The city of Niagara Falls, one of the most recognized tourist spots on earth receives on average, 10 million international visitors annually. While the power and majesty of the "thundering Water" of The Falls truly is an awe-inspiring sight, there is much more to Niagara that many visitors just don't see.

While the falls at Niagara are spectacular, there are another dozen falls, some equally as high, between Niagara and the Devil's Punch Bowl at Hamilton. Swayze Falls, Rockway Falls, Balls Falls just to name a few, and spectacular in their own way. Our area is a birder's paradise, the Niagara River being winter home to more than 2 dozen species of gulls and terns. Late March brings the annual "Raptor Watch" as eagles, vultures, hawks, falcons and many other birds head across the Peninsula on their annual migration to their summer home. Seeing them glide and swoop on the thermals created by the two large bodies of water is truly amazing.

The micro climate and excellent soil conditions of the area have turned this small part of Canada into an internationally renowned wine growing region. Visitors are surprised that "cold Canada" is able to produce such vintages, but the geographical location is on the same latitude as northern California, Italy, and the south of France.

Getting there:

The Niagara Peninsula, is bordered on the north by Lake Ontario, on the South by Lake Erie, the east by the Niagara River which connects these two large bodies of water. The western boundary of this area is approximately where the city of Hamilton starts.

From Toronto, just head west on either the QEW or the 401 and follow the signs to Niagara. From the USA there are three border crossings, coming from the east,
Buffalo/Ft.Erie, Niagara Falls and Lewiston/Queenston. Coming from the USA west, Detroit, take the 401 as far as Hamilton, then follow QEW Niagara.

Where to stay:
Take a little time to explore more than the city, there are wonderful B&B's in the country, on farms and in the small villages where you can learn about our local fruit and customs. Canada Bed and Breakfast Hosts recommends several:

Schaferhof is located on 15 acres in the heart of the wine region, about 20, km. west of Niagara Falls. The small separate guest house makes Schaferhof unique in being able to offer a totally private, relaxing atmosphere. While children are welcome, generally it is an adult environment.

The Fairway at Rockway is sequestered between protected woodlands and a picturesque championship golf course. The Fairview is the definitive country retreat for those seeking to escape the demands of everyday life.

What to do:
Festivals abound in Niagara, from the Winter Festival of Lights which transforms the Niagara Parks area into a sparkling wonderland for young and old alike, to the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival in September. There's the Marshville Festival on Labour Day weekend, which has artists and artisans displaying talents from days gone by, there are craft shows galore on Thanksgiving Weekend, The Blossom Festival in spring as our various fruit trees are in bloom.

Niagara is home to several dozen championship golf courses, World class wineries in which you can have a tour and taste, and of course, also the home of the famous Shaw Festival in picturesque Niagara on the Lake. Antique shops, art galleries, outdoor concerts in the parks, riding a bicycle along the "prettiest Sunday Drive in the world" as Sir Winston Churchill dubbed the drive along the Niagara Parkway, or just sitting on the beach overlooking one of the lakes, there's plenty to see and do after you've seen the Falls.

The Welland Canal, an amazing example of engineering technology with its northern entrance in St. Catharines,and southern terminus in Port Colborne, transports both oceangoing and Lake ships past the falls at Niagara Falls with a series of locks which connect Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The St. Lawrence Seaway System is just the start of probably the longest inland waterway in the world. The bounty of the Great Plains of North America is transported by ships to all corners of the world through this marvellous waterway. A viewing deck and historical museum at Lock 3 is well worth a visit.

The Bruce Trail a 765 km. hiking trail which follows along the crest of the Niagara Escarpment has its southern terminus at Queenston heights, and the northern on the Bruce Peninsula, Lake Huron. It is known internationally for its diverse flora and fauna and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere.

Eating well:
To try to do a synopsis of where to eat in Niagara is almost impossible. There are winery restaurants like Hillebrand Winery Cafe , or the renowned Inn on the Twenty, partnered with Cave Spring Cellars, and bistros and sidewalk cafes too many to mention. The Friday night seafood buffet at the Beacon Harbourside Restaurant at Jordan is not to be missed by seafood lovers. The restaurant overlooks Lake Ontario and on a clear night you can see the CN Tower across the sparkling waters.

For an unforgettable view of Niagara Falls from the air, check out the Skylon Tower Restaurant. Truly a once in a lifetime experience. In Port Dalhousie (St. Catharines), Marie's Seafood Dining Room is the place to go for that perfect lobster. Or, take a short trip to Port Dover on Lake Erie's north shore for some authentic fresh Lake Erie Perch. The Erie Beach Hotel is the place to get that. Niagara Chefs pride themselves on using as many fresh Niagara ingredients as possible, so take an adventurous culinary tour and taste the best that there is.