Weekend in Niagara Getaway: The Best Things to do & Itinerary

One of the best destinations in Ontario for a weekend getaway is Niagara Falls! Home to the famous Horseshoe Falls, the region offers visitors a long list of attractions, parks, and fun. A weekend in Niagara is the perfect place for those looking for a romantic escape or exciting girls’ getaway.

In my travel guide you’ll discover all the best things to add to your weekend trip to Niagara Falls. Along with top attractions, like Clifton Hill and nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, you’ll learn about fun tours as well as where to eat and stay. Plus, I’ve added a sample 3 and 2 day itinerary for Niagara Falls Canada!

Weekend Trip to Niagara Falls Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Dinner & Niagara Falls at Night
Day 2: Explore Niagara Parks, Boat Tour, Clifton Hill
Day 3: Hike Niagara Glen, Wine Tour, Explore Niagara on the Lake

What to do on a Weekend in Niagara Getaway

Whether you’re planning a trip to Niagara Falls Canada for a couple’s retreat or fun girls’ trip, I’ve got you covered! I’ve rounded up the best things to do in Niagara Falls and area that will fit perfectly into a weekend visit!

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Day 1 in Niagara Falls

Check-In

Upon arriving in Niagara Falls I suggest checking in to your hotel first. There are a number of great hotels in the city, one of the best is the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel.

Couples planning a Niagara Falls romantic getaway will love the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel. The hotel features rooms with views of the falls and it’s a short walk to many of the top Niagara Fall attractions.

For ladies visiting on a girl’s getaway the Sheraton is perfect for you too! Along with the views, highlights include two pools, a spa, and there’s a large marketplace within the hotel for shopping.

Enjoy Dinner at the Skylon Tower

Start your Niagara Falls weekend getaway off right with a dinner at the Skylon Tower. Rising 775 feet above the falls, the tower features a revolving dining room.

The Skylon Tower Revolving Dining Room spins, much like the CN Tower in Toronto. From your table you’ll enjoy the panoramic views of the Horseshoe Falls and more.

One of the most popular menu items is their perfect prime rib. However, you’ll also find vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options too.

Alternative Tip: If you’re looking for a fun and livelier restaurant in Niagara Falls then head to my favourite Taco N Tequila. With a fun vibe inside and patio outside, it’s a great spot to go with your girlfriends!

See the Niagara Falls Illuminated

Experience the falls illuminated at night. The light show is a spectacular sight and features a rainbow of colours! Both Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls are lit up.

Take a romantic stroll along the Niagara River after dinner to enjoy the incredible falls lit up. Or if you’re hanging with your ladies, be sure to get some selfies together to remember the moment!

In addition to the illumination, they put on fireworks throughout the year. I love visiting in the summer to catch the nightly fireworks. It’s the longest running fireworks series in Canada! Weather depending, it happens every night at 10pm by Queen Victoria Park.

If you’re visiting for a winter getaway during the holidays then you’re in luck too! There are fireworks displays on select nights during the Winter Festival of Lights.

Day 2 in Niagara Falls

Explore the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

After breakfast and a coffee, make the first stop on day two of your weekend in Niagara itinerary the Butterfly Conservatory.

This magical space is one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America. Every time I visit, I look to spot more of the over 2,000 different butterflies. Some species include the vibrant Blue Morpho and Goliath Birdwing.

Strolling along the winding pathways through the conservatory is like being transported to a tropical garden oasis. It’s warm and humid inside but its worth it when the butterflies land on you!

Alternative Tip: Animal enthusiasts looking for more attractions like the Butterfly Conservatory will love the Bird Kingdom. It’s one of the largest free-flying indoor aviaries in the world!

Wander the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens

Next door to the Butterfly Conservatory is the beautiful Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. The European-style gardens opened in 1936 and cover 40 hectares.

The Botanical Gardens is one of the most incredible places in Ontario for flowers. Over 80,000 plants are grown every year in their greenhouse.

Take a wander along the trails and explore the various gardens. One of the most spectacular is the rose garden. It features over 2,400 roses and is considered one of the most extensive Victorian rose gardens in North America.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll find different things in bloom. In the spring you’ll find one of best collections of cherry blossom trees in Canada.

Plus, it’s free to visit!

Alternative Tip: If you’re looking for something more active to do then rent a bike and cycle the Niagara Recreational Trail. This 53 km trail follows the Niagara River from Fort George to the Town of Fort Erie.

