Remember going to Niagara Falls when you were a kid? The words Clifton Hill was music to your ears! The lights, the sounds, the attractions that can only be described as an overload of excitement! Relive all your childhood memories in Niagara Falls this summer, plus experience all the new things Niagara has to offer.
A multi-generational family vacation is just what the doctor ordered and since you’ve been spending most of your time indoors, get a little closer to nature and stay a little longer in Niagara’s campgrounds and cottages.
If this happens to be an adult getaway from the kids weekend, Niagara Falls’ only boutique hotel, The Sterling Inn & Spa, is just a few short blocks from the Falls and presents you with serenity and opulence from the moment you step through the doors. The former dairy turned hotel, its high ceilings and wood beams offer an elegant and inviting environment. The rooms are spacious and each one is like a snowflake; no two are alike. Rooms include Jacuzzis, steam showers, hardwood floors and a fireplace. You’ll find free onsite parking, a full-service spa to melt your stress away, and as an added touch, complimentary breakfast in bed. The Sterling Inn & Spa’s award-winning fine dining restaurant, AG Inspired Cuisine, will tantalise your tastebuds, completing your unforgettable stay.
Sterling Inn Guest room Niagara – Photo Sabrina Pirillo
For a family of thrill-seekers, Zipline to the Falls is a panoramic 70 km/h, 670-metre ride above the natural marvel. For ages 7 and up, Wildplay Zipline to The Falls has you flying through the air via four hands-free parallel ziplines soaring along the edge of the Niagara River gorge to the Falls observation landing. For a truly memorable experience, try zip lining across the Falls at night where both sides of the Falls are illuminated in vibrant colours. For more ziplining adventures, try the Whirlpool Adventure Course where you can walk across tightropes, climbing up cargo nets, sliding down zip lines and flying on rope swings. The kids’ course offers the shorter people in the family a chance to be adventurous at 15 feet high.
Niagara Falls Wildplay Zipline – Photo credit WildPlay
New to the Falls this month, the Niagara Parks Power Station is waiting to be discovered. Uncover the history and take an educational journey through the turbines via the interactive exhibits and repurposed artifacts, learning all about the first major power plant on the Canadian side of the Niagara River that harnessed the power of water to generate electricity for 100 years. Look up top at the iconic roof, then delve deep into the tunnels below and be prepared to take control and learn first-hand how workers harnessed electricity at an interactive control panel. Beginning September 3, 2021, discover the transformational shift of water to electricity at night with Currents: Niagara’s Power Transformed. This family-friendly experience offers mesmeric moments complete with a breathtaking musical score in the heart of the power station.
Power Station-Photo Credit Niagara Parks Power Station
For an epic family experience, HorsePlay Niagara offers horseback riding along stunning Niagara trails and beaches. The private trail rides are great for young children and feature riding down the Trans Canada Trail through wooded areas or along the beach. The beach trail ride takes you through the great outdoors in the Niagara Region with a 90-minute horseback ride along the beaches of Lake Erie. Another memorable nighttime moment can be had with the sunset beach rides. An evening trail ride travels through the Trans- Canada Trail (say that five times fast) while keeping an eye out for deer to come out among peaceful fields. Ride into the sunset as you pass through the still waters of the lake and the abandoned quarry – an experience that’s sure to be a lasting memory.
Photo credit Horse Play Niagara
Niagara Falls is a natural wonder, and there is no shortage of things to do here. So whether you’re returning for the first time since you were a kid or looking to make new memories and traditions with your family, the Niagara Region is a magical place filled with wonderous adventures just waiting to be discovered.
