It’s no secret that Niagara is one of my favourite spots for a daytrip, all year round. Whether I’m there in the summer sipping Chardonnay in the vineyards, taking in the gorgeous colours of the Niagara Escarpment in the fall, or enjoying the old-world magic that is Christmas in Niagara-on-the-Lake, it’s truly a destination for all seasons. And spring is no exception! Around this time every year, the Niagara region springs to life with a bounty of beautiful blooms. From tulips to magnolias to peach blossoms, you can find floral magic in every corner of the region. If you’re hoping to spot some stunning flowers in Niagara this spring, I’ve compiled a little guide of the best places to do so. If you’re planning your own Niagara daytrip this spring, I hope you find this post helpful, and if you’re not… well, after seeing this post, I think you will be!
TASC Tulip Pick Farm – This 25-acre flower farm in Pelham has planted no less than two million tulips for visitors to pick and enjoy! The glorious floral wonderland is something that has to be seen to be believed: the rows upon rows of tulips in a rainbow of vibrant colours create a feast for the eyes unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. Visitors can frolic in the fields, enjoy tasty Dutch delicacies from on-site food trucks, and pick their own bouquets to take home (each ticket includes 10 tulips.) Check out my blog post here to read a full review of our experience, and be sure to get your tickets while you can! TASC is open until May 21.
Magnolia Alley – Nothing says “spring” quite like a lush magnolia tree in full bloom, and one of the best places to see these trees is at the appropriately-named “Magnolia Alley” in Niagara Falls. Located right next to the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse, this picturesque trail is lined with over 50 magnolia trees, making it an especially lovely spot for a stroll in early to mid May, when the flowers are at peak bloom. (We visited last weekend and it was the perfect time: they were absolutely stunning.) Best of all, it’s completely free to visit! Although if you’re looking for more floral fun, you can head next door to the Showhouse, which costs just $8 per person. They’re currently hosting their annual hydrangea show, which runs until May 28. We didn’t stop in this time, but went for their poinsettia show a couple of Decembers ago, and it was absolutely magical – they always put on a great display!
The Good Earth Food & Wine Co. – Niagara is famous for its delicious peaches, and around this time of year, the region is positively exploding with peach blossoms. You can see these blossoms at several of the wineries in the Beamsville Bench area, but one of my favourite stops is The Good Earth. Not only do they have an absolutely stunning property, but they’re (in my humble opinion) one of Niagara’s finest wineries. Stop by their bottle shop and enjoy a tasting, and take a stroll through the blossoms on your way out! Or, grab a bite to eat at their critically acclaimed restaurant: they’re currently open for indoor dining but once it gets a bit warmer, they’ll open up their gorgeous garden patio, which is one of my favourite restaurants for an al fresco dining experience.
The Watering Can Flower & Pastry Market – This European-inspired flower market in Vineland sells an extensive selection of flowers, plants and garden accessories. They also have a fabulous restaurant located inside their greenhouse, where you can enjoy coffee, dessert, a full meal or even a whimsical garden afternoon tea. We had brunch at The Watering Can last summer, and it was delightful! Check out my blog post here to read all about the experience.
Pump House Gardens – If you can’t get enough flowers and want some to take home with you, be sure to stop by this adorable outdoor flower stand in Beamsville. They’re open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10-4 and during these hours, you’ll find their stand stocked with a variety of gorgeous bouquets, grown locally right on their flower farm. (We went by just around closing time so there were only a few bouquets left – I recommend stopping by earlier in the day for the best selection!) You can pay via cash or e-transfer. Right now they’re selling some gorgeous ranunculus bouquets, but keep an eye on their Instagram page for updates on what’s currently in season.
Well, that’s it for today! I hope you enjoyed this post, and that it’s inspired you to do some spring exploring of your own. To read some more of my recommendations for things to see and do in Niagara, click here.
Where are some of your favourite spots to experience spring in Niagara – or Ontario in general?
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