Niagara-on-the-Lake - town in Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a town of 19,000 people (2021) in the Niagara Region of Ontario. It sits on the shore of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Niagara River. It is a frequent destination for daytrippers from Niagara Falls, and a destination in its own right. It is in the middle of a thriving grape- and fruit-growing area featuring many wineries. There are also several craft breweries. The town name is often abbreviated NOTL.
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Understand
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
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Tourism
- Destination Ontario: Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Visitor Information, 26 Queen Street (in the lower level of the Court House building), 43.25478°, -79.07208°, +1 905-468-1950. Open daily. 2021-12-14
Get in
By plane
From the US
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (IATA: 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 (+1 716-685-2550 , toll-free +1-877-750-2550) 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 (+1 716-292-4425 ) 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.
- Elite Buffalo Airport Shuttle & Limo (+1 716-710-7311 ) specialize in airport transfer to and from Buffalo International Airport at the most affordable flat rates and hassle-free.
Niagara Falls International Airport (IATA: IAG) is also across the border in Niagara Falls, New York, but less than a 45-minute drive (not counting border delays).
From Canada
Hamilton John C. Munro International Airport (IATA: YHM) in Hamilton is about a 75-minute drive away.
Toronto Pearson International Airport (IATA: YYZ) in Mississauga is about a 1½-hour drive away.
You can fly to St. Catharines/Niagara District Airport (IATA: YCM) and drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake in 15 minutes. The airport is mostly generation aviation but it has daily flights Toronto's Billy Bishop (downtown) airport, offered by FlyGTA Airlines.
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
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Equinox Bus. Bus service from Toronto and Niagara Falls. 2021-07-25
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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.
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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, and credit cards are accepted. Purchasing a return ticket allows riders to hop off and on the bus at any stop along the route without paying an extra fare.
Get around
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By bus
- Niagara-On-The-Lake Transit, +1 905-468-3278 ext 270, transit@notl.org. All buses are wheelchair-accessible.
By taxi
- Niagara-On-The-Lake Taxi, +1 905-468-2661. 2019-11-10
See
- Niagara Apothecary, 5 Queen St (at King St), 43.255053°, -79.070962°. Mother's Day to Labour Day daily Noon-6PM; weekends to Canadian Thanksgiving Day. Museum featuring a restored 1869 pharmacy. 2019-09-09
- St. Mark's Anglican Church, 41 Byron St, 43.255505°, -79.067938°. St. Mark's is the oldest Anglican Church in Ontario with construction begun in 1800. Its roof was destroyed in 1813 during the War of 1812, and was subsequently replaced. 2019-09-09
- Fort George, 26 Queen St, 43.250833°, -79.061111°, +1 905-468-4257. Apr-Nov: Sa Su 10AM-5PM. A reconstructed British fort and living museum which featured prominently in the War of 1812. It provides visitors a glimpse of military life in 19th century Upper Canada, and exhibits on the War of 1812. Ghost tours offered some evenings. Adult $12.50, senior $10.75, under 18 free 2022-03-18
- Fort Mississauga National Historic Site. A fort on the shore of Lake Ontario, at the mouth of the Niagara River that was built from 1814–1816 during the War of 1812, to replace nearby Fort George. The remains consist of a box–shaped brick tower and historic star–shaped earthworks. Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Course surrounds the site, but public access is permitted via a walking path, with a warning to look out for golfers, who have the right of way. The interior of the blockhouse is closed, but has wooden staircases leading to some upper windows. 2022-03-18
- McFarland House, 15927 Niagara Parkway, 43.232091°, -79.061002°. Preserved 1800 house features guided tours by costumed interpreters, and (in summer) afternoon tea with scones and desserts. 2019-09-09
- Living Water Wayside Chapel, 15796 Niagara Pkwy, 43.226809°, -79.058928°. It's claimed to be the world's smallest church by several internet sites. 2019-09-09
- A total solar eclipse on Monday 8 April 2024 starts at 3:18PM local time and lasts three minutes. The chances of a clear sky are 35%. The track of totality is northeast from Mexico and Texas to Ohio, straddling the Canada–New England border through Lakes Erie and Ontario, then across Maine, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Queenston
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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, 29 Queenston St, 43.164322°, -79.055339°. 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. 2019-09-09
- Mackenzie Printery and Newspaper Museum, 1 Queenston St, 43.162334°, -79.053614°. 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. 2019-09-09
- Queenston Heights Park, 14184 Niagara Pkwy (near the Lewiston-Queenston International Bridge), 43.160147°, -79.052234°. 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, 14004 Niagara Pkwy (near the Lewiston-Queenston International Bridge), 43.1495°, -79.0473°. A clock made entirely of flowers. Admission and parking are free
Do
Festivals
- Shaw Festival, +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, 10 Queen's Parade, 43.252209°, -79.067553°. Seats 869.
