Niagara Falls has a few reputations it can’t seem to shake. Known for more than a century as the Honeymoon Capital of the World, the city and surrounds have long been a place for schmaltzy couples. More recently, Niagara Falls became a family vacation paradise, and it is accordingly filled to bursting with kid-friendly attractions.
Yet, despite these rated-G characteristics, Niagara Falls is actually an amazing place for a single guy on the go. Whether you are looking for a location for a legendary bachelor party or you just want a vacation where you can enjoy the more masculine side of life, here’s why Niagara Falls should be your next manventure.
Male Trails
Nearly every vacation destination has one form of guided tour or another, but Niagara Falls is unique in the bevy of self-guided trails particular to masculine interests. While there are a number of familiar trails in the Niagara region that may appeal to broader groups of visitors, like the exceptional wine country excursions or culinary adventures, there are also activity paths that specifically target the male gaze.
For one, the Niagara Golf Trail connects seven of the region’s top courses to provide a weekend’s worth of amazing golfing into one easy-to-follow route. Most of the courses are challenging for all levels of golfers, from beginners to pros, and a handful were lovingly crafted by renowned course designers. In particular, Grand Niagara, Thundering Waters, and Legends on the Niagara make outstanding use of the existing natural features of the Niagara region to produce breathtaking landscapes as well as risk-for-reward play.
When you need a break from the green, you can explore Niagara Falls’ up-and-coming craft brewery and distillery scene. Though the region has long been valued for its excellent winemaking climate, other fermenters are just beginning to discover that Niagara can provide fresh grain, hops, and other ingredients essential for delicious beer and spirits.
Among the must-stop spots are brewers Niagara Brewing Company and Syndicate Restaurant and Brewery as well as distillers Forty Creek Whisky and Dillon’s Small Batch Distillery. You will hardly want to vacation anywhere else after you spend your trip alternating between golf courses and artisan brewers.
Games and Gambling
Dudes who prefer one-stop entertainment might prefer to check into one of Niagara Falls’ many resorts and spend their days (and nights) wandering around the casino floor. On the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, gambling is fully legal, which means a vacation to Niagara can be full of adrenaline-fueled gaming and gambling. While there is a heaping handful of viable gaming houses in and around the tourist district, two particular casinos always stand a cut above the rest:
- Fallsview Casino Resort. The largest casino in the area (and among the largest in the world), Fallsview boasts an outstanding 200,000 square feet filled with tables and machines. You will certainly find your favorite games — and probably develop a few new ones during your stay. Plus, for those with more refined tastes, VIP services are available to help you better organize your luxury stay in Niagara Falls.
- Casino Niagara. Slightly smaller but no less exhilarating, Casino Niagara claims over 1,500 slot machines and more than 40 game tables, including a dedicated poker room. Alongside gaming opportunities are live performances by musical guests, comedians, and more, so you can play, eat, and watch all at once.
After Dark
After the families bed down and couples cozy up in their rooms, dudes on vacation in Niagara Falls still have much to do. The nightlife here seems to change from year to year, which tends to keep nighttime attractions fresh and exciting. Whether you prefer sophisticated establishments or raucous parties, Niagara has something to suit.
Men who enjoy loud music and flashing lights will find the Niagara club scene particularly interesting. Club Se7en is the most established venue in the city, and locals and visitors alike enjoy letting loose to the beats from respected DJs. However, Dragonfly and Club Mardi Gras are valuable additions to your crawl.
For a more subdued night out, you can head to the Cigar Experience, a purveyor of some of the most delectable international cigars available. With a cup of coffee and a fine cigar, there is little else you need to be happy. After the shop closes, you can take your smokes to R5, an upscale lounge for enjoying conversation and views of the grand falls.