Rain, rain, go away… Remember this children’s rhyme? On the brighter side, April showers do bring May flowers.
We plan for sunny-day activities, and then Mother Nature rains on our agenda, reminding us just who’s in charge here. Hakuna Matata! We’ve got you covered. From museums and retail therapy to live stage performances, there’s something for every taste, interest and budget. You won’t even notice it’s raining! And remember…
“If plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters
– 204 if you’re in Japan.”
― Claire Cook, writer and motivational speaker
1
Take in a 2 p.m. or an 8 p.m. performance at one of the Shaw Festival theatres in town. (Mondays are dark.)
2
Book a one-hour backstage tour at the Festival Theatre to discover the secrets that bring each production to the stage. Cost: $10, $5 with ticket to a performance.
3
Shop til you drop at the Outlet Collection at Niagara where you’ll find more than 100 trendy boutiques. But first, head over to the Guest Services building to pick up your VIP Visitor Card, available to all out-of-town visitors, to access exclusive discounts and offers from on-site retailers. (You’ll need ID or a passport to prove you are from out of town.)
4
Hunt for treasures at some of the many antique shops in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake.
5
Visit the Butterfly Conservatory located next to the Botanical Gardens on the Niagara Parkway.
6
Check out local artists. Browse through Lakeside Pottery on Lakeshore Road, Queenston Pottery on York Road in St. David’s, or Bélisle Pottery on Four Mile Creek Road where you can also take a class.
7
Tour the historical Laura Secord Homestead in Queenston.
8
Check out the Riverbrink Art Museum in Queenston.
9
Visit the Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum in Queenston.
10
Step into an educational experience at the Niagara Parks Power Station to discover the incredible history and heritage of this 115-year-old engineering marvel.
11
Work out in the fully-equipped gym at our Community Center located on Anderson’s Lane. A day pass costs $5.50.
12
Book a spa treatment or massage at one of many venues in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake.
13
Purchase a day pass at the Pillar and Post for $75 per person. Your day pass includes access to their indoor pool, indoor sauna, a locker in the upstairs change room with robe, as well as the Hot Spring if space is available upon arrival.
14
Spend time at the charming Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum on Castlereagh in Old Town.
15
Book a chauffeur-driven winery tour with one of many wine tour companies in the area that include Grape Escape, Crush Wine Tours, Niagara Grape & Wine Tours, Niagara Wine Tours International, Niagara Getaways Wine Tours and more.
16
Learn all about wine production at one or more of the informative seminars and tours offered by some of the wineries in the Niagara-on-the-Lake area.
17
Watch ships “climb the mountain” at the Welland Canal Center Lock 3 Museum.
18
Visit Bird Kingdom in Niagara Falls, the largest free-flying indoor aviary in the world.
19
Take in a Music Niagara performance at various indoor venues during the months of July and August.
20
Go ahead! Embrace the weather and head off on a Whirlpool Jet Boat adventure anyway. After all, you’ll be getting wet, rain or shine!