Area Attractions

While visiting Ontario's Niagara Peninsula, the question isn't, “What is there to do”? But “How do I get to see and do all that there is?”

It's not just the magnetism of the Falls, or the natural beauty of the Niagara Gorge but also the allurement of attractions such as the Butterfly Conservatory, Maid of the Mist (a boat that rides to the base of the falls). The Niagara Escarpment is also recognized as one of the finest wine/grape growing regions of the world, and is home to 15,000 acres of vineyards and 50 wineries.

For your entertainment there are several theatres, dinner shows, and fine dining. The Casino is open 24 hours a day - 7 days a week, and to add more excitement, there is Clifton Hill with all its Haunted Houses, Wax Museums and other attractions.

The history of this region is another enticement. The tours of the underground railroad, Port Dalhousie, Queenston Heights, Brock's Monument, Fort George and the Battle of Lundy's Lane are a few of the unforgettable Historic sights of this area.

Are you athletic? Our forty golf courses to choose from would satisfy the most discriminating golfer. Other attractions are kayaking, sports fishing and bicycle routes. Further outdoor interests include bird watching and hiking trails.

As if that isn't enough, we also have Botanical Gardens, Marine Land Amusement Park, and the Welland Ship Canal.

Your hosts, Ron and Margaret Deane offer many different tour packages designed for varied interests. The following tours can be combined or changed to suit your own personal tastes and favourite activities.

If you prefer to make your own discoveries by yourselves, most tours can be self directed. Escorted tours are also available for those who would rather be guided.

St. Catharines is located in the centre of the Niagara Region and approximately twenty minutes by car from Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, or Welland. It is also situated one and a half hours from Toronto and a half an hour from Buffalo.

AVAILABLE TOURS

Familiarize Yourself With The Area:
A tour bus will pick you up at the front door for a three hour trip highlighting the interests and attractions of the area. After completing this outing, it will be easier to make a decision on what sights and activities you wish to concentrate on. The $25.00 per person is well spent, especially if your time is limited. Reservations required.

EXPLORE THE WELLAND CANAL CORRIDOR:

The Welland Canal, an awe-inspiring spectacle, is a series of 7 flight locks, and one regulating lock, connecting Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and linking Niagara to the continent and the world. The locks accommodate both Ocean and Lake Vessels and defy the impassable wall created by the drop of waters which is called Niagara Falls. The viewing platform at Lock 3, allows you to watch massive hard-working freighters literally being lowered and lifted with their cargos of grain, iron ore, coal, salt, stone, iron or steel. You could plan your lunch around this display of ships as Lock 3 also has a snack bar and museum.

If you like to cycle, rollerblade, or hike, the 9-km trail for non-motorized traffic that runs parallel to the Welland Canal would be a pleasant and enlightening experience for you.

A self-guided tour is well mapped or if you prefer, your hosts will arrange a guided tour for you, combining the Welland Canal with other scenic drives and attractions.

TOUR OF THE WINERIES:

Discover the secrets that make your favourite wines special. The Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario form a “micro climate” which shelters the vineyards and moderates temperatures year-round. The weather conditions in Ontario's Niagara Peninsula are ideally suited for the growing of Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir grapes.

The Niagara wine route is well marked for self-guided tours along roads that wind through picturesque rural landscapes where you may stop at various wineries and enjoy samples of the areas finest wines. Niagara's wines continue to win awards around the world. Come and visit our Wineries and see for yourself!

There is a variety of guided wine tours to choose from. You could select a half day with snacks or lunch or opt for a barbeque. You may desire a full day of winery and scenic tours, ending with dinner prepared by a world class chef and one of the local wineries.

Should you wish a customized winery tour adapted to suit your preferences, advance notice is required.

GARDEN TOUR:

There are many magnificent floral attractions. The following displays will be part of the Garden Tour.

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, created to rival England's Kew Gardens, consists of 2,700 acres. Each season brings its own delights and varieties of flowers. Special attractions include an educational Teaching Garden, Herb Garden, and a Fragrant Garden for the visually impaired. The world's largest display of lilacs can be found here.

Niagara Parks Green Houses - Flying tropical birds live in the Greenhouses. The tropical house features a collection of plants from around the globe. A garden gift shop is also located here.

Niagara's Floral Clock, another horticultural attraction was built in 1950, and is one of the largest clocks in the world at 12.2 metres (40 feet) in diameter. The “floral face” of the clock is transformed twice a year with seasonal flowers.

Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens - The training ground for Niagara Parks Horticultural School - Established in 1936. The schools program is designed for students to receive practical experience by maintaining and developing the gardens. The mission of the Botanical Gardens is to train students in the art, mystery and science of horticulture while providing opportunities for visitor enjoyment study and research. The Botanical Gardens embraces one of Canada's finest collections of ornamental trees and shrubs.

Butterfly Conservatory - In a beautiful indoor rainforest environment, exquisite butterflies spread their wings among tropical plants and flowers. Opened year round.

Aviary: Approximately 300 tropical birds fly free in a rainforest reproduction complete with cascading waterfalls and lush tropical plants duplicating their natural environment. The aviary theme, “ancient ruins”, and the special educational displays and programs will be of interest to all ages.

The GARDEN TOUR can be a totally self directed tour and other local attractions could easily be incorporated. Again, if you wish to be driven and guided on this tour, it can be easily arranged in advance by your hosts.

NIAGARA FREEDOM TRAIL TOUR:

Learn about the history of Niagara's African Canadians. Trace the journey of fugitive slaves to freedom prior to the American Civil War.

St. Catharines was the northern terminal for the underground railway and Harriet Tubman, who was reported to be the most well-known conductor, attended the still active church on Geneva Street. After freeing herself from slavery, she played a major role in helping approximately 300 persons to freedom.

(This would be good to combine with the Welland Canal Corridor Tour as the museum is located at Lock #3).

HISTORICAL TOUR:

There is so much history in this area and so many museums that you may want to divide this tour into sections.

The Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty- portrays early lives of the Loyalists and Pennsylvania Mennonites. The Fry house was reconstructed to portray domestic life in 1835 and has examples of textiles and weaving conditions.

Laura Secord Homestead- In 1812 Laura Secord set out on a dangerous journey in the service of her country. Her homestead has been restored and authentically costumed guides recall her story.

Sir Adam Beck Power Plant- capturing the potential energy of the Falls in one of Ontario's largest hydroelectric facilities. Guided tours available every 10 minutes between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Mackenzie Heritage Printery & Newspaper Museum- 500 years of printing technology creates a period print shop ambiance in the restored home of William Lyon Mackenzie , a rebel publisher.

Queenston Heights and Brocks Monument- Depicts the battle of Queenston Heights in 1812. Major-General Isaac Brock, Commander-in-Chief of the British forces in Upper Canada, was killed by an American sharpshooter's bullet.

Fort George - By 1802, Fort George had been completed and became headquarters for the British army, local militia and the Indian Department.

Niagara on the Lake- Canada's first British Colonial Capital is a picturesque little town with its historic buildings. It is the home of the Shaw Theatre and many excellent restaurants and quaint shopping areas. This would be perfect combined with bicycle tours, wine tours or Fort George.

Port Dalhousie- Delight in glimpses of the past. Ride the antique carousel for a nickel, explore the restored heritage buildings including two lighthouses from the late 1800's, and discover the smallest jailhouse in Ontario, which was built in 1845.

This picturesque village offers fine or casual dining, live theatre presentations and a variety of cruises from the Port Dalhousie Harbour. The eclectic boutiques add excitement and interest for the shopper.

Walk or jog along the beach or simply stroll along the Harbour Walkway and enjoy an ice cream cone.

CYCLING IN NIAGARA:

Our B & B is well situated to access over 150 kms of biking trails which take you past vineyards, orchards, wineries, the Welland Canal, Lake Ontario, the Niagara Escarpment, the battlefields of the War of 1820, many historical sights, the prettiest town in Canada, antique stores, the famous carousel at Port Dalhousie and one of the original stations on the underground railway.

We have a locked shed for your bikes. Bike Rentals can be arranged.

PHOTO EXCURSION:

Black and white, speed film, color photography, whatever your camera passion is, the Niagara Escarpment can fulfill it. A tour of colorful gardens, magnificent natural attractions like Niagara Falls, the Gorge, beautiful rural landscapes, vineyards, rolling hills and meadows, create a powerful cornucopia of subjects to bring out the best of your photographic abilities.

The Deane's will assist you in developing a personalized route for your favorite photo shots.

THEATRE AND ENTERTAINMENT TOUR:

The Niagara Peninsula proudly presents some memorable live theatre and performances. All of these theatres are located in historic towns and may be combined with other tours and sight-seeing adventures.

Port Mansion Theatre in Port Dalhousie offers professionally produced musicals, comedies and dramas and is open year round. There are two dining rooms overlooking the Port Dalhousie Harbour housed in the same building and a single ticket price can be obtained for both dinner and the theatre presentation if you wish both.

