Destinations

Exploring Fall Colours The Niagara Way

Niagara offers some truly unique ways to enjoy fall colours, in addition to traditional scenic drives and hikes in the woods.

Jet boats, gondolas and even a historic monument that towers above the Niagara Gorge are among the extraordinary vantage points to be found in Niagara, offering fall colour lovers unparalleled views.

The following are a few of the most interesting places in Niagara to check out the changing of this seasons:

Brock’s Monument: Brock’s Monument National Historic Site towers over picturesque and historic Queenston Heights Park, offering great views of the colourful canopy below and Niagara Gorge. The 56-metre monument is the largest of its kind in Canada. Visitors can climb the 235 steps to the top of Brock’s Monument until Oct. 13. The park itself remains open throughout the year.

Whirlpool Aero Car: The historic Whirlpool Aero Car has been soaring the Niagara Gorge since 1916. The antique cable car is suspended from six sturdy cables and offers spectacular views of the swirling Niagara Whirlpool and the Class 6 whitewater rapids of the Niagara River. Although the Whirlpool Aero Car travels between two points on the Canadian shore, riders of this historic cable car actually cross the international border line between Canada and the United States a total of four times each trip due to the way the river elbows.

Niagara SkyWheel: Soaring more than 50 metres above Niagara Falls, the Niagara SkyWheel on Clifton Hill gives riders a panoramic view of the fall colours along both sides of the gorge, as well as the Horseshoe and American Falls, the Niagara River, Niagara Parks and other landmarks. The SkyWheel operates year-round.

Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours: After taking in the amazing scenery from up high, why not take a look from the water during a high-octane jet boat ride? Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours will continue taking passengers on trips through the turbulent white waters of the Niagara River until the end of October, giving passengers one-of-a-kind views of the Niagara Gorge.

Beamer Memorial Conservation Area: Perched on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment above Grimsby, Beamer Memorial Conservation Area offers one of Niagara’s most breath-taking and panoramic views of the Niagara and Lake Ontario. The view stretches from the gateway to Niagara in the west, all the way past the Canada-US border in the east. A popular spot for hikers and birdwatchers, the park features several great spots to take in the beauty of the escarpment in fall, including scenic look-outs and a birdwatching tower.