The Civic Holiday long weekend is here from July 29th to Aug 1st and now is a great time to get your plans in motion! If you have been holding off travel, this is the perfect opportunity to take some time off and spend it with family and friends for a fun filled weekend!
Clifton Hill offers the ultimate Civic Holiday long weekend destination…everything you could possibly want for an fun getaway is in close proximity to one another on the Hill. What’s better than great food, fun activities, and stunning scenic views with all the people you love?
What is the Civic Holiday?
Civic Holiday is celebrated annually on the first Monday in August across Canada, but takes many different names across the provinces and territories. In Ontario, the holiday was created to honour John Graves Simcoe who was the creator of the birthplace of modern Toronto, as well as to celebrate diverse Canadian culture. But each province and territory has adopted it’s own reason to celebrate.
Civic Holiday Weather
See below for the weekend weather forecast. No matter the weather, there are so many indoor and outdoor venues in Niagara Falls to make it perfect for the Civic Holiday!
Niagara Falls Parking
You will find plenty of parking over the Civic Holiday weekend at this lot pictured in the map below. It’s only a 5 minute walk down Clifton Hill to the illumination show. It’s a short walk to the Fallsview Casino and their adjoining restaurants. Queen Victoria Park offers amazing scenic views of the Falls, access the Hornblower Niagara Cruises, and the Zipline to the Falls attraction!
Amazing Room Rates at Niagara Falls’ Top Hotels
Great news for overnight travelers, hotel rates are affordable for Civic Holiday weekend getaways! If you’re coming in from out of town, the best way to ensure an epic weekend is with the perfect place to stay. Choosing from our list of recommended hotels ensures that you are in the heart of all of the action
Starting at $240/Night
Starting at $221/Night
Starting at $322/Night
Starting at $296/Night
Starting at $266/Night
Starting at $201/Night
Making the Most of the Weekend
Niagara SkyWheel: OPEN DAILY 9:30am-2:00am!
Soar 175-feet above Niagara Falls for the view of a lifetime! The Niagara SkyWheel gives riders a breathtaking panoramic view of this spectacular natural wonder from the vantage of climate controlled gondolas. Soak in the awe-inspiring scene year-round, day and night, in total comfort. Get tickets for the Niagara SkyWheel
Niagara Speedway: OPEN DAILY 10am-1:30am!
A Clifton Hill hit that is not to be missed is the Niagara Speedway which combines traditional go-karts with the added fun and excitement of an elevated coaster styled track. Our most talked about attraction, with a track that spans 2000 feet and climbs up a 4-story spiral before you head down the ramp.
Movieland Wax Museum: OPEN DAILY 10am-2am!
All New Exhibits!!! Check out Niagara Falls’ top wax museum and be amazed by our life-like wax sculptures of characters from classic films like Aliens and the Terminator…to current hits like Black Widow and the Ironman! Snap a selfie next to your favourite stars and celebrities this weekend!
Take a picture with the all new Chris Hemsworth wax figure as Thor Odinson the Asgardian God of Thunder, Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff in Black Widow, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in Jumanji, Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark, plus many more!
Click here for more details on Movieland Wax Museum
Fri-Mon 10am-2am
Fri-Sun 9:30am-2am
Monday 10am-2am
Fri-Mon 10:30am-1:30am
Fri-Mon 10am-2am
Niagara Parks Power Station: Open Daily 10am-6pm
The Niagara Parks Power Station recently opened the Tunnel at the beginning of the month. Be amongst the first few visitors to explore the new underground tunnel experience at the first major power plant on the Canadian side of the Niagara River with immersive exhibits, restored artifacts and interactive storytelling. And at night, feel the once-dormant power station come to life in a breathtaking interactive experience you’ll never forget.
The Tunnel: Descend 180 feet beneath the halls of the Niagara Parks Power Station with the all-new tunnel experience, included with regular admission. Find out how this remarkable 2,200-foot-long tunnel was excavated with only lanterns, rudimentary dynamite, pickaxes and shovels. Then, step out onto a new observation deck at the river’s edge.
For 100 years, the “Canadian Niagara Power Company generating station” harnessed the powerful energy of the Horseshoe Falls and turned it into a great source of electricity. Now, years after its turbines came to a halt, the wonder of this hydropower pioneer is coming back to life in an entertaining and educational experience that highlights both the remarkable history and unique architectural features of this 115-year-old engineering marvel.
This not-to-be-missed experience offers an opportunity to be part of a thrilling revival, and a chance to discover the incredible history and heritage of this celebrated building. Dive into the history of the visionaries behind it as well as the workers that kept it running.
