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Free Time at a Conference? Look No Further!

Free Time at a Conference? Look No Further!

So, you’re attending a conference at White Oaks? Awesome! You are in such a vibrant, beautiful area; why not make the most of your trip here? Our Conference Planner, Alyssa Waldes has the perfect recommendations based on how much time you have between your scheduled activities.

30 Minutes – 1 Hour:  (Not a lot of time, but luckily you don’t have to leave our property to find something great!)

The Club at White Oaks – With over 100,000 square feet of activities, you’ll find something that fits your needs. Visit the weight room, have a run on the cardio floor, go for a swim, join a fitness class, play tennis, have a coffee at Grow Kitchen + Café…the options are endless for you to refresh and re-energize!

The Spa at White Oaks – Relax and rejuvenate at our award winning spa. Tip: If you have your event agenda in advance, I recommend pre-booking your appointment.

White Oaks Gardens – Want to get outside? Take a stroll through our gardens. You’ll find some hidden treasures including the Chef’s Garden, butterfly houses, and the wedding bell.

Relax in your room – Honestly, conferences can be demanding – make sure you are taking the time to decompress in your beautifully appointed and recently updated room with modern, tasteful touches to make you feel right at home.

1 – 2 Hours:

Outlet Collection at Niagara – Take a stroll across the street to the Outlet Collection! With over 100 outlet stores ranging from body care, fashion, to kitchen supplies – you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy. I say an hour – but really you could be here all day if you wanted to.

St. David’s – Less than a 10 minute drive from White Oaks, you can get a taste of history, shopping and wine. St. David’s was a pivotal location before and during the War of 1812 – history buffs will not want to miss this little village! My favourite shop in St. David’s is Bloom & Co. – a super cute boutique where you can pick up some local favourites. Don’t forget to check out Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery or Chateau des Charmes for a tasting on your way through! (If you know you will want more than a tasting, I recommend speaking with our White Oaks Concierge about a shuttle over – better to be safe so you can fully enjoy yourself).

Welland Canal – Take a short drive up the road to see the Welland Canal. As a shipping canal connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, it forms a key section of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes Waterway. There are interesting activities available – or just park the car and watch the ships go by!

2 Hours – Half Day:

Niagara Stone Road (or as I like to call, “Winery Way”) – Take a drive (or shuttle) along this highway, where you’ll find wineries, breweries, and fruit stands galore. My top recommendations are: Trius Winery, Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery & Distillery, Jackson-Triggs, and Niagara Oast House Brewers… but you really can’t go wrong with anything along this route. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can venture off this road and find many more gems, with over 80 wineries in the Region including Inniskillin, Peller Estates, Reif Estate Winery, and Konzelmann. Ask the Concierge for a winery map or set up a tour!

Niagara Falls – Need I say more? Visit a world-renown attraction and have plenty of fun! From the Hornblower Cruise to the Niagara Skywheel to the Whirlpool, there is something for everyone. If you only have 2 hours, I recommend parking just off of Clifton Hill and walking down to view the Falls.

Niagara Parks Attractions – With Queenston Heights, the Floral Clock, Butterfly Conservatory and more, this is a great opportunity to use a break in your day to try one of these Niagara go-to attractions!

Old Town Niagara on the Lake  – Oh the beauty of Old Town Niagara on the Lake! Snack, shop and explore this unique, picturesque town. There’s theatre (Shaw Festival, Royal George), there’s history (Fort George), and of course, there’s delicious restaurants! For lunch, I recommend the Tide Vine’s Sandwich Bar.

Twenty Valley – With beautiful scenery, amazing hiking paths, stunning wineries and tasty craft breweries, this region is a must visit! You really can’t go wrong in this area, but I do recommend visiting Thirty Bench Winery and Bench Brewing!

Evening at Leisure?

Wow, a night free in Niagara?! How exciting. The world is your oyster!

Dine – There are countless amazing restaurants in Niagara. What do you have a hankering for? Fine Dining: LIV Restaurant at White Oaks or Benchmark at Niagara College. Seafood? Tide and Vine. Excitement? Copacabana or Greg Frewin Theatre. Amazing views? Table Rock Restaurant, or the Skylon Tower. Winery? Ravine or Trius. Casual dining? Play Bar & Grill, Silversmith,  or Niagara Oast House Brewers. All great picks!

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Entertainment – There is a lot to do in Niagara Falls for the evening, including hitting up the Fallsview Casino or Casino Niagara, and Clifton Hill attractions.

Seasonal Events: There’s always something happening in Niagara, no matter the time of year! Check out Niagara Wine Festivals, the Winter Festival of Lights, Shaw Festival, Jackson-Triggs Summer Concert Series… and many more!

Of course there are many options, but these are some of my top recommendations if you have some free time while on business at White Oaks Resort. I hope you’ll check out some of these places during your next conference! Anywhere I’ve missed? Comment below some of your favourites.


Alyssa is a detail-oriented, change-enthusiast who is always on the hunt for her next adventure. Planning conferences here at White Oaks gets her creative juices flowing - along with a little wine. Inspired by world travel and meeting new people, her meetings and events are sure to impress.

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