Come along with me on a Niagara Falls day trip that can be enjoyed by friends and couples. We will start with.a stop at a famous fish n’ chips spot, a captivating nursery tour and then wine on the vineyard. A perfect day trip that can be enjoyed in spring, summer and fall. I’m sure you could even pull this off in the winter…. well let’s go!
Niagara Falls Day Trip Route
If you are trying to plan a date day with your partner, girls day, sisters day or Mother’s Day, this is the perfect itinerary for you. Sure to provide a fun yet relaxing and intimate day.
You can easily find the best route to Niagara Falls through Google maps, Waze, or your favourite direction app. Based on where we were travelling from in Guelph, Ontario we took Highway 6, Highway 403 and the Queen Elizabeth Expressway (QEW).
If you are travelling from the Toronto area then it is a very similar route just int he opposite direction taking Highway 403 and the QEW.
On this Niagara Falls day trip we are going to explore the Niagara on the Lake region (Vineland to be particular). This part of Niagara offers peace and serenity away from the hustle and bustle of the down town tourism core.
You can easily go with the flow on a day trip like this and stop wherever is calling your name.
This is the day we planned:
1. Hutch’s on the Beach (Hamilton, Ontario)
The address of Hutch’s is 280 Van Wagners Beach Rd, Hamilton, ON L8E 3L8.
It is 43 minutes or 60km from Guelph. And 50 minutes or 67km from Toronto
Highlights – lunch (the best Fish n Chips ever) and enjoying the view for as long as you can hack the weather
For the most up to date hours please click here.
2. The Watering Can (Vineland, Ontario)
The address of the Watering Can is 3711 King St, Vineland, ON L0R 2C0.
It is 60 minutes or 90km from Guelph. And 68 minutes or 99km from Toronto. Or an additional 25 minutes or 35km from Hutch’s!
Highlights – a relaxing walk inspecting al of the plants as we strolled through and a yummy coffee and snack in the plant cafe
For the most up to date hours please click here.
3. Redstone Winery & Restaurant (Beamsville, Ontario)
The address of Redstone Winery & Restaurant is 4245 King St, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B1.
It is a 2 minute drive down the road from the Watering Can!
Highlights – amazing ambience having a private patio space and fire pit, delicious food and great wine
For the most up to date hours please click here.
Niagara Falls Day Trip – Spot 1. Hutch’s on the Beach
We first wanted to stop and enjoy a fish n’ chips lunch at Hutch’s on the Beach, our all time favourite fish n’ chips restaurant in the General Toronto Area (GTA).
This visit was in April 2021, and sadly due to Covid-19, Hutch’s was closed. We were so disappointed to miss out on the deliciousness. However, we were lucky enough to get to take in the beautiful view of Lake Ontario.
This is a dreamy Instagram spot. There was minimal traffic on the day we visited due to the time of year (cooler – April). However, this made for an easy going visit.
Hutch’s is separated from Lake Ontario by a sandy beach (rocky in some area) and a trail that follows along the Lake. It is known as the Breezeway Trail and is maintained by the Hamilton Conservation Authority. The trail is approx. 3km long and goes from Beach Boulevard to Gray’s Road.
A walk along this trail can be a fun date/catch up on it’s own! Get in some exercise (walk, jog, run, bicycle, rollerblade) and enjoy the view. To learn more about this trail, click here.
Here ia a picture from one of our favourite trips to Hutch’s all the way back in September 2019. My apologies for the poor quality – I was rocking the iPhone SE at the time with a very outdated camera. But what an amazing view!
Niagara Falls Day Trip – Spot 2. The Watering Can Flower Market
A trip to a plant store makes any day trip complete and AHH-may-zing in my books. The Watering Can in Vineland is such a gem. I love visiting this place. Every time I visit they have made changes to the place and it’s a new experience each time.
Botanicals
Narcity describes the place as a serene oasis to stroll through. Inside, you’ll find a whimsical space decorated with delicate blooms and antique accents.
The Watering Can describes themselves as a European inspired destination centre. Relax by their cafe in a tropical paradise or browse their fresh floral studio, with workshops and DIY available daily.
You could take this Niagara Falls day trip to the next level by enrolling in a workshop. There are a few workshops I have my eyes on for Spring 2022 – including this eucalyptus wreath project.
I want to purchase every plant when I visit here – I think I managed to keep it narrowed to 4 plants this trip (lol). If you are planning to purchase plants on this trip then make sure you are able to store the plant appropriately until you will arriving home.
We went during early spring so it was quite cold. We came prepared with left over insulated boxes from the Hello Chef meal delivery program. First we wrapped the plants in plastic bags provided by the market, then placed the plants in the insulated box and even topped it with a blanket for added protection.
This ensured the plants stayed warm while we continued to enjoy the rest of our day.
The Watering Can can be enjoyed by all. The decor and plants are mesmerizing to enjoy as you walk through the place. It is even pet friendly, so feel free to bring along your furry friend.
Cafe
They had the cutest little cafe bar set up where you can order a variety of hot and cold drinks and bakery items, desserts, sandwiches, soup, etc. Then you get to enjoy your coffee and snack on a beautifully hand pained table amongst a variety of plants.
Another great Instagram spot that is sure to WOW and everyone will want to know where the picture was taken!
I had soup, a scone and an iced coffee, too yummy.
Niagara Falls Day Trip – Spot 3. Redstone Winery & Restaurant
Along the same road the Watering Can is situated, there are various wineries lining the road. We decided to try out Redstone Winery & Restaurant for the first time this trip, a 2 minute drive from the Watering Can.
We would highly recommend. The service was unbelievable, the food was superb and the wine tastings were delightful.
Due to the time of year our visit took place (low tourist season, cooler temps) we had a lot of privacy. They have quite a large indoor and outdoor seating. We choose outdoor seating as we wanted the ambience of the fire places.
Most people choose indoor dining due to the temperatures, so we had the patio to ourselves except for one other table on the opposite side of the patio.
We sampled a flight of wines and settled on a bottle of Riesling. A classic that paired well with mussels, dip, soup, and more.
Interesting fact – The Restaurant at Redstone is a living wage establishment. Which means they provide their employees with living wages so that they don’t have to rely on tips to survive. This is considered a ‘service included’ model.
Both of host and server were very attentive and provided top notch service. They enjoyed working in the region and being surrounded by beauty.
To learn more about Redstone, visit their website by clicking here.
Overall Experience
Overall, this was one of my all time favourite Niagara Falls day trips. I always enjoy visiting the Niagara on the Lake region as it makes me feel like I am getting a mini European getaway.
I love visiting the vineyards and everything else the area has to offer.
Whether you are coming from Guelph, Toronto or anywhere in the GTA it really isn’t that far of a drive (a little over an hour). You can enjoy that time listening to your favourite playlist, catching up with your day trip companions or educating yourself with a podcast.
Each location offers Instagram worthy scenery that will leave your friends, family, and followers wanting to know where you are.
Escape the hectic crowds of downtown Toronto or Niagara and immerse yourself into nature.
This day trip subtly connects you to the elements. Standing on the edge of Lake Ontario gives you perspective and connects you with the water. The beautiful botanicals and greenery of the Watering Can will connect you with your roots. And finally, enjoying delicious food and drink with people you love, reminds you of what really matters in life.
I highly recommend this day trip. You can easily customize it based on your particular needs and interests that day. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new scenery and places.
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Driving home into the sunset. What a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Everything up!
Jane
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