Niagara Region

Borderland on the Niagara RiverThe Niagara River forms the border between Canada and the US state of New York. During the War of 1812, the region was the scene of fierce battles; Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the battlefield of Queenston Heights serve as reminders. Queenston Heights is also associated with Laura Secord, who in 1813 warned British troops of an American attack.Underground RailroadIn the 19th century, the Niagara region was the destination for many people who had fled slavery. Harriet Tubman lived in St. Catharines for several years; the Salem Chapel of the British Methodist Episcopal Church commemorates this period.Wine and TheatreThe mild climate between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment makes the region Ontario's most important wine-growing area, known especially for icewine. Niagara-on-the-Lake is also home to the Shaw Festival, which presents theatre from April into the autumn.

Getting ThereThe Niagara Region is located about 130 km southeast of Toronto; by car, you'll need about an hour and a half via the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) without traffic. GO Transit connects Toronto with Niagara Falls year-round by bus and train (Lakeshore West Line); VIA Rail also stops in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.Getting AroundIn Niagara Falls, the WEGO bus operates year-round between hotels, the waterfalls, and Clifton Hill.The Niagara Parkway, between Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake, is a scenic road with a parallel bike path (Niagara River Recreation Trail).For wineries, a guided tour or a rental bike is recommended – if you're wine tasting, you shouldn't drive yourself.Border CrossingYou can cross into the USA via the Rainbow Bridge on foot or by car. For this, you will need valid entry documents for the USA. Current information on entry, health, and safety can be found in the travel and security advisories of the Auswärtiges Amt, which are linked on the Canada country page.