Niagara Falls straddles the Canada/US border, about an hour and a half’s drive from Toronto. While the town itself can feel a bit, well, tacky, the falls more than make up for it. Focus on the natural wonder rather than the surroundings, and you’ll be amazed. Composed of three waterfalls, Niagara sees an astonishing volume of water — an average of 115,000 cubic metres per minute — cascading from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario via the Niagara River. This gives the combined falls the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world. The swirling eddies and powerful spray make the experience unforgettable, and there are plenty of ways to get up close (and slightly soaked): venture into the tunnels behind the falls or take a boat trip to their base.

Nearby, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a perfect contrast to the falls. This charming town boasts a quaint high street filled with artisan shops, art galleries, and historic sites, all set against the backdrop of Lake Ontario. The region is also home to around 26 wineries, so we highly recommend sampling some of the local vintages while you’re here.