With such beautiful surroundings, the Niagara Region is an ideal place to gather friends, family, and even the fur babies for an outdoor picnic lunch. Choose from an abundance of parklands and public spaces with a range of amenities to suit your picnicking needs. While the Niagara Region is known for beautiful summer days, it is also known for its fertile fruit and wine-growing soil, so remember to check the weather and pick your location accordingly. Other factors to consider: the age and fitness level of the people going, the number of people going, accessibility, public washroom access, and entry fees. Whether you’re feeding the family or have romance on your mind, you can count on Niagara to provide the perfect setting. Here’s a list of some great places to picnic in and around Niagara Falls:

Dufferin Islands:

Just upriver from the brink of the Falls is the little oasis known as Dufferin Islands. A series of bridges allow you to walk through the small islands and experience a taste of Niagara Nature while remaining within walking distance of Niagara Falls (and the Skylon Tower). Paid parking meters are on site, however a great savings tip is to purchase a parking pass from Niagara Parks.  This site is partially accessible, with seasonal washroom access, and some picnic tables. 

Kingsbridge Park:

Further upriver, in the quaint town of Chippawa, you’ll find Kingsbridge Park. Situated on the water, this is a large open parkland space, perfect for large gatherings. They often charge for parking here during peak times, but the park is quite large, with a pavilion, plenty of picnic tables, and space to ensure lots of room for you to play games and be active. The area is mostly accessible, with seasonal washrooms. 

Queen Victoria Park:

Located right at the brink of the Falls, Queen Victoria Park offers beautiful gardens and a large grassed area. Relax in the shade of the many trees with the roar of the mighty Niagara filling the air around you. This location is great if you want to remain in the centre of it all, close to Clifton Hill & District, with the Skylon Tower just a walk-up Murray Hill. The area is partially accessible, with some picnic tables, benches, and public washroom located in the proximity. There are paid parking lots in the area, which fluctuate in price depending on time & season. 

Queenston Heights Park:

Now a picnicker’s hotspot, Queenston Heights was once a significant battleground during the War of 1812 and has been known as the birthplace of Canada. You’ll find Sir Isaac Brock’s Monument, a climbable look-out tower, as well as information on other historical sites in the area. Complete with hiking trails, baseball field, soccer field, splash pad, barbecues, and playgrounds, this park turns an average picnic into a summer adventure. The park is mostly accessible, with washrooms facilities and occasional food service. It will take more than one visit to enjoy all this park has to offer.

Whatever your picnic-style, Niagara will always have a park for you. Picnicking truly adds a personal touch to your meal and a much-needed break from the excitement Niagara Falls and all its attractions have to offer! As always, remember to use the garbage and recycling receptacles provided on-site and to leave the parks as you found them, ready to enjoy.