— By Rebecca Stanisic —
Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, and the region surrounding it is not just a popular summer vacation destination. It’s a year-round option that will surround you with serenity in the spring, fuel your adventure in the fall and warm you up in the winter.
If you haven’t considered a winter weekend getaway or road trip to Niagara Falls area, you’re missing out! Dive in with us, and you may find yourself choosing this region as the next destination on your travel list.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls and the Niagara Area
Finding accommodations is easy in the Niagara Falls area; the hard part is deciding where to stay. Consider one of the hotels with a view of the Falls themselves, worth it to witness the wonder alight at night. The Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel and Suites is a great place to begin.
If you want a more boutique experience, or want to be out of the downtown Niagara Falls area, drive into wine country to find unique hotels like Jordan’s Inn on the Twenty, or the majestic Prince of Wales Hotel in Niagara-on-the-Lake, both are a part of the Vintage Hotels family.
Inn on the Twenty in Jordan Village, a hotel that is a part of the Vintage Hotels group. The village hosts shops, restaurants and the tasting room for Cave Spring Cellar.
Pamper yourself and stay at 124 on Queen Hotel and Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake or consider staying on a winery property like the Bed and Breakfast cottage or Estate House at Vineland Estates Winery.
Making Winter Plans in the Niagara Falls Area
Don’t let the snow and dropping temperatures deter you from planning a winter road trip to Niagara Falls. There are many outdoor events to plan for and enjoy, as well as indoor activities to pull you in from the cold.
The Falls in the winter from a hotel window
The Shaw Festival
The Shaw Festival season extends just to the first day of Winter (December 21), with performances of “A Christmas Carol” and Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.” Warm up for the holidays with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future and fill your heart with musical numbers to embrace the spirit of the season.
Winter Festival of Lights
Light up the dull winter nights with the Niagara Winter Festival of Lights, now in its 43rd season. From November 15 until January 6, you’ll be dazzled by 75 light displays, 21 nights of fireworks, and a hot chocolate trail to keep you warm. Family-friendly festival events are planned for the many-weeks long festival with updates coming to the website.
Bird Kingdom
Step into a tropical climate and out of the cold at Bird Kingdom. It’s the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary and is only a five minute walk from the Falls. Open year-round, you’ll be up close to exotic birds and other creatures like snakes and bats. On the self-guided tour, you’ll encounter many unexpected species. Make time to feed the Larakeets and keep your ears open for the Macaw that usually has something to say.
A blue and yellow macaw in Bird Kingdom’s aviary, located minutes away from the falls
Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Village
A short drive away from Niagara Falls is the historic and quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, home to ShawFest, shopping, great eats and scenery. In the winter, it becomes Icewine Village. On the final two weekends of January (17 to 18 and 24 to 25), more than 20 wineries come together to celebrate and showcase icewines. Paired with delicious bites, outdoor fire pits, and cozy domes, the Icewine Village festival is not to be missed.
Fun for the Family at Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge is an indoor water park with accommodations. This resort-style destination is a family favorite to keep kids active while forming exciting and long-lasting memories. Packages include your park passes, themed hotel rooms with plenty of space for kids and adults, and food options.
Make Niagara Falls Your Next Travel Destination
Niagara Falls is the perfect place to visit year round, but don’t discount the opportunities in the winter months and off-season when the night lights up, the beverages keep you warm, and the activities will leave you with a smile on your rosey winter cheeks.
Photos by Rebecca Stanisic
—
Rebecca Stanisic is a writer, speaker and content strategist for small business owners. She writes about family, travel, food and life stories. She’s been writing on her parenting blog, A Little Bit of Momsense, since 2009. Rebecca is the proud mom of two and is fueled by fiction and coffee.
