Niagara Parkway

What are the best attractions and things to do along the Parkway that connects Niagara on the Lake and Fort Erie

Niagara Parkway is the heart of the Niagara Peninsula. It is the main vein that gives the opportunity for one of the most romantic drives in Canada, a road that connects Niagara on the Lake and Fort Erie in a peaceful 58 km or 36-mile uninterrupted stretch.

Sir Winston Churchill called the Niagara Parkway experience "the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world."

The Parkway, with its 2.5 m paralleling the paved recreational trail is paradise for cyclist, joggers, hikers, rollerbladers, as it runs the entire length.

Thanks to the Niagara Parks Commission who develops and maintains the Parkway we can enjoy the natural beauty Niagara provides.

Along the stretch between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, there are over 4000 acres of manicured Niagara parks, with numerous picnic areas, flower gardens, golf courses, trails, attractions and historic sites.

We will review the stretch by dividing the road into two sections; one to and the other from Niagara Falls.

Niagara Parkway from Niagara on the Lake to Niagara Falls

Niagara Parkway parallels and follows the Niagara River from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie, and is ideal for hiking, cycling, as the picnic and leisure area, with numerous options to explore wineries, parks, vineyards, orchard farms and attractions.

The Parkway starts from historic Niagara on the Lake, and we recommend to explore the popular attractions first; including Whirlpool Jet Boat and Fort George. Wine tours should be the next, parks and farm market stands with fresh vegetables and fruits.

The road features on one side dense woods on the river banks, while on the other historic, elegant homes and farms. The best way to visit them is either by driving or cycling.

Our opinion is that the loveliest route is actually between Niagara on the Lake and Queenston Heights Park, where the Parkway passes by the large wineries and vineyards, including Reif Estate and Inniskillin and historical sites where the 50 m high Brock's Monument is located.

After visiting historic site, attraction and Queenston Heights Park, proceed along Niagara Parkway toward Floral Clock and take some pictures there.

After you pass Lewiston-Queenston Bridge, that connects Canada and US, Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Power Station is waiting for you to be explored, and minutes after Botanical Garden and Butterfly Conservatory.

The natural attraction, Niagara Glen is only few km from the Falls and is perfect for hiking and to discover Niagara flora and fauna.

Right after the Golf course, there are a natural phenomenon Niagara Whirlpool, popular Spanish Aero Car attraction and heliodrom and the helicopter tour.

To buy some Niagara souvenirs, Souvenir city is further down the Niagara Parkway, with the great selection of Niagara theme based presents.

As you are approaching and entering the city, Bird Kingdom or Aviary is for the nature lovers, the popular attractions in the city you don't want to miss; also two Casinos, Maid of the Mist and other well known attractions.

Niagara Parkway from Niagara Falls to Fort Erie

The Southern part of Niagara Parkway, that ends at Fort Erie and Lake Erie, is also the road that evokes Ontario's living history.

The route between the waterfalls and Fort Erie has a more approachable shoreline where Niagara River is slower. On a half way, on the banks of Black Creek visit a century and a half old pub, The Lighthouse Restaurant and Pub.

Another two historic houses that we recommended to visit are Bertie Hall used as a safe house for Black fugitive slaves, escaping from US to Canada and Mildred M. Mahoney Doll house Museum. And for the end, don't forget the old Fort Erie.

Several spots along the Niagara Parkway are known to be the best spots to watch gulls. Nineteen different gull species are seen along the Niagara River shore. The perfect spots are the head of the river near Lake Erie and the mouth of the Lake Ontario, then the waterfalls, the Whirlpool, rapids and the power stations.

During the summer peak time, you might experience some driving inconvenience due to the congested traffic, not only around the main attractions or waterfalls, but even close to the Niagara on the Lake or Fort Erie.

You might want to park the car on the hotel's parking lot, and take the People Mover bus and have a nice and worry-free tour visiting attractions on the Niagara Parkway, on a 30 km travel loop (18 miles).

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