10 best towns outside Niagara Falls

185 km from Niagara Falls

Don’t worry, a trip to Stratford is more like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” than “Titus Andronicus.” Luscious gardens, charming downtown restaurants and one of the most highly regarded festivals in Southern Ontario make Stratford a must-see stop. Each year, the Stratford Festival brings thousands of drama lovers to the Avon Theatre and other venues around town for top-notch theatre. Catch performances like “Macbeth” and “As You Like It,” as well as “A Chorus Line” and other popular shows.

If you want a little more of that timeless atmosphere when the curtain closes, walk through the Shakespearean Gardens, which feature over 50 types of flowers, plants and herbs that were regularly mentioned in the Bard’s plays. Want a book to read while you relax amongst the greenery? Pop into a local bookstore. To be or not to be? Nope, you’ve got to be in Stratford.

40 km from Niagara Falls

We like big ships and we cannot lie. If you’re wondering what’s around Niagara Falls, you have to visit Port Colborne, the closest city on our list. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, this seaside town has a ton of magnificent views, plus one of the biggest events in the region: Canal Days. Known for live music, crafts and—unlike most parades anywhere else in the country—a boat parade.

While you’re in town, find your way to Lock 8 Gateway Park to view the ships pass in the water, lay out on Nickel Beach, and feel the sun on your skin, or get to know the region at the Historical and Marine Museum. Just make sure to leave some of your afternoon free for a round of golf at Port Colborne Country Club and Whisky Run Golf Club. It’s nothing but birdies and eagles when you’re on holiday.

210 km from Niagara Falls

In most cities, carving trees is a crime; in London, the tree carvers are mini celebrities. Throughout “Forest City,” artists have carved tree trunks in beautiful, fanciful and inspired patterns, as pops of creativity beam out from the wood. In fact, you can even take a Tree Trunk Tour to see them all.

Speaking of wood, tobogganing has a long history in these parts, as it was once the toboggan mecca of the region. Today, you can still enjoy a good slide down the hillside. If you want something else that goes down nice and smooth, don’t miss Toboggan Brewing, with homegrown beers and local eats. Just try not to combine sleds and drinks, eh?

96 km from Niagara Falls

You can worry about traffic and chores some other time. When you’re in Oakville, one of the most scenic places near Niagara Falls, it’s all about the good life. As the sun sets over the harbour, with the boats bobbing on the waves and the old-fashioned streetlights beginning to glow bright, you feel transported back to a time when things were simpler. Good food, pretty sights and some of the friendliest people around—this is what Oakville is made of.

Make a stop at the Oakville Lighthouse for idyllic vacation pictures, before teeing up at the famous Glen Abbey Golf Club. When you need to refuel after your day, Oakville has plenty of awesome places to eat, like 7 Enoteca and Colossus Greek Taverna.

175 km from Niagara Falls

Are you a theatre buff wondering what to do around Niagara Falls? It’s OK, embrace that inner theatre snob. Orangeville puts on so many great shows at Theatre Orangeville, you just might see a gamechanger during your trip. From comedies to dramas, there’s a brave new world happening on stage, and you can be front row to see it.

If you want to see something else in this red-brick-lined town, just keep those peepers open for the Art Walk of Tree Sculptures. There are nearly five dozen tree sculptures around the city, in the shapes of bears, townspeople and everything in between. Who knows? You might just feel inspired to dabble in your own works of art when you get home.

265 km from Niagara Falls

There are some nicknames you try to shed as you get older, but when you’re called one of “Canada’s prettiest towns,” you know you’re only getting better with age. Such is the case with Goderich. Overlooking Lake Huron, Goderich is known for its sunsets, recreation options and picturesque boardwalks.

Take it all in when you splash in the shores of Rotary Cove Beach, take new profile pics in front of the Goderich Lighthouse or stroll along Menesetung Bridge. This is one of the most beautiful places to see around Niagara Falls, so as far as nicknames go, we couldn’t agree more.

44 km from Niagara Falls

OK, we’re saying it. Life is better with wine. And it just so happens that Southern Ontario is a playground of delicious vino. Lincoln, which comprises communities like Beamsville and Jordan to make the Twenty Valley, is home to award-winning wineries. We’re talking Thirty Bench, Hidden Bench, Angels Gate Winery and Fielding Estate Winery, to name a few.

If you want to munch on something besides sweet, sweet grapes, you can always taste the annual harvest at the Lincoln County Fair or nibble on Lincoln-grown strawberries and peaches at the Beamsville Strawberry Festival. Wine and strawberries? What a life.