Niagara Falls Restaurants
To keep you fueled and ready for action we have two family friendly restaurants that feature a broad selection of menu items. Both Boston Pizza and Kelsey’s Original Roadhouse are the perfect way to take a break from the action while still being able to see the action from a distance that to the outdoor patio dining options.
Family Day Weekend
Family Day Weekend
Events for the Civic Holiday Weekend!
Below is a listing of all the top events for Civic Holiday Weekend in the Falls and the Niagara Region.
Niagara Falls Illumination
Every evening beginning at dusk the Falls are lit in the colours of the rainbow – don’t miss the unmatched beauty of the Falls at night!
Schedule:
Now to July 31st: from 8:30 PM – 2:00 AM
August 1 to 15th: from 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Greg Frewin Theatre
A little bit of mystery is waiting to be found in Niagara Falls. Discover it for yourself at the Greg Frewin Theater where you will be amazed by The International Grand Champion of Magic.
July 29, July 30 and August 1st
6:00 PM: WILD MAGIC (Dinner)
7:30 PM: WILD MAGIC (Show)
Shaw Festival Events for the Civic Holiday Weekend!
Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
World-class theatre — in blissful Niagara wine country. World class plays on 3 stages, plus many other events & activities. Ready? We certainly are!
April 30 – October 9
June 11 – October 8
May 18 – October 8
July 27 – October 16
May 18 – October 9
July 16 – October 8
May 4 – October 8
August 5 – October 9
May 4 – October 8
May 18 – October 8
June 8 – October 8
St. Catharines Rotary Rib Fest
The Rotary Club of St. Catharines hosts the annual 4-day community fundraising event known as Ribfest. Live music, food trucks, and kid-friendly activities are all included.
This summer, we are happy to visit Montebello Park once more. One of the biggest downtown events in St. Catharines remains ribfest. Over 30,000 people will be there, there will be live music for 35 hours, there will be over 20 vendors selling food, drinks, and other items, and there will be plenty of ribs from Bone Daddy’s Ribs, Billy Bones BBQ, Silver Bullet BBQ, Camp 31 BBQ, and Uncle Sam’s BBQ.
From Friday, July 29 through to Monday, August 1, 2022, more than 30,000 people are anticipated to attend Montebello Park to sample ribs from five of the top ribbers in Canada and the United States.
Dates:
Friday, July 29th: 12:00PM – 11:00PM
Saturday, July 30th: 12:00PM – 11:00PM
Sunday, July 31st: 12:00PM – 11:00PM
Monday, August 1st: 12:00PM – 8:00PM
Click here for details of the Rotary Ribfest
Shopping in Niagara
- Canada Trading on Clifton Hill
- Fudge Factory on Clifton Hill
- Canada One in Niagara Falls
- SmartCentres in Niagara Falls, Welland and St Catharines
- Outlet Collection at Niagara in Niagara-on-the-Lake
- The Pen Centre in St Catharines
- Fairview Mall in St Catharines
- Briarfield Shopping Centre in St Catharines
- Pendale Plaza in St Catharines
- Seaway Mall in Welland
Beer and Liquor Stores
- Beer Store
- Most of Niagara’s Beer Stores will be open
- Civic Holiday (Monday, August 1st) 12 pm to 5 pm
- Friday & Saturday 10am-9pm
- Sunday 12pm-5pm
- LCBO
- Most of the LCBO stores in the Niagara Region will be open.
- Civic Holiday (Monday, August 1st). 11am to 8 pm
- Friday & Saturday 10am-10pm
- Sunday 10am-8pm
- Customers are encouraged to check the store locator feature for their local store hours on lcbo.com or the mobile app.
Driving Route Alternatives
Visiting today for the Civic Holiday? Here are a few driving options to consider while getting in and out of the Falls. Have a safe and happy holiday today!
CIVIC HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY Celebrate this August Long Weekend with Clifton Hill
Contest details below:
1) Follow our Facebook page and/or Instagram @cliftonhillfun
2) Add a comment about your favourite Clifton Hill summer treat.
3) Share on your Facebook feed, or post on Istagram and tag us @cliftonhillfun
The Winner will be officially announced on Friday, July 29th with an official post on our official account and not by direct message, messenger or friend requests.
Epic Prize package includes:
- Four (4) Clifton Hill Fun Passes (Six Attraction)
- 100 Great Canadian Midway Game Tokens
- 4 Niagara Speedway Tickets
- Strike Bowling