27 Amazing Things to Do in Niagara this Spring

One of the most common day trips from Toronto is to the Niagara region.

Niagara Falls is one of the most prolific sights in North America, and the area around the falls Falls on the Canadian side is perfect for a weekend getaway or longer holiday – there are so many things to do in Niagara.

But Niagara, Canada isn’t just about the Falls.

The region also includes the historic surroundings of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara’s gorgeous South Coast, the charming city of St Catharines and the beautiful Twenty Valley.

There’s more to do here than just a day trip! It’s close to home which makes it super easy to pop over to for a few days, and there are so many places to explore.

So if you need some inspiration to plan a spring getaway, here are 27 of the best things to do in Niagara.

Things to do in Niagara for the adventurous couple:

See the Falls By Helicopter
An aerial view of one of the country’s most impressive sights is a spectacular way to really appreciate the majesty and epic scale of Niagara Falls.

Mountain Bike the Short Hills Provincial Park
If you prefer your cycling with a bit more mud and thunder, the mountain biking here is very good – don’t forget to stop to enjoy the views too!

Face the Challenge of the Greater Niagara Circle Route
One of the more adventurous things to do in Niagara with 140 kilometers of excellent cycling tracks. This is a route that can be split up into more manageable sections or cycled in its entirety.

Take the Journey Behind the Falls
You will definitely need waterproof gear for this view of Niagara Falls, as you enjoy two observation decks located behind the amazing waterfalls

Hike the Bruce Trail
The Bruce Trail is an amazing hiking route covering 890 kilometers in Ontario. There are plenty of sections in the Niagara area that make for great day walks too.

Go Horse Riding
Horse riding is a lovely way to enjoy the natural surroundings of the area. Take a horse trekking adventure from the Niagara Riding Stables or Horseplay Niagara for a relaxing and enjoyable way to explore the countryside.

Take a Giant Leap: Skydive Burnaby
There are few areas as beautiful as Niagara’s South Coast, and enjoying this view as you are hurdling towards the ground is a thrilling way to see this part of the world.

For couples looking to relax:

Play a Round of Golf
There are several golf courses located around the Niagara Peninsula, and the Twenty Valley and the areas around St Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake all have some great spots for a few holes.

Visit the RiverBrink Art Museum
With a great collection of art produced by Canadian and international artists, this lovely museum in the village of Queenston is well worth visiting.

Bird Watching At Mud Lake
One of the best bird watching spots in Canada, Mud Lake is home to a great songbird population, while there are also some wonderful birds of prey to be spotted in the area too.

Take a Ride on the Niagara Parkway
This charming road travels from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake, and is a great route for an afternoon drive, or is also good for cycling as well.

View the Amazing Horseshoe Falls
The most famous view of all in the area, the Falls can be viewed from above and below, and the epic scale of the falls can only be appreciated once you are there.

Go Fishing on the Niagara River
The Niagara River has some great fishing opportunities; the population of Steelhead Trout makes it a great place if you enjoy fishing.

Stargazing at the Niagara Escarpment
If you are more of a night owl, then the clear skies and low levels of light pollution means the escarpment is a great place for stargazing and offers some dramatic views.

Admire the View from the Beamer Memorial Conservation Area
One of the best viewpoints in the peninsula, this area has stunning views over Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment.

Enjoy the Flowers in the Spring
One of the most beautiful times of the year to visit the Niagara Peninsula is in the spring. The wealth of blooms around the region is truly remarkable, with the floral clock at the botanical gardens being a real highlight.

Take a Cruise for a River Level View
A great way to appreciate the force of Niagara Falls is by taking a cruise to the bottom of the falls, to see the impact of the millions of gallons of water hitting the valley floor.

For the cultured couple:

See the Artillery at Fort George
This historic military fort was completed in 1802, and is a fascinating place to explore with historic artillery and well preserved original features of the building still on display.

Take a Winery Tour
The wineries of the Niagara Peninsula are famous, and an organized tour will take you to several of the highlights, and include wine tasting as well as some great food too.

Read about ice wine in Niagara.

View the Rare Orchids at the Niagara Escarpment
The orchids that grow in this part of the world are truly lovely, and while you can try to spot them while exploring, you can also visit the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse if you don’t have any luck.

Ride Above the Falls on the Niagara SkyWheel
One of the newer things to do in Niagara. This wonderful wheel provides an excellent panorama of the area around the falls, and has a stunning perspective above the falls.

Visit the Stunning Botanical Gardens
Just off the Niagara Parkway, this lovely area has some fantastic floral displays whenever you visit. Don’t miss the Butterfly Conservatory, which is a real highlight.

Take a Cooking Lesson at The Good Earth Cooking School
The area is home to amazing local produce, learn to cook something with the region’s amazing ingredients.

Enjoy Local Art at the Sanctuary
A lovely little venue, this community project has a stylish art gallery and regularly has great events, while also being home to a craft brewery and a restaurant.

Stroll the Historic Streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Founded in 1781, there are several areas of the town that date back to the nineteenth century, with Butler’s Barracks and the Navy Hall among the interesting buildings to see.

Take in the Performances at the Shaw Festival Theatre
This annual festival theatre dedicated to the work of George Bernard Shaw is a great opportunity to enjoy the work of one of the great modern playwrights of the twentieth century.

Sample Wine in the Twenty Valley
Wines produced in this area have been recognized for their high quality. The city of St. Catharines also has great restaurants and retailers to sample local food.

What other awesome things to do in Niagara did we miss? Let us know in the comments below.