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When you think of Niagara Falls, you probably think of the 7th natural wonder of the world. I always had the impression that this place was just a very touristy town with no attractions apart from its falls. Was I wrong? Although Niagara Falls is definitely a tourist destination (and a very touristy one), I didn't realize how much there was to see and do there, beyond the falls themselves. Here is a guide to 10 things to do in the Niagara region apart from the famous falls although they are worth the detour! 1. Visit historic Niagara-on-the-Lake Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, a 30-minute drive from Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is designated for visitors who prefer to stay away from big hotels and casinos. Historic and picturesque, Niagara-on-the-Lake is full of boutiques, galleries, cafes and wine bars. The charming city on the shores of Lake Ontario is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Canada. The heritage buildings of the historic hamlet are mostly originals from the 19th century. Indulge in fine dining and wine at Niagara-on-the-Lake's finest restaurants and the fantastic wineries surrounding Niagara. 2. Travel the wine route The Niagara Peninsula is one of Ontario's most renowned wine regions. Here you can taste tempting wines from popular grape varieties such as Chardonnays, Rieslings and Pinot Noir, as well as the popular Icewine. The region is famous for its ice wine made from grapes left on the vine over winter and hand-picked when frozen at -8°C. These frozen grapes are quickly picked and pressed so that the resulting juice is very high in sugar, which is then made into luscious wine. The Niagara-on-the-Lake area and the Niagara Escarpment are the wine regions with the most wineries in Ontario. Learn more about this region and these wineries by visiting the Wine Country Ontario website. Niagara on the Lake: https://winecountryontario.ca/region/niagara-on-the-lake-area/ Niagara Escarpment: https://winecountryontario.ca/region/niagara-escarpment-area/ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Les campeuses en cavale (@campeusesencavale) Some wineries you won't want to miss: Cave Spring Cellars, Vineland Estates Winery, Henry of Pelham Family, Château des Charmes, Trius Winery, Inniskillin, Peller Estates Winery Small, artisanal wineries offer visitors a glimpse into their approach to winemaking. They may be small, but they produce award-winning wines. A few to start your exploration: Twenty Valley's Foreign Affair (Amarone style wines), Rosewood Estates, Hidden Bench, Tawse and Fielding Estates. 3. Explore historic sites Old Fort Erie Old Fort Erie was built in 1764 by the British during the Pontiac Rebellion and became the site of the bloodiest battle of the War of 1812 between the British and Americans. The fort is strategically located at the mouth of the Niagara River and Lake Erie and was the only stone fort built by the British. Special events are planned throughout the summer, including pageants that guests can attend and participate in. https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/old-fort-erie/ View this post on Instagram A post shared by PJ Drone (@pj.drone) Laura Secord Homestead The residence of Laura Secord, the most recognized and famous heroine of the War of 1812, offers visitors a window in time to the War of 1812. The restored property and costumed tour guides allow you to immerse yourself in the life of Laura Secord and her historical journey. Since the house was restored by the Laura Secord Candy Company, you can expect to satisfy your sweet tooth! https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/laura-secord-homestead/ 4. Enjoy the beautiful surrounding beaches. Nickle Beach Located at the southern end of Lake Erie, this white sand beach with a vibrant and lively atmosphere offers superb trails to explore as well as shaded picnic areas, restrooms and volleyball courts. Nickel Beach is one of the few beaches that offers visitors the rare and unique option of parking their vehicles directly on the beach. https://www.visitniagaracanada.com/do/nickel-beach/ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Red Tundra (@redtoyotatundra) Crystal Beach (also known as Bay Beach) Crystal Beach, named for its crystal clear water conditions, is a quaint, refined and laid back beach and small town in one of the southernmost regions of Ontario on the sandy shores of Lake Erie. It is an ideal place for families with children. A ton of special activities are offered throughout the season. https://www.visitniagaracanada.com/do/crystal-beach/ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kurt Casucci (@kurtcasucci) 5. Watch an ocean liner pass through the locks of the Welland Canal The Welland Canal is an engineering marvel built to connect Lake Erie with Lake Ontario and provide ships with a safe detour around Niagara Falls. From the Lock 3 viewing platform, watch the world's ships regularly transit the canal from April to December. Estimated arrival times are displayed at reception. While there, be sure to visit the St-Catharines Museum and discover the history of the four Welland Canals and the city that grew up around them. Lock 3 Observation Complex and Museum: 1932 Welland Canals Parkway, St. Catharines, ON L2R 7K6 http://www.niagarawalandcanal.com/ https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/St-Catharines-Museum.asp View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority (@hopaports) 6. Stroll along the Niagara Parkway by bike or car The Niagara Parkway Recreational Trail, also called the Niagara River Garden Trail, is a 56 km long bicycle path that extends from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie. It’s a beautiful paved bike path and mostly separated from traffic. This trail follows the impressive Niagara River where you can admire the famous Niagara Falls, walk through the botanical gardens and relax at the many picnic stops. Along the trail in Niagara-on-the-Lake, you can make a stop at one of the many award-winning wineries, breweries and distilleries, or stop at a local fruit market. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @violet.chartreuse 7. Go pick-your-own local fruit Country roads are dotted with farms putting up signs advertising their produce for sale and the variety of fruit produced in the Niagara region is vast. Cherry and peach picking is typically done in early summer, strawberries are available in mid-late June, plums and nectarines are picked in August and September, apples are picked in September, grapes and pumpkins are harvested in October. Some farms that offer u-pick: Parkway Orchards in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Bry-Anne Farms in Fenwick, Ridge Berry Farm in Ridgeville, Cherry Avenue Farms in Vineland, Mathias Farms in Ridgeville, DeVries Fruit Ferme in Fenwick and many others. 8. Visit the Welland Farmers Market This market has been open since 1907 and remains a great place to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables from neighboring orchards. With plenty of artisan baked goods, meats and cheeses, the Welland Farmers' Market does not disappoint. Open every Saturday, rain, snow or shine. 70 Young St. Welland, Ontario L3B 4C5 https://www.welland.ca/Market/index.asp View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manic Pixie Dream Coffee (@manicpixiedreamcoffee) 9. Watch the rapids on the White Water Walk The White Water Walk is located just 4 km north of Niagara Falls. This route begins aboard an elevator for a 70-meter descent to a tunnel and a 400-meter elevated promenade along the banks of the river allowing you to observe the class 6 rapids rushing through it at full speed as well as 410 million year old rock formations in the gorge! Everything is self-guided, so you can take your time. https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/attractions/white-water-walk/ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Niagara 🇨🇦 (@visit_niagara) 10. Visit the butterfly conservatory and botanical garden The butterfly conservatory, located on the botanical garden site, is home to more than 2000 exotic butterflies. There you will be able to identify the different species as you make your way along the 180 meter (600 foot) trail. The beautifully maintained Niagara Botanical Gardens feature Canada's finest collections of ornamental trees and shrubs, as well as a renowned rose garden. 2565 Niagara Parkway Niagara Falls, Ontario https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/nature-garden/botanical-gardens-2/ View this post on Instagram A post shared by Visit Niagara 🇨🇦 (@visit_niagara)

