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Victoria Day Long Weekend at Niagara Parks

May 14, 2024

Niagara Parks

  • Niagara Parks launches Heritage Trail Pass to celebrate opening of seasonal heritage sites
  • Niagara Parks Power Station launches new experiences ahead of long weekend visitation
  • Calling all explorers, get your Niagara Parks Souvenir Passport stamped for a chance to win
  • Bundle and save with Niagara Parks bundled attraction pass, learn more at niagaraparks.com/summer

​​Niagara Falls, ON –​ Niagara Parks welcomes guests to the heart of Niagara Falls for the Victoria Day long weekend, the official kickoff to the summer season in Canada’s top leisure destination. Renewed and refreshed visitor experiences are set to dazzle guests as they explore all along the 56-kilometre Niagara River corridor. To learn about Niagara Parks sites and summer hours, visit niagaraparks.com/summer.

Collect Stamps on Your Niagara Parks Adventure

New this year, guests can commemorate their visit with the all-new Niagara Parks Souvenir Passport, provided complimentary to Adventure Pass and Niagara Falls Pass purchasers. Each page of the passport highlights a classic Niagara Parks attraction, including illustrations and vintage photos from the archives. When guests visit each attraction included in their pass, they can request to have their passport stamped by a Niagara Parks employee. Guests who collect all of the stamps and fill their passports are invited to visit Niagara Parks’ digital channels for instructions on how to enter to win one of five Niagara Parks prize packages this summer.

It is not just a passport, it is the key to unlocking a world of excitement, memories, and savings at Niagara Parks! With their Niagara Parks Passport in hand, guests can also enjoy a treasure trove of discounts with coupons redeemable across our attractions, restaurants, and gift shops. For more information and to purchase your pass, visit niagaraparks.com/deals.

Niagara Parks Heritage Sites Open for Season

All four of Niagara Parks’ heritage sites are ready to welcome guests to rediscover Niagara’s fascinating history as they travel to the river’s edge. Available for purchase starting May 11, in partnership with Parks Canada, the Heritage Trail Pass provides access to Niagara’s top heritage locations. Each Heritage Pass includes all four Niagara Parks heritage sites, as well as admission to Parks Canada sites Brock’s Monument in Queenston Heights Park and Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Nestled within a park along the north Niagara Parkway overlooking the Niagara River, the elegant yet understated McFarland House Tea Room reopens for the season this Victoria Day long weekend. Guests can take a trip back in time to experience a traditional afternoon tea service within the glass-enclosed conservatory tearoom of this Niagara Parks heritage site, complete with freshly baked scones, delicate desserts, and an assortment of artisanal teas. To reserve your table, visit niagaraparks.com/mcfarlandhousetea.

Also returning this year is the WEGO Niagara-on-the-Lake shuttle connection, which is open daily. For more information, please visit niagaraparks.com/heritage.

Electrifying Additions at the Niagara Parks Power Station

Niagara Parks has introduced exciting new additions to both the daytime and nighttime experiences at the Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel. Daytime guests can delve deeper into Niagara’s story of power with an all-new bilingual audio tour, included with general admission. The captivating audio stories takes guests on a journey back in time to the heart of hydroelectric innovation, including interviews from past employees.

For the first time-ever, guests will now be able to experience the Tunnel at night, complete with new LED lighting and sound. After exploring the Niagara Parks Power Station’s interactive evening show, travel through the 2,200-foot tunnel to witness the iconic Niagara Falls illumination and fireworks show from the panoramic river-level viewing platform! For more information and tickets, visit niagaraparks.com/power.

Falls Fireworks Series

The Falls Fireworks Series officially kicks off beginning on Friday, May 17, and will run nightly at 10 p.m. all summer long through to Thanksgiving weekend (weather permitting). New this year, enjoy the nightly fireworks display from a jaw-dropping vantage point – the viewing platform at the Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel! Learn more at niagaraparks.com/fireworks.

Add Even More Adventure with Niagara City Cruises and WildPlay

Cross these experiences off your bucket lists this Victoria Day long weekend! Enjoy the classic Voyage to the Falls with Niagara City Cruises as you take in stunning views of the Niagara Gorge, American and Bridal Veil Falls, and Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Soar on a breathtaking ride into the Niagara Gorge toward the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls with WildPlay’s Zipline to the Falls or take on a series of aerial ropes courses, obstacles and ziplines at WildPlay’s Whirlpool Adventure Course. For more information and tickets, please visit niagaraparks.com/attractions.

Panoramic Patio Views at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant

Queen Victoria Place Restaurant kicks off the season with new menu items ready for Victoria Day weekend. Visitors to the iconic restaurant can take in the panoramic views of the American Falls from the expansive covered terrace while enjoying mouth-watering dishes from Chef Matt Hemmingsen such as a Prosciutto Melon Salad, Cabernet Braised Short Ribs and House-Made Gnocchi with Shrimp. All menu options are available alongside a diverse selection of local VQA wines, craft beers and spirits. To view the full menu and book your table, visit niagaraparks.com/queenvictoriaplace.

Travelling from the GTA

Planning a weekend getaway or day trip to Niagara Falls from the GTA is easier than ever with the GO Niagara Train Service. Choose from daily departure times and get seamless access to all that Niagara has to offer with convenient GO+WEGO packages. Kids 12 and under ride free!

For bundled packages, tickets and train schedules, please visit niagaraparks.com/go

Quotes

“The Victoria Day long weekend is the official kick-off to the summer tourism season here at Niagara Parks and once again, there is so much adventure to discover right across the Niagara River corridor from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake,” said Bob Gale, Niagara Parks Chair. “Whether you’re a local resident or traveling from the GTA or across the border, this is the perfect time to plan a visit to Niagara Parks.”

“Niagara Parks has a stellar line-up of events and activities for everyone this Victoria Day weekend,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Take your friends and family for one-of-a-kind excitement that celebrates the region’s natural beauty and heritage. Whether it’s touring the Niagara Power Station, enjoying fine dining or simply marveling at the wonder of Niagara Falls itself, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.”

Media assets are available here.

Niagara Parks

Niagara Parks

The Niagara Parks Commission is committed to a vision of Ontario’s Niagara Parks as one that Preserves a rich heritage, Conserves natural wonders, and Inspires people world-wide. Founded in 1885, The Niagara Parks Commission is an Operational Enterprise Agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Its mission is to protect the natural and cultural heritage along the Niagara River for the enjoyment of visitors while maintaining financial self-sufficiency.