Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls

Explore Niagara’s Rich History During Your Stay

Incorporate a field trip into your next visit to Niagara Falls.  As we balance the desire to travel and a daily schedule that may include at home learning, why not plan a getaway that accomplishes both.

The Niagara Region has a rich history with landmarks, sites and attractions that can be integrated into lessons.

Laura Secord

Laura Secord Homestead

One of the most famous heroines in Canadian history is Laura Secord.  Her name is now synonyms with the popular Canadian chocolate company, but Laura Secord’s heroic 32km journey in 1812 to warn British forces of a planned invasion was instrumental in defending Canada in the War of 1812. Today, her legacy lives on in the Laura Secord Trail and at the Laura Secord Homestead in Queenston where guided tours showcase costumes, history and educational information.

Sir Isaac Brock

Sir Isaac Brock is one of the most famous Generals in Canadian history because of his major contributions to the British victory during the War of 1812. Take a drive along the Niagara River Parkway to Queenston Heights where you can freely tour the sprawling park and the Monument dedicated to Brock. Parks Canada also offers a chance to climb the towering monument and have a look out over the battlegrounds and Lake Ontario.

Old Fort Erie

Old Fort Erie

A stay at Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls puts you half distance to the southern half of the Niagara Region, where you will find Old Fort Erie.

One of Canada’s most hallowed battlefields, visitors can experience the history of the site through realistic re-enactments that allow you to choose a side and join the battle as if it were 1812.

Plan your getaway and a lesson plan to include Niagara’s sacred grounds that date back more than two centuries, and shaped the future of Canada.

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Winter Festival of Lights to Brighten Niagara Falls

Niagara’s annual Winter Festival of Lights is about to begin. From November 16th, 2019-January 12, 2020, visitors will be able to enjoy the most enchanting of Niagara’s attractions, which has become a Holiday tradition for over one million visitors from around the globe.  The Festival features spectacular light displays, a Fallsview Sound and Light Show and over 3 million lights displayed along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands and Niagara Falls.

While displays are set along an 8km route of the Niagara Parkway, there are three key illumination areas to explore:

Queen Victoria Park – Located directly across from the American Falls, and at the base of Clifton Hill, the scenic Park is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland, with a number of tree displays, the Festival’s stage, and is home to the Party in the Park on New Year’s Eve which features an all-Canadian musical lineup that is headlined this year by Bryan Adams.

Niagara Parkway – Take a scenic drive along the 8km festival route to see trees wrapped in a multitude of colours and numerous displays that makes a truly spectacular drive through the City’s landscape.

Dufferin Islands – A iconic picnic area in the warm months, transforms into a Canadian Wildlife exhibit with three dimensional light displays of Moose, Deer, Polar Bears, and more. Some of the Wildlife displays are larger than lift, standing up to 11′ tall.  The park is also home to more than fifty light wrapped trees.

Upon exiting Dufferin Islands, stop to watch a spectacular sound and light show projected onto the historic Toronto Power Generating Station. Dancing colours and patterns move in time with holiday music by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra broadcast on a local radio station, it’s an incredible experience that fills your senses with blissful holiday spirit.

Experience the festivities and beauty of the Holidays during this year’s Winter Festival of Lights and start planning your Niagara Falls winter getaway at the family friendly Clifton Victoria Inn at the Falls!

New Year’s Eve in Niagara Falls with Bryan Adams

If you’re planning a family visit to Niagara Falls this New Year’s Eve, there’s no shortage of entertainment and attractions for people of all ages to enjoy.New Year's Eve Concert in Niagara Falls

Ring in 2020 at one of Canada’s longest running New Year’s Eve concert celebrations in Queen Victoria Park!  This free live outdoor concert features an amazing all-Canadian lineup of award winning musicians. The festivities begin at 8:30pm with Juno Award Winning, multi-platinum musical phenomenon, Walk Off The Earth and is headlined by one of Canada’s most exciting live musicians; Bryan Adams.  With a career that spans four decades, and 14 studio albums, Adams is a prolific singer/songwriter and is responsible for some of the country’s most iconic songs. A multi-talented musician and producer, his work has garnered him numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award Nominations, five Golden Globe nominations and a Grammy Award!

The New Year’s Eve celebration will also feature two spectacular firework shows over Niagara Falls to spark the beginning of 2020!

