10 Things to Do in Niagara This Winter for an Unforgettable Season

When you think of Niagara, you might picture the roaring Niagara Falls or summer vineyard tours—but did you know the Niagara Region is just as magical in the winter? 

As the cold air sets in and the snow begins to fall, this beautiful part of Ontario transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a mix of outdoor adventures and cozy indoor activities. 

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or someone who just wants to sip hot cocoa by a fire, Niagara has something special waiting for you. Let’s dive into the best things to do in the Niagara region during the winter season!

1. Chase the Falls: Winter Views of Niagara Falls

Winter transforms Niagara Falls into a mesmerizing icy spectacle. The mist from the falls freezes on surrounding trees, creating stunning ice sculptures and a peaceful winter atmosphere. While the Falls themselves remain as majestic as ever, the crowds thin out in winter, giving you a quieter, more intimate experience.

Bundle up and take a walk along the pathways by the Falls—especially around Table Rock for a close-up view of the icy mist. You might even catch a beautiful rainbow if the sun hits the mist just right!

Visiting Niagara Falls in the winter is a great opportunity to experience the attractions the area has to offer. Niagara Parks Power Station offers the best bang for your buck when it comes to the history of the Falls, but there’s plenty of other indoor activities to enjoy to keep you warm! 

Navigating Niagara tip: Winter is one of the best times to secure lower hotel rates and book restaurants with ease. Plan a getaway at a hotel overlooking Niagara Falls or book a restaurant with amazing views!

2. Ice Skating at Indoor and Outdoor Rinks

Looking for a classic winter activity? Head to any number of skating rinks in Niagara (indoor or outdoor!), where you can glide across the ice with friends and family. 

Afterward, grab a hot chocolate or coffee from one of the nearby cafes and warm up while taking in the winter scenery. It’s a perfect afternoon outing for families, couples, or anyone looking for a fun way to embrace the cold.

3. Winter Wine Tours in Niagara’s Vineyards

The Niagara Region is renowned for its wineries, and while the summer vineyards are lovely, winter wine tours offer a whole new charm! Many of Niagara’s best wineries offer cozy indoor tastings where you can sample some of the best wines and ice wines.

While lots of people associate wineries with Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Niagara Benchlands has so much to offer. I recommend staying for a meal at any of the wineries in Lincoln with restaurants – you will be pleasantly surprised that you don’t have to drive further for an elevated winery experience.

Winter Special: Ice wine is a must-try in Niagara! Made from grapes that have frozen on the vine, this sweet and smooth wine is unique to colder climates. Many wineries also host winter events like fire pit experiences or wine dome lounges, so you can stay warm while you sip wine and take in the snowy views.

Navigating Niagara tip: There are a number of tours you can join, but we love doing self-guided tours so we can visit where we want! January offers a unique Ice Wine Tasting pass, where you can sample ice wine paired with food across 6 wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

4. Winter Hikes: Snowy Trails and Views

You’ll find endless trails to explore in the Niagara Region, and many of these are absolutely beautiful in the winter! Head to Beamer Memorial Conservation Area for incredible views of the escarpment, or to Ball’s Falls Conservation Area to explore the historic Glen Elgin Village and to pretty waterfalls! Your options are endless – all you need to do is bundle up!

✨ Find out where my favourite winter hiking trails in Niagara are! ✨

5. Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake: A Winter Storybook Village

If you’re looking for a picturesque winter escape, look no further than Niagara-on-the-Lake. This charming town is known for its small-town charm and is a delight to visit in the winter. Wander down Queen Street, where you’ll find quaint shops adorned with festive lights and decorations. Visit the Niagara Apothecary Museum for a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century medicine or pop into Exchange Brewery for bar bites, pizza, and local brews!

My favourite thing to do in NOTL is afternoon tea. There’s something so comforting about sipping tea from fine china and sampling tasty sweet and savoury treats on a chilly day. I would recommend heading to the Prince of Wales Hotel of HobNob at the Charles Hotel for a luxurious afternoon tea experience! 

If you’re looking for a really unique experience, the Greatest Winery Tour at Peller Estates Winery has you covered – it’s a wine tasting experience in Niagara’s only igloo-like lounge – the 10Below Icewine Lounge. Made from over 13,500 kg of ice and kept at -10º, you’ll sample Niagara’s liquid gold (icewine)!

6. Sledding and Tobogganing

Sledding is the ultimate childhood winter adventure—and it’s just as magical for adults! There’s nothing like the thrill of zooming down a snowy hill, the sound of laughter echoing through the crisp winter air. It’s the perfect way to get everyone moving (and maybe even tire out the kids 🤫) while creating family memories.

✨ See my guide to sledding and tobogganing hills in Niagara ✨

7. Visit Niagara’s Museums

Explore the Niagara region’s museums this winter and learn what shaped our area into what it is today! The Niagara Falls History Museum dives into the city’s past – far beyond just the waterfalls! It features artifacts from the War of 1812 and local heritage. 

At the Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre in Jordan Village, uncover exhibits celebrating regional art and history. The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre showcases the fascinating story of the canal system and its impact on the area. Places like these are perfect for a day you want to get out of the house for an hour or two. You’d be surprised how much there is to learn about the region!

9. Afternoon Tea Rooms

Warm up this winter with a visit to the Niagara Region’s charming afternoon tea rooms! Escape the cold and indulge in a cozy tea experience at the Prince of Wales Hotel. This is my favourite place to go for an upscale experience. Or, visit hidden gems like the Fox & Hummingbird in Welland or Tay’s Treats in Vineland!

There’s something so uplifting about settling down over a pot of tea, good conversation, and sweet and savoury treats when it’s chilly outside. It’s the perfect way to spend a snowy January or February day.

10. Winter Festivals and Events

Niagara is home to several winter festivals that make the season extra special. A local favorite is the Winter Festival of Lights, where the region is illuminated with over three million lights in stunning displays along the Niagara Parkway. This magical festival runs from November through January and is a sight you won’t want to miss.

Bundle up and take a stroll! There is lots to see between Table Rock House and Clifton Hill. Warm up at any number of spots along the Hot Chocolate Trail (including adult versions!!)

Don’t miss out on the Icewine Festival events in January! From cozying up in the Icewine Village in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake to tasting the best from the region during the Icewine Discovery Pass, to even a full-blown Cool as Ice Gala at the Niagara Parks Power Station, icewine is something to be celebrated here!

Embrace the Magic of Niagara in Winter

Niagara in winter is a hidden gem that offers so much more than just the Falls. Whether you’re strolling through quaint towns, exploring scenic trails, or sipping wine, the region is brimming with unique experiences that will make your winter visit unforgettable.