Playing outside is, in my opinion, the best way to enjoy winter. Last weekend we came up with the perfect plan to play outside with the family without breaking the bank. The Parc du Domaine Vert in Mirabel is a great place for a day outdoors. This urban park located less than 30 minutes from Montreal offers a variety of activities adapted to everyone.

Choosing a natural fir tree is certainly not choosing simplicity. The tradition of the natural fir tree is well rooted in our family and even if it brings me some extra tasks, It's not Christmas without a natural fir tree, the smell it brings in the house, the atmosphere and the comfort that this tradition brings us. This year, for the first time we decided to visit a local producer to pick our own natural tree and it was a memorable experience. Below you will find fir producers in different regions of Quebec who offer this opportunity and related activities that you can take part in on site. An ecological choice Did you know that cutting down a natural fir tree helps improve air quality. You think that an artificial tree made of recycled plastic will save a tree and last for several years? Think again, an artificial Christmas tree should be used for at least 20 years to make it more environmentally friendly than the natural Christmas tree. The average life span of an artificial tree in North America is 6 years. For every Christmas tree grown and harvested, producers replant another one for future harvests. They thus ensure the sustainability of the resource for ecological, environmental and economic purposes while avoiding excessive cutting of firs in the forest. Plan your trip Dress warmly and bring the necessary equipment to take your tree home. (Example: straps, canvas, trailer, etc.). Don't forget to bring cash. Bring waterproof boots as the fields can sometimes be wet. Check the opening hours below because some producers have limited schedules. Some producers have limited quantities. Call before your visit.. Lists of producers offering to pick-your-own Christmas tree Capitale-Nationale Plantation René Matte On site: tractor rides and entertainment. A leprechaun cuts the tree for you. 259, Rang Sainte-Anne, Saint-Basile-de-Portneuf418-570-6076 http://www.plantationmatte.com/ Chaudière-Appalaches Plantation coupez votre sapin Every weekend from November 23rd from 9 am to 4 pm On site: Small farm, entertainment for children, Christmas music and coffee to warm up the parents as well as a picnic area. 107 Rang Saint-Pierre, Saint-Isidore, QC G0S 2S0 418 204 9253 https://coupezvotresapin.com/ Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Coupezvotresapin.com (@coupezvotresapin) le 4 Déc. 2018 à 5 :54 PST Sapinière Saint-Jean Every day from 10am to 4:30pm, from mid-November to December 23rd Leprechaun hunting on site. 1155 Rue Pierre-Beaumont, Saint-Jean-Chrysostome, QC G6Z 1P1 418 951-4160 http://sapinierestjean.com/ Montérégie Quinn Farm From November 16 to December 24, Thursday to Sunday. On site: tractor rides, visit of the farm, playground and gift shop. Admission is $5+taxes per person and includes 1 hot beverage per person. 2495 Boul Perrot, Notre-Dame-de-l’Ile-Perrot, QC J7V 8P4514-453-1510http://www.lafermequinn.qc.ca/ Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Quinn Farm - La Ferme Quinn (@quinn_farm) le 10 Déc. 2017 à 6 :23 PST Plantation des Frontières Open on weekends from 9am to 4pm. During the week call before going. Open until December 24th. On site: Tractor ride, Christmas shop and ornaments sale. 295 chemin des Érables, Saint-Armand, J0J 1T0 450 248-3575https://www.plantationdesfrontieres.com JLS Plantation Weekend only from November 16 to December 15, 2019 inclusively from 9 am to 4 pm Santa Claus welcomes you on site. Tractor ride and heated area with coffee and hot chocolate. 