- Studio Theatre, 10 Queen's Parade (beside the Shaw Festival Theatre). Seats 200. Doubles as a rehearsal hall.
- Court House Theatre, 26 Queen St, 43.254982°, -79.071958°. Seats 327. The flagship theatre.
- Royal George Theatre, 85 Queen St, 43.256253°, -79.073317°. Seats 328.
- Music Niagara. Summer 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. $10-60
- Niagara Wine Festival. There 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, Queen St. 9AM-?. 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 (Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre), 247 Ricardo St (on the river, between Navy Hall and the marina), 43.253585°, -79.060423°, +1 905 468-5455. 30 Jul - 1 Aug 2011: Sa Su 10AM-6PM, M 10AM-4PM. 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. Free
Outdoor activities
- Great Lakes Pyrate Lore & Harbour Walks (Historical NOTL Walking Tour), 26 Queen St (Lower Level), +1 905-381-0396. 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. $10
- Haunted Hamilton presents a Lanternlit Ghost Walk of Niagara-on-the-Lake, +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, 61 Melville St, 43.255940°, -79.064002°. 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, 160 Front St, 43.259356°, -79.074091°. 9AM-8PM. 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, 48 John Street E (at the Pillar and Post hotel), 43.248650°, -79.077915°.
Buy
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, 34 Queen St (by the clock tower in the village), 43.255145°, -79.072072°, +1 905-468-4500, info@justchristmas.ca. M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-6PM. 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, 335 Four Mile Creek Rd, St. Davids, 43.161179°, -79.099283°, +1 905-684-2626, art@chocolatefx.ca. Daily 10AM-6PM. 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, 330 Taylor Rd (west of the QEW on Glendale Rd), 43.158520°, -79.174313°, +1 905 687-6777, info@outletcollectionatniagara.com. Open-air outlet mall opened May 15, 2014. The main anchor is Bass Pro Shops.
Eat
- Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room (Prince of Wales Hotel), 6 Picton St, 43.254606°, -79.070851°, +1 905-468-3246. noon-6PM. Traditional English High Tea in a Victorian setting. Expensive
- The Charles Restaurant (The Charles Inn), 209 Queen St, 43.258420°, -79.076775°, +1 905-468-4588, ray@charlesinn.ca. Good if you are looking for something a little more formal. Amazing food and a nice cozy feel.
- The Epicurean, 84 Queen St, 43.255931°, -79.073604°, +1 905 468-3408. Cafe daily 9AM-5:30PM, bistro W-Su 5-9PM. Made to order sandwiches and you can ask them to pack you a picnic lunch.
- Peller Estates Winery Restaurant, 290 John St East, 43.238336°, -79.067929°. 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, 155 Byron St, 43.254398°, -79.064273°, +1 905-468-2195. 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, 114 Queen St, 43.256326°, -79.074485°, +1 905-934-9797, info@treadwellcuisine.com. 11:30AM-3PM, and 5-10PM. 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. $31-50
- Trius Winery Restaurant, 1249 Niagara Stone Rd, 43.212557°, -79.133504°, +1 905-468-7123. Open daily for lunch from noon and dinner from 5PM. Reservations recommended.
