5-star hotel and theme park to make Niagara Falls like Las Vegas

The provincial push to make Niagara Falls the ‘Las Vegas of the North’ has had a major development. 

Today, the provincial government kicked off its new ‘Destination Niagara Strategy,’ a funding incentive worth well into the billions that will, if all goes to plan, make one of Canada’s already top tourist destinations even more of a global contender. 

A key component of this strategy is the ongoing conversion of the historic Toronto Power Generating Station (anchored on the falls) into Niagara Falls’ first-ever five-star hotel. 

Additional fixtures tied to the wider incentive include the possible creation of a new theme park, a new observation wheel, and the revitalization of the Niagara Parks Marina. 

In terms of the greater Niagara economic engine, the province is also looking at boosting casino operations in the area by “expanding the market to multiple world-class casinos, which could attract new hotels, entertainment and top-tier dining options.” 

To weave all of these grand designs together, the official release for the Destination Niagara Strategy also cited plans for overhauling transportation, which will allegedly bring in 25 million tourists a year, further adding $3 billion to Ontario’s GDP. 

“Our Destination Niagara Strategy will unlock the region’s full potential, supporting workers and creating new opportunities for tourists and families from Ontario and around the world to come and experience the best that the region has to offer,” said Premier Doug Ford in a statement. 

Ford continued to highlight how the Niagara Falls area is already an iconic destination, with world-class restaurants, wineries, hotels, and iconic views. 

Tapping into that market, especially with wineries and more, the strategy further plans on bolstering the already thriving hospitality industry in the area, as it already is home to more than 100 vineyards.

Further planning down the line includes some additions to the region’s arts sector, with an upcoming redevelopment of the famed Royal George Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake.  

For the GTA motorist trying to visit the region once all these new strategies are in place, the province plans on expanding the QEW in Niagara, twinning the Garden City Skyway, continuing to increase GO service to the region and leveraging the Niagara District Airport by issuing a request for proposals to improve air access.

Attractions that are already laying the foundation for this strategy include Niagara Takes Flight, an immersive experience that opened earlier this year, which takes guests on a virtual roller coaster ride through the skies of the Niagara Region. 

The province is also exploring the possibility of creating a year-round tram that will run 3.8 kilometres through Queen Victoria Park.

If completed, the tram will offer riders a view of the Falls and access to other local attractions. 

“We are introducing even more reasons to visit this iconic, bucket-list-worthy destination,” David Adames, CEO, Niagara Parks Commission, said in a statement. “The Destination Niagara Strategy outlines a bold vision for Niagara, further establishing its role as a global tourism icon for generations to come.”