Book your New Year’s Eve Hotel Getaway today and stay in the heart of the City closest to all Niagara Falls’ attractions and festivities.

A Guide to This Year’s Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights

Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights

Winter Festival of Lights

From now until January 31st, visitors to Niagara Falls can experience the city’s annual Winter Festival of Lights celebration, which features exciting events, spectacular fireworks shows, and one-of-a-kind lighting displays. Here are some of the exciting things to look forward to during this year’s festival:

Illumination Displays

This year’s Winter Festival of Lights features an 8km illumination route along which light-wrapped trees and unique illuminations are displayed. There are also a number of light exhibits and installations to visit around the city’s tourist districts.

  • Clifton Hill District – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle displays located along Victoria Avenue
  • Dufferin Islands – 3D Canadian Wildlife and Inukshuk light displays
  • Lundy’s Lane District – Nut Cracker Soldier and The Loop illumination musical installation
  • Fallsview Boulevard District – The Passage experiential light tunnel at Old Stone Inn, Skylon Tower illumination, Prismatica light exhibit at Scotiabank Convention Centre, and the Fallsview Sound and Light Show at Oakes Hotel

Fireworks

Spectacular fireworks will be launched into the sky over Niagara Falls every Friday night at 9pm during the Winter Festival of Lights. And don’t miss the bonus shows happening every night from December 22nd – 31st in celebration of the holidays.

Deck the Falls Holiday Walking Tours

Deck the Falls Holiday Walking Tours are self-guided tours that give visitors the chance to explore beautifully decorated venues throughout the city and experience gourmet food sampling, holiday beverages, live musical entertainment, photo-ops, pop up carolers, craft workshops, and more.

  • Dates and Time– Deck the Falls is taking place during the first three weekends in December, on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5pm – 10pm
  • Tickets – Tickets cost $46.99 per person + taxes. Ticket holders receiver a Deck the Falls Tour Pass with vouchers to be redeemed at participating venues along the tour route, a 48-hour WEGO bus pass, and an Incline Railway Pass. Tickets are valid for all six nights and can be used in one night or spread out over two weekends.
  • Venues – Some of this year’s participating venues include the Scotiabank Convention Centre, Sheraton Fallsview, Crowne Plaza Fallsview, Marriott on the Falls, Marriott Fallsview, Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse, Casino Niagara, and more. Download the Deck the Falls tour map to see all of this year’s participating venues.

New Year’s Eve

The musical lineup for this year’s Niagara Falls New Year’s Eve celebration and outdoor concert in Queen Victoria Park has been announced and features Canadian musicians Burton Cummings, The Sheepdogs, Walk Off the Earth, and Avenue Inn.

In addition to an exciting outdoor concert, this totally free event will feature two fireworks shows   at 9pm and midnight, and an outdoor licensed area and food and beverage vendors.

Experience the beauty and excitement of the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights and plan your getaway today!

4 Ways to Celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving in Niagara

Autumn pumpkins

Autumn pumpkins

Canadian Thanksgiving is coming up on Monday, October 8 and if you’ll be spending the weekend in Niagara, there are plenty of great places to check out for seasonal fun with friends and family. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving in Niagara:

Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival

October 5-8, Ball’s Falls Conservation Area

The Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival has been an annual Niagara tradition since 1974. Stop by this year’s festival at the Ball’s Falls Conservation Area to experience:

  • Over 170 artisan and food vendors
  • Farmer’s Market featuring local produce and VQA wines
  • Live entertainment

The 44th annual Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving festival is a 4-day event. Tickets are available at the door for $6 and children under 13 are free when accompanied by an adult.

Skylon Tower Illumination

October 8, Skylon Tower

The Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls will be illuminated in gold lights on the night of October 8th in honour of Canadian Thanksgiving. The Canadian Horseshoe and American Falls will also be illuminated

Fireworks over Niagara Falls October 5-8 at 10pm

Thanksgiving Market Grill at Inniskillin Wines

October 6-8, Inniskillin Niagara Estate Winery

Celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with a relaxing afternoon at Inniskillin Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake featuring wonderful food and wine. Enjoy Inniskillin wines paired with house-smoked meat and locally sourced cheeses out on the winery’s sunny piazza for an amazing holiday weekend in Niagara.

