Things to Do in Niagara Region This Summer

Cherry-Picking, Butterfly Museums, Shopping in Buffalo, and More

Jun 3, 2009

Visitors to Niagara Falls will enjoy making stops along the way in Vineland, Jordan Village, and Buffalo to shop, dine or enjoy some berry-picking with the family.

A weekend in Niagara Falls is an annual summer event for many Canadian families. But the excitement does not start in the Falls. On the way to Niagara Falls, there are many fun things to do that can be included in a summer weekend get-away.

Niagara Region, just an hour southwest of Toronto, is known for its lush, fertile soil. The Ontario Greenbelt, which cuts directly through the Region, provides a protected area of green space, farmland, forests, wetlands and watersheds. A relatively mild climate and favourable soil conditions has resulted in the explosion of the fruit-growing and wine-making industries in Niagara Region.

Berry Picking in Vineland

Visitors with children will enjoy picking their own strawberries and cherries, which become ripe in June and early July. Due to varying weather conditions, visitors should phone ahead to ensure the availability of fruit. The following farms offer strawberry or cherry picking in the Niagara Region:

Jordan, Ontario

About 30 minutes from Niagara Falls is a well kept-secret. Jordan Village is a collection of some of the most elegant shops and restaurants in the Niagara Region, all situated on Main Street. The upscale Tintern on Main dress shop carries fashions by Michael Kors, Betsy Johnson, and Simon Chang while the exclusive Victoria's Vanity sells organic cotton, soaps, creams and oils. Visitors to Mosaika Jewelry will find a great array of sophisticated and funky jewelry designs.

Culinary tastes will be appeased in Jordan at the sumptuous Inn on the Twenty, which combines a dining room, hotel, and wedding facility. Guests can also indulge in a Wine Country Wrap at the inn's spa. For those with children, the Jordan House Tavern offers burgers, wraps, and salads that can be enjoyed on their summer patio. The Twenty Valley Tea House, situated in a historic estate home, is the perfect stop for afternoon tea. For directions to Jordan, Ontario, read here.

Shopping in Niagara Falls and Buffalo, New York

Before heading to the Falls, visitors may wish to cross the border to Niagara Falls, New York, to find discount savings. (Canadian visitors to the United States, including those by land, should be aware that effective June 1, 2009, they require a valid passport or Nexus card.)

The largest outlet mall in the area, Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, houses Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Guess, J.Crew, and Nike outlets. Visitors crossing at the Rainbow Bridge should follow signs for the I-190 highway, take the I-190 North (Lewiston), take Exit 22, then turn right, then turn at the first left to arrive at the mall.

For a wider selection of American name brands, visitors may head to the Walden Galleria, located in the Cheektowaga area of Buffalo. The Galleria has anchor stores that include JCPenney, Ann Taylor, Macy's, DSW Shoe Warehouse, and Lord & Taylor. Visitors should take the I-190 to Exit 52 West (Walden Avenue West), and turn right on to Galleria Drive.

Niagara Garden Trail Butterfly Conservatory

Visitors to the Niagara Garden Trail Butterfly Conservatory, located 10 minutes north of Niagara Falls, will experience something magical when they walk into the rainforest simulated atrium and encounter 2,000 tropical species of butterflies. The Conservatory has a meticulously-maintained adjoining garden to enjoy the tranquility of the afternoon. For more information on the Niagara Garden Trail Butterfly Conservatory, read here.

Whether picking strawberries or cherries at a pick-your-own farm in Vineland, or enjoying the upscale establishments along Main Street in Jordan, Ontario, visitors to Niagara Falls will be able to round out their summer weekend vacation with some new experiences.

The copyright of the article Things to Do in Niagara Region This Summer in Ontario Travel is owned by Lori Bosworth. Permission to republish Things to Do in Niagara Region This Summer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.