Things to Do
Dining, Wineries & Craft Breweries
Local Dining
There is a great selection of local dining spots right in Crystal Beach. One of our favorites is South Coast Cookhouse. Be sure to check out the two new restaurants on Erie Rd., San Vito’s Italian Bistro and Casa Hugo Mexican Eatery & Tequileria. For waterfront dinning visit The Palmwood with its casual atmosphere.
In nearby Ridgeway, be sure to check out Trailsides for a pub style experience, 335 Ridge for excellent indoor and outdoor dining, LAMA featuring Canadian and seafood options and make sure to stop into Brimestone Brewery featuring craft beers and an outdoor seating area.
Area Favorites
With so many options in Niagara it is difficult to narrow down some favorites, but we can suggest Taris on the Water or The Black Sheep Lounge in Welland (if you visit the Healing Salt Cave either of these is the perfect place to follow with lunch or dinner).
Wineries
There is so much to say about wineries in Niagara as the Niagara Peninsula is certainly wine country. Countless vineyards and wineries offer a variety of experiences. Review the link to help you choose which interest you.
Website: https://www.visitniagaracanada.com/taste/wineries/
Some of our favorites include:
The Redstone Winery boasting excellent food and wine along with an amazing atmosphere and a stunning vineyard patio view.
Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery with excellent dining, drinks and a hip and trendy night life.
Craft Breweries
Just a short five minutes away is the Brimstone Brewery in Ridgeway. Take a 15-minute drive to Port Colborne and you will find the Breakwall Brewery located near the quaint waterfront shopping district of West Street.
Want to experience more of Niagara then head to Niagara on the Lake and visit Oast House or The Silversmith Brewery two of our favorite local breweries. Or if you are a craft beer enthusiast check out these local websites offering craft brewery tours.
Website: https://www.niagaracraftbrewerytours.com/
Website: http://brewerydistillerytoursniagara.com/
Attractions
Niagara Falls
World renowned for its majestic beauty, Niagara Falls boasts approximately 12 million tourists each year! With amazing attractions like the Maid of the Mist, Journey Behind the Falls, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, Bird Kingdom and the Butterfly Conservatory there is something for everyone. Please visit https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/play/
Niagara on the Lake
Visit the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and you won’t be disappointed. With over 70 award winning wineries in the region, bike rentals, boutique shopping and fine dining second to none, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautiful town to visit. Historical sites like Fort George Historical Site, Queenston Heights Park and Brock’s Monument are also popular spots to tour.
Entertainment
Love live entertainment? Locally, we have exceptional performances at the Sanctuary for the Arts, world famous Shaw Festival and the Scotia Bank Convention Centre. Try your luck at either of our casinos – Fallsview Casino Resort or Niagara Casino for adult fun!
Nature
Beaches and Parks
The Niagara Region has some of the most beautiful waterfront beaches and parks in Ontario! Visit the white, sandy beach at Bay Beach in Crystal Beach and many other gorgeous access points along the shores of Lake Erie Please visit http://www.town.forterie.ca/pages/Beaches,Waterfronts,PublicAccess for information.
Or take a drive to beautiful Port Dalhouise on Lake Ontario and visit the beach and the historic carousel.
Website: http://www.tourismstcatharines.ca/great-outdoors/port-dalhousie-harbour/
Hiking, Biking and Trails
Friendship Trail
The Friendship Trail is easily accessed from Chrystal Beach and extends 16 kms across the Town of Fort Erie, running parallel to the north shore of Lake Erie. Beginning at the Port Colborne border in the west, this relaxing and picturesque trail takes visitors through lush farmland, quaint villages, pristine watersheds, and quiet residential areas as it leads to historic Old Fort Erie, Lake Erie and the Niagara River Recreation Trail .
