Now that the weather is dipping below the freezing mark, there is not much we can do but grin and bear it! So why not get out there and enjoy some of the activities listed below? Here are some great options of things to do in the niagara area NOW!
Niagara Helicopters
What better way to experience the beautiful snow-covered views of Winter in Niagara Falls than from soaring above? You’ve seen pictures of the Niagara Falls before, but none as unique as these views. The Niagara Helicopters is open year round (*dependent on weather conditions), and features large windows for non-obstructing photographs. Individual headsets with taped commentary in 12 languages is offered, as well as wheelchair accessibility.
The journey begins at the Sir Adam Beck Generating plant and follows the Niagara River from the Whirlpool area, over the Whirlpool Rapids and the Rainbow Bridge. The helicopter passes by the American Falls and the Skylon Tower. The helicopter then changes direction and follows the curve of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls. The helicopter levels off and continues along the route back to base.
Ice Skating
*Pictured : The Gale Centre Arena. 4171 Fourth Av., Niagara Falls.
The City of Niagara Falls offers public ice skating at little cost:
Niagara Falls Gale Centre (four-pad arena)
4171 Fourth Ave
905-356-7521
Willoughby Memorial (Chippawa) Arena
9000 Sodom Rd
905-295-6554
Public Skating Information: 905-356-7521 ext 5600
Skate Niagara Ice Show
If ice skating interests you, but you would rather be a spectator, than you won’t want to miss the Skate Niagara Ice Show debuting at the new Meridian Centre on January 30th, 2015.
The inaugural Skate Niagara has brought together a star-studded ensemble of Canada’s Olympic and World Champion skating icons who will hit the ice for a night of entertainment and artistry starting at 7:30 pm. Stars such as our hometown favourite Kirsten Moore-Towers and partner Michael Marinaro will star, along with Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, Kurt Browning, Ekaterina Gordeeva, Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje, and Nam Nguyen. Emmy Award Winning Choreographer Sandra Bezic is set to Produce and Direct the performance that will be sure to dazzle and amaze everyone of all ages!
For more information please visit them online at www.skateniagaraiceshow.com
Tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.ca
Sledding
There are plenty of areas to fully enjoy the snow in niagara while doing this fun, family – friendly activity. Here are just some places locally:
1. Stamford Collegiate High School: 5775 Drummond Road, Niagara Falls.
2. Firemen’s Park: 2275 Dorchester Rd, Niagara Falls.
3. *For smaller kids* FH Leslie Park: 5250 Valley Way, Niagara Falls.
4. Burgoyne Woods Park: 30 Edgedale Road, St. Catharines.
5. Chippawa Park: 128 Fitch St., Welland.
6. HH Knoll Lakeview Park: located at Sugar Loaf Street and Elm Street, PortColborne.
7. Jaycee Park: 543 Ontario St., St. Catharines.
8. Sugar Bowl Park: 100 Gilmore Road, Fort Erie.
Niagara Icewine Festival
Nothing says “Winter in Niagara Falls” like a festival! The Niagara Icewine Festival spans over three weekends in January (9th-11th, 16th-18th & 23rd-25th), and you will have the opportunity to taste this Niagara specialty made from grapes left to freeze naturally on the vine. The Niagara Region is recognized as producing some of the world’s finest icewine, and now is your chance to try it out during this festival.
Niagara Parks Wonder Pass
Purchasing the Niagara Falls Wonder Pass will let you get up close and personal with the awe of Winter in Niagara Falls, plus allow you to save over 55% on top of experiencing three amazing attractions. You will get the Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury and the Butterfly Conservatory. You’ll also receive two days on the WEGO transportation service.
*Pictured: A photo from the Journey Behind the Falls on a particularly snowy day.
For more information please visit the Niagara Parks online at www.niagaraparks.com
For more information on events in the area: www.cliftonhill.com
