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Niagara Falls
November, 2010
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Meeting Options
Looking to plan a meeting in Niagara, but want something out of the ordinary? A venue that will leave an impression on guests, yet still be functional? Here`s a list of off-site venues that deserve consideration:
Chateau des Charmes Winery
A quick jaunt away in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chateau des Charmes overlooks the 85-acre St. David’s Bench Vineyard. Meeting spaces include three hospitality rooms and an outdoor vineyard courtyard. Events can include private “chateau” tours, formal tastings, team-building activities, wine country luncheons, dinners and galas. Ability to cater groups up to 600 guests.
www.chateaudescharmes.
Oak Hall Estate
Overlooking Dufferin Islands Nature Area and the nine-hold Oak Hill Golf Course, this Tudor-style baronial estate was originally built by mining millionaire Sir Harry Oakes in 1928. Today, the 37–room mansion lends an authentic and historic flavour to meetings and events of up to 75 guests.
www.niagaraparks.com
Skylon Tower
What better place to do some team-building exercises than 775 feet above Niagara Falls. Skylon`s world-famous revolving dining room completes one full rotation each hour, meaning groups of 20 or more are treated to 360-degree views of the Falls, the Great Gorge and the region`s wine district. New is Skylon’s 60-seat motion theatre in amazing 3D/4D special effects.
www.skylon.com
Queen Victoria Place – Edgewaters
Guests are treated to breathtaking panoramic view of both the American and Canadian Horseshoe Falls from the indoor dining room or covered outdoor terrace. Capable of hosting up to 300 inside, 400 outside. The cherry on top? The Commissioner’s Quarters, located on the upper level of Queen Victoria Place, offers guests a bird's-eye view of the Falls through original leaded-glass Tudor style windows in a large banquet room, lounge and upper meeting room. Easily the best-kept secret in Niagara Falls.
www.niagaraparks.com
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A Planner’s Wonderland
By Jamie Zachary
Situated in the shadows of one of nature’s most breathtaking acts, Niagara Falls has long been making waves with travelers looking for something truly unique.
And while many visitors will always associate this southwestern Ontario community with the legendary Falls, a growing number are also raving about what’s beyond them.
Home to dozens of wineries, golf courses, as well as hiking/biking trails, nightclubs, casinos, theme parks and more, Niagara is, quite literally, a traveler’s wonderland.
Just an hour’s drive south of Toronto, and a half an hour from Buffalo, NY, the city of more than 82,000 full-time residents boasts easy accessibility, affordability, attractions – and, yes, the Falls.
“Niagara Falls combines the power of nature with modern conveniences that are expectations for conference and leisure travelers alike,” says Paula Racher, director of sales, MC&IT, for Niagara Fall Tourism.“The Horseshoe, Bridal Veil and American Falls are the natural wonder that has inspired a vast array of tourism product.”
Almost as well known as the Falls is Niagara`s wine region. Home to more than 50 wineries, visitors to the region can sample anything from deep, oakey reds to light, fruity whites. Many wineries also have world-renowned culinary teams that prepare wine-paring menus – such as Hillebrand Winery Restaurant, where chef Frank Dodd pairs chardonnays with short rib ravioli, and merlots with Berkshire pork.
More than 50 golf courses are also within striking distance of Niagara. Among them is Thundering Waters Golf Club, John Daly’s first signature golf course in Canada, as well as Legends on the Niagara, which houses two 18 hole championship golf courses and a nine-hole short course carved out of the region’s historic terrain.
So-called “hidden gems” also lie throughout this four-season community. Spectacular Fallsview restaurants in both the Clifton Hill and Fallsview districts are certain to tantalize travelers’ taste buds.
The R5Lounge at Fallsview Casino Resort also deserves consideration. The 1,500-seat theatre is home to more than 250 shows a year, having previously hosted the likes is Ringo Starr, Jay Leno, Lionel Richie and Diana Ross.
Travelers looking to stretch their feet are in for a real treat. Nearby Niagra-on-the-Lake annually hosts the world-renowned Shaw Festival, which produces 10 to 12 plays, including nearly 800 performances, in four theatres from April to October.
And, of course, the Falls remains an unforgettable experience that simply must be seen to be believed, says Racher.
While there are numerous ways to see the Falls — whether from the top of Skylon Tower, along the perimeter on the White Water Walk or even behind via tunnels — the most exhilarating experience still lies at its base aboard the Maid of the Mist. Decked out in those unforgettably blue ponchos, visitors can board this historic boat tour — in operation since the 1950s — and get up close and personal with the Falls. Don’t be afraid to get a little wet!
When it’s time for travelers to rest their head, Niagara has more than 15,000 guestrooms and suites within footsteps of the area’s many amenities.
“I think meeting delegates will be surprised by the number and variety of hotel brands available at all price points,” says Racher. “Some planners are brand loyal, and we have them all … Our non-branded properties are fantastic, as well, and offsite venues within the local attractions offer a wide range of opportunities.”
Many of these facilities also offer everything from spa experiences, shopping and gambling, as well as meeting options for group of up to 2,800.
Scheduled to open in spring 2011 is the much-anticipated Niagara Convention and Civic Centre. The new 280,000-square-foot facility will be located some 500 yards from the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, and feature more than 26,500 square feet of meeting and breakout space — including an 80,000 square-foot exhibition hall.
Filed under: Canada
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