Besides being a welcome day off from work and the chance to pack on a couple of pounds at the family barbecue, Canada Day provided a poignant reminder of all the amazing places there are to visit in this country, from Signal Hill, Nfld., to Long Beach, BC. In between the two (approx.) is a perennial favourite: Niagara Falls/Niagara on the Lake, Ont.

So, whether it’s a staycation or a day trip from the GTA, here’s a look at some of the new and notable should a summer trip take you to the fabulous Falls:

THE TUNNEL (Niagara Parks Power Station): Open July 1, the architecturally stunning Niagara Parks Power Station opened to the public in 2021 with exhibits during the day and ‘CURRENTS: Niagara’s Power Transformed,’ a breathtaking immersive sound and light experience each night. In July, the second phase of the power station opens. Guests travel 55 m. down the tailrace tunnel in a glass walled elevator to emerge beside the thundering base of the Horseshoe Falls on a spectacular new viewing platform extending into the river.

WALKS (BY CITY CRUISES): “Walks” provides some of the most exclusive and beautifully designed small group tours in the industry, with special access to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and attractions as well as unique cultural experiences delivered by expert local guides. Niagara Falls Walks experiences include Exclusive First on the Boat Tour plus the Illumination Tower Experience where participants light up the Falls, literally!

TRICK ART BOX: Canada’s first 3D trick art gallery augmented reality experience allows visitors to become part of the art as it comes to life in more than 30 fun photo opportunities.

WEDDING AND FASHION MUSEUM: Three centuries of fashion are explored at this one-of-a-kind exhibit featuring visually stunning displays of vintage wedding and fashion attire. Three galleries include wedding attire plus fashion and accessories from the 1750s to present.

Events

FALLSVIEW CASINO BACKYARD BBQ (Through Sept. 1): Overlooking the Falls, a new outdoor food and drink market features local food and drink vendors, and free live music. Open 4 to 10 p.m. daily.

NIAGARA GLEN: CLIMATE CHANGE EXHIBIT (Through July 22): Niagara Parks hosts a new travelling exhibit, ‘Our Climate Quest: Small Steps to Big Change,’ created by Science North of Sudbury. The free all-ages exhibit features interactive experiences designed to empower youth and inspire climate action.

GREAT CANADIAN BUTTERTART FEST (July 9): Top bakers from across Ontario come together to share this favourite Canadian Treat. Tickets are $5, 12 and under free, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Gale Centre.

Art experiences

BANKSY 360: EXCLUSIVE NIAGARA FALLS PREMIERE (Opening July 21): ‘Banksy 360°: The World’s Most Elusive Street Artist’ is an unauthorized immersive exhibit created in collaboration with Bristol, England-based author Marc Leverton. Using cutting-edge projection technology, Banksy 360° creates an engaging journey into the work of one of the world’s most notorious graffiti artists, and allowing participants to be surrounded by moving images of the artist’s work and influences. The exhibit runs Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre until Sept. 3.

IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH (Opening July 20): Van Gogh Niagara Falls is an immersive experience featuring the work of one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of western art. ‘Van Gogh Niagara Falls’ brings over 300 of his most popular works together in a dynamic show.

2022 YEAR OF THE GARDEN

Some of Canada’s most beautiful public gardens and landscaped parks are found in Niagara Falls, including Canada’s largest rose garden, Magnolia Allee, Centennial Lilac Garden, Floral Clock with 16,000 plants, one of Canada’s largest botanical gardens, plus a Japanese-style garden tucked behind the historic Oakes Garden Theatre. Throughout the summer visitors can attend the Annual Summer Show at the iconic Floral Showhouse.

Milestones

SHAW FESTIVAL 60th ANNIVERSARY: This year, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s renowned Shaw Festival marks its 60th season with an ambitious program, putting on 13 plays across three stages, including “Cyrano de Bergerac” and “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Also in the plan is outdoor entertainment: “A Short History of Niagara” (an explainer in the form of a puppet show), and “Fairground” and “Shawground” (guided rambles through the lush theatre grounds, combining elements like music and poetry along the way).

SAFARI NIAGARA 20th ANNIVERSARY: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Safari Niagara’s 60-hectare Nature Park is home to more than 1,000 native and exotic mammals, reptiles, and birds. Park admission is all-inclusive and includes access to interactive and educational animal presentations, safari tram, paddle boats, Sky Quest and Sky Tykes (ropes course), Bounce-A-Rooz (jumping pillows), Safari Speedway (pedal bike go-karts), catch & release fishing and a splash pad.

WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Celebrating 40 years, the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest and longest running free outdoor light festival – and it continues to grow each year with new themed routes and displays, including the extension from 58 nights to 101 Nights of Twinkling Lights (from November to February) and indoor family friendly entertainment. On weekends and throughout the holiday season, guests can walk the Festival Route to enjoy dozens of light displays, and then warm up at indoor venues to experience magicians, musicians, acrobats, story time and more. Festival dates and details for 2022 will be announced in July.

Summer’s must-do activities

GOLF: Niagara has eight top golf courses designed by famed architects including Legends on the Niagara, the Whirlpool Golf Course, both highly rated public golf courses and located in a spectacular settings against the backdrop of the Niagara River Whirlpool and Gorge.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT FALLSVIEW: Niagara Falls boasts headline entertainment, outdoor concerts, live shows, and the largest Casino in Canada. Live venues include the Fallsview Casino Resort, home to two state-of-the-art entertainment venues in Ontario (1,500 seat Avalon Theatre and 5,000 seat Entertainment Centre) with over 320 shows per year. Visit the Fallsview Casino website for a list of events and shows.

CYCLING: Niagara Falls has 300 km of cycling routes and trails for beginners and pros alike. A cycling or e-bike tour along the 56-km Niagara River Recreation Trail, offers over 56 kms of breathtaking views, including the Niagara Glen and Whirlpool, finishing in historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, while the 140-km Greater Niagara Circle Route, runs a picturesque route along the Niagara Parkway beside Niagara Falls through the lush greenery of the Niagara Escarpment. Niagara River Bike Tours offer two- and half-hour cycling tours showcase the hidden gems along the Niagara River.

WHIRLPOOL JET BOAT TOURS: Jet boats speed along the Lower Niagara River at 80 km/h through the Class 5 white-water of the Devil’s Hole Rapids and the swirling waters of the Whirlpool. Guests can choose between a “Wet Jet” or “Jet Dome” (sheltered) experience.

NIAGARA FALLS FIREWORKS SERIES: The popular Niagara Falls fireworks series returns in 2022. Shows run for five minutes at 10 p.m. The Falls are also illuminated every night of the year, making the destination among the world’s best places to see fireworks displays.

FALLS FIREWORKS CRUISE RETURNS: The popular nightly Falls Fireworks Cruise is also back this summer, operating daily until Labour Day. The Falls Fireworks Cruise departs the Niagara City Cruises dock at 9:30 p.m. for the 40-minute tour. Tickets cost $43.25 for adults and $28.25 for children, plus applicable taxes.