Autumn Brews at Niagara Brewing Company

All season, Clifton Hill

Stop by Niagara Brewing Company on Clifton Hill to celebrate Thanksgiving with some great seasonal brews like Irish Red Ale, Cream Ale, Hennepin Stout, and Clockwork Berliner Weisse. And don’t forget to check out the brewery’s kitchen menu, which includes delicious light snacks like:

  • Handmade guacamole and tortilla chips
  • Chicken melt sandwich
  • German Bratwurst sausage

And stay tuned for the release of the brewery’s Pumpkin Spiced Ale, which features a spicy aroma with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that give way to a rich pumpkin flavour and creamy finish.

Don’t forget to check out our great hotel packages that make booking a Niagara Falls getaway easy and convenient!

Find Seasonal Fun at These 3 Niagara Autumn Events

Niagara autumn events

Niagara Falls autumn foliage.

Autumn is one of the most beautiful and fun times of year to visit Niagara Falls. The air is crisp, the leaves change colour, and the excitement of Thanksgiving and Halloween is all around.

So pull out your sweaters and start planning a getaway to Niagara Falls to experience some of these amazing Niagara autumn events.

Chinese Harvest Moon Celebration

September 24, Montebello Park

Celebrate this year’s harvest moon on the night of September 24th at the family-friendly Chinese Harvest Moon Celebration in St. Catharines. Take in the sight of the beautiful orange coloured full moon while enjoying live music, moon cakes, games, Chinese cultural dances, lantern-making ceremonies, food, wine, and more.

The celebration is taking place from 5-10pm and admission is free.

Niagara Falls Oktoberfest

October 5th & 6th, Scotiabank Convention Centre

Grab some friends and head to the Scotiabank Convention Centre on October 5th and 6th for the 2nd annual Niagara Falls Oktoberfest event! You’ll have the chance to celebrate all things German with great beer, amazing food, and live entertainment.

A number of awesome local breweries will be attending the celebration including Niagara Brewing Company, The Exchange Brewery, and Brimstone Brewing Co. Admission to the event is completely free, so don’t miss out.

Boo at the Zoo

October 6th-8th, Safari Niagara

Safari Niagara’s Boo at the Zoo is back for another year, offering kids and adults a unique and exciting way to celebrate Halloween! This popular 3-day event gives kids the chance to trick or treat around the zoo and enjoy a number of family-friendly activities like:

  • Costume contests
  • Find the Golden Pumpkin Contest
  • Fun house and inflatables
  • Kids Bubble/Dance Party

Children 12 and under in costume receive free admission and adults get a special admission rate of $17 with a non-perishable food donation.

4 Amazing Niagara Falls Dining Packages

Niagara Falls dining

Niagara Falls dining.

If you want to experience some of the best dining, accommodations, and entertainment that Niagara Falls has to offer but don’t want to stress over the planning, book a Niagara Falls dining package at Clifton Victoria Inn. Whether you want to have an action-packed family vacation or romantic getaway for two, there are a number of great packages to choose from that feature just what you’re looking for.

Waterpark Family Fun Dining Package

The Waterpark Family Fun Dining Package offers everything you need for an exciting family vacation. This Niagara Falls dining package is packed with amazing experiences and features:

  • One night accommodation at Clifton Victoria Inn
  • One dinner for 2 adults and 2 kids (under 12) at Fallsview Buffet Restaurant
  • Four passes to the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
  • Complimentary hot/cold breakfast buffet at Clifton Victoria Inn
  • Free on-site parking
  • Free high speed internet access

Splash the day away at the waterpark and then head to the Sheraton Fallsview for incredible buffet dining overlooking the magnificent Niagara Falls!

Two Night Dining Package

Make your visit to Niagara Falls into a full weekend getaway with the Two Night Dining Package. Clifton Victoria Inn will connect you with everything you need for an amazing stay and offers a Two Night Dining Package that includes:

  • Two nights’ accommodations at Clifton Victoria Inn
  • $10 dining card for Hard Rock Cafe (with minimum food purchase of $40)
  • Buy one entrée and receive a second entrée half-price at Perkins
  • Two free cocktails at Hard Rock Cafe
  • Complimentary hot/cold breakfast buffet at Clifton Victoria Inn
  • Free on-site parking
  • Free high speed internet accessBottom of Form

Casino Fallsview Dining Package

Niagara Falls casinos

Gaming at Niagara Falls casinos.

