Whereas Niagara Falls might get all the eye, Niagara on the Lake is an actual deal with! This charming small city is nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario simply half-hour away from the roaring falls. It’s identified for its world-class wineries surrounded by vibrant nature and pretty historic buildings.
A visit to Niagara on the Lake is effectively well worth the detour for a summer season vacation or a wintery weekend (if you happen to like ice wine, that’s). It’s a wonderful place to cruise round on a bicycle or stroll amongst notable landmarks in Canadian historical past. Whether or not it’s the wine, the water, or the historical past that calls your title, a weekend journey to NOTL is to not be missed! To assist plan your go to, we’ve rounded up one of the best issues to do in Niagara on the Lake from excursions to eating.
About Niagara on the Lake
Niagara on the Lake is just a little city on the northern tip of the Niagara Peninsula in Southern Ontario. It will get its title from being bordered by the Niagara River and also you guessed it, Lake Ontario. The river can be what divides Canada from the USA, which made it a reasonably vital location prior to now.
In actual fact, NOTL was the first capital of Higher Canada, which is now generally known as Ontario. It’s been the location of quite a few battles and is dwelling to a number of historic church buildings and heritage buildings. At this time the eye has shifted towards its glorious grape rising situations and charming vacationer sights. Some even name it “The Loveliest City in Canada” and we don’t disagree!
Aerial view of Fort George and the Niagara River. Picture by Vacation spot Ontario/J.-F. Bergeron
How one can Get to Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
A go to to Niagara is a unbelievable day journey from Toronto whether or not you will have your individual wheels or are touring by prepare. The drive from Toronto to Niagara on the Lake takes about 1.5 hours alongside the QEW hugging Lake Ontario. You’ll simply must remember to go north from St. Catharines as an alternative of south towards Niagara Falls.
Should you don’t have entry to a automotive, the excellent news is that there’s a seasonal prepare and bus service. First, you’ll must enterprise to Niagara Falls on the GO Prepare with tickets at CAD $22 every means. As soon as in Niagara Falls, hop on the WEGO bus for CAD $7 and journey alongside the scenic Niagara Parkway. Simply notice that this Niagara Parks Inexperienced Line shuttle bus solely runs from April-October.
Greatest Time to Go to Niagara on the Lake
The summer season months are one of the best time to get pleasure from all the nice issues to do in Niagara on the Lake. Peak season runs from June-August so put together for crowds and vital restaurant reservations! Plus, the summer season is when Shaw Competition is in full swing, so there’s all the time tons happening. If you wish to keep away from the crowds, we all the time advocate visiting within the shoulder season in Might or September. The climate remains to be nice and it’s far much less busy.
That stated, if you happen to’re a fan of ice wine, you’ll wish to plan your go to for January. That’s when the well-known Niagara Icewine Competition takes place with loads of winter-friendly occasions.
Greatest Issues to do in Niagara on the Lake
From sipping wine to strolling across the lake’s heritage district, there are many nice issues to do in Niagara on the Lake.
Go to Downtown NOTL
Downtown Niagara on the Lake is crammed with lovely heritage buildings with all of the allure of a historic city. Queen Road is the primary drag the place you’ll discover all types of cute retailers and top-notch eating places.
You’ll positively wish to pop into the historic Niagara Apothecary museum, which is a restored 1860s pharmacy. Browse for eclectic goodies at Lakeshore Antiques & Treasures earlier than grabbing a deal with from Cows Ice Cream. With dessert in tow, finish the day with a stroll round Queens Royal Park. Absorb scenic views of the water and Outdated Fort Niagara on the American facet of the mighty Niagara River.
Road view of the Memorial Clock Tower in Queen Road. Picture by Vacation spot Ontario
Uncover Native Wine on a Wine Tasting
Should you’ve ever thought of what to do in Niagara on the Lake, likelihood is one phrase has come to thoughts: wine! The Niagara area is Canada’s most beloved wine nation. Spoil your style buds and go to a number of wineries to get a really feel for what the area has to supply.
