Welcome to the first post in our Explore Niagara series, a local’s guide to discovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences in three corners of Niagara: Niagara Falls, Pelham, and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Each location is home to one of our White Meadows Farms retail stores, and together they tell the story of a region full of history, flavour, and scenic beauty.
This series is for the curious road-tripper, whether you’re coming from Toronto for the weekend, crossing the border from the U.S., or visiting from afar. Alongside our favourite spots, we’ll also share helpful tips for navigating the area and making the most of your visit. We’d love for your Niagara adventure to lead you to our farm, where you can explore our sugar shack, join our summer tour, and see exactly where our beloved maple syrup and maple products come from!
Let’s start where the world comes to see waters roar: Niagara Falls.
☀️ Morning: Hummingbird Coffee Co.
Location: 4998 Victoria Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 4C9
Start your day slow with a stop at Hummingbird Coffee Co., a bright, cozy café just a few minutes from the main tourist drag. This locally loved spot serves fair-trade coffee, homemade baked goods, and a newly introduced brunch menu! It’s the perfect first stop before heading into the more high-energy parts of the city.
📍 This first stop offers:
✔️ On-site parking
✔️ Washroom
✔️ Indoor/Outdoor Seating
✔️ Quick service
✔️ Open mornings to mid-afternoon (check hours before visiting)
🌿 Mid-Morning: Hike the Niagara Gorge
Trailhead (Niagara Glen Nature Centre): 3050 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2
Head north along the scenic Niagara Parkway to the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve for a hike along the Niagara River. The Glen’s trails wind down into the gorge and follow the edge of the turquoise-green river, passing ancient rock formations and peaceful forest groves.
While you’re there, we highly recommend exploring the free Indigenous audio tour called Rekindling All Our Relations, created by Niagara Parks in collaboration with Indigenous storytellers and artists. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of the land you’re walking on, with stories that reflect centuries of history, ecology, and spiritual connection. You can stream or download it here
Insider tip: Wear proper shoes, bring water, and stay on marked trails. As beautiful as the river looks, swimming is prohibited—it’s powerful, cold, and dangerous.
📍 What to Know Before Hiking the Niagara Gorge:
✔️ Paid parking at the Nature Reserve
✔️ Trail maps and visitor info at the Nature Reserve
✔️ Washrooms at Nature Reserve
✔️ Several trail options for different abilities
✔️ Not stroller-friendly (lots of stairs and uneven ground)
✔️ No swimming, fast, dangerous water
✔️ Cell service is spotty, download the audio tour & map first
🍁 Midday: Taffy on Snow at Our Maple Syrup Store
The Maple Syrup Store
Fallsview Casino Resort – Galleria Shops
6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7X5
From the Gorge, make your way to the Fallsview Casino Resort, where you’ll find our Maple Syrup Store tucked into the Galleria Shops. Here, you can:
- Roll your own real Canadian maple taffy on snow, made fresh in-store
- Sample 4 different flavours of maple syrup
- Shop for gourmet maple goods, perfect for gifts or your own souvenirs
🅿️ Pro tip: If you spend $50 in participating Galleria shops (including our store!), you can validate your parking in the Fallsview Casino parking garage. You’ll need to register for a Momentum card at the casino’s gaming floor kiosk first. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s worth it for the convenient parking and a sweet maple reward. Read more about parking validation here.
📍 Plan your visit to the Galleria Shops:
✔️ Indoor, air-conditioned shopping
✔️ Taffy on snow at our store, available year-round
✔️ Free maple syrup samples
✔️ Accessible location with elevators/escalators
✔️ Washrooms in casino complex
✔️ Just steps from other attractions
🌊 Mid-Afternoon: Take the Incline Rail to the Falls
Incline Railway Entrance: 6361 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3V9
After your maple stop, take a 5-minute walk to the Incline Railway, located beside the Fallsview Casino. This short ride offers a stunning view of the falls as it descends to the Table Rock Welcome Centre. At the base, take time to stroll along the promenade for up-close views of the Horseshoe Falls and perfect photo ops. You’ll get the best views and a refreshing mist in your face; it’s a humbling reminder that nature is the original spectacle. Be sure to get a return ticket to take you back up the hill and back to the casino parking!
📍 What to Expect on the Incline Rail:
✔️ Short ride with panoramic views of Horseshoe Falls
✔️ Great alternative to walking downhill
✔️ Kid-friendly & stroller accessible
✔️ Timed tickets recommended during peak hours
✔️ Connects to Table Rock Centre, Welcome Centre, and Falls promenade
🍽️ Dinner: Unwind at Counterpart Brewing
Location: 3659 Stanley Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 0B6
End your day with a local favourite: Counterpart Brewing. This elevated-yet-relaxed brewpub offers a creative seasonal menu and a lineup of small-batch beers that locals rave about. Expect house-made everything, inventive flavours, and warm service. It’s the kind of spot where you can truly unwind after a big day of exploring.
📍Good to Know about Counterpart:
✔️ Free on-site parking
✔️ Indoor & outdoor seating (patio available in summer)
✔️ Seasonal, locally sourced menu
✔️ Vegetarian options available
✔️ Craft beer brewed on-site
✔️ Washrooms on site
✔️ Relaxed atmosphere, great place to unwind after a big day
Why This Route?
We’ve chosen this day not just for the sights, but for the feeling—a mix of nature, discovery, local flavours, and insider perks. It’s our version of Niagara Falls: beyond the tourist traps, and full of genuine local character.
If you visit any of the spots mentioned above, let us know! Better yet, stop by our Fallsview Casino store and say hello—we’d love to hear about your trip and share a few more local recommendations.
🌾 Next Up: Discover Pelham
In our next Explore Niagara post, we’re heading to Pelham—a scenic, slower-paced corner of the region known for its farm markets, rolling hills, and small-town charm. We’ll share our staff favourites for food, trails, and local stops, all just a short drive from our maple farm.
Stay tuned and happy exploring!
