How to do a trip to Niagara on the Lake and still follow COVID-19 Protocol

Although COVID has really put a dent into most people’s travel plans, it has forced us to get out and explore our own backyard.

Recently, me and a friend did an overnight trip to Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake. Although I’ve been to Niagara on a tour a couple of times, I have never done a bike tour. I will definitely be doing a bike tour again! Our day started off by checking into the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites. I’ve never stayed here however after doing some research online I found that this hotel was “Safe2Stay” and followed all the measures to be cleaned properly for COVID. I didn’t get a chance to take a picture of the Lobby but what you would see is a clear route to follow to enter and directed towards the check- in desk. There are plexiglass sheets in between the customer and receptionist and no contact except for when they pass you the key to your room and credit card verification. I was passed a brochure about the rules and regulations and as well as instructed only 2 guests per elevator and certain times to refrain from using elevator during peak times. Our room was sealed with a sticker to show that it hasn’t been entered in more than 24 hours from when it was last cleaned.

 

 Photo: Safe2Stay hotel room at Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites


After we got ready we made our way to Niagara on the Lake just in time for our 12:30 departure at Grape Escapes Wine Tours. We had been on a wine tour in a van a couple of years ago and loved our tour with Grape Escapes Wine Tours. This time we wanted to do something different and I had found an awesome price through Viator. Rich, at the front desk, was awesome and help us get adjusted for a bike and helmet. He let us pick a helmet from the sanitized bin and reiterated that everything had been cleaned due to COVID. We met our tour guide, Kevin, and were on our way!

1st stop: Between the lines

 

Photo: Maggie and friend at Between The Lines Winery


This winery is a very small business owned by two brothers. Although their wine was wonderful, they don’t produce enough for the LCBO so you have to visit the winery for a taste test and then can purchase online. This winery is a must visit!

2nd Stop: Inniskillin Wines

Photo: Maggie and friend at Inniskillin winery


We had done this winery before but it was a lovely surprise to do it again and hear from Kevin a bit more about the behind the scenes at this winery.

3rd Stop: Caroline Cellars

Photo: Maggie and friend at Caroline Cellars winery


This winery might have been my favourite. Our server, Suzanne, made it a great experience with lots of laughs and knowledge. I had never been to this winery and never heard of it because it is a smaller winery. Another must see! In total we biked 14 km over  4.5 hours so it didn’t seem tiring plus it’s a great way to see the back roads of Niagara on the Lake. I highly recommend Grape Escapes Wine Tours for any tour you’re wanting to do by yourself, with friends and/or with family.

To book your own tour follow the instructions below

1.     https://www.shorethingdestinations.com/

2.     Click activities

3.     Search Grape Escapes or any other activity you wish to do

4.     Check availability + book!

If you have any questions email me at maggie@shorethingdestinations.com

Have a wonderful day!

Maggie