the towering column called Brock’s monument dedicated to Sir Issac Brock, who lost his life defending the area from American soldiers. With time a constraint, we decide not to halt and continue driving, stopping briefly at the Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station.
Living Water Wayside Chapel- Smallest Chapel in the World
As we continue driving on Niagara Parkway, we see a tiny chapel and stop. I am excited as churches, chapels and cathedrals hold a special place in my heart due to my convent school upbringing. A sign tells us that it’s the Living Water Wayside Chapel. It’s the smallest chapel in the world, I am told. The chapel has four benches and a desk with a bible. I sit quietly on one of the benches, in quiet contemplation filled with gratitude. My family members smile because they know how much this moment means to me.
Walkers Country Market
Next, we walk to the Walkers Country Market, a family-run farm and market. The display of haystacks, orange pumpkins and yellow-green gourds is attractive. Baskets of apples, neatly arranged vegetables, handmade pies and neatly stacked bottles of assorted preserves are all up for grabs. Coming from India, I have only seen this in movies and photos, so seeing it in person feels surreal.
Vineyards
We head back to the car and continue driving. En route, we pass several vineyards. The cool, mild climate and limestone-rich soil in the region are responsible for Niagara producing some fine wines. If you fancy it and have the time, you can explore one of the vineyards and do some wine tasting.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
We have now reached the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. We park and begin exploring the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which has a Victorian-era vibe complete with heritage buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and more.
History of Niagara on the Lake
The site where the town stands was originally home to the First Nations people. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Niagara River made it an ideal meeting and trading place. Later, the European settlers arrived in the late 18th century. In 1792, the town, then called Newark, became the first capital of Upper Canada (present-day Ontario). Its streets witnessed many defining moments of Canadian history, including the War of 1812, when much of the town was burned by American forces. Niagara-on-the-Lake rose from the ashes, boasting elegant Victorian-era architecture that still graces its streets today. In 2004, the Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake was designated a National Historic District due to its wonderfully preserved 18th-century architecture.
Niagara District Court House
We begin by exploring the historic landmarks, starting with the Niagara District Court House, which once served as the judicial and administrative centre of the Niagara District. Today, it has a more artistic role—it often hosts performances for the Shaw Festival, one of Canada’s premier theatre festivals.
Prince of Wales Hotel
Next up is the Prince of Wales Hotel, built in 1864, a luxury hotel renowned for its fine dining, high teas, and exquisite decor. With its ornate woodwork, stained-glass windows, and horse-drawn carriages often passing by, the hotel exudes an air of old-world elegance.
Memorial Clock Tower
The brick red clock tower is a cenotaph dedicated to the soldiers of Niagara-on-the-Lake who lost their lives in World War I. It is right in the middle of Queen Street.
Niagara Lodge No.2
We stroll through another historic building, Niagara Lodge No. 2, where Upper Canada’s first legislature met; however, today it is a modest ground-floor gallery, open during heritage events.
The Niagara Apothecary
Next up is the Niagara Apothecary, a beautifully restored 19th-century pharmacy that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of early medicine.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Queen Street Shops
While in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Queen Street is not to be missed. The tastefully decorated shops, unique restaurants, and cafés are a must-visit. We loved the Lavender store for its wide range of products and all things lavender—a year-round Christmas Store with Christmas ornaments and decor. If you love hats, then BeauChapeau Hat Shop is the place to head. I liked the Alladin Artisan Gallery, which had several evil eye products from Turkey. The Viking Shop, with its vintage collectibles, and Pandaya Gallery, featuring dreamcatchers and Bohemian decor, stood out.
Eateries at Niagara-on-the-Lake
One of the famous eateries is ‘The Shaw Café & Wine Bar’, where a statue of George Bernard Shaw is located. The Epicuren Fresh Dining, Sunset Grill, and so many more restaurants that you can pick and choose from. We had lunch at a Greek restaurant, Gyros on the Lake.
The Royal George Theatre
One of the reasons Niagara-on-the-Lake is popular amongst theatre enthusiasts is thanks to the world-renowned Shaw Festival. Book tickets in advance if you want to watch performances at The Royal George Theatre.
Queen’s Royal Park
We then stroll around Queen’s Royal Park. From a vantage spot, we can see Lake Ontario and Fort Niagara across the Niagara River. We call it a day and say goodbye to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Final Words
As we drive back to Toronto, we reminisce about all the wonderful experiences of the past two days. From the majestic Niagara Falls and its numerous attractions, to the beauty of the Botanical Gardens in fall colours, to the enchanting Butterfly Conservatory, every stop has been dreamlike. The drive along the picturesque Niagara Parkway, with its farms and vineyards, contemplation at the smallest chapel, and finally exploring the quaint shops and Victorian structures of Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was a perfect blend of nature, history, and all things beautiful.
And perhaps what made it most special was that it all happened on my birthday. This trip wasn’t just about sightseeing—it was about creating memories that I’ll carry with me forever.
Getting There:
Nearest Airport to Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario:
Toronto Pearson International Airport, with connectivity to major international cities, is your best option.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls, Ontario:
We stayed at the Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel & Spa with a suite overlooking the falls. The Fallsview hotels in Niagara come at a premium but provide sweeping views of the falls. But do search the net for budget accommodations.
Where to Stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario:
If you prefer a luxurious experience and have the budget, then the Prince of Wales Hotel is what many opt for. You can even hire Airbnb accommodations. You can do a net search for options based on budget and comfort.
Distance From Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake
It is 24 km and will take you 24 minutes by road. This does not include the time you would need to stop and explore the places and spots along the way .
How to get from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake?
To travel from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake, you can drive (24 minutes), take the Niagara Parks WEGO bus system with a transfer, or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or a taxi.
Travel Tip for Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake:
Do visit the Niagara Outlets Mall if you want to purchase branded products at great bargains.