Susanne 10. Niagara Falls is embedded in one of Canada’s most popular wine regions and the entire area is often referred to as the “Breadbasket of Ontario”. Please tell us more about the areas surrounding Niagara Falls.
The Niagara Escarpment is located in the Niagara Fruitbelt. This area is some of the most fertile land in the country. We have a microclimate in the Niagara Region which is ideal for growing fruit. The temperatures in the Fruitbelt are generally 10 degrees less than the surrounding area. Frost is always a consideration. This is why you will see windmills in the middle of fields throughout the region. The windmills are used to break up the frost which is so dangerous to the fruit – especially grapes.
Landscape in the Niagara Region
11. What types of festivals and special events highlight the yearly calendar in Niagara Falls, Ontario?
In September we celebrate the grape harvest with the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival. In winter, our Niagara Parks are illuminated with over 2 million twinkling lights. The Winter Festival of Lights is filled with animated lighting displays featuring Disney Characters. The celebration culminates with a free New Year’s Eve Party in Queen Victoria Park.
Illuminated Disney Characters, part of the Winter Festival of Lights
12. What type of accommodation options are available in Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls offers accommodation from 2 to 4 star hotels to bed and breakfasts from cottage rentals to campgrounds from budget to luxury.
13. Please describe the culinary options available in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Our signature culinary experience is, of course, Fallsview Dining. The Skylon Tower offers the best view from their Revolving Dining Room, but the Keg Steakhouse, a Cut Above and the Watermark Restaurant all boast excellent food with a view. Dining at the brink of the Falls is also available at the Table Rock House. In Niagara-on-the-Lake the vineyard cafes and restaurants are some of the best in Southern Ontario. The chefs in these restaurants pride themselves in offering recipes featuring meats and produce grown in the Niagara Region.
One of my scrumptious breakfasts in Niagara Falls
14. Please tell us about the shopping opportunities in Niagara Falls.
Canada One Factory Outlet, the Fallsview Galleria, the Penn Centre and Niagara Square Malls are all within 15 minutes of the Falls. Niagara-on-the-Lake has many quaint one-of-a-kind shops to choose from as well.
Clifton Hill
15. What outdoor, recreational and sports opportunities are available in and around Niagara Falls? How about golfing?
Niagara Falls has many hiking, biking and roller-blading trails. Water-based sports such as boating, sailing and fishing are also huge draws for us. Niagara Region is also gaining renown as Canada’s Golf Capital. We have over 48 Golf Courses – both public and private. Several are PGA quality and have been designed by leading course architects. John Daly and Greg Norman have both designed courses in the region.
One of the many winery restaurants in the Region
16. What are some of the big news stories that will be coming up for Niagara Falls in 2008 and beyond?
The biggest news for Niagara Falls is the announcement of a new Convention Centre for Niagara Falls. The details are being finalized as we speak, but they should be breaking ground fairly soon. We are expecting the opening to happen some time in 2010. In short, it’s an exciting time to be part of Niagara Falls’ Tourism Industry.
Thank you, Anna, for your taking the time to provide us with this comprehensive information about Niagara Falls. You have given me some great ideas for a summer getaway and I look forward to visiting Niagara Falls again.
A stunning rainbow against the backdrop of the aptly named Rainbow Bridge
