Niagara Falls Short Vacation Ideas

Dinner at Pinnacle Restaurant - Konica Minolta Tower Centre

The Pinnacle Restaurant

Enjoy an elegant dining experience hundreds of feet above the city, with an unobstructed view of Niagara Falls.

If you only have a day or two to spend in Niagara Falls, there are a few things that should not be missed:

For everyone...

• Oakes Garden Theatre. An architectural and horticultural showcase, Oakes Garden Theatre hosts a number of public concerts throughout the years and serves as a formal entrance to Queen Victoria Park.  This Greco-Roman style amphitheater features a fan-shaped pergola amid rock gardens, lily ponds, terraces and promenades, at the foot of Clifton Hill.
  
• The Maid of the Mist. The Maid of the Mist tour begins with an elevator ride up to the landing where you get on the boat that will traverse you along the most amazing waters in North America.  There will be a lot of photo opportunities, so remember to bring your camera.
  

For the family...

• Konica Minolta Tower Centre. Since 1962, Konica Minolta Tower Centre has been one of Niagara's landmarks. With its indoor and outdoor observations decks, souvenir shops, thrill ride simulator featuring Slot Car Boogie and Kid Coaster, Cybermind Virtual Reality and Baskin Robbins Ice Cream, there is fun for the whole family.  The Pinnacle Restaurant atop the tower rises an impressive 525 feet above the Niagara gorge and provides a breathtaking view of the Horseshoe and American Falls.
  
• MarineLand Theme Park. MarineLand Theme Park is full of the greatest and most amazing creature of the ocean.  Every family member will enjoy the exciting rides and fun-filled shows starring acrobats and incredible animals (including dolphins and sea lions).
  
• Fun House. At the Fun House, you can laugh it up as you make funny faces in the crazy room mirrors, try to balance in the anti-gravity room, or crawl over a cargo net. 
  

For the romantic...

• The Pinnacle Restaurant. The Pinnacle Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant offering spectacular views overlooking the Falls and fine meals prepared by highly-trained chefs.
  
• Vineland Estates Winery. Vineland Estates Winery is located on 75 picturesque acres of the Niagara Escarpment with Lake Ontario in the distance. The restaurant, the Mark Picone at Vineland Estates Winery features local cuisine is open for dining throughout the year.  The historic Carriage House is available for small weddings and receptions.
  

For the history buff...

• Lundy's Lane Historical Museum. Located on the site of one of the fierce battles of the War of 1812, Lundy's Lane Historical Museum is a two-story limestone building that was constructed in 1874 as the Stamford Township Hall.  Exhibits include military displays, Indian artifacts, relics from early settlers, and an art glass display.
  
• The Niagara Historical Society & Musuem. Founded in 1895 The Niagara Historical Society & Museum houses one of the finest collections of early Canadian artifacts and archives. Visitors are treated to one of the most extensive collections, reflecting the history of one of the oldest settlements in Ontario. A Census conducted by Col. John Butler records 84 settlers along the western side of the Niagara River in 1782, by 1785, 800 inhabitants of Irish, Scottish, English, German and Dutch descent are found in Niagara.

For the nature lover...

• Butterfly Conservatory. The year round exhibit of The Butterfly Conservatory showcases a variety of butterflies from around the world living in a lush, rain forest like environment.  Pathways allow guests the opportunity to observe numerous species of butterflies fluttering among beautiful nectar producing flora. (Pathways are accessible to the physically challenged)
  
• Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Gardens is one hundred acres of the plant world as seen in the herb garden, the vegetable garden, the rose garden or the impressive arboretum, supporting a collection of Canada's finest collections of hundreds of trees and shrubs.
  
• Niagara Falls Aviary. The Niagara Falls Aviary has hundreds of birds from all over the world.  The tropical jungle setting and beautiful birds are sure to make for great photo opportunities.