Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is important in the history of Canada: it served as the first capital of the Province of Upper Canada, the predecessor of Ontario, called Newark from 1792 to 1797. During the War of 1812, the town, the two former villages of St. David's and Queenston, and Fort George were the site of numerous battles following the American invasion of Upper Canada and the town was razed. Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to the oldest Anglican and Catholic churches in Ontario, and the oldest surviving golf course in North America.
Today, Niagara-on-the-Lake draws tourists with its quaint colonial-style buildings, the Shaw Festival, Fort George, wineries, an outlet mall on the highway, and its proximity to Niagara Falls. The Niagara Region has the second-highest percentage of seniors in Ontario.
Visitor Information, 26 Queen Street (in the lower level of the Court House building), +1 905 468-1950. Open daily.

By plane

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) in Buffalo, New York, is about an hour's drive away—assuming you don't encounter any delays at the international border.

• Buffalo Airport Shuttle (716-685-2550, toll-free 877-750-2550) offers service from the Buffalo-Niagara airport to Niagara-on-the-Lake. A group of up to 4 can expect to pay approximately $95 each way and the drivers often have great tips on where to go and what to avoid.
• BUF Buffalo Airport Taxi Service (716-292-4425) Provides service from the Buffalo-Niagara airport to Niagara-on-the-Lake. A group of up to 6 can expect to pay approximately $80 each way.

Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) is also across the border in Niagara Falls, New York, but less than a 45-minute drive (not counting border delays).
Hamilton John C. Munro International Airport (YHM) in Hamilton is about a 75-minute drive away.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Mississauga is about a 1 1/2-hour drive away.

By car

Niagara-on-the-Lake is approximately 1½ hours from Toronto (depending on traffic) and 45 minutes from Buffalo.
From Toronto Airport: Take the QEW east (QEW Niagara). Once you pass St. Catharines, exit at Niagara Stone Road (Niagara Regional Road 55). Go north for 20 minutes.
From Niagara Falls (Ontario) follow the scenic Niagara Parkway north along the Niagara River.

By bus

Bus tour companies such as King Tours, Niagara Tours, Queen Tour Niagara Falls Tours and City Sightseeing Niagara offer excursions to (or including) NOTL from several cities in Ontario.
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Shuttle offers hourly seasonal shuttle bus service between Floral Clock (connection with WEGO buses in Niagara Falls) and Fort George (Niagara-on-the-Lake). There are intermediate stops at McFarland House, Laura Secord Homestead and Queenston Heights Park. Shuttle tickets are sold at Floral Clock and Fort George.

By bus

• Niagara-On-The-Lake Transit

  phone: +1 905-468-3278 ext 270
  All buses are wheelchair-accessible.

By taxi

• Niagara-On-The-Lake Taxi

  phone: +1 905-468-2661

• Niagara Apothecary

  address: 5 Queen St
  Museum featuring a restored 1869 pharmacy.

• St. Mark's Anglican Church

  address: 41 Byron St
  St. Mark's is the oldest Anglican Church in Ontario with construction begun in 1800. It's roof was destroyed in 1813 during the War of 1812, and was subsequently replaced.

• Fort George

  phone: +1-905-468-4257
  address: 26 Queen St
  A reconstructed British fort which featured prominently in the War of 1812. Open April to November. Ghost tours offered some evenings.

• McFarland House

  address: 15927 Niagara Parkway
  Preserved 1800 house features guided tours by costumed interpreters, and (in summer) afternoon tea with scones and desserts.

• Living Water Wayside Chapel

  address: 15796 Niagara Pkwy
  Reputed to be the world's smallest church, according to several internet sites.

Queenston

The community of Queenston is located within Niagara-on-the-Lake near its boundary with Niagara Falls. The sites listed below are within 2KM of that boundary with the Floral Clock being approximately on that boundary.

• Laura Secord Homestead

  address: 29 Queenston St
  The homestead dates from before the War of 1812. During that war, Laura Secord became a heroine by walking to warn the British of an impending American invasion. Costumed interpreters provide historical information. The site also offers souvenirs and refreshments for sale.

• Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum

  address: 1 Queenston St
  William Lyon Mackenzie (newspaper publisher, rebellion leader and Toronto’s first mayor) lived in this house 1858-1861. In 1936, the house was converted into a museum displaying heritage printing machinery.

• Queenston Heights Park

  address: 14184 Niagara Pkwy
  This park includes the Brock and Laura Secord Monuments, dedicated to Isaac Brock and Laura Secord who played a role in the War of 1812; the Battle of Queenston Heights took place here. The park is also an end point of the Bruce Trail, which winds it way northward over 800 km (497 mi) to Tobermory.

• Floral clock

  address: 14004 Niagara Pkwy
  A clock made entirely of flowers.

Festivals

• Shaw Festival

  phone: +1 905-468-2172
  Named after playwright George Bernard Shaw, this theater festival runs from April to November and features plays by Shaw, playwrights who lived during Shaw's lifetime, or plays about his era (1856-1950). Three main theaters plus the Studio Theatre comprise the festival venues, and all are within walking distance of downtown. The season opens in April.

• Shaw Festival Theatre

  address: 10 Queen's Parade
  Seats 869.

• Studio Theatre

  address: 10 Queen's Parade
  Seats 200. Doubles as a rehearsal hall.

• Court House Theatre

  address: 26 Queen St
  Seats 327. The flagship theatre.

• Royal George Theatre

  address: 85 Queen St
  Seats 328.

Music NiagaraSummer music festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake featuring internationally renowned musicians of classical, jazz, opera, and more. From brilliant pianists (Andre Laplante, Dick Hyman), engaging ensembles (Swiss Piano Trio, Métis Fiddler Quartet), terrific instrumentalists (Paul Pacanowski, Julie Spring), and tremendous vocalists (Brett Polegato, Krisztina Szabo), hear great music round the clock in intimate venues including wineries, churches, and bistros. The season runs from mid-July to early August.

Niagara Wine FestivalThere is also an Icewine Festival in January and a New Vintage Festival in June of each year. Festivals include winery tours and tastings, cuisine, and entertainment.

Peach Festival

address: Queen St

First Saturday in August to celebrate peaches. It starts at 9AM sharp and the day is full of jams and pies and peaches.

Art by the Lighthouse

phone: +1 905 468-5455

address: 247 Ricardo St

Art by the Lighthouse is a juried fine art show held on the grounds of the Niagara Pumphouse Visual Art Centre, accompanied by live music. Running concurrently; a free gallery exhibit of Robert Uhre and Katherine McDonald inside the Pumphouse Gallery.

Outdoor activities

• Great Lakes Pyrate Lore & Harbour Walks

  phone: +1 905 381-0396
  address: 26 Queen St (Lower Level)
  Join Pyrates in an historical walk through the town as they regale ye with true tales of Pyrates that used Niagara-on-the-Lake as a base of operations! Sunken ships, daring raids, men "put on account", merchant ships and sunken wrecks that sit at the bottom of Lake Ontario. Learn the secrets of Fort Mississauga & Fort Niagara, and what role Pyrates may have played in the disappearance of a notorious NOTL resident.

• Haunted Hamilton presents a Lanternlit Ghost Walk of Niagara-on-the-Lake

  phone: +1 905-529-4327
  Prepare yourself to stroll back through history and hear tales of haunted pubs, inns, forts and homes where restless spirits of the past are still said to linger. Regular walks offered March to December start at the Angel Inn on Regent at 8:30PM.
• Bike the scenic bike paths along the Niagara River.
• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride or sleigh ride through the old town.

• Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours

  address: 61 Melville St
  Powerful jet-boats speed upriver, making their way into the breathtaking stonewalled canyon that is the Niagara Gorge. The anticipation builds as the boats splash into the whitewater of Devil's Hole Rapids. April - October.

Spas

• Spa at The Oban Inn

  address: 160 Front St
  Intimate boutique spa located in the Oban Inn overlooking Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Course and Lake Ontario offering personalized massage, body treatments and aesthetics. Open daily, year-round. Outdoor pool, whirlpool and fitness room.