If you want to book a one-night getaway to Niagara Falls during which to discover the 24-hour excitement of Casino Niagara and Fallsview Casino Resort, then the Casino Fallsview Dining Package is for you. The package includes:

  • One night accommodation at Clifton Victoria Inn
  • One dinner for 2 adults at Fallsview Buffet Restaurant
  • $25 casino voucher (per night) for play at Casino Niagara or Fallsview Casino Resort
  • Complimentary hot/cold breakfast buffet at Clifton Victoria Inn
  • Free on-site parking
  • Free high speed wireless internet

Romantic Dining Package

Treat your special someone to a romantic Niagara Falls getaway with the Romantic Dining Package at Clifton Victoria Inn. This package takes care of all of the details and includes:

  • One night accommodation at Clifton Victoria Inn
  • $20 dining card for Morton’s Grille inside the Marriott Fallsview (with purchase of 2 dinner entrees)
  • Wine and Kisses Romance Basket for your guestroom
  • Complimentary hot/cold breakfast buffet at Clifton Victoria Inn
  • Free on-site parking
  • Free high speed wireless internet

Find the perfect Niagara Falls dining package at Clifton Victoria Inn and get ready to experience some of the very best dining, entertainment, and accommodations that Niagara Falls has to offer.

Niagara Falls Events and Attractions for an Awesome Summer Getaway

Make your Niagara Falls summer getaway into something you’ll never forget by checking out these wonderful Niagara Falls events, attractions, and destinations!

Niagara Speedway

Fireworks are a must-see Niagara Falls event.

Niagara Falls nightly fireworks.

The Niagara Speedway is one of Niagara’s newest attractions to check out this summer. It’s an elevated go-kart race track featuring a 4-storey helical spiral, a 2-tiered coaster style ramp, and over 2000 ft. of racing surface. It’s a thrilling attraction that the whole family will enjoy!

Drivers must be a minimum height of 58”. Tickets are $12 for drivers and $4 for passengers.

Coca Cola Concert Series

Catch great live music from local Niagara musicians all summer long as part of the annual Coca Cola Concert Series in Queen Victoria Park. This free event runs from June 1st to September 3rd and features performances from musicians across a variety of musical genres.

The Coca Cola Concert Series runs on select dates from June 1st to September 3rd, followed by fireworks over the Falls, which are happening nightly throughout summer at 10pm.

Fireworks

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Falls Fireworks Series and Niagara Parks is celebrating the special occasion with a newly expanded summer fireworks schedule. Fireworks shows happen nightly at 10pm from now until September 3rd, offering a spectacular show that you won’t want to miss.

Niagara Brewing Company

Niagara Falls craft beer

Niagara Falls craft beer.

Sip some awesome craft beer out on the patio this summer at Niagara Brewing Company on Clifton Hill. With four signature brews including Niagara Premium Lager, Beerdevil IPA, Amber Eh! Ale, and Honeymoon Peach Radler, and a number of tasty seasonal beers on the rotating taps, Niagara Brewing Company is the place to sit back and relax with a beer this summer.

This award-winning craft brewery also offers delicious eats like warm soft pretzels, charcuterie boards, meatball sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, chicken melt sandwiches, artisan cheeseboards, and more. And with two outdoor patios, live music, and daily beer specials, it’s the perfect summer destination while visiting Niagara Falls.

Canada Day Celebration

Celebrate Canada Day in style this July 1st at the City of Niagara Falls’ amazing downtown parade and celebration, which will include:

  • Niagara Falls Canada Day Parade at 11am along Victoria & Queen Street
  • Magic show by renowned magician Greg Frewin
  • Live music on the City Hall Main Stage
  • Free birthday cake for the first 3,000 guests
  • Food trucks, vendors, and community groups
  • Scotiabank Children’s Zone with 70’ zip line, free rock climbing wall, and inflatables
  • Art Show hosted by Niagara Arts Showcase
  • Car Show sponsored by Brock Ford Sales
  • 1k & 5k Run for St. John Ambulance at Oakes Park at 9am

For more information on this exciting event, click here.

Check out these Niagara Falls events, attractions, and destinations for an unforgettable family vacation!

Best Places to Find Niagara Falls Father’s Day Fun

Experience an unforgettable Niagara Falls Father’s Day this June 17th at these amazing destinations and events.

