When it comes to day trips from Toronto, Niagara Falls is tried and tested. Whether you’ve been once or a hundred times, you can count on the city for an easy and funfilled outing. But if you're looking for peaceful European vibes rather than bustling streets, Oakes Garden Theatre is sure to satisfy. With ornamental iron gates, limestone walls, and a central amphitheatre, this tranquil spot tucked away amid the tall buildings gives us secret Italian vacation vibes, and we’re here for it. Editor's Choice: This Small Town In Ontario Is Like Strolling Through The Streets Of Europe (VIDEO) Who needs a passport when we have this spot in our backyards, anyway? You can find this lush garden oasis, which serves as the entry point to Queen Victoria Park, near the base of Clifton Hill. But don’t worry, despite being next to the action, you’ll likely feel like you’re worlds away when you visit this place. There’s a shaded lily pond that features a cute footbridge and a handful of well-maintained gardens for you to admire during your visit. The gardens have been open since 1937, so there’s plenty of history in these walls as well. And it sure looks like it. Best of all, there’s no admission price to get in! View this post on Instagram Action shot by @dandill94 🤳🏼 #ootdstyle #fdsclothing A post shared by Filomena Dos Santos / Designer (@_fdsclothing_) on Aug 10, 2020 at 9:56am PDT Once you’ve spent enough time wandering through the gardens, you can take your pick of things to do that don’t involve Clifton Hill. Or if you’re day-tripping with someone special, why not check out some of Niagara’s most romantic activities instead? If you're feeling extra daring, this thrilling zip line over the falls is practically calling your name. View this post on Instagram If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden. A post shared by Bradley Driskill (@bradley.driskill) on Sep 29, 2019 at 11:02am PDT So if you’d rather be ambling around the streets of Italy right now, this garden is an excellent substitute. Not to mention a much cheaper alternative. Plus with so many additional activities within walking distance, you’ll never get bored. View this post on Instagram Design a life that you are inspired to life. ⁻ ᴬⁿⁿᵉᵗᵗᵉ ᵂʰⁱᵗᵉ • • • #exploreniagara #exploreontario #visitniagara #niagarafallscanada #niagararegion #niagaralife #gardentheater #visitniagarafalls #niagaratourism #discoveron #myniagara #niagarafallstourism #oakesgardentheatre #ontariotravel #whattodoinniagara #niagaragardens #exploreniagarafalls #niagaraparks A post shared by 𝕆𝕝𝕘𝕒 (@booyourboo) on Jul 19, 2020 at 7:58pm PDT And remember, when in doubt, day-trip it out. Viva Niagara! Oakes Garden Theatre Price: Free Address: 5851 Niagara Pkwy., Niagara Falls, ON Why You Need To Go: You can pretend you're in Italy at this stunning spot in Niagara Falls. View this post on Instagram Never go never know. • • • #exploreniagara #exploreontario #visitniagara #niagarafallscanada #niagararegion #niagaralife #gardentheater #visitniagarafalls #niagaratourism #discoveron #myniagara #niagarafallstourism #oakesgardentheatre #niagaragardens #exploreniagarafalls #niagaraparks A post shared by 𝕆𝕝𝕘𝕒 (@booyourboo) on Jul 4, 2020 at 4:57pm PDT Website
