The Perfect Weekend Getaway: Niagara Falls

You might be surprised to find out that this was my first visit to Niagara Falls. Considering it’s so close (literally 2 hours away) you really would think that in the almost three years that I’ve lived here in Toronto, at some point I would have made a trip out there. To be honest, I always had the impression that Niagara was really just a super touristy town with water falls and with nothing much to do.. but boy was I wrong. While Niagara is definitely a tourist destination (and very touristy), I didn’t realize just how much there was to see and do there beyond the falls themselves. After spending an eventful 2 days there this past weekend, I was impressed by what an an amazing little getaway Niagara really is, and I know I’ll be back again soon.

 

 

Getting to Niagara Falls with GO Transit

Although it’s just a short 2 hour drive from Toronto to Niagara, it can be a bit of a pain with traffic and the cost of parking at hotels and around the city once you’re there. Thanks to GO Transit there’s a convenient, and very affordable way to get to and from Niagara Falls for your next weekend getaway. The Niagara Falls GO service runs from Union Station here in Toronto to Niagara and only costs $30 round trip. On top of your round trip GO service from Toronto to Niagara, this also includes a 48 hour pass for the WEGO transportation system in Niagara meaning your transportation for the weekend is completely covered! A weekend getaway couldn’t be any easier (or affordable) thanks to this service, and the train only takes 2 hours too. Knowing it’s now this easy for me to get away for a weekend in Niagara (and costs peanuts) I’m already planning my next trip back!

 

 

 

What to do in Niagara Falls with Niagara Parks

There is so much more to do in Niagara than just the falls, and this is something I quickly found out during my two night stay there. Although the falls themselves are gorgeous, and I especially loved seeing them lit up at night, there are a lot more activities to do during your weekend getaway thanks to Niagara Parks. I highly recommend getting an adventure pass while you’re there, which allows you to experience many of the Niagara Falls attractions. During our weekend stay we visited the Butterfly Conservatory which was absolutely stunning (hint: bring a tropical fruit spray to spritz yourself with if you want to attract the butterflies for photos! Apparently mango is their favourite), the Floral Showhouse (beautiful for anyone that loves flowers as much as I do!), the White Water Walk, and the Whirlpool Aero Car. Beyond the activities we did there’s the Journey behind the Falls, the Hornblower Cruises, and many other activities for you to experience… all you have to do is pick!

 

We really enjoyed the White Water Walk, and highly recommend heading there as soon as it opens, or around 6pm or later. At those times it’s super dead and you can get great photo ops! If you head there in the middle of the day you may be stuck in lines and find it impossible to get good photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to do in Niagara with Fallsview Casino Resort

The best way for me to describe Fallsview Casino Resort is that it’s like a cruise ship on land. Seriously though, I was so blown away by just how much there is to see and do in Fallsview… we could have easily spent all weekend without leaving the resort! Even if you’re not a gambler (like myself – I think I’ve only gambled 25 cents in my life lol) there’s so much to do at Fallsview beyond the casino. Fallsview has an amazing spa with a beautiful pool and a long list of spa services you can pick and choose from. I got the Classic Facial which was amazing, and my skin felt completely radiant and rejuvenated for the rest of the day. Beyond the Spa, Fallsview also has a ton of stores to shop around in and also has a theatre where you can catch shows and bands. I highly recommend checking out Fallsview next time you’re in Niagara, even if you aren’t staying there there’s so much to see and do – check into the spa, shop a bit, visit the casino, and dine like a king!

 

 

 

 

Dining at Fallsview Resort

I wasn’t kidding when I said dine like a King… What’s even more impressive than the shops and shows at Fallsview Resort, is the dining options available. Fallsview resort has over 21 dining options, and 5 bars & lounges for you to pick and chose from. It’s also the only place in all of Canada that has two 4 diamond restaurants under one roof! Both Ponte Vecchio (an amazing Italian restaurant) and 21 Club Steak & Seafood were unbelievable culinary experiences. At Ponte Vecchio we dined on the Zuppa di Funghi (wild & cultivated mushroom soup with truffle cream), Fritto Misto (assorted deep fried seafood), Branzino Alla Griglia (grilled European bass with fregola, shallots, garlic, long stem artichokes, baby fennel, salsify puree, lemon emulsion, pea shoots and grilled lemon) and the Pollo alla Parmigiana (Chicken parmesan). At 21 Club Steak and Seafood we started with Ahi Tuna Poke, the Kettle Braised Clams & Mussels in a Chardonnay sauce (my personal favourite), Seared Scallops and truffle fries. Then we dined on King Crab (which was the best King Crab I’ve ever had) and Beef Tenderloin. We finished our dinner at 21 Club with a dessert trio which was the perfect end to an absolutely amazing meal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Else to do in Niagara

One of the most exciting things to me about Niagara Falls, especially along the strip, is that everything is so colorful and fun. If you’ve already done all the Niagara Parks activities and looking for something to do before you head to dinner at one of Fallsview Resort’s unbelievable restaurants just head out for a walk on the strip! There’s so many great places to stop for photos so grab yourself an ice cream and just wander around… and of course stop for photos along the way!

 

 

 

 

 

If there’s one thing I learned during my weekend trip to Niagara Falls, it’s that there’s a whole heck of a lot more things to see and do there than I thought. Between all the activities Niagara Parks offers and all the things there are to do (and eat!) at Fallsview Casino alone, there really couldn’t be a better weekend getaway for us Torontonians… And now that GO Transit offers $30 round trip service to Niagara, It couldn’t be easier and more stress free to get away for a little weekend trip. I hope you’ve all enjoyed my Niagara Falls weekend recap, and I hope I’ve inspired you to go on your own little Niagara weekend getaway soon!

 

with love,

 

 

This trip was provided by Go Transit, Fallsview Casino and Niagara Parks. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

kirsten.wendlandt@gmail.com