Discover the wonders of Niagara by uncovering some of its hidden gems that have yet to be fully appreciated. The following rundown merely scratches the surface of the many intriguing locations waiting to be explored during the Summer and into the Fall season. So get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and add these noteworthy sites to your itinerary.
- Oakes Garden Theatre
- Dufferin Islands
- White Water Walk
- Niagara Glen
- Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre
- DeCew Falls
- Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm
- Jordan Village
- Avondale Dairy Bar
- St. Johns Conservation Area
- Balls Falls
- Queenston Heights Park
- Short Hills Provincial Park
- Wainfleet Bog
- Comfort Maple Conservation Area
- Rockway Conservation Area
- Merritt Island
Oakes Garden Theatre
5825 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3K9
Tucked at the foot of Clifton Hill, this elegant garden oasis delivers one of the finest panoramic views of both the American and Horseshoe Falls. Built in 1937, Oakes Garden Theatre features an arched pergola wall, stone pathways, and flower beds that change with the seasons. The lily pond and footbridge add a touch of romance, making it a favourite for photographers. In 2011, it was inducted into the Niagara Falls Arts & Culture Wall of Fame—a nod to its enduring place in the city’s heritage.
Dufferin Islands
6345 Dufferin Isle Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L0S 1A0
Just south of the Falls, Dufferin Islands offers a 10-acre network of tiny islands connected by rustic footbridges and feels worlds away from the tourist bustle. Maintained by Niagara Parks, it’s an ideal picnic destination with shaded paths, wildlife sightings, and peaceful water views. In autumn, the canopy becomes a painter’s palette of golds and reds.
White Water Walk
4330 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 6T2
White Water Walk puts you within arm’s reach of Class 6 rapids—among the most powerful in North America. After descending 70 metres by elevator and passing through a tunnel, you emerge onto a 1,000-foot riverside walkway with observation platforms so close to the Whirlpool Rapids that you can feel the mist. It’s a front-row seat to raw natural power.
Niagara Glen
3050 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON
A hiker’s haven, Niagara Glen offers 4 km of rugged trails winding through ancient Carolinian forest and massive boulders deposited during the last Ice Age. The descent into the gorge via a steel staircase rewards you with sweeping views of the Whirlpool and access to the boulder-strewn river’s edge.
Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre
7020 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7B7
Set on 10 acres with views toward the Falls, the 140-year-old Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre is a sanctuary of stillness. Visitors can explore its shrines—both indoor and outdoor—including the Canadian National Shrine to Saint Thérèse. The centre offers retreats, gardens for contemplation, and a unique glimpse into the Carmelite tradition.
DeCew Falls
2710 Decew Road, St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 6P7
Here, heritage and nature meet. The Upper DeCew Falls drop 22 metres beside the restored Morningstar Mill, where demonstrations show how grain was milled in the 19th century. The Lower DeCew Falls, reached via steep trails, offer a more secluded waterfall experience. Hike carefully—this gorge can be slippery.
*Please use extreme caution as the gorge is very steep and can be quite slippery in areas.
Happy Rolph’s Animal Farm
650 Read Rd, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7K6
A family favourite from May to October, Happy Rolph’s offers barnyard encounters in a pastoral lakeside setting. Children can feed the animals (with provided feed), then explore the playground or picnic by the ponds. Birdwatchers will appreciate the migratory waterfowl.
Jordan Village
3769 Main St, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0, Canada
Nestled in Twenty Valley wine country, Jordan Village pairs boutique shopping with vineyard views. Browse galleries and antique shops, enjoy seasonal cuisine at chef-led restaurants, and take in the charm of 19th-century architecture along Main Street.
Avondale Dairy Bar
461 Stewart Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Since 1955, this working dairy farm has been turning out some of the region’s creamiest ice cream. Avondale Dairy Bar flavours are made fresh on-site from milk sourced from its herd of Holsteins. Outdoor seating among the cornfields and vineyards completes the nostalgia-soaked experience.
St. Johns Conservation Area
3101 Barron Rd, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E6
St. Johns Conservation Area provides a peaceful fishing and hiking destination. Families line up around the pond which is surrounded by benches, bridges and viewing areas. In summer, it’s alive with turtles, frogs, and waterfowl. Hiking is a popular family pastime here with trails that are easy to navigate. The conservation area is off Pelham St. N. at the intersection with Hollow and Barron Rds.
Balls Falls
3292 Sixth Ave, Lincoln, ON L0R 1S0
Once a thriving 19th-century mill village, Ball’s Falls now blends history and hiking. Explore the restored buildings, then walk to the upper and lower waterfalls where Twenty Mile Creek cuts through the gorge.
Queenston Heights Park
14184 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Queenston Heights was the site of the pivotal War of 1812 battle, this park is home to Brock’s Monument, memorial gardens, and sweeping Niagara River views. Kids can enjoy the splash pad and playground while history buffs tour the battlefield.
Short Hills Provincial Park
2876 Wiley Rd, Thorold, ON L0S 1E6 (PARKING LOT C)
At 735 hectares, this is Niagara’s largest natural area. Rolling terrain, waterfalls like Swayze Falls, and rare Carolinian forest make it a must for hikers and birdwatchers. Trails range from easy loops to challenging climbs.
Wainfleet Bog
20389 Erie Peat Rd, Port Colborne, ON L3K 5V4
The Wainfleet Bog offers a rare peat bog ecosystem formed thousands of years ago. This 1,980-acre site is home to unique plant life and rare wildlife like the Massasauga rattlesnake. Boardwalk trails make it accessible for exploration.
Comfort Maple Conservation Area
636 Metler Rd, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0
The Comfort Maple is believed to be Canada’s oldest sugar maple. This 530-year-old giant stands as a living landmark. Photographers will find endless inspiration beneath its sprawling canopy.
Rockway Conservation Area
1742 St Paul St W, St. Catharines, ON L2R 6P7
The Rockway Conservation Area offers a rugged valley hike leads you past 18th-century salt springs and two waterfalls—one nearly 20 metres high—making this a blend of geological and historical interest.
This site is located near St.Catharines and Jordan in Vineland.
Merritt Island
Welland Canal Trail, Welland, ON
Merritt Island is located between the Welland River and Canal, this green space offers a 4.2 km tree-lined path perfect for cycling or leisurely walks. Interpretive signs and wood sculptures highlight the island’s heritage as part of the original canal system.
Travel Tip: Many of these sites are natural habitats—carry water, wear sturdy shoes, and be mindful of wildlife. In summer, check for ticks after time in long grass or forested areas.
