Niagara River Parkway

Sir Winston Churchill is said to have called it the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world, and the Niagara River Parkway has been collecting such praise for a century. The road runs for about 55 kilometres along the Canadian bank of the Niagara River in Ontario, from Fort Erie in the south to Niagara-on-the-Lake in the north, and it is run by the Niagara Parks Commission, the body that has protected the river's shoreline since the 1880s. Planned in the early years of the 20th century and completed in stages, it was designed from the outset as a scenic route rather than a fast road, with wide margins of lawn, mature trees, flower beds and a separate paved path for cyclists and walkers.

The route changes character as it travels north. In the south, it passes Fort Erie and the old Peace Bridge, with quiet river views and the remains of historic battlefields from the War of 1812. Farther along comes the Chippawa area, then the approaches to the falls, where the river speeds up in the upper rapids. Near the falls themselves the parkway touches Dufferin Islands and the Floral Clock, a large working clock with a face of flowers, and passes the brink of the Horseshoe Falls. Downstream, the road follows the gorge, passing the Niagara Glen, a nature reserve in the gorge with boulders and forest, the Whirlpool Rapids and the Whirlpool Aero Car, a cable car from 1916 that crosses the swirling whirlpool, and the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens with the Butterfly Conservatory.

Near the northern end, the parkway climbs to Queenston Heights, where Brock’s Monument towers over the site of a famous battle in 1812, and then runs past orchards, vineyards and the Laura Secord Homestead before reaching the historic streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Numerous pullouts and picnic areas let travellers stop for views, and the Niagara River Recreation Trail beside the road is popular for cycling.

The road itself is a public highway, free to drive and open year-round, though some attractions along it charge admission. Traffic can be heavy near the falls in summer, and weekends are busiest, so early morning or weekday driving is relaxing. Fall colours and spring blossoms are especially beautiful, and in winter the road can be quiet and snowy.

Allow half a day for the drive with a few stops, or a full day for a leisurely trip. It suits car drivers, cyclists and anyone who wants to see the Niagara region beyond the falls.