There are 35 wineries within the space and for essentially the most half, they’re fairly shut collectively. Due to this, you can also make a reasonably nice Niagara on the Lake itinerary of wine tastings! And among the best methods to do it’s by bicycle. Pedal by the leafy streets and rolling hills as you sip your means round.
A number of the hottest wineries in Niagara on the Lake are Peller Estates, Inniskillin, Wayne Gretzky Estates, and Trius. Personally, our favourites are:
- Massive Head Wines
- Two Sisters Vineyards Ravine Winery Property Vineyard
- Reif Property Vineyard
Peller Estates, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Picture by Vacation spot Ontario
Strive a Wine Tour
Wine tastings in Niagara on the Lake can get fairly costly since many wineries cost $20-30 for the standard tasting. So, happening a Niagara on the Lake wine tour is an effective way to discover a number of wineries for one value.
This Half-Day Vineyard Tour hits 4 totally different vineyards with air-conditioned transportation for a wine-filled afternoon. Should you’re fascinated with an extended day, strive the Small-Group Niagara Wine Area Tour. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes take a look at among the high wineries within the space.
Go to Fort George Nationwide Historic Web site
Due to its notable position in Canada’s previous, there are a number of historic websites to discover. One of many high Niagara on the lake locations to go to is the Fort George Nationwide Historic Web site. It provides a glimpse into the Battle of 1812 with reconstructed monuments and stay demonstrations for a dose of historical past. Admission is CAD $12.
Fort George aerial view. Picture by Vacation spot Ontario/JF BERGERON
Discover Butler’s Barracks Nationwide Historic Web site
As soon as dwelling to Colonel John Butler, this heritage constructing is considered one of a number of army websites alongside the Niagara River. Go to the grounds to see the Commons and previous picket buildings earlier than strolling by the beautiful forest at Paradise Grove.
Go to the Laura Secord Homestead
Enterprise south to see the Laura Secord Homestead, one of the crucial attention-grabbing Niagara on the Lake sights. It marks the beginning of the place Laura Secord commenced her 32 km journey to warn British troops of the American assaults throughout the Battle of 1812. Now, the homestead welcomes guests to find an genuine early Nineteenth-century homestead.
Picture by Vacation spot Ontario
Store at Walker’s Nation Market
This longtime staple is among the finest locations to go to in Niagara on the Lake for contemporary fruit and baked items. Assume basic farmers’ market with scrumptious jams, selfmade treats, and contemporary, native produce. They’ve been round since 1930 and provide nice lunches and attractive treats to take dwelling.
Golf or Dine on the Golf Membership
You don’t need to be a golfer to go to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Membership. The property dates again to 1875 and is the oldest surviving golf course in North America! Whether or not you’re searching for a full 9-hole sport or simply need a chew to eat, the Golf Membership is a NOTL fixture. We extremely advocate sitting on the patio for a drink whereas overlooking the river—no golf golf equipment required.
Sip on Native Beers at Trade Brewery
After a day crammed with thrilling Niagara on the Lake actions, deal with your self to an area brew at Trade Brewery. Go to the quaint historic constructing on Queen Road for a tasting within the taproom or seize a growler to go.
Have Afternoon Tea at Prince of Wales Resort
Transport your self to the Victorian period with Excessive Tea on the Prince of Wales Resort. Sip from fancy teacups, munch on tiny desserts, and soak within the regal décor. Excessive tea runs every day from 11 AM – 5 PM and reservations are extremely inspired.
Should you can’t snag a reservation at Prince of Wales, you may as well go to the McFarland Home. Their Conservatory Tea Room is ready in a glass room overlooking a picturesque backyard.
Be a part of a Foodie Tour
Undecided what eating places so as to add to your itinerary? Becoming a member of a foodie tour is the right technique to study and indulge on the identical time. This 3.5-hour strolling tour ventures by Outdated City Niagara on the Lake and hits one of the best native eating places. You’ll pattern bites, sip wine, and study concerning the tradition and historical past that makes NOTL so particular.
