The Niagara Region is home to an assortment of popular attractions. We’re sure you’ve seen the world-famous Niagara Falls, visited a few of the region’s wineries, and taken a stroll down Clifton hill. But did you know the region is also home to a cider house, an ice cream parlour with ice cream made on-site, and a woodsy paradise with tree house structures?
There’s a lot more to Niagara than what meets the eye. To help you discover its true charm and wonder, we’re sharing 5 of the region’s hidden gems. Let’s get started:
Located in the southwest area of Niagara Falls, Heartland Forest is a massive woodsy paradise that invites people of all ages and physical abilities to discover the wonder of nature.
Home to Niagara’s largest stand of Carolinian Forest, tree house structures, fun outdoor games, and fully accessible walking trails – there’s not a whole lot this hidden gem doesn’t offer!
Although admission is free, guests are asked to consider bringing non-perishable food items for Project SHARE, a Niagara Falls non-profit organization that provides emergency food and support services to residents of Niagara Falls.
Visit Heartland Forest’s website for more information on the park’s trails, current and upcoming events and programs.
If you haven’t tried this local treasure’s ice cream, you’ve been missing out, big time...
Since 1955, Avondale Dairy Bar has been providing Niagara with the finest made on-site ice cream the region has ever seen.
Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, this ice cream parlour stands apart from all the rest as it is also home to a working dairy farm with about 90 Holstein cows, cornfields, and vineyards.
Whether you’re looking for a scoop of chocolate and vanilla or peanut butter banana cup, with over 40 handmade flavours, Avondale Dairy Bar is the place to go.
If all this talk of ice cream has left you craving a scoop, which we’re guessing it has, head on over to Avondale Dairy Bar and prepare to discover your new favourite dessert while enjoying its one-of-a-kind location.
White Meadows Farms has been sharing Canada’s sweetest national treasure–100% Pure Maple Syrup– with locals and visitors alike for over 75 years.
Whether you join a free tour and learn about how maple syrup is made or partake in some fun pioneer-era activities like log cutting or wood-burning, White Meadows Farms is a local treasure trove that will show you a side of Niagara you’ve never seen before.
To shop their delicious maple products or learn more about the types of events that take place at this sweet spot, visit their website or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
This next one is for all you shoppers. We’re sure you’ve browsed through Niagara’s multiple shopping malls and outlets, but there is one shopping area that you may have missed.
Situated along the edge of the Twenty Mile Creek valley, Jordan Village is a quaint shopping area filled with unique boutiques and galleries featuring one-of-a-kind items, exclusive artworks and stunning home and garden décor.
Stroll up and down the tree-lined streets, try on some hats at Frankie Sez Hatters or peruse stylish clothes and accessories at Tintern Road. When you’re done, you can visit one of the village’s exceptional restaurants for a meal unlike any other.
For more information about Jordan Village, visit their website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
Everybody knows that Niagara is one of the best wine regions in all of Canada. But did you know that the region is also home to an astounding Cider House?
If you need a break from all the wine the region has to offer, this local favourite is a must-try!
Located in the scenic Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ironwood Cider House produces a diverse selection of artisanal and modern ciders. They also offer award-winning fruit wines- in case you just can’t part without the vino- and an internationally inspired lunch and tapas menu, designed to pair exquisitely with a cider tasting.
The refreshing cider isn’t the only reason to check out this local treasure. You can also find captivating artwork by local creatives scattered throughout the facility as well as on their cider bottles.
Whether you enjoy a flight of ciders in the modern cider house or on the outside patio, you’ll have the privilege of doing so while gazing out into their dreamy peach orchard.
For more information on Ironwood Cider House, you can visit their website or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.
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These hidden gems are just another reason to call this beautiful region home.
If you’ve been looking to settle down in the wonderful region of Niagara, McGarr Realty can help you find the place of your dreams. Our team of passionate realtors would be more than happy to show you Niagara Region real estate listings that tick all your boxes and bring you one step closer to finding your dream home!
To get started, call our St. Catharines office at 905-687-9229, or our Niagara-on-the-Lake office at 905-468-9229. You can also send us a message on our contact page, here.
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