Niagara – Day 4 of a 5-Day Trip in Ontario
Niagara is home to the iconic Niagara Falls. The Niagara Falls is a group of 3 waterfalls between the city of Niagara (Canada) and New York state (USA). The largest of the three is the Horseshoe Falls, which is likely what you are picturing when it comes to the Niagara Falls. The other two waterfalls are the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls. Downstream of the falls is the Ontario Power Generation and the Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant. Both plants harness energy from the powerful Niagara Falls. I met with friends for Day 4 and Day 5 in Ontario. They were great hosts!
Day 4
Niagara
After a homemade brunch, we headed to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a cute town in southern Ontario. There are plenty of wineries in this area, and the winery vibe reminds me of Kelowna in British Columbia. Niagara-on-the-Lake is separate to the city of Niagara, which is only about a 15 minute drive. We walked around downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake and visited the boutique shops. I stopped at the Niagara Home Bakery to grab a Portuguese custard tart.
After exploring, we headed to The Old Winery Restaurant for lunch. Note: The restaurant is only open for lunch on Saturdays. If it is not a Saturday and you are looking for lunch spots, there are plenty of options at Niagara-on-the-Lake. I ordered the cabernet pizza (red pizza topped with chorizo, pepperoni, and soppressata) and a glass of the red wine from Jackson Triggs Winery. Jackson Triggs is a local BC winery, but I did not know that they also own a winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake!
Next, we made our way to the city of Niagara. We stopped at a few viewpoints on the drive, including the Niagara Falls Power Generating Plants Lookout. On one side, there is Ontario Power Generation, while on the other side is Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant.
Robert Moses Niagara Power Plant 
Ontario Power Generation 
Niagara River
There is plenty of parking near Niagara Falls. We found a spot about a 15 minute walk from the Niagara Falls Viewpoint. I snapped some pictures and took in the beauty and the grandeur of the Niagara Falls. In the distance, I saw the American and Bridal Veil Falls. We had a late start, so it was already early evening. Thus, we did not go to any of the other attractions. My friend highly recommends the Niagara City Cruises, which is a boat cruise that goes directly up to the falls (as per the picture). I’ll have to check it out during the next visit! Other attractions in the area are the Journey Behind the Falls, the Whirlpool Aero Car, the Skylon Tower, the Niagara Skywheel, the Niagara Speedway, and much more!
Before heading back to Toronto, we had dinner at Yukiguni, a small Japanese restaurant across from the DoubleTree Fallsview Hotel. I ordered the Ten-zaru soba (cold bulkwheat noodle), which came with tempura shrimp and vegetables.
Complete Day 4 Itinerary
*Travel times may vary. Check Google Maps for most accurate travel details.
9:00am: Homemade Breakfast (or go out for breakfast in Toronto!).
10:00am: Wander Niagara-on-the-Lake (1 hour and 25 minute drive from Downtown Toronto).
12:00pm: Have lunch at The Old Winery Restaurant (3 minute drive from Niagara-on-the-Lake).
1:00pm: Head to Niagara Falls (21 minute drive from The Old Winery Restaurant). Stop at the Niagara Falls Power Generating Plants Lookout.
2:00pm: Enjoy the Niagara Falls! Visit the various activities near Niagara Falls. Suggestions: Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara City Cruises, Whirlpool Aero Car, etc.
5:00pm: Have dinner at Japanese Restaurant Yukiguni (21 minute walk from Niagara Falls).
6:00pm: Visit more attractions in Niagara (9 minute walk from Japanese Restaurant Yukiguni)! Suggestions: Skylon Tower, Niagara Skywheel, and Niagara Speedway.
5-Day Ontario Itinerary
Click “Download” below for an excel version of my 5-Day Ontario Itinerary. Feel free to use the excel file as a planning template for your own trip in Ontario (Toronto, Niagara Falls, and London Areas)!
Travels with Carolyne 