Photo by CC user Paolostefano1412 on Wikimedia Commons
If you’re planning on spending your winter break in the Niagara Falls region this year, here are just a few of the many events and activities waiting for you…
- Take a Hornblower Cruise
No trip to Niagara would be complete without a catamaran cruise to all three waterfalls. No matter what time of year you go, this is always a thrilling experience, sailing up to the spray of the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls.
- Stay in a room with a view
If you stay in one of the best Niagara Falls hotels, you’ll be guaranteed to awaken every morning to the sight of the Horseshoe Falls from your bedroom. Imagine eating your breakfast as you look out onto this iconic natural phenomenon.
- Go to the Winter Festival of Lights
From 19th November to 31st January next year, over one million people will be visiting the 8km of stunning landscape decked out in festive illuminations. From the Niagara Parks to Dufferin Islands and beyond, expect everything from Noah’s Ark to the world’s largest illuminated Canadian-American flag.
- Try FlyBoarding
If you’re in the mood to try out a new water sport, you’ll find nothing more adventurous than FlyBoarding. You’ll be propelled up to 40ft in the air, as your very own “jetpack” uses traditional water-skiing technology with some added propulsion to send you skyward. Before you know it, you’ll be performing tricks just like the experts.
- Visit Santa’s Grotto
If your little ones want to visit Santa, your best bet is to head for the Christmas Gift Show, on 3rd and 4th December at the Scotiabank Convention Centre. With over 100 stalls for you to explore, this festive-themed market will have tonnes of presents, sweet treats and demonstrations, with your very own Grotto for the kids to deliver their lists in person.
- Walk through the botanical gardens
If you head towards the Niagara Parkway, there are a multitude of beautiful sights to greet you, the first of which is the famous floral clock. Right now, you’ll be able to see it with all 16,000 carpet bedding plants in their autumn/winter glory. Then, the 99 acres of perfectly manicured Botanical Gardens await you.
- Take a zipline down the Falls
If you’re in the mood for something a little more adventurous, why not view the stunning scenery from above? WildPlay’s MistRider Zipline to the Falls is a brand new attraction for daredevils, and they’re located over Niagara Gorge and Niagara River, where you’ll sail past the American and Bridal Veil Falls before finishing at the Horseshoe Falls.
- Enjoy festive fayre at McFarland House
For a touch of tradition during the Yuletide season, McFarland House will be decked out in Victorian splendour while you tour its hallways. This is a unique experience to see a restored period property, with a cup of mulled cider in one hand and a freshly-baked Christmas cookie in the other.
Where are you going for your Christmas getaway?