5 Chemin Saint-François, Sainte-Angèle-de-Monnoir, QC J0L 1P0514 346-8882www.sapinsdenoeljls.ca Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par PlantationJLS (@plantationjls) le 2 Déc. 2018 à 7 :18 PST Robert E. Enos U-Pick Plantation U-pick from November 30 to Christmas 1790 1er rang nord, St-Ignace de Stanbridge, QC J0J 1Y0450 263-9821 Plantation Bernier Enr. The harvesting season ends on December 23rd 297 Chemin Brome, Ville de Lac-Brome, QC J0E 1S0450 534-2417www.plantationbernier.com G.H. Dutil U-Pick Plantation From November 30 to around Christmas, if Mother Nature allows it. 2482 Chemin du chenal du moine, Saint-Anne-de-Sorel, QC J3P 5N3450 742-0495 Laurentians Barry Cooper Christmas Trees 501 Côte Saint Paul, Saint-Colomban, QC J5K 1Z9For information: 450 438-0554 Ferme Hadley Open Saturday, November 30th on weekends only until Christmas. On site: Walk in the fields, Christmas shop and hot chocolate for the whole family. 1600 chemin Vide Sac, Lachute, Qc J8H-2C5 450 562-9726 www.hadleyarbresdenoel.ca Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Chloé C Z (@chloechamberland) le 25 Déc. 2018 à 9 :46 PST Centre-du-Québec Plantation Gaétan Lefebvre Self-picking on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends from November 23rd. On site: fireplace, car ride, music and slides. Coffee, hot chocolate and homemade cookies are offered free of charge. Magic powder making for elves and Christmas shop on site. 526 rue Principale, L’Avenir, Qc, J0C 1B0 http://www.plantationgaetanlefebvre.com/ Sapins Drummond Open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm until December 22nd. On site, horse-drawn carriage rides (no rides on the weekend of December 21 and 22) and bonfire with hot chocolate 3305 Route Caya, Drummondville, QC J2A 2Z6 819 394-1147 www.sapinsdrummond.com Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Naomie Gagnon Photographe 🌵 (@naomiegagnonphotographe) le 31 Oct. 2016 à 5 :24 PDT Côté-Henderson Christmas Trees December 7 and 8 from 9 am to 5 pm. On site: tractor rides and fire with hot chocolate. 1944 Rang 8, Inverness, QC G0S 1K0418 453-2482www.facebook.com/cotehenderson EASTERN TOWNSHIPS Les Plantations Univert auto-cueillette No opening hours, please call before going to make sure there will be someone to answer you. 385 11e rang, Bonsecours, QC J0E 1H0450-535-6596 Stéphan Perreault Plantation On site: farm, fire, hot chocolate and pastry. Christmas shop offering wreaths, garlands, branches and mistletoe. 331 QC-143, Windsor, QC J1S 0C1 819 845-1160 https://www.createursdesaveurs.com/fr/plantations-stephan-perreault Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Plantations Stéphan Perreault (@plantationsstephanperreault) le 6 Déc. 2018 à 11 :48 PST Amanda-Joe Plantations / Ferme Hortiplus Saturday and Sunday between 10 am and 4 pm, starting on the last weekend of November. On site: tractor ride, Christmas shop with decorations, gifts, wreaths and more. Free hot chocolate. 68 Route 112, Westbury, QC J0B 1R0819 674-9014http://www.fermehortiplus.com/activites-agrotouristiques Sapinière Downey Inc. Saturday and Sunday from December 1st between 10 am and 4 pm. On site: Tractor ride, hot chocolate inside the Christmas shop. Wreath workshop and a wide choice in the Christmas shop. 6196, North Road, Hatley, Qc J0B 4B0819 842-3449https://www.sapinieredowney.ca/ Mauricie Sapinière de la Mauricie auto-cueillette From November 23 to December 21, 2019, open Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. On December 1, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., visit of Olaf de la Reine de neige. December 15, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Rascal the elve. On site: Sleigh rides through the fir tree, gift shop and bonfire. 12320 Boulevard des forges, Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 5E1 819 379-6706 www.sapinieredelamauricie.com Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Nancy Lord (@love21na) le 8 Déc. 2018 à 1 :26 PST

