It’s shaping up to be a summer of outdoor fun and excitement. As the province reopens, outdoor spaces and activities have been the first to come back. From parks to patios, the outdoors is the best place to reconnect with family and friends and get back to enjoying the finer things in life.
As Niagara home builders, we’ve been seeing more and more home buyers from the city looking for a place to start a new chapter in life. They’re leaving the city behind and exploring new parts of the province. Just a picturesque drive through wine country away from the GTA, Niagara normally attracts 14 million visitors a year.
The best advice we can give someone thinking about making the move is to come visit. It’s not just the high-quality bungalow townhomes like Blythwood’s towns in Ridgeway that attract people out of the city; it’s the Niagara lifestyle.
Make Niagara Region your destination this summer. You don’t have to go far to find one of the best destinations in the world. These are some of the top outdoor activities you can enjoy in Niagara on the Lake this summer.
What to Do in Niagara This Summer
Explore the quaint town of Ridgeway. Ridgeway offers something for everyone. Thanks to its location next to Lake Erie, close to the Niagara Parkway, and in the heart of Ontario’s fruit-growing country, you have a wide range of outdoor options. Head to the beach, explore natural beauty along a hiking trail, picnic at the park, or make reservations for a patio at one of the great restaurants in Niagara on the Lake. To get to Ridgeway just go another 20 minutes on the QEW past NOTL. It is worth the extra drive! And is actually about the same distance from the GTA as to Niagara on the Lake.
Golf
The stunning landscape of the Niagara Region has made it the ideal location for some of the best golf courses in the country. There are over 40 golf courses in the region providing beautiful views and challenging but rewarding games.
Check out some of the top-rated golf courses in the region to find the best places to tee off in the area. If you’re wondering what there is to do in Niagara on the Lake, golf is one of the area’s top attractions.
Credit: drobotdean via Freepik
Head to the beautiful sandy beaches in the Town of Ridgeway or any spot along the beautiful Niagara parkway. If you want a relaxed park overlooking the lake you can go to the Crystal Beach Waterfront Park . Or you can jut have lunch at one of the many cafes like San Vitos Bistro or South Coast cookhouse.
Cycling
For those who love to get active on their holidays and get out into nature, cycling in Niagara is unrivalled. The Greater Niagara Circle Route offers cyclists, walkers, and runners 140 km through gorgeous scenery. The paved waterfront route connects Niagara Falls, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and the Welland Canal. One of the most popular stretches follows the Niagara River with incredible views of the Falls and the escarpment and it then connects right to the town center of Ridgeway.
There’s also NOTL’s famous Wine Route, a winding route that heads through the lush greenery and cultivated countryside of the region. It’s a unique way to hop from winery to winery, exploring and stopping along the way.
Wine Al Fresco
The nearby access to the best wineries in Canada is a great perk to living in Niagara . Anyone wondering what to do in Niagara this summer should look no further than the area’s world-class wineries, especially as they reopen for tastings, tours, dinner, and outdoor experiences.
It’s been a long time since tourists and locals alike have been able to linger in the sun with a local vintage, and there’s never been a more important time to support local businesses and restaurants.
Some of the country’s best wineries can be found in NOTL, such as Peller Estates, Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, Five Rows Winery, Reif Estate Winery, and more. A tasting is a great opportunity to learn more about wine and find a new favourite to enjoy. Be sure to check the winery’s website before you go, as not all of them have reopened for tastings or dining. It never hurts to make a reservation either.
What is there to do in Niagara on the Lake better than an evening of al fresco wine from some of the best winemakers in Canada?
Fine Dining on the Patio
If you’d rather wine and dine in NOTL’s charming, historic downtown, patio season has started! Niagara on the Lake is known for its fine dining scene, taking advantage of the abundance of fresh local produce. Book your reservation and enjoy a romantic evening soaking in the sights and sounds.
Enjoy the Lifestyle in Niagara
Once you visit, you’ll never want to leave. It’s one of the reasons so many people are asking about our active adult communities in Niagara. People are looking for their escape from the city to become a permanent one, and Niagara is hands-down one of the top destinations for buyers who are ready to leave the city behind them.
The outdoor activities, culture, and lifestyle are great reasons to buy a home in Niagara. Come see for yourself why the region has become such a popular destination, not just for tourists but for those hoping to relocate out of the city.