How To Spend 3 Days in the Niagara Region

If you are planning on visiting the beautiful Niagara Region for a weekend, this guide is made for you! With a couple of days in Niagara, you have enough time to visit beautiful spots, explore cities, and eat some delicious food.

This guide covers some of my favorite experiences to include for a 3 days in Niagara, Ontario trip! I’ll let you in on my favorite hikes, go-to restaurants, places to find the best views, and more. Once you’ve found what sounds perfect for you, just build them into your itinerary.

What is the Niagara Region comprised of?

The Niagara Region is home to a few different towns and has roughly 500,000 residents. It is also home to many amazing businesses, trails, views, historical sites and so much more. It’s a popular place for Tourism, especially for to see the Niagara Falls and experience wine country.

I lived in the Niagara Region for about 7 years and in 5 different areas. I also worked on Clifton Hill, the main strip of Niagara Falls, for 2 years. This has given me a lot of time to explore and experience the various things Niagara has to offer, and that’s why I am giving you the insider scoop! I no longer live in the Niagara Region but I visit frequently because it’s such a gem.

Must-Do Hikes:

Hiking is my favourite thing to do, so let me tell you about my favourite trails in the Niagara Region to start us off.

Niagara Glen Nature Centre – This is one of my favourite places to hike in ALL OF ONTARIO. This location alone is worth the visit. There is a trail network where all of the trails are connected and you can start at the centre itself or the whirlpool trail. Note that there are a lot of stairs and paid parking.
Decew Falls/Morningstar Mill – You must arrive early to get parking, but you will not be disappointed. The history, views and hike here are absolutely magical. 3 waterfalls live here and all are great in size! Parking is free.
Beamers Memorial Conservation Area – This was one of my favourite hikes to do when I lived in the area. There is a short lookout trail with 3 lookout points of lake Ontario and forest in the escarpment. Beamers Falls is also here and worth seeing. Parking is free and usually not very full.
Balls Falls – Home to 2 large waterfalls. Balls Falls is a great place if you want more of a stroll than hike. It’s beautiful and the flow of the waterfall is always impressive. Paid parking.
White Water Walk – If you love boardwalks, this one is perfect! Walk along class 6 rapids (some of North America’s wildest) and be sure to pack your camera. Note that this walk requires tickets to be purchased from Niagara Parks.

Activities:

Here are a list of activities to add on, I tried to include a few for each season!

Ice Skating at Wayne Gretzy Estates – an outdoor rink with fairy lights, fire pits and beverages. Such an adorable place! (Winter only)
Clifton Hill – Clifton Hill is the main strip in Niagara Falls which has many activities including the Skywheel, Go Karts, Haunted Houses, Arcades, 4D Moving Theatres and more! There is something for everyone on Clifton Hill and it is open year round.
Niagara Cycling Wine Tour – Try new wines and bike your way through Niagara-on-the-Lake’s countryside. Visit stunning estate vineyards and family owned wineries on a self-guided bicycle wine tour.
Visit the Painted Ladies of Grimsby – There are a couple of cottages in Grimsby that are painted so beautifully; they look like life-size doll houses.
Go To The Beach – Port Dahlousie and Sunset Beach are big, beautiful beaches. Port Dahlousie has a carousel that costs five cents to ride! Unfortunately they recently introduced paid parking.
Ice Wine Fest – Niagara is known for the Ice Wine Festivals for a reason, if you haven’t experienced one I recommend going! There are also multiple other festivals Niagara has; Peach Festival (August), Shaw Festival (August), Pie Festival (October). and many, many more!
Whirlpool Aero Car – Experience an aerial view over the rapids on the border of Canada and the United States. You’ll be wow’d by the turquoise waters. (Pro Tip: This is part of an Adventure Pass Niagara Parks offers where you can save money if you buy it and do multiple activities they offer).
Journey Behind the Falls – If you’re ok with getting wet, this experience takes you behind Niagara Falls! You get to feel the roar of the waterfall. This is actually my FAVOURITE way to experience seeing Horseshoe Falls. (Pro Tip: This is part of an Adventure Pass Niagara Parks offers where you can save money if you buy it and do multiple activities they offer).
Butterfly Convervatory – If you’re looking for an indoor activity, I recommend a visit to the Butterfly Conservatory. It’s warm inside, has butterflies everywhere and some may even land on you if you’re still enough! (Pro Tip: This is part of an Adventure Pass Niagara Parks offers where you can save money if you buy it and do multiple activities they offer).

Where To Stay:

I don’t have too many recommendations because I lived in Niagara Region, I often didn’t stay at too many places. However, I have stayed at a few and these are the ones I would recommend:

Prince of Wales Hotel – This place makes you feel like you are in a movie. The architecture is to be admired, town is right outside so you have easy access to explore, you’re pretty close to Lake Ontario and there are horse carriages all around you.
Pillar and Post Inn and Spa – Another dreamy location, and my favourite part of it is the spa. I wish I could permanently reside at this spa. It’s just that gorgeous!
Fallsview Casino Resort – I have taken a few girls trips to here and had a few Fallsview rooms and let me tell you, waking up to the sun rise over Niagara Falls is an experience like none other. Wherever you decide to stay in Niagara Falls, I definitely recommend paying an extra fee for a Fallsview if possible!

What To Eat:

Niagara has so many amazing places to consume food and beverages, I am holding myself back from making this list 8 pages long.

Beechwood Doughnuts – Vegan donuts that taste incredible and each month they have different featured flavors!
Rise Above – Located in downtown St.Catharines, enjoy this all vegan restaurant that specializes in comfort foods and fresh baked desserts. I highly recommend the Stuffed Mushrooms!
The Olive Board Charcuterie and Wine Bar – Probably just by reading this title you already know that this is an amazing spot. Their food is so incredible and it’s right by the water so after enjoying, you can head over to Lake Ontario.
Brasa – This is going to be more expensive but if you’re looking to treat yourself, look no further. Their meat and pineapple is constantly on my mind.
Hi-Lite Restaurant – A vintage breakfast restaurant in Niagara Falls with classic breakfasts to help you start your day off feeling good!
Mahtay Cafe & Lounge – A cozy coffee shop with board games and art will help wake you up when you need some caffeine.
Balzac’s – Another great cafe recommendation because you can never have too much caffeine….right?

And one last thing, if you’re looking for some spots to take photos, click here for my blog post on that!

Wow – so much for you to see, do, and eat.
This was A LOT to cover but I hope you feel excited about your upcoming visit to the Niagara Region! It’s such a wonderful place to visit year round, I’d love for everyone to have the chance to experience it.

Until next time,

Keep on explorin’

Kate

How To Spend 3 Days in the Niagara Region