Tourism

Tourism is a critical sector in Niagara’s economic policy today and the region’s development as a world-class destination dates to the 1800s. Tourist attractions include physical wonders like Niagara Falls, feats of engineering like the Welland Canal and hydroelectric generating stations, agrifood tourism associated with Niagara’s wine and tender-fruit industries, and historical attractions such as the military forts.

The Niagara tourism sector has also been purposefully nurtured by the establishment of cultural attractions such as the Shaw Festival, sports events like the annual Henley Regatta, and nature tourism along the Bruce Trail, which traverses the Niagara Escarpment and its conservation areas. All these sights draw more than 13 million visitors each year to the region, thus requiring transportation infrastructure and accommodation. At the same time, these attractions provide jobs and income to people and businesses in the area.

Below are the full working papers on this history, three vignettes highlighting specific stories about tourism, and quick videos providing a solid overview. Click on each to read, watch, or download the full work.

History of Tourism in Niagara, pre-1969

The Story of Tourism in Niagara, 1969 to Present Day

Historical Trends in Niagara’s Tourism Sector, 2001 to 2022

Vignettes

During the research process, the team came upon short, revealing stories within the themes that merit some extra attention. Niagara's history is so rich, it was difficult to delve into just a few. These vignettes add to the depth of this project.

Within the Tourism section, there are three great stories to tell:

The Emancipation Day Picnic which is celebrated by the Black community and others annually in Port Dalhousie;
What began as an ingenious way for the Haudenosaunee to maneuver around challenging terrain, "Indian ladders" became a well regarded sight for the early European visitors to Niagara;
One of the first modern tourist attractions besides the Falls itself, the Burning Springs of Niagara captured the curiosity of many travellers to the area.