Niagara Ontario: the RegionWhat to do in Niagara Ontario? (Beyond the Falls)
A SCENIC DRIVEPicture yourself rollerblading through a gallery of Impressionist paintings. Now you've got some idea of what it's like to cruise the river-hugging Niagara Parkway during the brief but brilliant fall colour season. The route that Winston Churchill called the "the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world" puts on its best dress once a year, usually during the last week of September and the first couple week of October. As a native of the region, I've been enjoying this annual show for many years, and I never tire of it. To tourists who come to the famous region to gawk at the word-renowned falls, I say: don't miss out on the OTHER natural wonders of our world! The historic Niagara Parkway, which locals call simply “the river road”, follows the winding curves of the Niagara River that divides Canada and the United States as it journeys from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Landscaped during the Depression of the 1930s by the provincial Niagara Parks Commission, this well-loved path is used today as much for recreation as for transportation. You can drive the entire 35 miles or get off at any point along the way and walk, bike or rollerblade the paved recreational trail that runs parallel to the water. If you’ve visited the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, you’ve driven part of this road already--but only part. There’s a lot more to see in Niagara Ontario. In autumn, the loveliest stretch is the section that runs between the small towns of Queenston and Niagara on the Lake. Here, the maple trees lining the river create a moving panorama of red, orange and gold from early to late October. The grass is still green at this time, and glimpsed between the dark tree trunks, the river is a pale, silvery blue – the shade you see on antique Norwegian wardrobes, or rare blue cameo brooches. QUEENSTON in Niagara Ontario The blur of colour is so dazzling that you’ll probably want to stop and stay still for a while to appreciate the full beauty of the area. There are several scenic lookout spots along the way with small parking areas. From Queenston Heights Park, the scene of the great battle of the War of 1812, you’ll discover a commanding view of both the river and Lake Ontario. Find a bench where you can sit and contemplate your surroundings, or share a picnic lunch with a companion. The park pavilion offers two restaurants, one casual and one fine dining, both with great panoramic views of the river. While you’re in Queenston, and still in the mood for appreciating beauty, you might want to stop and visit Riverbrink , an art museum that boasts a fine collection of historic Canadian art, including work by the Group of Seven, Marc Aurèle de Foy Suzor-Côté, Cornelius Krieghoff, and Paul Kane. At the north end of the Parkway, where the river runs into Lake Ontario, you come to Niagara on the Lake, a bustling resort town famous for its Shaw Festival Theatre, winery tours, heritage homes, historic Fort George, and flower-filled main drag. Although the chi-chi clothing, gift and home décor boutiques along Queen Street are alluring-—if damaging to the pocketbook-—take time to explore the side streets here as well. You won’t be disappointed. Lined with mellow early 19th century houses, this is the kind of leafy picture-perfect neighbourhood you usually only see in the movies. Carved pumpkins, wicker rocking chairs, and baskets full of fading red geraniums decorate white clapboard homes with wrap-around porches. Down at the lakeshore park, you’ll find a Victorian-style gazebo facing the water. This gingerbread confection blends perfectly with the rest of the town, but – surprise! – it’s much younger than everything else. It was built for the movie The Dead Zone when it was shot here in 1983. When your legs have had enough exercise, stop for refreshments at one of the many restaurants in town. The century-old Oban Inn and the trendy Epicurean with its leafy backyard patio are just two popular favourites. You’ll find restaurants and cafes offering seafood, steak, Italian, Chinese and more along Queen Street. If you’re planning to attend the 8:00 p.m. show at the Shaw Festival, make your reservations for 5:30 to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy your dinner. On an autumn day, you can celebrate another natural, local treasure, the grape harvest, by indulging in a glass of Niagara wine. What better way is there to celebrate a brief but bountiful season?
Although Niagara Ontario has long been famous for its food, thanks to its fruit and vegetable fields, it is gaining a reputation as a place for fine dining and fine wines as well. An increasing number of people are heading off to explore Niagara Ontario’s 50-odd wineries. While food critics quibble over whether or not we’re seeing the development of a truly distinct Niagara cuisine, the real diners pay little attention to the debate. They’re too busy digging into the new decadent delicacies to worry about semantics. Some of the hottest restaurants are located at the wineries, where smart vineyards such as Hillebrand Winery schedule jazz and blues concerts and art shows to attract customers. At the end of September the whole region breaks out into a 10-day party called the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival. In January it's time to celebrate the Niagara Ice Wine Festival. 
ST CATHARINES ONTARIO St Catharines is the largest city in the Niagara Ontario region. History lovers won't want to miss the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre. If you're lucky, you can watch a ship entering the canal while you're there. Another favourite spot of mine is Port Dalhousie. Once an independent village, it's now part of the city of St. Catharines, but it still retains it old-time feel, bolstered by its 5-cents-a-ride historic merry-go-round on the beach and the old lighthouses. Another fun daytrip is to Rodman Hall, a former mansion that has been turned into an art gallery for the region. St. Catharines is also famous as the site of the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival, which I attended every year when I was a child. I still remember anxiously waiting for the parade as it made its way along curving St. Paul Street, the main shopping street in town. The street is home to restaurants, bars and one-of-a-kind boutiques. JORDAN ONTARIO Jordan in Niagara Ontario is one of the region's prettiest small country towns. It has wonderful shops, restaurants, wineries, and a great little heritage museum. It's also home to one of my favourite aboriginal art galleries, Ninavik. Nearby, Balls Falls Conservation Area is a must-see for nature lovers and fans of ghost towns. NIAGARA FALLS REGION TOURIST INFORMATION Tourism Niagara (for the whole Niagara Ontario region). http://www.tourismniagara.com Niagara Falls Tourism (for the Canadian city). http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/
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