Top Rated Parks to Visit in Niagara-on-the-Lake

"Unlike many other New York State Parks, there is no charge for admission to visit Niagara Falls State Park. However, there is no free parking in the area, so you will have to pay for parking somewhere either in the park or in the city of Niagara Falls. Without a doubt, the closest parking areas to the waterfalls are Lots 1 and 2 in Niagara Falls State Park."

"The Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, NY is the oldest state park in the USA. It contains the mighty American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls with views of Niagara Falls Canada. There are plenty of hiking trails located along the Niagara River to take in the views of Niagara Falls and the Niagara Gorge."

"The park is full of attractions that do cost money, but you can simply go to view the Falls free of charge. If you visit the Falls at night, you will see the water lit up with LED lights. During special events, the water will flash specific colors."

"Designated as a nature reserve in 1992, Niagara Glen is one of the most popular areas for hiking on the Canadian side of the river. The hiking trails here are a bit more challenging than the other two parks mentioned, so proper footwear and a reasonable fitness level are musts. One of the highlights of this area is the overlook to the famous Niagara River whirlpool which is reached via the River Path."

"Hiking is also an option on the Canadian side of the falls, at Niagara Glen. With over several miles of hiking trails, you can explore the Canadian forest and the flora and fauna that call it home. This is also a good place to watch the Niagara River Rapids and the Niagara River Whirlpool."

"Queen Victoria Park, the heart of the Niagara Parks, celebrates every season with a visual spectacle of unique native and international plants and beautifully maintained gardens. In early April, Queen Victoria Park is home to a spectacular display of over one million blooming daffodils, giving Niagara Falls the title of the Daffodil Capital of North America. Don't miss the spectacular Hybrid Tea Rose Garden, tucked back from the road just south of the Niagara Parks Police Building."

"The Devil’s Hole State Park overlooks the Devil’s Hole Rapids, encompassing 42 acres of cleared and wooded land along the Niagara Gorge adjacent to the Whirlpool Park. You enter off the Robert Moses Parkway, and can go to the overlook, or down the 400+ stairs on the staircase, 300′ down to view the rapids. A walk down into the gorge, back up at Whirlpool State Park and back to Devil’s Hole is a bit over 2 miles and allows you some spectacular gorge views."

"Located on the New York side of the falls, Devil’s Hole State Park is one of the best places for a leisurely hike that’s suitable for most skill levels. One of the best features of this hike is that you can hike down to the river and witness the full power of the Niagara River. The park also features picnic tables, scenic overlooks, and is a popular fishing area."

"There are so many awe-inspiring landscapes to find around Niagara, and Devil’s Hole is one of them. Perfectly preserving the rugged, natural beauty that’s been here for thousands of years, this is the perfect hike for nature photographers."

"While Devil’s Hole is home to strong natural features, there’s an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquillity around the Dufferin Islands. If you’d like to capture those moments of meditation around this small cluster of islands that make up an Ontario oasis, here’s your chance."

"Pillitteri Estates Winery is another kid-friendly winery in Niagara. It is widely known for its ice wine and if you have ever dismissed as too sweet, this is a great opportunity to check it out. This winery has for long been experimenting with several ice wine varieties and they have mastered the art of balance quite well."

"Located right on the main road heading into the region, Pillitteri started as a small farmer’s market founded by immigrants to Canada. These days, the winery has grown to an award-winning Niagara on the Lake winery!. No, seriously, when you first walk inside they have all their awards in glass cases on display."

"Driving down Niagara Stone Road, you can’t miss the big red building that’s home to Pillitteri Estates Winery. Founded in 1993, this family-run winery puts their heart and soul into their wines. With roots in Sicily, you’ll be treated to a number of award-winning vintages."

"What is it: This authentic Polish restaurant operated by three generations of the same family first opened in 1964. Apart from a brief closing following the family patriarch’s passing, the Polish Nook has been steadily welcoming diners for the last 54 years. Located in a house on a back street about ten minutes from the Maid of the Mist boat tour, this unassuming family-run restaurant is a real hidden treasure."

"At The Outback Steakhouse they truly know a thing or two about grilling the perfect steak. And so when you venture on down to Fallsview Avenue you're going to want to come on into The Outback, where you'll fall in love with steak all over again. Each steak is hand-selected, aged just right, inspected and trimmed to perfection."

"Queen Victoria Park, the heart of the Niagara Parks, celebrates every season with a visual spectacle of unique native and international plants and beautifully maintained gardens. In early April, Queen Victoria Park is home to a spectacular display of over one million blooming daffodils, giving Niagara Falls the title of the Daffodil Capital of North America. Don't miss the spectacular Hybrid Tea Rose Garden, tucked back from the road just south of the Niagara Parks Police Building."

"For more than 50 years Denny's has continually ensured their guests are looked after no matter what time of day it is. If you are looking for the perfect breakfast spot, Denny's is sure it. With locations in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines, if one is all booked up, hop on over to the former or later to enjoy a whole lot of home-cooked goodness you have been waiting for ever since you woke up."