6 Fun Ways To Embrace Summer’s Last Gasp in Niagara Benchlands
The back-to-school countdown may have begun, but Niagara’s one-of-a-kind microclimate keeps the temperatures hot and summer fun going strong right through September! Here are six easy and affordable ways to lean into one last summer adventure in Niagara Benchlands.
#1: Enjoy A Meal to Remember with A Stunning Niagara Benchland View
Reserve a table at a winery restaurant with a patio that boasts a verdant view of the vines and enjoy a front-row seat to all those juicy bunches of grapes soaking up the last of the summer sun. For an only-in-Niagara experience that delights all the senses, enjoy a beautiful brunch at Megalomaniac, an unhurried afternoon Burrata Board overlooking Lake Ontario at Lake House Restaurant, a salty happy hour plate of fries with a sparkling wine chaser at Creekside Estate Winery, or a decadent dinner at Redstone Winery.
#2: Enjoy an Off-Grid Adventure
Niagara Benchlands is home to a diverse collection of creative ecoadventures. If you’ve already earned your Niagara End-To-End badge, The Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest footpath, has lots of other fun badges to work toward, including the Side Trail badge and Niagara Benchlands badge. To start checking off your side trails, head to the Cave Springs Conservation Area, where the Margaret Reed Side Trail offers incredible views of Lake Ontario from multiple Escarpment lookouts. Keep an eye out for the hidden ice cave, and the historic Neutral Confederacy carvings. After your hike, the Cave Springs Vineyard Tasting Room is a well-kept secret that’s just a short stroll down the road.
Niagara Nature Tours offers a range of interesting guided outdoor adventures, including birding walks, photography rambles, and hikes with a wild plant herbalist.
Take a time-out on The Veranda at Featherstone Estate Winery and keep your eyes on the sky. Louise Engel, the winery’s licensed falconer, flies Amadeus, her Harris Hawk over the vineyards for a few hours a day to deter nuisance Starlings from the juicy grapes!
#3: Plan an Old-Fashioned Sunday Afternoon Adventure
Transport your travel mates to a simpler time with an end-of-the-weekend road trip that’s all about slowing down the speed of summer. Swing into a roadside stand and pick up some fresh fruit to enjoy as you stroll along the Lake Ontario shore at Charles Daley Park. Rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board and paddle around Jordan Harbour. Spend some time browsing the fascinating exhibits with one of the themed backpacks available at the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre. Go on a scavenger hunt looking for Niagara Benchlands’ eight Big Benches that are waiting to welcome guests for a sit and a selfie at Cave Springs Conservation Area, Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, Rockway Conservation Area, Rotary Park, Charles Daley Park, Campden Parkette, Downtown Beamsville and the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Stop by the Good Manners Ice Cream Truck for a hand-scooped cone and a friendly game of Corn Hole while savouring your favourite flavour! It’s summer’s little pleasures that often make the longest-lasting memories.
#4: Cruise Across Niagara on A Picture-Perfect Pedal
Whether you hitch your bike to your car, bring it along on the GO Train, or rent one once you arrive from a helpful outfitter like Beamsville’s County Cycle or Mountainview Cycle, Niagara’s countless kilometres of on- and off-road trails make finding a fantastic ride route once you get here a breeze. Set out eastward on The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail from the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre and see where the day takes you.
#5: Get Starry Eyed in The Vineyard
The Chronos Observatory at Calamus Estate Winery is the perfect place to catch August’s bumper crop of shooting stars, but plan well ahead! Calamus’ vineyard stargazing events always sell out early. Kacaba Vineyards Winery’s Sunset Yoga and Wine Series is another fun way to enjoy an evening in the vineyard.
#6: Hit The Links on A New-To-You Course
Whether you have time for 18 holes, just a quick nine, or can only squeeze in a visit to the driving range to hit a bucket of balls, a trip to Twenty Valley Golf and Country Club is always time well spent. No room to pack the clubs? No problem! The course offers both basic and premium golf club rentals for nine- and eighteen-hole play.
Upgrade your day away to a true getaway by booking an overnight stay at a quiet countryside retreat, lakeside room with a view, or comfortable hotel in the heart of Niagara. Browse beautiful accommodation options in Niagara Benchlands.
Funding assistance provided by the Government of Ontario and the Tourism Partnership of Niagara.