Hit the Water on a Stand-Up Paddle Board
What higher technique to discover the waterfront area than by paddling proper on the Niagara River. Don’t fear, we promise you gained’t end up barreling down Horseshoe Falls or inadvertently getting into New York state. You’ll simply get to tour all the best issues to see in Niagara on the Lake from a unique perspective. Paddle Niagara provides SUP leases and classes which might be excellent for day journeys or a day within the solar.
See the Niagara Escarpment from the Air
Soak in views of Niagara Falls and the beautiful Niagara Escarpment from excessive within the sky on an airplane tour. This 30-minute flight provides you with a chicken’s eye view of Niagara on the Lake and all of the pure magnificence that surrounds it.
The place to Keep in Niagara on the Lake, Canada
Prince of Wales Resort
Niagara on the Lake is all concerning the charming historical past and the Prince of Wales Resort takes that to a different degree. The elegant Victorian constructing homes luxurious rooms which might be positive to make you are feeling like royalty. Keep for excessive tea, go to the spa, or dine at considered one of 4 on-site eating places. Plus, it’s simply 5 minutes away from each the waterfront and Shaw Competition Theatre. Lodging begins at CAD $230 per night time.
Pillar and Publish
Pillar and Publish is one other posh retreat set in a Nineteenth-century constructing for sheer class. The property boasts an on-site spa, nice eating restaurant, and a formidable roster of native wines to select from. Select from rustic stylish rooms or parlour suites beginning at CAD $250 per night time.
PIllar and Publish sizzling tub. Picture by Vacation spot Ontario
On the 6 B&B
For a quieter escape, On the 6 Mattress & Breakfast is simply outdoors of city and provides a countryside getaway. You’ll have easy accessibility to the trails of the Niagara Parkway that run alongside the picturesque Niagara Gorge. Every room has a novel theme with views of the outside pool or gardens. Lodging begins at CAD $165 per night time.
Picture by way of On the 6 B&B Fb Web page
The place to Eat in Niagara on the Lake
Prince of Wales
Go to The Drawing Room on the Prince of Wales Resort for breakfast or a sublime afternoon tea. Be sure you reserve upfront as a result of it’s a preferred spot—it was totally bought out after we visited. The lodge can be dwelling to Noble Restaurant, a nice eating eatery highlighting one of the best of the Niagara area.
The Farmhouse Cafe
The Farmhouse Cafe serves relaxed wine nation fare at Caroline Cellars vineyard. The menu of Canadian delicacies is all about celebrating native and seasonal elements. Gadgets change commonly however plates that pair effectively with wines are all the time in season.
Picture by way of carolinecellars.com
The Outdated Vineyard Restaurant & Wine Bar
Take pleasure in wood-fired pizzas and basic Italian dishes on this restored historic vineyard. The Outdated Vineyard Restaurant additionally has a wonderful patio that’s a stunning place for a cocktail or glass of wine.
OLiV Tasting Room & Restaurant
Set on the shores of Niagara on the Lake, OLiV Tasting Room & Restaurant places a giant concentrate on flavour. Pattern olive oils and balsamics within the tasting room or dine on contemporary delights within the cozy restaurant.
Ruffino’s Pasta Bar & Grill
Hidden away in historic previous city Niagara on the Lake, Ruffino’s is the most recent spot for Italian eating. Their brick oven creates wealthy flavours for in-house butchered meats and contemporary, native produce. Seize a plate of selfmade pasta and settle in with a glass of wine on the sun-soaked patio.
The Epicurean
The comfortable backyard patio at The Epicurean is considered one of our favourites in Niagara on the Lake. Paired with Mediterranean-style bites and an in depth listing of native wines, it’s a can’t-miss cease in downtown NOTL.
Treadwell Delicacies
For an upscale expertise, Treadwell Delicacies nails farm-to-table eating. The open kitchen and native wine program take Niagara on the Lake eating to new heights. We advocate a scrumptious weekend brunch or a mouthwatering four-course dinner.
Picture by way of Treadwell Fb Web page
How Many Days Do You Want in Niagara-On-The-Lake?
A weekend is the right period of time to do a mixture of sightseeing, wine tasting, and outside actions. We’d advocate spending 2 nights in NOTL and popping all the way down to Niagara Falls for a fast go to if you happen to’ve by no means been.