Experience Niagara Falls

Embark on the top Niagara Fall vacation must-do, a boat tour to experience the falls up close. Take a ride on the Niagara City Cruises that takes you out on the water where you can feel the mist on your face.

Another fun way to experience the falls is Journey Behind the Falls. This tour shares the history of the falls and takes you down 125 feet. Below ground, explore the 130-year-old tunnels that lead out to an awe-inspiring view of the falls up close!

If you’re like me and enjoy a guided tour to learn more, this Niagara Falls tour includes it all! The tour includes the iconic boat tour, Journey Behind the Falls and a walking tour.

Fuel Up with Lunch at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant

After a busy morning, fuel up for your afternoon adventures at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant. Perched above the Niagara River Parkway, the restaurant offers scenic views of both the American Falls and Horseshoe Falls.

The Queen Victoria Place Restaurant has a local-inspired menu that pairs well with their Niagara VQA wine list. Plus, you can choose to dine indoors or out on their beautiful covered terrace.

One of the best lunch menu items is the Gnocchi Alfredo. However, if you’re looking for something lighter, I recommend ordering one of their shareable platters. They have a traditional charcuterie board with local meats and cheeses. Or a vegan platter that comes with hummus, olive tapenade, pita bread and more.

Have Fun on Clifton Hill

A Niagara Falls weekend trip isn’t complete without a visit to Clifton Hill! This area is full of attractions that include arcades, a wax museum, and fun houses.

One of the top attractions is the Niagara SkyWheel. Towering 175 feet, the Ferris wheel offers panoramic views of the Niagara region.

Along with a fun ride during the day, I recommend timing a night ride to coincide with when the fireworks go off!

One of my favourite things to do on Clifton Hill is mini-golf. Dinosaur Adventure Golf is one of the largest mini-golf courses in Canada. It features massive dinosaurs and two 18-hole courses.

Many visitors love Ripley’s Believe it or Not, but I love the weird and creepy fun houses. One that will have you laughing and confused is Crystal Caves. For the creepy fans, head over to Nightmares Fear Factory.

Clifton Hill is also home to a variety of fun food stops. You’ll find a number of tasty dessert spots like Beaver Tails, Churronuts and more.

Enjoy Dinner at Table Rock House Restaurant

With floor to ceiling windows, Table Rock House Restaurant offers incredible views of the falls. It’s the closest restaurant to the Horseshoe Falls, you can’t get any closer!

Table Rock is one of a number of Feast ON certified restaurants, thanks to its locally sourced menu. The menu features a blend of Canadian and international cuisine.

Two of the best dishes on their dinner menu are the Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop and the Moroccan Falafel Tagine. However, I recommend leaving room for one of their delightful desserts. 

Day 3 in Niagara Region

Hike the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve

A great way to start day 3 of your weekend trip to Niagara Falls is hiking Niagara Glen. While the summer offers ideal conditions for hiking this gem, it’s one of the best hikes in the fall. With the brilliant fall foliage against the incredible blue of the famous Niagara Whirlpool, the views are stellar.

Descending into the Niagara Gorge you’ll find a number of hiking trails. Trails range form 110 m to 1.9 km. So, you can enjoy a short hike to experience the beauty of the gorge or spend all morning hiking the trails.

The unique features of Niagara Glen are an incredible sight to see. There’s everything from towering trees to interesting rock formations. Plus, a favourite is the whirlpool that forms where the river narrows.

Lunch at Prince of Wales Hotel

After a morning of hiking, you’re going to be hungry. I highly recommend heading to Niagara on the Lake for lunch.

Set in the most iconic building in Niagara on the Lake, the Prince of Wales Hotel offers a few dining options. If you’re looking for a causal yet romantic lunch for two, try their Churchill Lounge.

For those enjoying a weekend getaway in Niagara with the girls, I suggest a high tea experience. The Prince of Wales Hotel serves one of the best high teas in Ontario that will make you feel like queens!

Alternative Tip: If you’re planning on doing a winery tour, you can opt for one that includes a stop at a winery with a restaurant for lunch.

Take a Winery Tour

The Niagara is well known as one of the country’s best wine regions. With over 100 wineries in the region, I recommend choosing one area to focus on. Since you’re spending the afternoon in Niagara on the Lake, it’s a great spot to sample wineries in the region.

You can choose plan ahead and visit wineries on your own. Or enjoy a carefree wine tasting tour with a guide.

