5 Beautiful Places to See the Poppy Project in Niagara
Each year, the Niagara region comes alive with a stunning display of hand-knit red poppies in honour of Remembrance Day, thanks to the incredible Poppy Project. This heartfelt tribute symbolizes the sacrifices made by the men and women who served to protect our freedom and the enduring memory of them.
The project is a labour of love, with countless volunteers crafting each poppy by hand, ensuring that the vibrant sea of red stands as a powerful visual reminder of bravery, loss, respect, and gratitude.
Wondering where to see this beautiful and moving installation? Let’s explore the best spots in Niagara to witness the Poppy Project!
1. Niagara Falls History Museum
The Poppy Project in Niagara began at the Niagara Falls History Museum as a collaborative community art project by the Museum and Stick’ N Needles – a Niagara Falls stitching guild.
In 2020, they reached out to the public to ask them to crochet and knit poppies to be included in a large-scale art project. An overwhelming response led to them receiving over 11,000 poppies from every province in Canada, 25 states in the USA, and even from New Zealand and Denmark!
You can see the Poppy Project each November on the exterior of the historic 1874 stone building of the museum as well as inside – it’s well worth a visit while you’re in Niagara Falls!
When: November 1 – 11, 2024
Where: 5810 Ferry St, Niagara Falls
2. Niagara on the Lake Museum
Located a few blocks from Queen Street is the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum. Over 40 volunteers and 2000 hours of labour have created a beautiful array of 7500+ hand-knit poppies. The project started after 2020 when the Niagara Falls History Museum collected thousands of these beautiful crocheted poppies from all around the world. After they finished their display they donated some of the leftover poppies to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum.
This is probably my favourite location to see the Poppy Project in Niagara. The historic building is draped with poppies and there’s a gorgeous poppy garden, complete with flags bearing names of those who served and sacrificed.
If time allows, you should check the museum out on your visit. It’s one of my recommended things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake and is filled with unique artifacts and pieces of history of the local area.
When: November 1 – 12, 2024
Where: 43 Castlereagh St, Niagara-on-the-Lake
3. Old Court House
After Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum had success with their poppy display, they expanded the project to the Old Court House on Queen Street. Funded from the Government allowed their aptly named Poppy Brigade to continue making poppies (another 4000!).
Poppy wreaths were added to shop doors and lamps between the Museum and the Court House.
If you’re walking around Niagara-on-the-Lake, you’ll also find more poppy nets at the Legion, next to Brockamour Manor.
When: November 1 – 12, 2024
Where: 26 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
4. Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre
The Poppy Project at the Lincoln Museum & Cultural Centre in Jordan Village is a stunning collaborative community art initiative. Well over 2000 hand knit poppies drape the museum and create a beautiful visual statement. Poppies were created by volunteers and during events like Harvest Pioneer Day.
While you’re here, I recommend having brunch or grabbing a coffee at either RPM Bakehouse or Plant No. 1 and touring the grounds while you’re here, including the early-settler cemetery. Pop into the museum and see what local displays are on!
When: November 1 – 11, 2024
Where: 3800 Main Street, Jordan
5. Smithville United Church
The stunning facade of Smithville United Church in Smithville is draped with hundreds of hand-knit poppies each November. 1500 poppies make up the veil and took ten weeks to create by members of the congregation.
They pushed to get this completed in 2022 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, where nearly 5000 of the 6100 troops were Canadian.
When: November 4 – 11
Where: 116 West St, Smithville
As you explore the various poppy project displays throughout the Niagara region, take a moment to reflect on the profound meaning behind each poppy. These beautiful installations serve as a tribute to the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Whether you visit with family or spend time in quiet contemplation, these displays remind us of the importance of honouring their legacy.
Lest we forget. Let us always remember and be grateful for those who fought and fell, so we could stand tall in peace.
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