Niagara Region in Summer: Best Activities & Hidden Gems

While people usually think of visiting Niagara Falls and wineries as things to do during the summer in Niagara, there’s so much more to do than that! If you’re looking to soak up the sunshine and make the most of every summer moment, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re a local or someone rolling in for a weekend road trip, Niagara’s summer activities are on point – from scenic hikes and vineyard picnics to lazy days by the lake, this region is packed with ways to make the season unforgettable.

The summer always seems to fly by – so here’s your go-to guide on things to see and do in Niagara this summer!

1. Explore Niagara Falls Like a Tourist (Even If You’re Not One)

Yes, it might be the most obvious stop, but nothing beats the thunderous roar and misty spray of Niagara Falls on a hot summer day. Take a walk along the Niagara Parkway for incredible views, or get up close and personal with the Falls aboard the iconic Niagara City Cruises boat tour.

There are so many things to see in Niagara Falls – regardless if you’re visiting on a budget or want to experience all the top attractions. Get the most bang for your buck by purchasing a Niagara Parks Pass which bundles attractions for a discounted rate (and includes transit around the Falls, too)!

Want to spend a few hours on Clifton Hill? An economical way to do it is by picking up the Clifton Hill Pass! This pass has 6 popular attractions on it – including the Niagara SkyWheel. We took my niece and she had a blast!

If you’re a frequent visitor to the Falls, I highly recommend picking up the Niagara Parks Annual Parking Pass. It pays for itself in as little as one day in Niagara Falls.

Cap the end of the day off with the Niagara Falls Fireworks show, which started Victoria Day weekend and runs through to Thanksgiving!

2. Sip and Savour in Wine Country

Summer is the perfect time to explore Niagara’s world-class wine scene. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned wine lover or someone who just enjoys the occasional glass, there’s something special about each of the Niagara wineries! 

Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its picturesque wineries where charming estates and historic buildings set the scene for a leisurely tasting afternoon. 

It’s incredibly popular (understandably), so if you want something a little more off the beaten path, head to the Niagara Benchlands (in Lincoln, where I am)! You’ll find hidden gems tucked along the escarpment, many of them family run with scenic backdrops and a down-to-earth vibe. 

In the summer, many wineries pull out all the stops, with live music, events, wood-fired pizzas, picnics, and of course – patios! There are many of them offering a full-service restaurant – check out some of my favourite wineries with restaurants in Lincoln!

3. Pick-Your-Own Fruit

There’s something so nostalgic and satisfying about plucking sun-warmed fruit straight from the vine or branch, and Niagara’s fertile landscape makes it one of the best regions in Ontario for pick-your-own (PYO) adventures! 

Whether you’re after juicy strawberries, ripe cherries, or peaches, Niagara’s farms and orchards offer a chance to get your hands a little dirty and your baskets delightfully full.

Start the season off with strawberry picking in June—perfect for snacking, baking, or making fresh jam. As July rolls in, cherries, raspberries, and blueberries are prime for the picking. Niagara is also full of PYO peach farms!

Beyond the fruit itself, many farms offer family-friendly fun like tractor rides, on-site bakeries, scenic farm stands, and adorable photo ops among the orchards. It’s a great way to support local growers and family-run farm stands, enjoy the outdoors, and make memories with friends or little ones.

4. Hit the Beach

Yes, Niagara has beaches! They’re the perfect spot to unwind on a hot summer day. If you’re looking for soft sand, warm waves, and that classic beach-day atmosphere, head to Lakeside Park Beach in Port Dalhousie. 

It’s right near the historic carousel and waterfront pier, making it great for families, couples, or anyone who loves a little extra charm with their swim. 

Another summer favourite is Nickel Beach in Port Colborne. This sandy stretch is ideal for laying out your towel or going for a dip, and there’s the fun Splashtown Niagara inflatable water park here, too!

Prefer something a little quieter? Charles Daley Park offers peaceful views of Lake Ontario with grassy areas perfect for lounging. Long Beach Conservation Area in Wainfleet is another hidden gem, with a more rustic, laid-back feel. Pack a cooler, bring some beach games or a book, and just let the day take its sweet time. 

Navigating Niagara tip: Be sure to check Niagara Region’s Beach Water Testing Results before you head into the water!