Fallsview Restaurants

Niagara Falls Father's Day golfing.

Golfing in the Niagara Region.

Treat the dads in your life to amazing dining at one of Falls Avenue Resort’s brand new Fallsview restaurants. Visit Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant inside the Sheraton Fallsview for authentic Italian cuisine, an extensive wine list, and stunning views of Niagara Falls, or reserve a table at Prime Steakhouse inside the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls – Fallsview hotel for casual steakhouse dining unlike anywhere else.

World-Class Golfing

The Niagara Region is home to a number of championship golf courses, including Whirlpool Golf Course, Battlefield at Legends on the Niagara, and Ussher’s Creek at Legends on the Niagara. No matter your skill level, you can tee off with dad and enjoy the beauty of the region at these wonderful 18-hole destinations.

Niagara Falls Fireworks

Enjoy a special Father’s Day fireworks show over Niagara Falls at 10pm on June 17th. Take in the spectacular sight of fireworks being launched from deep in the Niagara Gorge into the sky over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and end the evening in style. The fireworks can be best enjoyed from the Niagara Parkway, Queen Victoria Park, Table Rock Welcome Centre, or from a Fallsview room at one of Niagara’s top hotels, so don’t miss out!

Niagara Brewing Company

Share a brew with Dad this Father’s Day at Niagara Brewing Company on Clifton Hill. This unique craft brewery is located right in the heart of Niagara Falls and offers innovative craft beer like you’ve never tasted before. They currently have a number of great seasonal beers on tap including a Marzen Lager, American Pale Ale, Cream Ale, and Hennepin Stout, along with four signature beers – Niagara Premium Lager, Beerdevil IPA, Amber Eh! Ale, and Honeymoon Peach Radler.

The brewery also features two outdoor live patios and has live musical performances and beer specials every day!

Father’s Day Car Show

Safari Niagara is hosting a Father’s Day Car Show on June 17th, featuring fun and exciting activities that people of all ages will love. In addition to the car show in the Stevensville Garden Gallery parking lot, there will be face painting, a magician, inflatables, a father/child fishing derby hosted by Bass Pro Shops, a Humberstone Speedway Car Display in the Safari Niagara Amphitheatre, and a special cake celebration.

Father’s also receive free admission, making it the ultimate destination for dad this Father’s Day!

Earth Day: Help Make a Cleaner, Greener Niagara

When is Earth Day?

Earth Day in Niagara

Experience Earth Day in Niagara Falls on April 22nd.

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd.

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is an annual event observed all around the world in support of environmental protection, consciousness, and sustainability. It’s a day when people come together to appreciate and promote awareness of the Earth’s environment and take action towards protecting our world.

Where can I celebrate Earth Day in Niagara?

There are number of Earth Day events happening in Niagara that people of all ages can take part in and enjoy.

Earth Day in the Glen

Niagara Parks will be hosting a free clean-up event in the Niagara Glen on April 22nd from 11am to 1pm. The event will start with a guided tour through pristine Carolinian forest, followed by a complimentary lunch and a team clean-up in the Niagara Glen.

Participants will receive a reusable water bottle to keep and will be helping to create a greener and cleaner Niagara River Corridor for everyone in the community to enjoy!

Green Illumination of the Falls

On the night of April 22nd, the magnificent Canadian Horseshoe and American Falls will be illuminated in green lights every hour for 15 minutes in honour of Earth Day. The illumination will take place from 8pm to 1am and can be best enjoyed from the Niagara Parkway or Table Rock Welcome Centre.

Wild Ontario Exhibit at Butterfly Conservatory

From now until April 29th, you can visit the fantastic Wild Ontario Exhibit at the Butterfly Conservatory to learn about Ontario’s species and major ecosystems, and what you can do to protect them. The exhibit allows you to see a barn owl, porcupine, salamander, turtle, garter snake, and more, and will teach you about Ontario’s incredible biodiversity.

How else can I get involved in Niagara?

There are a number of great ways to continue supporting environmental protection and awareness in our community even after Earth Day is over. One way to do so is by taking part in a Community Clean Sweep event around Niagara Falls, or attending the Niagara Community Tree Planting event on May 5th in the Rapidsview Parking Area.

Help make Niagara a cleaner and greener place by supporting these amazing local Earth Day events!