Cheese Tastings in Niagara Falls, Ontario

The cultivation of fermented dairy products might not be the first thing that springs to mind when someone mentions Niagara Falls — with the imagination usually conjuring up boat tours and blue raincoats or billowing clouds and frothing waters.

However, there's much more to the thundering falls than meets the eye, as participants of a cheese tasting tour in Niagara Falls can attest to. By harnessing the unique geography of the area, the region surrounding the falls has become an agricultural powerhouse in Ontario — producing a host of delicious produce just waiting to be discovered.

Here's all you need to know about cheese tastings, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

What are the best cheese tasting tours in Niagara Falls?

Finding the best cheese tasting tour in Niagara Falls, Ontario comes down to how much time and money you have at your disposal. To further add value to the outing, these trips usually include wine and or cold meats, but other drink options are also available.

Private picnic and cheese tasting in Niagara Falls, Ontario

This romantic option is a great way to experience the bounty of the Niagara Falls region and you’ll be the only people on the outing — apart from your server and wine guru, who’ll tell you more about the cheese and wine before discreetly disappearing.

The setting is a small organic winery in Niagara on the Lake, and you’ll quickly come to appreciate the subtleties of one of Canada’s burgeoning agricultural regions. You’ll have the option of enjoying a full-fledged winery tour with a wine tasting, before departing for your picnic — helping you find the perfect bottle to make the date extra memorable.

Following this, head out into the vineyard, where you’ll find a picture-perfect picnic laid out for you. All that’s left for you to do is to sit back and enjoy the rustic setting and delicious cheese and wine.

Niagara Falls full-day cheese, wine and charcuterie small group tour

A full-day tour of Ontario’s Niagara Falls region is the best way to sample all that this agricultural hotspot has to offer. This tour starts off with an air-conditioned pickup service from your hotel on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls — making the tour as convenient as it is delicious.

Your main destination is Niagara on the Lake, a farming town known for the quality of its products as well as the innovative methods used to craft them. During your full-day outing, you’ll visit a dairy farm, delicatessens, wineries, breweries and even a distillery or two. You’ll hardly find a more comprehensive tour of the region's best products, as each location is eclipsed only by the next.

Throughout it all, your guide will be at your side, ready to provide more insight into this vibrant agricultural community. After tasting a veritable smorgasbord of cheeses, drinks and charcuterie, you’ll head back with a tummy full of goodness and a head filled with memories.

Private full-day cheese, wine and charcuterie tour in Niagara Falls, Ontario

This private cheese tasting tour is the perfect option for a couple, a family or a small group of friends, allowing you much more privacy. Typically, your day will start with a pickup service from your hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Following this, you’ll visit several establishments showcasing the quality produce that Niagara-on-the-Lake is famous for, including celebrated cheese makers and scrumptious delis. The region is also famous for its innovative viniculture, and this will also be explored, usually accompanied by a perfectly paired local cheese.

Not only will you enjoy an in-depth exploration of the local produce on offer around Niagara Falls, but you may also determine the itinerary. This way, you’ll visit the locations that you want to, while avoiding those you don't — a perfect solution for travelers with dietary restrictions or rarified tastes. Don’t worry about finding locations to suit your cheesy needs, your experience guide knows this area like they know the difference between Gruyère and Emmental.

Are there any combos available with cheese tasting tours in Niagara Falls?

While most of Niagara Falls, Ontario’s cheese tasting tours consist of a combination of other produce, there’s only one true combo tour featuring another activity.

Niagara Falls half-day bicycle tour with cheese and wine tastings

What can be better than an almost entirely guilt-free indulgence into the best that Niagara on the Lake has to offer? That’s what's on the menu with this bike tour that includes cheese and wine tasting in Niagara Falls, as you’ll be able to peddle off many of the calories acquired during your exploration.

The serene country roads and well-maintained cycle paths offer a great way to wind your way from one delectable tasting to the other. The tour’s leisurely pace and relatively flat terrain also mean that cyclists from any level can participate, making it a great option for small families.

During this combination bike tour in Niagara Falls, you’ll visit local wineries, enjoy generous cheese plates and come to grips with the innovative techniques on display.

Which places are visited?

Cheese tasting tours on the Canadian side of the falls don’t concentrate on places visited, focusing instead on the cheesy goodness that you’ll taste. The region has acquired quite a reputation for delectable dairy products and you can savor everything from traditional Italian cheeses, to an unbeatable matured cheddar.

You’ll spend most of your time in and around Niagara on the Lake, a picturesque little town on the southern shore of Lake Ontario. The surrounding countryside is famous for the quality of its fresh produce and is filled with farms, wineries and delis.

How much do cheese tasting tours in Niagara Falls cost?

Private picnic and cheese tastings in Niagara Falls typically cost US$30 per person, which include fine wines perfectly paired with your cheese selection, as well as a discreet and knowledgeable server to help you enjoy them.

Niagara Falls full-day cheese, wine and charcuterie small group tours cost US$110 per person — with 15 being the maximum number of people on the tour.

Full-day private cheese, wine and charcuterie tours in Niagara Falls cost US$210 per person, but you’ll enjoy an entire day on your own. The price also includes the ability to adjust the tour itinerary to suit your needs.

Niagara Falls half-day bicycle tours with a cheese and wine tasting cost US$80 per person for a group of 4 to 8 participants, so be sure to book ahead to avoid the tour selling out.

What is included?

A cheese tasting tour in Niagara Falls will always include all the cheeses tasted during the expedition. Typically, these will be paired with wines and cold meats, and these will also be included in the price. Trips that combine another activity like a bicycle tour will include all the equipment needed for the trip, as well as the relevant safety gear.

Where does it start?

The starting point for a cheese tasting tour in Niagara Falls differs from tour to tour, with more affordable trips starting at a specific winery. Longer tours may include a pickup and drop-off service from your hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario, but this should be confirmed when booking.

How long does it last?

The typical duration for a cheese tasting tour in Niagara Falls is between 2 and 4 hours. There are some tour options that are shorter, coming up to just over the hour mark — while those cheese-centric odysseys that offer an in-depth exploration of the countryside are usually around 6 hours long.

When is the best time for a cheese tasting tour in Niagara Falls?

The best time for a cheese tasting tour in Niagara Falls is late spring through early fall, roughly May to September. This period offers pleasant weather, enhancing the overall experience. Vineyards and local producers are active, pairing well with cheese tasting.

Summer months are peak tourist season, so consider late spring or early fall for a balance of good weather and smaller crowds, ensuring a more personalized and enjoyable tasting experience.

Travel tips

• If there are specific tours or tastings, book them in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and early fall).
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, especially if your tour includes walking through farms or vineyards. Don't forget to bring water to stay hydrated between tastings.
• If you're crossing from the USA to Canada and plan to buy cheese to take home, be aware of the food import restrictions. As a general rule, hard cheeses (like Parmesan or Cheddar) are allowed, while soft cheeses (like Brie or Ricotta) and cheeses containing meat (like bacon cheddar) may be restricted.