5. Go on a Scenic Hike or Nature Walk

Niagara is home to some of Ontario’s most scenic and peaceful hiking trails that are perfect for those sunny summer days when you just want to get outside and breathe in some fresh air. 

The Bruce Trail runs right through the region, winding through shaded forest sections along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment, and opening up to sweeping views that’ll have you stopping for more than a few photos!

If you’re looking for something a little shorter (but just as rewarding), trails like Ball’s Falls Conservation Area (one of my favourite waterfall hikes in Niagara!) or Beamer Conservation Area are my regular trail picks. 

Just be sure to bring water and wear proper footwear!

6. Indulge at Local Farmers Markets

Berries, peaches, cherries, corn – you name it, Niagara grows it. The region transforms into a fresh food paradise during the summer, and there’s no better time to explore Niagara’s vibrant farmers markets.

Market stalls and roadside stands overflow with seasonal bounty, from juicy stone fruits to crisp veggies picked just hours earlier. You’ll find homemade jams, local honey, fresh-cut flowers, and buttery pies that taste just like grandma used to make..

Many markets also offer live music, handmade goods from local artisans, and showcase other goodies like cheese that make your visit feel like a mini summer festival – like the Grimsby Farmers Market every Thursday on Main Street! Grab a cold lemonade or iced coffee, enjoy a stroll through the stalls, and soak in that feel-good, sunshiney atmosphere.

7. Paddle or Cruise the Waterways

Kayak along the quiet shores of Port Colborne, paddleboard in Jordan Harbour, or even book yourself on a Whirlpool Jet Boat ride up the Niagara River (be prepared to get wet!). 

Prefer to stay dry? The canal trails are great for biking, jogging, or a breezy evening walk with unique views – especially when a massive cargo ship goes by!

8. Take in a Summer Festival

From craft beer and food truck festivals to music in the vineyards, summer in Niagara is packed with events. Check out the annual Peach Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake or Canal Days in Port Colborne for a lively mix of parades, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Check in with your favourite Niagara wineries to see what events are happening. There’s too many to list!

Many towns also host outdoor movie nights and summer concerts, so there’s always something happening when the sun goes down.

9. Visit a Historic Site or Museum

Take a break from the heat and step back in time. Laura Secord Homestead, Nelles Manor, and the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre are just a few places to go that offer fascinating glimpses into Niagara’s past.

Love unique finds? Book a guided tour of Point Abino Lighthouse in Fort Erie. Just 8 tours are offered a year for $6 ($3 for kids) and it gives you access to an otherwise off-limits National Historic Site of Canada! This is truly a hidden gem in the Niagara Region!

Navigating Niagara tip: Did you hear? Parks Canada announced that from June 20 – September 2, they are offering FREE admission (and 25% off overnight stays) at Parks Canada locations across the country! This will be a great time to check out Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake! This is a great spot for families – explore historic buildings, watch musket demonstrations, and discover what life was like during the War of 1812.

10. Cool Down with Local Ice Cream

A summer day in Niagara wouldn’t be complete without a cone (or two)!

Avondale Dairy Bar in Niagara-on-the-Lake has been serving up scoops since the 1950s and is a must-visit for its nostalgic charm and farm-side setting. Their banana splits and signature milkshakes are legendary – and yes, the lineups are worth it.

But the sweet fun doesn’t stop there. Across the region, you’ll find charming local spots dishing out handcrafted scoops, from quirky flavours to classic favourites. Look out for small-town parlours like Good Manners Ice Cream in Vineland, Merritville Big Scoop at Merritville Speedway in Thorold, or You Deserve It Cafe & Creamery in Fort Erie.

11.  Get Lost in a Sunflower Maze

When summer’s in full swing, there’s nothing quite like the golden glow of Howells Adventure Farm’s sunflower trails. These vibrant fields stretch as far as the eye can see, offering the perfect backdrop for dreamy summer photos. 

You can wander along the winding trails, take part in fun seasonal activities, and even pick your own sunflowers to take home. 

Navigating Niagara tip: Visit during golden hour for that perfect soft light, it’s a photographer’s dream! Don’t forget to wear something bright to pop against the sea of yellow.

12. Pack a Picnic and Stay a While

After stocking up at the farmers market, why not turn your finds into an alfresco feast? Niagara is home to countless beautiful picnic spots, especially along the Niagara Parkway, where you’ll find no shortage of green spaces and lookout points.