Shaw Festival located in Niagara on the Lake has enjoyed tremendous popular success for more that forty seasons. The plays presented entertain, provoke and inspire.

“The high caliber of the performances-from the set design, to the lighting, music, acting and direction - is what one is used to finding on Broadway or in London's West End.” - New York Times.

Oh Canada Eh! - A musical celebration of Canada. The performers are multi-talented. Your waiter or waitress will serve you a five course family style dinner from traditional Canadian foods and then run up on stage to entertain you, sing, dance or play the piano.
Gypsy Theatre- Situated in the historic town of Fort Erie presents a medley of plays from May to December.

All the theatre tickets need to be booked in advance. Your hosts will be more that pleased to obtain the season's schedule at the various theatres for you.

Roselawn- A centre for the living arts housed in a unique historic mansion and is situated in Port Colborne - another picturesque town and the home of Lock 8 of the Welland Canal Corridor. Local artists display a variety of media in the Art Gallery. Live bands are presented throughout the year and the Showboat Festival Theatre - an intimate 220 seat “theatre-in-the-round” adjoins Roselawn Centre.

Indulge in savoury cuisine and the wine bar featuring award winning wines from the Niagara Region. All arrangements for the Roselawn Centre must be made in advance.

The Greg Frewin Theatre - A magic review show located in the heart of Niagara Falls, starring The International Grand Champion of Magic, Greg Frewin. Greg earned his title by winning first place in all the World's top magic competitions, a feat that has never been duplicated. He's appeared on the world's top stages such as The Flamingo Hilton, Caesar's Palace, the Tropicana in Las Vegas, and has been featured in over 35 TV specials around the world. Visit www.gregfrewintheatre.com

SPORTS FISHING:

Enjoy some of the best fishing you will ever experience. The Niagara Region is well known for bass, walleye, musky, trout and salmon. Fishing is available 12 months of the year for either the skilled angler or novice.
Spring shouts the arrival of the mighty Chinook salmon in Lake Ontario. These salmon are well known for their strength and endurance. Steelhead, lake trout and brown trout will also give you a good fight. Trophy fish have been recorded at over thirty pounds.

Walleye and small mouth bass are prolific in Lake Erie. The catfish will test your angling skills and landing some of the largest carp in Canada will give you moments of pure excitement.

The scenery is an additional benefit. Take photographs of the magnificent country side, especially in the fall when the fishing is at its finest and the surrounding foliage is dressed in vibrant colors of orange, scarlet and yellows.

GOLFING:

The Niagara Region offers a good selection of quality courses, many of them highly rated by some of the worlds best golfers and by leading golf publications. If you find golfing relaxing, Niagara's beautifully maintained golf courses will be perfect for you.

Niagara has a varied selection of courses that will delight you. As a rule they offer pay-as-you-go-rates, clubs and cart rentals. Most of the golf courses have the amenities that you expect from world class facilities.

SHOPPING:

Browsing, antiquing, wandering through art galleries, shopping for fresh fruit, local wines, clothes, souvenirs or the unusual, Niagara Region has it all.

Mall Shopping: Niagara has the Pen Centre, St. Catharines- Canada One Factory Outlet - Niagara Falls and the Seaway Mall in Welland where you can also see the popular wall murals depicting historical themes.

Antiques: If you enjoy the craftsmanship of bygone days, then the assortment of antique shops in the Niagara Peninsula are for you. Unusual heirlooms, rustic primitives, china, glassware, collectibles and heirlooms can be found within a short distance.

Art Galleries and Artisans: Watch exquisite hand blown glass being made at Rossi Glass Studios and purchase some of these beautiful hand crafted pieces for your own collection. Look at Canadian Native Art at Ninavik Native Art in Jordan, and enjoy the vibrant water colours and creations of Angie Strauss, renowned artist and fashion designer at her gallery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

There are many galleries and artisans in this area varying from hand-spinning and hand-weaving at the wool farm to award winning “one of a kind” pieces at the “Sour Cherry Pottery”. Once again, this type of tour should be created with your own specific interests in mind.

Souvenirs: Souvenirs can be found in all of the surrounding areas. Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls has many distinctive shops with some great ideas and the Minolta Tower is another place to purchase some memories of your stay with us.

Window Shopping and Boutiques: From Jordan to Niagara on the Lake there are numerous enchanting specialty shops to find the unusual or just that perfect little gift to take home for that unique someone.

Your hosts will assist you in finding the exact shopping tour for your needs.

When making your reservations with us, please let us know if you would like any of these tours booked in advance to insure that you will not be disappointed.