Festival Country
Wedged between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, the ribbon of lush land amid a thriving society makes up the bountiful environment of Ontario’s Niagara Region. Coincidentally, the strap-shaped region lies in the center of the world’s wine belt and produces nearly 42 percent of Ontario’s total wine market. The Shaw Festival and the tumbling blue waters of Niagara Falls only enhance the rich culture of Canada's gem.
Fun Facts:
Known For: Niagara Falls; wineries; the Welland Canal; the Niagara Escarpment.
Fun facts: Ever wonder if you’d survive going over Niagara Falls? Annie Taylor survived, and so did her cat! Looking for her 15 minutes of fame, the 63-year-old school teacher climbed into a barrel with her pet cat and braved the Falls in 1901. Her watery feat goes down in history as the first of its kind!
Total area: 715 square miles.
As the third busiest ski resort in Canada, there’s no way we could pass up Blue Mountain Ski Resort – especially for our list of Top 10 Ontario Winter Vacations! From beginner to double black diamond trails, you’ll be speeding down the slopes in no time at this No. 1 alpine playground. ... See More
Festival Country Spots to Watch
Stay Here
In Niagara, the available accommodations range from luxury suites overlooking the entrancing and powerful falls to cozy cottages and guesthouses in walking distance of renowned theaters. Check out some local paintings and stay in the Romney House with art-inspired suites like the Poppy Room or rest your head in the 1886 Keefer Mansion Inn for a historical look at bygone architecture.
Festival Country Lodging
Play Here
The misty beauty of Niagara Falls is only one attraction in the Niagara Region that you’ll want to explore. The Welland Canal Lock 3 provides remarkable views of massive ships passing through the canal’s lock system - a truly unique experience - for free! Don’t mind spending a few bucks? Then tour a local winery or solve historical puzzles at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Mystery of the Lake theater.
Festival Country Attractions
Dine Here
Yellow and purple potatoes are only a couple of the many locally-grown heirloom vegetables celebrated by Niagara Region chefs. Among so many locavores (people who eat food grown or produced locally), you're likely to see delicious menu options harvested right in Niagara. From perfectly-aged cheese to honey-sweet Icewine, eating in the Niagara Region will quickly climb to the top of the list of your favorite dining experiences.
Festival Country Restaurants
How to Get Here
The Niagara Region is joined to New York by four international bridges. Visitors coming by plane will utilize either Buffalo International Airport or the Toronto International Airport. Niagara is conveniently located within a 1-1/2 hour drive from Toronto and across the Niagara River from Buffalo, New York. VIA Rail Canada runs through the Niagara Region for visitors interested in traveling by train.
Getting Around
If staying near the Falls, you could get by without stepping foot into a car. However, your own vehicle or a rental car is key to navigating the entire region and its natural splendor-including parks, trails, the Welland Canal and the plentiful vineyards.
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