For those looking for a romantic wine tasting in Niagara, this private experience in a stunning dome is dreamy! It includes a wine tasting with locally sourced charcuterie. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy sweeping views of the vineyard and lake.

Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake

Sitting on the shores of Lake Ontario, 20 minutes north of Niagara Falls, is Niagara-on-the-Lake. Known as one of the prettiest Ontario towns, it’s full of charm, historic sights, and great shops.

After enjoying a few drinks, take a stroll through downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake. Its picturesque Queen Street is lined with flower pots, heritage buildings and hidden gems.

One of my favourite historic stops is the Niagara Apothecary. The original pharmacy opened in the 1860s and operated for over 100 years. Now it’s an interesting museum that’s set up like the original apothecary.

For those looking to browse the shops, you’ll find everything from clothing boutiques to stores selling classic Canadian food. A few favourites include Just Christmas, The Maple Syrup Store, Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe, and The Owl & The Pussycat.

If you’re keen to learn more of the rich history of the region, plan a visit to Fort George National Historic Site. At the Fort you can learn about the history of the War of 1812 through a number of exhibits and costumed interpreters.

Take a Ghost Tour

Along with being one of the prettiest towns, Niagara-on-the-Lake is also known as one of the most haunted towns in Ontario! With such a tumultuous history, there’s plenty of stories to tell.

Whether you want to learn more about the history of the town or love a little scare, I highly recommend taking a ghost walk in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

In addition to hearing about local lore, you’ll discover the stories of some of the spookiest places in town.

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Wrap up your weekend with dinner at a local pub in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The town offers a range of dining options, from casual to fine dining.

One fun favourite spot is the Irish Harp Pub. Serving up a lively Irish experience in the heart of Ontario, the menu features traditional Irish food. Along with good food, a highlight is the live Irish music. Two popular dishes are the St. Pat’s Irish Stew and the Dublin Steak & Guiness Pie.

If you’re looking for Canadian cuisine, Treadwell Cuisine and Tiara Restaurant are great options.

Optional Additions to a Weekend Getaway in Niagara Falls

If you plan to add another day or want to exchange one of the above activities, here are a few ideas of activities to add to your Niagara Falls weekend getaway.

Take a Helicopter Ride Above the Falls

Soar above the majestic falls on an epic helicopter ride in Niagara Falls! This bucket list adventure takes you on a 20-minute tour of some of the best sights in Niagara. See Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and the area’s vineyards form a new perspective.

Enjoy a Performance at the Shaw Festival

One of the best live theatres in Ontario is in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Every year, from February through December, the Shaw Festival takes place. For a slice of entertainment, add taking in a performance at the Shaw Festival to your Niagara itinerary.

Visit Niagara Falls State Park

Across the Rainbow International Bridge, you can explore Niagara Falls, New York in the United States too. Walk out onto the Niagara Falls Observation Tower for epic views from land. Or enjoy of their famous boat tours aboard Maid of the Mist.

Another fun way to explore Niagara Falls State Park is on one of their scenic trolley cars! For a few dollars you’ll travel around the state park in a cool vintage-style trolley car. Along with being able to hop on and off at the park’s attractions, you’ll learn about the park, its history, and tips.

3 Day Weekend in Niagara Itinerary

Friday

• Arrive and check in at hotel
• Enjoy dinner with a view of the falls
• See the falls illuminated at night

Saturday

• Explore Niagara Parks: Butterfly Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
• Experience Niagara Falls up close with a boat tour & Journey Behind the Falls
• Enjoy a fun afternoon on Clifton Hill

Sunday

• Hike the Niagara Gorge
• Explore and dine in Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Enjoy a wine tasting
• Take a Ghost Tour

2 Day Itinerary Niagara Falls Canada

Saturday

• Experience Niagara Falls up close with a boat tour & Journey Behind the Falls
• Enjoy a fun afternoon on Clifton Hill
• Check in at hotel
• Have dinner with a view of the falls
• See the falls illuminated at night

Sunday

• Explore Niagara Parks or Hike the Niagara Gorge
• Wander historic Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Enjoy a wine tasting
• Have dinner in Niagara-on-the-Lake

This itinerary provides a mix of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation, allowing you to make the most of your weekend in Niagara Falls. The best part is that it works for a Niagara Falls romantic getaway or a fun girls trip! Adjustments can be made based on your preferences and the time of year you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Niagara Falls

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