No need to go far to change universe. If you're in the Laval area in the next few weeks you should stop at 1270 Main Street to pick your bouquet of tulips.

I discovered ice fishing a few years ago, thanks to Gabriel, my partner. It was not without effort that he convinced me to make it a family activity. Like many, I had a few preconceived ideas and a ton of apprehensions. 3 years later, we have our own little cabin at the Roger Gladu outfitter in Lanaudière. Our family and friends are now taking part in this activity and it has become, for most of them, a family tradition.

Were you, once upon a time, this young traveler looking for youth hostels? If you've put this accommodation option aside because you now have a family, it's time to clean up your backpack and buy some for the kids, as booking hostels for the family is a great way to save money, and to meet other travelers.

The Disney Fort Wilderness campground is certainly not a traditional hotel that most visitors choose for their visit to the world of Mickey. But Disney Fort Wilderness Resort is one of the oldest resorts in Walt Disney.

While in Ontario in the Thousand Islands region, we had to visit the famous Pumpkinferno exhibition at Upper Canada Village. This is a spectacular outdoor exhibition featuring 7,000 illuminated hand-carved pumpkins along a one-kilometer path in a picturesque 19th-century setting

The name says it, the Complexe Atlantide of Saint-Calixte, in Lanaudiere, is a large park that offers all the services you can expect from a campsite with 700 campsites. There are countless activities and facilities.