Niagara On The Lake Travel Guide: Canada Undiscovered

Niagara-On-The-Lake is regarded as one of the prettiest towns in Canada. One of its greatest attributes is that it is nestled in the heart of Ontario’s Wine Country.

The heritage district in the town is full of arbour-framed streets and lush boulevard gardens, where you can explore boutique stores and enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides. There are around 40 wineries, and you can try the world-famous Niagara Icewine.

Being located close to Niagara Falls and Toronto means Niagara-on-the-Lake is a great place to consider staying for any holiday in Canada.

We are the Canada travel experts, so get in touch today to start planning your trip. Read this in-depth guide to learn more.

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Where is Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Niagara-on-the-Lake is located in Ontario, Canada, and situated on the Niagara Peninsula at the confluence of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. The town is just 30 minutes from the city of St Catharines, 30 minutes from Niagara Falls and an hour and 30 minutes from Toronto. Niagara-On-the-Lake is close to some of Canada’s best wineries, as well as Lakeside Park Beach in St Catharines.

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What is the weather like in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Niagara-on-the-Lake experiences four distinct seasons, characterised by warm summers, cold winters, and cool to mild autumns and springs.

• Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold and sometimes snowy, the Niagara Icewine Festival is a popular event to visit in January.
• Spring (Mar-Jun): Warmer and a great time to walk through Old Town or The Gardens at Pillar and Post to see all the cherry blossoms.
• Summer (Jul-Sep): Warm, perfect for visiting Niagara Falls or a winery.
• Autumn (Oct-Nov): Mild temperatures make it a great time to take in the stunning colours of autumn's changing landscape with a hike along one of Niagara’s many trails.

This depends on what you are looking to experience. Each season has its benefits, and if you want to go wine tasting, enjoy the vibrant nature of the town and experience the shows at the theatre, then the summer is your best bet.

There is a lot to see and do in Niagara-On-The-Lake in spring, winter, and autumn, too, with vibrant festivals and an array of activities taking place throughout the year. You can visit Niagara Falls, go hiking, enjoy fewer crowds, and visit festivals like the Winter Festival of Lights and the Niagara Icewine Festival.

What is Niagara-On-The-Lake known for?

Niagara-on-the-Lake is renowned for being one of the most picturesque places in Canada, with its 19th-century town boasting colonial-style buildings, boutique shops, and horse-drawn carriages.

The Niagara region, where the town is located, is a renowned wine region, and countless wineries offer tours, tastings, and other wine-related experiences within a short distance of the town.

Key facts about Niagara-On-The-Lake

• The town was named the first capital of Upper Canada (now the province of Ontario).
• Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to the world-class Shaw Festival. Each season, more than ten productions are performed for over 250,000 people across three theatres.
• The area around the town boasts close to 40 wineries, most with award-winning vintages.
• The Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Course is the oldest surviving golf course in North America.
• Niagara-on-the-Lake is the only town in Canada that has a lord mayor.

• Discover the history of the town
• Explore the town by horse-drawn carriage
• Visit Niagara Falls
• Go on a tour at one of the nearby wineries
• Enjoy world-class theatre
• Walk around Queens Royal Park

Niagara-On-The-Lake offers you a variety of things to do throughout the year. The town is steeped in history. It gained its official status in 1781 when it became known as Newark, was named the first capital of Upper Canada in 1792, and played a central role in the War of 1812.

You should try to visit the historic sites of Fort George and the famous courthouse in the town centre. One great way to explore these and the town is by taking a ride in its famous horse-drawn carriages.

Visiting the natural phenomenon of Niagara Falls and going on a tour of one of the nearby wineries is a must and can be done throughout the year. The Shaw Festival, whose season usually runs from April to December, sees more than 10 productions performed for over 250,000 people across three theatres in the centre of town: Festival Theatre, Royal George Theatre, and Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre.

If you are visiting in Autumn, a walk around Queen's Royal Park is a must as you will be in awe of the colourful foliage - a hallmark of the season here. There are some great trails you can walk along in the park as well.

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Are there any good places to eat in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Niagara-on-the-Lake is well-known for its cuisine, and the town is home to restaurants that serve local produce and dishes from around the world. Some of the best restaurants include:

• Noble Restaurant: Experience fine dining in Niagara on the Lake, where the best of Wine Country cuisine meets French tradition.
• The Farmhouse Café: Enjoy local, seasonal ingredients and a selection of wines.
• The Irish Harp Pub: An authentic Irish Pub that would rival any on the Emerald Isle.
• Kitchen76 at Two Sisters Vineyards: Kitchen76 is inspired by the Italian table with a pared-down approach to rustic Italian dishes.

Can I stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

There are several excellent places to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and we highly recommend the Prince of Wales Hotel. This hotel is an elegant Victorian hotel located right in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which boasts a spa, indoor pool and its Noble restaurant, which serves a delicious gourmet menu.

The four-star Pillar and Post Inn is another great option if you are looking for accommodation in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Originally an 1890s canning factory, it is now a beautiful and deluxe country inn featuring a spa, fitness room, outdoor hot springs, a stunning indoor saltwater pool, and the Cannery restaurant that serves a selection of delicious meals.

Both hotels are certified Green Key hotels, meaning they meet criteria for sustainability.

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How do I get to Niagara-On-The-Lake during a Canada holiday?

The closest major airport to Niagara-on-the-Lake is Toronto Pearson International Airport. It is approximately a 1-hour, 30-minute drive from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake, and we recommend flying into the city and then driving to the town.

You can also take a GO Train from Toronto to Niagara Falls and then take a connecting bus or taxi to Niagara-on-the-Lake if you have not hired a car.

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