Website: https://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/index.php?url=trails/view/friendship-trail
Decew Falls
Decew Falls Loop is a 2.3 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail located near Thorold, Ontario, Canada that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Website: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/ontario/decew-falls-loop
Niagara Glen
Niagara Glen is a must do hike, located deep in the Niagara Gorge, stairways lead to 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) of rugged paths that wind through this pristine pocket of Carolinian Forest, past prehistoric geological formations, wild flora and fauna. The Niagara Glen overlooks the rapid waters of the Niagara River and the natural phenomenon that is the Niagara River Whirlpool.
Website: https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/nature-garden/niagara-glen/
Just for Kids
Safari Niagara
Just minutes from Crystal Beach is Safari Niagara, where the whole family can get an up close and personal view of lions and tigers and bears – oh my! Safari Niagara is a 150-acre, privately-owned and operated nature park, home to more than 1000 native and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds. With plenty to offer you can challenge yourself on the ropes course, cool off at the splash pad, or hang out at the play area.
Website: https://safariniagara.com/
Clifton Hill
Take a stroll down famous Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls to have fun at the Great Canadian Midway, Dinosaur Adventure Miniature Golf and the gigantic Ferris wheel, the Niagara Skywheel! Make sure to test your driving skills at the new Niagara Speedway which offers the traditional fun of go-karts with the added thrill of an elevated coaster style track.
Website: https://www.cliftonhill.com/
Marineland
Just a short drive to Niagara Falls and you can visit Marineland. A park with marine and land animals along with amusement rides.
Website: https://marineland.ca/
Darien Lake
All thought this theme park is in the United States it is just a short one-hour drive from Crystal Beach. The theme park is great for kids of all ages with many rides and lots of entertainment.
Website: https://www.sixflags.com/darienlake
Others
Still looking for more fun try Niagara Go Karts or spend the day at Fallsview Indoor WaterPark.
Shopping
Locally take a walk down to Derby Rd. in Crystal Beach. This street it is undergoing a complete rejuvenation and more and more little speciality shops or opening. Or take a stroll down Ridge Rd. in nearby Ridgeway with its quaint little stores including one of my favorite clothing stores the Village Boutique
We have amazing shopping in the area too! Outlet shopping at Canada One Outlets and the new Outlet Collection at Niagara have over a hundred great stores to choose from. We also have the Pen Centre Mall in St. Catharines, the Niagara Square Mall in Niagara Falls and spectacular Duty Free shopping at the Peace Bridge and Rainbow Bridge.
Looking for quaint little shopping experiences, try West Street in Port Colborne or the shops of the Niagara on the Lake Heritage district.
Spas & Wellness
Healing Salt Cave Welland
This ultimate in relaxation providing a collection of diverse treatments, all of which encompass the alternative and natural medicine known as Halotherapy.
Website: https://saltcavewelland.ca/
Spas
Locally there are two spas in Ridgeway but they book up fast so be sure to you’re your appointment ahead of time. There is Charka Spa & Fitness http://chakraspaandfitness.com/ and Trio Health Spa.
For the ultimate spa experience try the Secret Garden Spa or 100 Fountain Spa in Niagara on the Lake. Or take a drive to Jordan and visit the Inn on the Twenty Spa and stroll down the main street and browse local specialty shops.
Golf
Niagara boasts 48 golf courses, making it the golf lover’s dream vacation spot! Take a swing at any of our fantastic courses such as Thundering Waters (a John Daly course), Legends on the Niagara, Grand Niagara Golf Club or Whirlpool Golf Course, just to name a few.
The Grand Niagara Golf Club
This course is actually ranked as Niagara’s best public golf course. It’s open to players of all skill levels and offers just enough of a challenge for everyone.
Legends on the Niagara
Legends is more than just a golf course. It’s actually two 18-hole courses, one smaller 9-hole course, and a driving range. Enjoy golfing in a piece of Niagara’s history here, as the Battle of Chippewa, part of the War of 1812, was fought on the surrounding lands.
Peninsula Lakes Golf Club
Pen Lakes is also known as the “jewel of Niagara,” and for good reason. Take a walk around the 3 9-hole courses and you’ll see the true beauty of Niagara. It’s recognized for its well-kept greens and fairways as well as its luscious grasses.