Queenston Heights Park offers shady trees and plenty of space for lounging with friends and family. Charles Daley Park, right on the Lake Ontario shoreline, is another local favourite, complete with beach breezes, picnic tables, and incredible sunset views.

For something with a historic twist, take a guided tour of the Brown Homestead in St. Catharines and stay for a picnic! The surroundings provide a peaceful, heritage-rich setting that’s perfect for a quiet afternoon bite.

13. Bike the Niagara Parkway

There’s no better way to soak up the beauty of Niagara in the summer than from the seat of a bike. The Niagara Parkway -famously called “the prettiest Sunday drive in the world” by Winston Churchill – is just as stunning on two wheels.

This scenic route stretches for over 50 kilometres, winding alongside the Niagara River from Fort Erie all the way to Niagara-on-the-Lake. You’ll pedal past lush vineyards, historic landmarks, quaint towns, and postcard-worthy views at every turn. The path is well-maintained and mostly flat, making it a great option for casual riders and families, too.

One of the best parts? The stops along the way! Pause for a scoop of ice cream in Chippewa, grab a patio lunch at Whirlpool Golf Course (you don’t have to be a member!), or swing by roadside fruit stands overflowing with peaches, cherries, and plums in peak season.

Many local wineries welcome cyclists for tastings (Riverview is a great option that’s right on the Niagara Parkway) – just be sure to pace yourself if you plan on sipping!

Navigating Niagara tip: You can also join a fun wine bike tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake which is a unique way to tour the area and its wineries! If you want to check out the historic charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake by bike, you can do a self-guided tour by renting a bike from any number of Zoom bike stands scattered across town, or directly from the Zoom Leisure Bike shop.

14.  See a Show in a Vineyard (or on Stage!)

Summer is peak theatre season! And one of the fun things to do during the summer in Niagara is see a show or concern at a vineyard.

Head to the Jackson-Triggs Amphitheatre for their outdoor summer performances! This beautiful venue hosts everything from classical concerts to contemporary music performances (paired of course with their wines!).

My favourite thing to do, however, is seeing a show at Shaw Festival every summer. Shaw Festival is one of Canada’s premier theatre festivals, showcasing a stunning lineup of plays – The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, along with Tons of Money are well worth seeing!

15. Stroll Through a Fairy Tale Garden

The Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens are every bit as dreamy as they sound – a true summer sanctuary bursting with vibrant blooms, fragrant roses, and perfectly manicured pathways that invite you to slow down and soak in nature’s beauty. 

Spanning over 40 acres, these gardens are a feast for the senses with seasonal flowers and towering trees. One of the highlights is the Rose Garden, where hundreds of varieties create a kaleidoscope of colours and scents.

Another one of Niagara’s hidden gems is the stunning gardens at Pillar and Post, a free experience in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This historic inn’s grounds are lovingly cultivated with lush flower beds, quaint benches, and elegant landscaping that create a serene setting to enjoy a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment with a glass of wine from the Outpost.

16. Roam through Lavender

If summer had a scent, it would be lavender. Luckily, Niagara is home to several picturesque lavender farms where you can visit and stroll through fragrant purple fields and let the stress melt away.

One of the most popular spots is NEOB Lavender Boutique & Farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where rows of blooming lavender stretch out beneath wide blue skies. Visit in late June through mid-July for peak bloom, when the fields are at their most vibrant and the air is filled with that calming, unmistakable fragrance.

You can wander the fields, snap dreamy photos, and even pick your own bundle to take home. The onsite boutique sells everything from essential oils and body lotions to lavender-infused jams and teas—perfect souvenirs or gifts that literally smell like summer.

Some places, like Mingle Hill, offer guided farm tours on their Certified Organic farm, which provides a hands-on learning experience of their herbal and medicinal garden, pollinator zones, and peaceful trails. You’ll even get to meet their adorable resident cats!

Your Best Summer Ever

Looking for the perfect way to soak up the summer? The Niagara Region has you covered – whether you’re into heart-pumping adventures, incredible food, peaceful nature escapes, or just lounging in the sun.

Maybe you’ll spend the morning paddling the harbour, the afternoon picking peaches, and the evening at a concert under the stars with a glass of local wine in hand. However you spend it, summer in Niagara is full of unforgettable moments.