Niagara Falls in the Fall — Photo by A Couple of Chicks
Niagara Falls Tourism, Niagara Falls Canada

Niagara Falls, ON -- Several very popular Niagara events happen this unexpected time of year from the Niagara Falls International Marathon to spectacular leaf peeping in the surrounding areas and Door Open Niagara, a tour of historical and architecturally significant attractions. Fall in Niagara Falls brings a slower pace, cooler air, and stunning fall foliage, providing the perfect timing for these seasonal events -- all while popular attractions continue to thrill visitors.

The 36th annual Niagara Falls International Marathon—the only marathon in the world that starts in one country and ends in another—hits the streets of Niagara Falls on October 24th. This Boston Marathon qualifier starts by the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo N.Y., followed by 6.5 km (4m) on the majestic parkways of Buffalo before crossing the Peace Bridge into the historic old town of Fort Erie, Ontario and then following the beautiful Niagara River Parkway with the finish at magnificent Niagara Falls. The marathon offers a 5K and 10K run and a marathon walk, as well as many supporting Niagara events such as the Running Room International Breakfast Run and a Pasta Party. Registration is open through October 20th.

For spectacular fall foliage, the historic Niagara Parkway or "River Road," follows the winding Niagara River and is one of the most celebrate foliage destinations in Canada. Winston Churchill once called it "the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world," with good reason. Those in search of brilliant fall colours will likely find them at their height in early to mid-October between Queenston and Niagara-on-the-Lake. An added bonus, Niagara-on-the-Lake and the surrounding region are just a short drive from the Falls and offer over 50 Niagara wineries, so visitors can top off a scenic drive around the region with a delicious glass of local wine.

The Binational Doors Open Niagara weekend, on October 16th and 17th, offers free entry to over 60 historical and architectural treasures in the Niagara regions of Canada and the U.S. Among the sites in Niagara Falls are the Battle Ground Hotel Museum, Niagara Falls History Museum, Ten Thousand Buddhas Sarira Stupa (Cham Shan Temple), Willoughby Historical Museum, Community Resource Centre and the Holy Trinity Anglican Church (Chippawa). A number of sites—from historic homes to wineries—in Niagara-on-the-Lake and the surrounding region will be open as well.

Although the pace is more relaxed for a fall visit to Niagara Falls, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy, including the iconic Maid of the Mistwhich operates through October 24th as well as Journey Behind the Falls, open year-round with the exception of the lower deck which closes from mid-December through mid-April. The exciting Fallsview Boulevard, Lundy's Lane and Clifton Hill areas are open for quintessential Niagara Falls experiences with attractions, casinos, shopping, fantastic nightlife, and a variety of restaurants and Niagara Falls hotels, many of which feature special offers perfect for fall Ontario getaways.

For more information about visiting Niagara Falls, visit www.niagarafallstourism.com.

About Niagara Falls Tourism:

Niagara Falls Tourism (Visitor and Convention Bureau) is the official tourism marketing organization of Niagara Falls, Canada. Niagara Falls, Canada borders Niagara Falls, New York within 20 miles of the Buffalo Airport and within 55 miles of the city of Toronto. Niagara Falls Tourism features an innovative website with interactive features such as Falls TV, a Niagara Falls Blog at niagarafallstourismblog.com, and a travel planner.

Joe Fardell
Director, Niagara Falls Tourism
1 905-356-6061