When you start planning a Niagara region day trip, there’s little doubt that visiting the actual Falls is the first thing you think of. However, there are many other ways to spend a day in and around the town of Niagara Falls.
At Switzer-Carty Transportation, we’ve taken thousands of groups on thousand’s of day trips. From Niagara Region and throughout the Greater Toronto Area – booking a bus for your trip is just a few clicks away!
Top 8 Niagara Region day trips
1. Hit the beach
One of the best ways to spend a summer day in southern Ontario is to hit the beach! Pack up a cooler, hop on the bus and get ready for a relaxing day full of sun and sand at one of the many beaches in the Niagara region. Niagara shores, Sunset Beach and Nickel Beach are all great options for a day trip from Niagara Falls or Toronto.
Nickel Beach in Porto Colborne, Ontario – Niagara Region
2. Learn the history of the Niagara Region
The area around Niagara Falls is packed with some important history lessons, which can make for a great daytrip for many groups. Whether you’re planning a field trip for school kids or a fun day out for some adult history buff, there is plenty to explore. The War of 1812 was fought in the area, and The Battle of Chippawa site, Fort George National Historic Site and Old Fort Erie all offer an interesting look into the past.
3. Explore the Niagara Parks Power Station
This historical building was built in 1905 and was the first major power plant to operate on the Canadian side of the Niagara River. Visitors will learn how workers used the power plant to harness energy from the powerful Niagara River, and on weekends they offer free STEM workshops for kids. If you stay into the evening, you’ll also get to enjoy an immersive light and sound show!
4. Go butterfly watching at Niagara Falls Botanical Garden
This 100-acre garden is an awesome day trip destination for school groups, family excursions and date days. The butterfly enclosure is one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America and is home to over 2000 free-flying butterflies. Visitors can take a horse drawn carriage ride through the grounds while listening to a guided tour to learn all about the property or walk around the pathways surrounded by tropical plants and flowers.
5. Go for a bike ride
There are several popular trails to check out throughout the Niagara region and all of them make for a fun day trip with your group. The Niagara Falls Recreation Trail alongside the Niagara River, the Friendship Trail between Port Colborne and Fort Eerie and the Welland Canals Parkway Trail are all located a short drive from downtown Niagara.
6. Visit the wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Sometimes called the Sonoma Valley of Canada, Twenty Valley in the region of Niagara is home to over 50 vineyards that produce some of the province’s best wines. Book a school bus for your group, regardless of the size, and enjoy a fun day checking out some wineries in Twenty Valley and around Niagara on the Lake.
7. Go for a hike
Perhaps one of the most popular things to do in the Niagara region, thanks to the proximity of the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail, is to go for a hike. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon activity or a full day excursion, there are many options to choose from.
- The Woodend Conservation Area leads to stunning views of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment
- Ball’s Falls Conservation Area features a walk along to Bruce Trail to beautiful waterfalls
- Mel Swart Gibson Conservation area has a nice boardwalk
- The 32km Laura Secord Trail takes you along the route that Laura Secord walked during the War of 1812, ending at her homestead.
8. Explore a small town
Southwestern Ontario and the Niagara region in particular is home to many small towns that are worth exploring. From weekly farmers markets to free concerts, local festivals and charming downtowns small towns have so much to offer for a group daytrip!
Explore Niagara Region on Your Next Day Trip!
While Niagara Falls may be the first thing you think of when you start planning a day trip to the area, there are so many other fun activities to explore!
