A short drive from the Falls is the historic village of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The heart of Canadian wine country, the town is home to 21 wineries. January visitors can participate in the annual Niagara Icewine Festival. Couples may enjoy staying at one of the many bed-and-breakfasts or renting a private vacation home on the lake. Early winter visitors will want to take the candlelight stroll through the 19th-century town.
November through early January, 3 million sparkling lights cover the trees and grounds of the annual Festival of Lights. Each year, 1 million residents and visitors are greeted by 125 animated lit displays. A fireworks display concludes weekend nights. There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted and are used to fund the event.
During the winter months, Niagara Falls creates a distinctive site for visitors by changing into a crystallized wonderland. The mist produced by the falling water freezes almost instantly on contact with any surface. Trees, lamp posts, rocks and railings are transformed into shimmering sculptures. The Falls themselves do not freeze, but a bridge of ice forms at their base. At night, they are illuminated by a rainbow of colored lights.
Casa Loma, meaning "house on the hill," is a romantic medieval style castle built in 1911. Self-guided tours are available and allow access to the living areas, towers and the 800-foot tunnel connecting the house to the stables. While in the master suite, look for the secret passage leading directly to the wine cellar.
In Ontario you will find the world's largest glass conservatory. Inside, winding paths will take you through a tropical setting of exotic blooms, home to more than 2,000 free-flying butterflies. Observation rooms allow you to view the stages of the butterfly life cycle.
Located on the New York side of the Falls is Snow Park, a year-round outdoor sports facility. A daily fresh dusting of manmade snow allows visitors to plunge down Tubing Hill or skate on the NHL-regulation-size rink. Young families will appreciate the Snow Play Area, where they can build an igloo, snowman or have a snowball fight.
