Niagara-on-the-Lake is a town on the shores of Lake Ontario in southern Ontario. The town is well-known for its vineyards, plays, and numerous other festivals. There are approximately forty wineries in the town, and most of them have won awards. Being the original capital of the Province of Upper Canada, the town holds significant importance in Canadian history. As a result of this, the town is littered with historical 19th-century architecture that draws visitors all year round. The fact that the town is the only one in Canada to have a Lord Mayor is also noteworthy. We'll look at a few of the many strong arguments in favor of visiting Niagara on the Lake in this post.
01 Take a stroll on the historical Queen Street
The street starts at the George Bernard Shaw statue and makes its way to Niagara Lake and Fort Niagara. The street is full of historical buildings, flowers, and amazing shops and restaurants. You can begin at the Charles Hotel, head to the breathtaking Victorian-era Prince of Wales Hotel, and also take the side streets and admire the many historical homes. Most of them have a plaque explaining their history. You can also attend the Ghost Tour, which starts at Queen Street. With this tour, you will hear the ghost stories of the street's iconic haunted establishments.
02 Visit Fort George National Historic Site
The Fort, overlooking the Niagara River, was built between 1796 and 1802. It played an important function in the defense of Upper Canada. The Fort was the headquarters of the Center Division of the British Army in the War of 1812. The Americans seized it during the battle of Fort George, only for the British to reclaim it a few months later. Today, you can visit the Fort and step back in time to experience the military history of Niagara.
03 Catch a play at the Shaw Festival
The Shaw Festival is one of North America's best cultural attractions. It is open each year from February to December, offering family-friendly shows, comedies, award-winning musicals, classics, and bold dramas. If you are a lover of theater, you can catch a play at any of the three theaters during the festival. They include the Festival Theater, the Royal George Theater, and the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre.
04 Have a tour of vineyards and wineries
There is a wide variety of wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, varying in size. You can stop by a couple of the numerous wineries and vineyards, where friendly personnel will be happy to give you a tour and explain how wine is made. Andrew Peller Limited, Caroline Cellars, Chateau Des Charmes Winery, Colaneri Estate Winery, and Ferox by Fabian Winery are a few of the wineries you could visit. These are just a few of the numerous locations in Niagara on the Lake that you may spend a weekend exploring.
05 Enjoy an afternoon tea at McFarland House
The historic McFarland House, constructed in the 1800s by John McFarland, a Scottish immigrant, holds a significant place in history. Originally serving as a military hospital during the 1812 War. When you visit the historic home, you will be greeted by interpreters who will provide tours of the home. The site is also home to a tea room, serving freshly baked scones and traditional afternoon tea. You will undoubtedly appreciate a visit to the site since they employ ingredients and preparation techniques that are appropriate for the period.
06 Enjoy Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
Another activity you could enjoy in Niagara on the Lake is an adventure with Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours. The company offers tours on the Class V Devil's Hole rapids. Guests get to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and learn about Niagara's history on a wet or dry tour. The wet tour uses the open-topped wet jet or the new wet freedom jet. The dry tour uses the enclosed Dry Freedom Jet, which ensures you will remain dry on your tour.
07 Relax in Simcoe Park
The park is located at the corner of Queen and King Streets. It is the perfect place to eat lunch or enjoy a quiet time. It features a wading pool, picnic tables, playground equipment, a bandshell, and washroom facilities. If you would like to enjoy some quiet, serene time in Niagara on the Lake, Simcoe Park would be your best choice.
08 Walk through Queen's Royal Park
Queen's Royal Park is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic outdoors, take a walk along the river, or just relax and listen to the wind through the trees. It is located on the banks of the Niagara River, and it offers an escape from the hustle of the busy town. There are picnic tables, park seats with views of the river, walking pathways, restrooms, and plenty of parking available. The park is free to visit, so anyone can visit. When you spend your next weekend in Niagara on the Lake, make sure to check it out.
09 Explore local shops and art galleries
Niagara on the Lake is dotted with many shops and art galleries you could explore while in the area. The shops offer a diverse experience; whether it is antique shops, specialty foods, gift shopping, wines, or apparel, you will definitely find what you're looking for. There are also art galleries where you can buy and marvel at the art. Some of the best art galleries in the area you could check out include Edward Spera Gallery, Niagara Image Gallery, King Street Gallery, Bibelot Design Studio, and Queenston Pottery Studio.
10 Dine at local restaurants
Niagara on the Lake is sometimes called the Culinary Capital of Canada for its variety of dining experiences. From gourmet dining, fine dining, upscale casual dining, and family fare dining to farm-to-table dining, There are also abundant family-size restaurants, casual pubs and grills, and eateries suited for large groups. Delectable international cuisine is the cornerstone of dining at Niagara on the Lake. Some of the best restaurants you can enjoy a meal at include Tiara Restaurant, Masaki Sushi, Ginger Restaurant, and Liv Restaurant. However, these are just a few of them, and there are many more you could choose from.
11 Attend local festivals and events
During your weekend getaway at Niagara on the Lake, you could also try and have some fun at some of the local festivals and events. The town offers film festivals and local fairs, so you will find plenty of fun activities to indulge in. Some of these events you could attend are the Niagara Canada International Film Festival, Hemp Fest, Icewine Festival, Niagara Irish Festival, and Buffalo Pride Festival.
12 Take a horse-drawn carriage ride
A pleasant way to experience the sights at Niagara on the Lake is by riding one of the many horse-drawn carriages around town. The horse-drawn tours are fully narrated, and they give a nice perspective on the area's history and beauty. Sentinel Carriages operates a fleet of these carriages, and you can book with them. They offer a wide range of services, including wedding services, romantic evenings, and much more.
13 Enjoy the scenery along the Niagara Parkway
You might drive or ride a bike along the Niagara Parkway to take in the surroundings. The area from Niagara on the Lake to Fort Erie will leave you relaxed. Along the route, you might have a picnic break or visit a restaurant to sample the fare from the area. Its untainted beauty will never fail to astound you, regardless of the season you come.
14 Visit the Niagara Apothecary
The Niagara Apothecary was an apothecary in Niagara on the Lake, established around 1860. It is now a national historic site in Canada. Here, you can see how pharmacists used to practice their profession 100 years ago. You will find rows and rows of medicine for everything there is to treat. The site is owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust.
15 Take a day trip to Niagara Falls
You can book a tour of the famous Niagara Falls while in town. The tour may include various stops, including the Niagara Gorge, before the falls. It also includes admission to the Hornblower cruise, which takes you right into the falls. This is the best way to marvel at the majestic waterfalls, but be ready to get drenched. You could also go behind the falls by navigating tunnels and pathways to the Cataract Portal and the Great Falls Portal. There are also attractions like the Ripley's Museum, a mirror maze, mini golf, and much more near the falls.
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