3 Places to Get Some Culture in Niagara Falls

If they’re normally surrounded by cinderblock and concrete and thousands of other city-dwellers, people often seek out natural beauty on their vacations in order to gain some perspective. Niagara Falls certainly has a wealth of flora and fauna to sate city-folks’ hunger, but it also offers plenty of other opportunities for knowledge and betterment not found in regular city environments. One great place is Niagara Falls, where you can experience the calm, quiet of nature, but also stay for the bevy of unique cultural experiences around the region.

Niagara Falls

1. Museums

Niagara Falls is a profoundly historic and cultural place, which means countless scholars have studied the region extensively. Luckily, their interesting and informative findings are preserved for posterity and public improvement in the city’s best museums. On your vacation, stop in any one of these fine institutions to learn about the land and people who have made Niagara what it is.

Daredevil Museum. Housing the stories and artifacts from Niagara Falls’ most infamous stuntmen and women, this museum promises all the thrills of careening off the Falls in a wooden barrel, but none of the danger.

Niagara Falls History Museum. The old Stamford Town Hall lends its floors and walls to galleries and exhibits on Niagara Falls’ extensive history. A permanent collection of memorabilia from the War of 1812 is housed there for visitors to learn about Canada’s biggest war, and the Community Gallery informs visitors about Niagara’s geology, industry, and culture. Additionally, Ontario Power Generation — the company behind Niagara’s hydroelectric plant — continuously provides a variety of exhibits on electricity, art, and history.

Battle Ground Hotel Museum. The Battle of Lundy’s Lane was the biggest and bloodiest battle in the War of 1812, and it took place right in the heart of Niagara Falls. Long after the battle was won, the Battle Ground Hotel has remained to tell the story of the soldiers and citizens who lived through it all. Right outside, visitors can walk through what remains of the battlefield to pay their respects.

On top of numerous art studios and galleries open for tours, these museums offer an in-depth look at Niagara’s culture and history.

2. Theaters

Though the natural theater shines brightly on the world’s stage, Niagara Falls is nonetheless a haven for players with excellent acts and plays all over the region. You can book tickets at any of Niagara’s theaters for a magical experience.

Greg Frewin Theatre. “Imagine” is the award-winning show performed by the Grand Champion of Magic himself: Greg Frewin. Be amazed and astounded by intricate illusions and delicate close-up magic, and enjoy appearances by majestic tigers and beautiful assistants.

Oh Canada, Eh? Dinner Theatre. It’s a musical; it’s a variety show; it’s fun for the whole family. This rollicking musical comedy is Canada’s longest running show, and it’s easy to see why. Sing along to folk favorites and dine on some of the best eats Canada has to offer — when the curtain falls, you won’t want to leave.

Shaw Festival. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a town stopped in time, but that didn’t prevent it from producing the best theater festival in all of Canada. Inspired by the works of George Bernard Shaw, the town presents the highest quality contemporary theater throughout the year, so no matter when you come, you’ll be able to catch one of four entertaining and unique shows.

3. Restaurants

Due to high tourist traffic, world-class chefs have flocked to Niagara to demonstrate their prowess in the culinary sphere. Niagara Falls is home to countless award-winning and five-star restaurants, but a handful stand out above the rest.

Windows by Jamie Kennedy. Taking full advantage of the fertile land surrounding Niagara Falls, noted chef Jamie Kennedy crafted his menu for Windows out of the fresh and local ingredients from local farms and orchards. Diners enjoy their four-diamond meals with five-star views of the Falls through the glass that gives the restaurant its name.

The Rainbow Room by Massimo Capra. Italian mastermind Massimo Capra was one of the pioneers of the Niagara region with his world-renowned Rainbow Room. Combining Canadian ingredients with Italian tastes, his menu is as stellar as the roaring Falls just outside.

AG Inspired Cuisines. Known as the classiest establishment on the Canadian side of the Falls, this restaurant works hard to provide romance and intimacy for every meal. Proud of their pairing proficiency and professional service, the service, atmosphere, and (importantly) food are all top-tier.

As a city-dweller, you may not get enough nature, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice culture on your vacation. Niagara Falls can give you plenty of both when you visit and include any of the above on your itinerary.

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