Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is famous for its wine, art, and music culture. The town is home to dozens of wineries, ranging from small boutiques to large estates, each with its own personality. Visitors can sample the area’s wide variety of world-class wines on a small-group wine tasting tour, enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the area’s restaurants, or opt for a private food and wine-tasting excursion with an expert tour guide. A bike tour of the area is a good option for travelers who want to get some exercise, take in the surroundings, and sample local wine along the way. Fans of the performing arts can visit one of the town’s many theaters, such as the Shaw Festival Theatre, Court House Theatre, and Royal George Theatre, while art aficionados can stop by galleries including the Angie Strauss Gallery and the Romance Collection Gallery. For an overview of Niagara highlights, take a day trip from Toronto and visit Niagara-on-the-Lake along with popular attractions such as Whirlpool Rapids, Queenston Heights, and the historic Fort George. It’s also possible to combine a visit with a ride aboard the Hornblower Niagara cruise ship for amazing views of all three falls.

• The Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center is located on Queen Street, two blocks from the waterfront.

• Limited parking is available in the town’s Heritage District; drivers with handicap permits may use any municipal parking space without a fee, except in dedicated 15-minute and “no parking” zones.

• Book a guided wine-tasting tour with included transport to avoid worrying about drinking and driving.

Niagara-on-the-Lake lies on the southwest shore of Lake Ontario in Canada, roughly 30 minutes from Niagara Falls via the Niagara Parkway. If you’re flying in, Buffalo-Niagara International Airport is about 45 minutes away and offers shuttle service for a fee. Many full-day tours from Niagara and Toronto offer hotel pick-up.

While Niagara-on-the-Lake is beautiful at all times of year, the best time to visit is during late spring, summer, and early fall. Summer is the busiest season, while autumn visitors can admire vivid fall foliage and see wineries in action during the grape harvest.

Niagara-on-the-Lake hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. In summer, Music Niagara puts on over 30 piano, jazz, and opera acts around town, while the Peach Festival celebrates the sweet local fruit. Wine festivals include the New Vintage Festival in June, the Niagara Wine Festival in September, the Icewine Festival in January, and the Days of Chocolate and Wine Festival in February. From April through November, the Shaw Festival delights audiences with performances of works by George Bernard Shaw and other playwrights from his time.

Yes, it is worth visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake, especially for history buffs; the historic district includes several landmarks, such as Victorian buildings. Other attractions in Niagara-on-the-Lake include local wineries, an outlet mall, quality restaurants, and boutique shopping. This charming town with a walkable center is a tourist destination for good reason.

Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake are very opposite destinations with similar names. While Niagara Falls is known for casinos and neon lights, Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its Old Town, with charming restaurants, historic buildings, and boutique shopping. Many visitors praise Niagara-on-the-Lake’s walkability, which makes it fun to explore.

It is easy to get around Niagara-on-the-Lake without a car. Many visitors use the free hop-on, hop-off shuttle at any designated stops on the shuttle route for convenient transportation. Visitors will also find plentiful taxi and rideshare options when visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake.

July and August are the busiest and warmest months of the year. Still, visitors should be aware that Niagara-on-the-Lake is quite busy at this time, especially on weekends, and reservations are recommended. Visitors who don’t mind milder temperatures may prefer the spring or fall months when crowds are fewer.

There are many options for parking in Niagara-on-the-Lake, most of which charge a fee. The town has traditional parking meters, pay-and-display parking meters, and public parking lots. Some areas with free parking are available, though expect them to be limited. For overnight guests, hotels may offer parking, too.

Plan on visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake for at least two days. Many visitors stay overnight and take two days to explore the historic Old Town, local wineries, boutique shopping, and more. Many people also plan to see the impressive Niagara Falls during a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake.