Niagara-on-the-Lake combines rich heritage, captivating history, and warm hospitality
From its 19th-century architecture to world-class wineries and welcoming charm, it’s a destination of timeless appeal.
Every minute, more than 168,000 m³ (six million cubic feet) of water pound over Niagara Falls, plunging 57 meters in its famous frothy cascade off the height of the Niagara Escarpment, an impressive spine of land that rims the Great Lakes in Ontario and three states. After its dramatic descent, however, the Niagara River settles into a calmer state, flowing more or less straight north towards Lake Ontario and the historic gem that is Niagara-on-the-Lake.
By Sarah B. Hood
An early refuge for the soldiers who fought on the British side of the American Revolution, the area was settled in the late 1700s.
It was first named Butlersburg after the leader of Butler’s Rangers, a Loyalist regiment. Later, it was briefly known as Newark and even served for a time as the capital of Upper Canada before Toronto gained the title.
The town’s main streets are redolent of its Georgian and Victorian past, with bijoux red-brick storefronts, bakeries and public buildings. Its romantic homes, many adorned with charming gingerbread woodwork, burst with floral displays in summertime and sparkle with holiday lights when the snow falls.
A horse and carriage strolls down the charming main street of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a delightful anchor point for a visit to the fertile Niagara Region. It is tucked away from the bustle of Niagara Falls but is an easy bike ride away from rolling vineyards and artisanal eateries specializing in local foods. The town also boasts points of historic interest like the cozy little one-story house that from 1803 to 1835 was the home of Laura Secord, heroine of the War of 1812 and namesake of the beloved Canadian chocolate chain.
A Taste of Niagara
With its moderate climate, the Niagara Region has long been a productive farming area, but it was not until the 1990s that local producers and restaurant owners began to recognize how local food and wine could be brought together as stars of a local culinary scene fit to compete with the world’s most famous food destinations. This movement paralleled the foundation in 1988 of the Vintners Quality Alliance (VQA) designation, which sets formal standards for Canadian wines.
Peller Estates' ice wines are celebrated for their rich flavors and artisanal craftsmanship.
Clustered on the outskirts of town are such labels as Two Sisters Vineyards, Peller Estates Winery, Wayne Gretzky Estates and Lailey Winery. Most offer open tastings where you can simply walk in, savour a few offerings and purchase a bottle (or a case) of whatever takes your fancy. Just a little further away is Château des Charmes, a literally palatial winery with dining facilities, a season of vineyard concerts and other enticements. The whole region celebrates the best of the season each year at the Niagara Wine Festival and the Niagara Icewine Festival in nearby St. Catharines.
Enjoy fine dining, paired with award-winning wines and breathtaking vineyard views at Two Sisters Vineyards.
Winning Performances
If a vineyard tasting tour is a quick bike ride away, a full season of theatre is just within walking distance at the Shaw Festival, founded in 1972. The festival is dedicated to the work of the prolific Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, with a mandate to produce only his work or plays written or set during his lifetime. Luckily, he lived a very long time (1856 to 1950) which gives the company an ample choice of repertoire.
The iconic Royal George Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a cornerstone of the Shaw Festival.
A typical season includes musicals, shows for young people, a murder mystery, a selection of comedies and dramas and winter holiday-themed classics such as White Christmas and A Christmas Carol. Plays are staged in three distinct theatres as well as an outdoor venue.
Retreat into the Past
Those who prefer to avoid the cookie-cutter chain hotel experience, will find that Niagara-on-the-Lake is a treasure trove of unusual accommodations, including numerous B&Bs, some dating from the early 1800s and furnished with fireplaces and antique furniture of the period.
Hospitality on a more opulent scale – but still with individual flair – is to be found at the three Vintage Hotels in town. Replete with contemporary amenities but preserving the ambiance of the town’s long heritage, they all offer exemplary service with special little flourishes. The Prince of Wales in the heart of town is a beautifully restored former Victorian hotel surrounded by a decorative white colonnade. It's a perfect venue for traditional afternoon tea in the whimsical Drawing Room.
The historic Prince of Wales Hotel, a landmark of elegance and charm in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Queen's Landing is an impressive Georgian mansion overlooking the Niagara River. From the first moment of entering through the massive classical columns of the stunning grand-entrance portico, it's clear to visitors that the experience is on a most generous scale, with high ceilings and large rooms. Its Tiara Restaurant is a fine-dining venue. The Pillar and Post is a five-star hotel in a 19th century building known for its steak house (the Cannery Restaurant), its Vintages Wine Bar and the town’s only heated outdoor pool.
The stately Queen's Landing, a waterfront gem, offers stunning views and classic elegance.
With one foot in its 200-year history and the other in the forefront of Ontario’s culinary and cultural spheres, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a place to honour the past while creating new memories.
Your private jet dream is within reach.
Photos courtesy of Destination Ontario, Two Sisters Vineyards, Vintage Hotels and Wines of Ontario.