Niagara Regional Municipality: Between Lakes, Trails and Wine

The Niagara Region lies between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. In Niagara Regional Municipality, several themes come together that can shape a stay in different ways: scenic cycling routes, trails through natural areas, historic forts and wine culture. So trip planning can begin with an outdoor activity, the history of the War of 1812, or a seasonal event such as the Niagara Icewine Festival. Your chosen focus gives your stay direction and helps you put together experiences based on your own interests.

Cycling Routes, Hiking Trails and Nature

If you want to explore by bike, Niagara has more than 200 scenic cycling routes. You can search by terrain, length, location or difficulty level. These criteria answer different planning questions: How long should the route be, what kind of terrain would you consider, which location interests you, and what level of challenge are you looking for? Setting your priorities first can help you narrow down the extensive selection. The variety lies not only in the number of routes, but also in the different criteria available for your search.

Niagara also offers more than 40 hiking and walking trails, each with its own features. Niagara Parks offers 15 kilometres of trails through six different natural areas. The figures provide different points of reference: the number of trails gives an impression of the selection, while the kilometre figure, together with the six natural areas, describes a specific trail offering at Niagara Parks. Niagara Glen adds a distinctive landscape to this natural setting: it is one of the last remaining remnants of Niagara's original Carolinian Forest. You can consider nature trails, their varying features and the special status of this forest remnant as different aspects of your trip.

History at the Forts

Niagara's military history is presented in different ways. Fort George offers daily programs with demonstrations and talks. Old Fort Erie explores the military history of the War of 1812 through preserved buildings, exhibits and reenactments. For a history-focused visit, you can choose between a program of demonstrations and talks and an exploration of preserved buildings, exhibits and scenes brought to life. The War of 1812 is the specific historical focus at Old Fort Erie; the different offerings each provide a distinct way to engage with the subject.

Wine Region and Icewine Festival

The Niagara Region in Ontario is Canada's largest wine-growing region and includes several distinct wine sub-appellations. The region is defined not only by its size but also by its division into distinct sub-regions. A specific seasonal event is the Niagara Icewine Festival: it takes place over several weekends each January and includes special events, regional cuisine and Icewine tastings in the historic old town. Exact dates may vary. If you want to plan your stay around the festival, check the dates for your travel year.

Choose Your Hotel Location Based on Your Reason for Traveling

When looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide on the main reason for your trip. For a stay focused on cycling or hiking, your preferred route criteria and nature experiences can guide your choice. For a cultural trip, the forts and their different ways of presenting history take centre stage. If you are visiting in January, the Icewine Festival may shape your travel dates. Then check which location suits the places you want to visit. If you have several interests, it helps to put them in order: first, your reason for traveling and, if relevant, the event dates; then, the location that best suits your plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: St. Catharines, Niagara-On-the-Lake, Thorold, St Anns, Welland, Lincoln, Fort Erie, Pelham, Port Colborne, Grimsby, Jordan Station, Wainfleet, Niagara Falls.

For the broader travel overview: Ontario.