Prior to moving to Fonthill, I called Niagara Falls “home” for over nine years. I must say, there is something about this city that seems to captivate people. The proximity to the US border, access to the QEW, knowing that there are magnificent waterfalls flowing nearby, having countless fantastic attractions, shopping, and restaurants a stone’s throw away – there are so many reasons people choose Niagara Falls as home time and time again. Although I am no longer a resident of this beautiful city, thankfully, my career allows me to revisit Niagara Falls almost daily! As I am showing buyers prospective homes, or I am providing my services to sellers, I enjoy driving through the familiar streets and neighbourhoods and truly appreciate this beautiful city. Today, I want to share with you some of the amazing highlights that I discovered during my time spent in Niagara Falls:
Favourite Restaurants
Red Lobster – 6220 Lundy’s Lane, Niagara Falls
Red Lobster has always been a Niagara Falls favourite of mine. Being located on the corner of Lundy’s Lane and Drummond Road for as long as I can remember, it has become a bit of an icon on the Lane. The atmosphere is wonderful, the food is always delicious, and the menu is expansive. I have enjoyed countless lunch meetings here and many celebratory dinners with family – highly recommend.
Casa Mia Ristorante – 3518 Portage Road, Niagara Falls
Offering a true fine-dining experience, Casa Mia is a renowned, family-ran Italian restaurant that is a favourite of locals! Offering something for everyone – from authentic pasta to premium cuts of meat, this North-end Niagara Falls restaurant is where I enjoyed many special dinners and celebrations over the years. On a side note – their charcuterie board is a must-try!
Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante – 5785 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls
Another Niagara Falls staple – you really can’t go wrong with wood-oven pizza! When I worked at Crawford, Smith & Swallow, Antica was a definite go-to for lunches. There was always comfort having a familiar face serving you and the food was (and still is) consistently delicious. The location of this restaurant is lovely, right off Clifton Hill, offering the perfect place to stop in to grab a bite to eat between sightseeing. My favourite menu offering – Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza or the Penne with Meatballs, you can’t go wrong with either!
Favourite Places to Visit
Firemens Park – 2275 Dorchester Road, Niagara Falls
Firemens Park is a hidden gem of Niagara Falls. Located in the North end of the city, it provides a great spot for families to gather and enjoy the outdoors together. The trails here are amazing! When I first started getting into running outdoors, I would meet my gym partners here and complete Sunday morning runs along the trails. It was always fun to change up the scenery and enjoy all the sights and sounds of the park. If you’re looking to take the kids out for the afternoon, checking out this park is a must!
Niagara Falls
It would feel wrong not to include this (very obvious) place on my Favourite Places to Visit in Niagara Falls – the falls! There is something about the energy you get from taking in the beauty and power of the falls. It truly is indescribable. To have such a beautiful wonder right in our backyard makes Niagara residents extremely lucky. For the locals reading this – it is easy to forget to frequently visit the falls since they are right here and have become a part of the landscape for us. Be sure to carve out some time to drive by them and take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are to live here, you will be thankful you did!
Every year, the Winter Festival of Lights takes place along the Niagara Parkway, Dufferin Islands, and surrounding tourist districts providing a stunning outdoor light festival from mid-November to mid-February. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit in past, take a peek online at some of the stunning photos of the display and be sure to add it to your must-do list for this upcoming winter. My family and I have always made a point of visiting the display each year, it is always impressive!
Favourite Recreational Activity
Walking or Running Along the Niagara Parkway and Dufferin Islands
The Niagara Parkway and Dufferin Islands were always an enjoyable place to explore and run when living in Niagara Falls. Starting at Dufferin Islands and making my way down to Clifton Hill along the water has always been a favourite route of mine, truly invigorating. Next time you’re in the area, check it out!
As I am sure you have gathered, Niagara Falls offers something for everyone – many locals gems for the kids to take-in the outdoors, romantic restaurants for the best date nights, and plenty of places to explore. If you are thinking of making a move and are considering calling Niagara Falls your next home, be sure to reach out – I would love to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, if you are already a resident of this beautiful city and want to share some of your favourite restaurants and destinations with me that perhaps didn’t make my personal list, please do. I am always excited to try out some new local spots and support our community!
If you have any questions or would like to go more in-depth on some of the best places to visit in Niagara Falls, you can call me at (905) 321-6292 or email me at darcy@darcyrichardson.ca.