• 100 Fountain Spa

  address: 48 John Street E

The village of Niagara-on-the-Lake is well known for the little shops along Queen Street. Hats, jams, cheese, fudge and many other items are available in these stores.

• Just Christmas

  phone: +1 905-468-4500
  address: 34 Queen St
  Dedicated to Christmas all year round.

Beyond the village

The following are not within walking distance of the village (King and Queen streets):

• Chocolate F/X

  phone: +1 905-684-2626
  address: 335 Four Mile Creek Rd, St. Davids
  Includes a chocolate tasting bar, and a production viewing area. Sugar free and nut free candies are available. Tours are available ($5 per couple, refundable on purchase), and are wheelchair accessible.

• Outlet Collection at Niagara

  phone: +1 905 687-6777
  address: 330 Taylor Rd
  Open-air outlet mall opened May 15, 2014. The main anchor is Bass Pro Shops.

• Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room

  phone: +1 905-468-3246
  address: 6 Picton St
  Traditional English High Tea in a Victorian setting.

• The Charles Restaurant

  phone: +1 905 468-4588
  address: 209 Queen St
  Good if you are looking for something a little more formal. Amazing food and a nice cozy feel.

• The Epicurean

  phone: +1 905 468-3408
  address: 84 Queen St
  Made to order sandwiches and you can ask them to pack you a picnic lunch.

• Peller Estates Winery Restaurant

  address: 290 John St East
  Open daily for lunch from noon-3PM. Brunch Sa Su noon-3PM. Dinner Su-F from 5:30-8:30PM and Sa from 5-8:30PM.

• Tiara Restaurant

  phone: +1 905-468-2195
  address: 155 Byron St
  At the Queen's Landing Hotel. A good choice for Sunday brunch (11AM-2:30PM). It costs $32, but definitely worth every penny. Traditional French cuisine using local ingredients.

• Treadwell Farm to Table Cuisine

  phone: +1 905 934-9797
  address: 114 Queen St
  Local food producers are the real stars at this upscale eatery. That extends to the wine list, which is dominated by Niagara wines, including their famous ice wines.

• Trius Winery Restaurant

  phone: +1 905 468-7123
  address: 1249 Niagara Stone Rd
  Open daily for lunch from noon and dinner from 5PM. Reservations recommended.

• Zee's Grill

  phone: +1 905-468-5715
  address: 92 Picton St
  A great restaurant that is more like a Toronto hot-spot than something that you normally find in sleepy little Niagara! Great food and great presentation.

• The Garrison House

  phone: +1 905-468-4000
  address: 111C, Unit 2 Garrison Village Drive

• Butler's Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 905-468-0049
  address: 284 Mary St
  Pool tables, dart boards, games, big screen TVs, and very good pizza and wings.

• Olde Angel Inn Restaurant and Pub

  address: 224 Regent St
  A variety of domestic and import beers on tap, and a great atmosphere.

Wineries and breweries

• Wine tours - The many wine tours of Niagara-on-the-Lake are an excellent way to spend an afternoon. Several companies downtown offer the tours - it's not strictly necessary to book, and you might want to take a look at the offerings. Choose your mode of transportation - by bike, bus or several other ways, and head off to between 3-5 wineries. Each winery offers a brief tutorial on wine-tasting, as well as a sampling of 2 or 3 of their vintages. Since you will be consuming alcohol it is strongly suggested that you consider joining a tour.

• eTours.toOffers Niagara-on-the-Lake winery tours that depart from many locations in Toronto.

• King ToursOffers group Niagara-on-the-Lake winery tours.

• Niagara Vintage Wine Tours

  phone: +1 905-933-7433
  Local and run by an industry professional.

Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake You don't have to take a tour to visit one or two of the local wineries. As of 2018, there are 27 wineries. Most feature tasting rooms, and have their wines available for purchase.

• Inniskillin Wines

  phone: +1 905-468-2187
  address: 1499 Line 3
  Inniskillin's winery license, an estate winery license issued in 1975, was the first winery licence issued in Ontario since 1929. They are credited with putting Canadian icewines on the world's stage. They make a variety of red and white wines, including several icewines. Their tasting bar is open daily.

• Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery

  phone: +1 905-468-4637
  address: 2145 Niagara Stone Road

• Peller Estates Winery

  phone: +1 905-468-4678
  address: 290 John Street E

• Reif Estate Winery

  phone: +1 905-468-7738
  address: 15608 Niagara Parkway
  The Reif vineyard was started in 1977, and the winery opened in 1982. They make a number of red and white wines, including several icewines. Their tasting bar is open daily.

Craft Breweries - Craft beers are becoming more popular in North America.

• Niagara Oast House Brewers

  phone: +1 289-868-9627
  address: 2017 Niagara Stone Rd
  Oast House sources their raw materials from local Niagara area farmers. Public tours & tastings on Saturday & Sunday 11:30AM & 3:30PM.

• Silversmith Brewing Company

  phone: +1 905-468-8447
  address: 1523 Niagara Stone Rd
  In a brick church from the 1890s. Their signature beer is a German-style Black Lager (Schwarzbier).

Niagara College teaches winery and brewery skills, and offers the student production for visitors to sample and buy. The college is about 2KM east of St. Catherines, and 14KM from the village of NOTL.

• Niagara College Teaching Winery

  address: 135 Taylor Rd
  Visitors may sample and buy the student-produced wines.

• Niagara College Teaching Brewery

  phone: +1 905-641-2252 ext 4099
  address: 135 Taylor Rd
  Visitors may sample and buy the beer that Niagara College students brew at the teaching brewery.

There are a number of fine hotels, including several within walking distance of the Shaw Festival theatres and the centre of town. The town also has an extensive network of B&Bs, which provide an opportunity to mix with other tourists.

• The Charles Inn

  phone: +1 905-468-4588
  address: 209 Queen St
  12 rooms. Free parking.

• Colonel Butler Inn

  phone: +1 905-468-3251
  address: 278 Mary St
  Best Western. 26 rooms. Complimentary continental breakfast 7AM-10AM. Free Internet and parking.

• Harbour House Hotel

  phone: +1 905-468-4683
  address: 85 Melville St
  31 rooms. Expanded European-style buffet breakfast 8AM-10AM. Free Internet, parking, and shuttle service.

• Olde Angel Inn

  phone: +1 905-468-3411
  address: 224 Regent St
  If you're obsessed with the paranormal, then you'll love this inn located in the downtown area. It is supposedly haunted by Captain Swayze, a British officer accidentally killed in the building's cellar during the War of 1812.

• Pillar and Post Inn & Spa

  phone: +1 905-468-2123
  address: 48 John St East

• Prince of Wales

  phone: +1 905-468-3246
  address: 6 Picton St
  Featuring elegant, Victorian-style rooms and a contemporary spa, this luxury hotel is just 2 blocks from Lake Ontario. The on-site restaurant holds a traditional English tea time every day. The 110-room hotel was built in 1864.

• Queen's Landing

  phone: +1 905-468-2195
  address: 155 Byron St
  Waterfront setting.

• Shaw Club Hotel & Spa

  phone: +1 905-468-5711
  address: 92 Picton St
  30 rooms. Continental breakfast included 8AM-10AM. Free Internet, parking, and shuttle service.

• Woodbourne Inn

  phone: +1 289 296-9631
  address: 214 Four Mile Creek Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
  Woodbourne Inn is in St. Davids, 13 km from Niagara-on-the-Lake town centre.

• Cape House Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 905 468-8380
  address: 1895 Lakeshore Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
  This adult-only bed and breakfast in Niagara-on-the-Lake is 2.5 km from the Shaw Festival Theatre. The property features individually decorated rooms with 4-poster beds and en suite bathrooms.

• The Butler House Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 905 468-9696
  address: 67 Mary St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
  It's on the ground floor. The Blue Room offers a beautiful Queen Bed, with high quality linens, a settee and second sitting area. The English Country décor features a beamed ceiling and Wedgewood blue walls.

• Niagara Falls - for the Falls, of course
• Toronto - Ontario's multicultural capital
• Kitchener - hosting the largest Oktoberfest in the world outside of Munich
• Stratford - picturesque city that hosts the Stratford Shakespeare Festival from April to November
• New York
• Buffalo