LOCAL FOCUS: Niagara Region
By NextHome Staff
October 01, 2018
October 01, 2018
by Gale Beeby
LEISURE PURSUITSThere is a lot to do in the Niagara Region! Too many to list here, but some highlights include a visit to the famous Niagara Falls, a stroll through the quaint village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a jet-boat ride on the Niagara River rapids, taking in a play at the world-renowned Shaw Festival, a drive along the Niagara Wine Trail, a picnic along the Niagara Parkway, watching the world-class Royal Canadian Henley Regatta (rowing), a night at one of the casinos, or a round of golf on one of the region's fabulous golf courses, which includes Canada's oldest course, Niagara-on-the-Lake, which held its first international tournament in 1895.PARKS & RECThe Niagara Region has hundreds of kilometres of trails and paths, as well as a multitude of parks. In Niagara Falls, Queen Victoria Park features manicured gardens, platforms with views of the American, Horseshoe and Bridal Veil Falls as well as underground walkways behind the falls.The Niagara River Recreational Trails runs 56 kilometres from Fort Erie to Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake and includes many historical sites from the War of 1812. The Greater Niagara Circle Route Trail System is 140 kilometres of mostly off-road paved trails for walking, cycling or rollerblading. It passes through urban centres, the Niagara Escarpment, waterfronts and agricultural areas.Also in the area is the Bruce Trail, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Merritt Trail, which passes through many of the old sections of the Welland Canal, the Waterfront Trail, and the Welland Canals Parkway.
RETAIL THERAPYA stroll down the main street of any of the towns in the region will be a delight with a number of boutiques, cafés, art galleries, craft stores and fine dining establishments. Niagara-on-the-Lake, in particular, is a great place to spend the day popping into one unique store after another. There are also a number of outlet malls in Niagara offering brand-name shopping at lower-than-retail prices.EASY ACCESSWelland, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines each have airports and the area is served by a number of expressways, including Highways 405, 406, 420 and the QEW. Niagara Region Transit moves riders between Welland, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. Niagara Falls Transit and the St. Catharines Transit Commission provide local bus service in the two largest communities in the region. GO Transit and VIA Rail provide train and bus service to Niagara Region from the GTA.BY THE NUMBERSPopulation: 447,900Known as: The Honeymoon Capital of the WorldWalk scores: St. Catharines: 52Welland: 47Niagara Falls: 43Port Colborne: 38Lincoln: 32Grimsby: 31Fort Erie: 31Thorold: 36Niagara-on-the-Lake: 25Pelham: 22NiagaraRegion.ca
Including the communities of Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln, Wainfleet, Pelham, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie.
HOUSING OPTIONSThe region's housing is comprised predominantly of single-family dwellings – from historical homes dating back 200 years, to new master-planned communities – although condos are making their inevitable appearance.There's something in Niagara for everyone at every price point and every style, from luxury estate homes to modest semis and townhomes, with many new projects springing up throughout the region. Click here for a full list of homes for sale.LEISURE PURSUITSThere is a lot to do in the Niagara Region! Too many to list here, but some highlights include a visit to the famous Niagara Falls, a stroll through the quaint village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a jet-boat ride on the Niagara River rapids, taking in a play at the world-renowned Shaw Festival, a drive along the Niagara Wine Trail, a picnic along the Niagara Parkway, watching the world-class Royal Canadian Henley Regatta (rowing), a night at one of the casinos, or a round of golf on one of the region's fabulous golf courses, which includes Canada's oldest course, Niagara-on-the-Lake, which held its first international tournament in 1895.PARKS & RECThe Niagara Region has hundreds of kilometres of trails and paths, as well as a multitude of parks. In Niagara Falls, Queen Victoria Park features manicured gardens, platforms with views of the American, Horseshoe and Bridal Veil Falls as well as underground walkways behind the falls.The Niagara River Recreational Trails runs 56 kilometres from Fort Erie to Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake and includes many historical sites from the War of 1812. The Greater Niagara Circle Route Trail System is 140 kilometres of mostly off-road paved trails for walking, cycling or rollerblading. It passes through urban centres, the Niagara Escarpment, waterfronts and agricultural areas.Also in the area is the Bruce Trail, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Merritt Trail, which passes through many of the old sections of the Welland Canal, the Waterfront Trail, and the Welland Canals Parkway.RETAIL THERAPYA stroll down the main street of any of the towns in the region will be a delight with a number of boutiques, cafés, art galleries, craft stores and fine dining establishments. Niagara-on-the-Lake, in particular, is a great place to spend the day popping into one unique store after another. There are also a number of outlet malls in Niagara offering brand-name shopping at lower-than-retail prices.EASY ACCESSWelland, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines each have airports and the area is served by a number of expressways, including Highways 405, 406, 420 and the QEW. Niagara Region Transit moves riders between Welland, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. Niagara Falls Transit and the St. Catharines Transit Commission provide local bus service in the two largest communities in the region. GO Transit and VIA Rail provide train and bus service to Niagara Region from the GTA.BY THE NUMBERSPopulation: 447,900Known as: The Honeymoon Capital of the WorldWalk scores: St. Catharines: 52Welland: 47Niagara Falls: 43Port Colborne: 38Lincoln: 32Grimsby: 31Fort Erie: 31Thorold: 36Niagara-on-the-Lake: 25Pelham: 22NiagaraRegion.ca