- Zee's Grill (Shaw Club Hotel & Spa), 92 Picton St (across from the Shaw Festival Theatre), 43.253192°, -79.068256°, +1 905-468-5715, sales@niagarasfinest.com. 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, 111C, Unit 2 Garrison Village Drive, 43.244729°, -79.094874°, +1 905-468-4000, info@thegarrisonhouse.ca. Su-Th 11:30AM-11PM; F Sa 11:30AM–midnight. 2015-05-09
Drink
Bars and pubs
- Butler's Bar & Grill, 284 Mary St, 43.253178°, -79.085426°, +1 905-468-0049. 11:30AM-1:30AM. Pool tables, dart boards, games, big screen TVs, and very good pizza and wings.
- Olde Angel Inn Restaurant and Pub, 224 Regent St, 43.254906°, -79.072866°. A variety of domestic and import beers on tap, and a great atmosphere.
Wine tours
The Niagara Peninsula is one on the principal Wine Regions of Ontario. 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.to. Offers Niagara-on-the-Lake winery tours that depart from many locations in Toronto.
- King Tours. Offers group Niagara-on-the-Lake winery tours.
- Niagara Vintage Wine Tours, +1 905-933-7433, Chris@nvwt.biz. Local and run by an industry professional.
Wineries
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 2020, there are 37 wineries — 10 more than two years before. Most feature tasting rooms, and have their wines available for purchase.
- Inniskillin Wines, 1499 Line 3 (south of the village along the Niagara Parkway), 43.210622°, -79.063958°, +1 905-468-2187. May to Oct: 10AM-6PM, Nov to Mar: 10AM-5PM. 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, 2145 Niagara Stone Road, 43.244251°, -79.091897°, +1 905-468-4637, NiagaraEstate@jacksontriggswinery.com. Public tour $5
- Marynissen Estates, 1208 Concession 1, 43.2060711°, -79.0709550°, +1 905-468-7270. May – October: daily 10AM – 6PM; November – April: daily 11AM – 5PM. Home to the oldest commercial planting of Cabernet Sauvignon in Canada. It is known for its complex, well-balanced reds. 2020-07-03
- Peller Estates Winery, 290 John Street E, 43.238569°, -79.066993°, +1 905-468-4678, info@peller.com. One of Canada's largest wine producers. Tour $10
- Ravine Vineyard, 1366 York Road, St. Davids, 43.1585535°, -79.1051153°, +1 905-262-8463. A fifth generation family farm with organic vineyards. Restaurant on site. Call to reserve a tasting or meal. 2020-07-03
- Reif Estate Winery, 15608 Niagara Parkway (south of the village at Line 2 Rd), 43.217372°, -79.061060°, +1 905-468-7738, wine@reifwinery.com. Apr to Oct: 10AM-6PM, Nov to Apr: 10AM-5PM,. 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.
- Strewn Winery, 1339 Lakeshore Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 43.2523922°, -79.1255115°, +1 905-468-1229. Daily 10AM-6PM. In a renovated 1940s fruit cannery. Restaurant on site. 2020-07-03
- Trius Winery & Restaurant, 1249 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, 43.2428159°, -79.0957931°. Daily 11AM-6PM. Trius sparkling wines are made in the traditional method, aged in Canada’s largest underground sparkling cellar. 2020-07-03
Craft breweries
Craft beers have become very popular in North America.
- Niagara Oast House Brewers, 2017 Niagara Stone Rd, 43.240154°, -79.098746°, +1 289-868-9627, info@oasthousebrewers.ca. M-Th 10AM-5PM, F 10-midnight, Sa 10AM-7PM, Su 10AM-6PM. Oast House sources their raw materials from local Niagara area farmers. Public tours & tastings on Saturday & Sunday 11:30AM & 3:30PM.
- Silversmith Brewing Company, 1523 Niagara Stone Rd (east of the village of Virgil), 43.222303°, -79.121384°, +1 905-468-8447, info@silversmithbrewing.com. M-W 11AM-9PM, Thu-F 11AM-11PM, Sa 10AM-11PM, Su 10AM-9PM. In a brick church from the 1890s. Their signature beer is a German-style Black Lager (Schwarzbier).
- Niagara College Teaching Winery (Wine Visitor + Education Centre), 135 Taylor Rd, 43.150395°, -79.165633°. May-Oct: daily 10AM-6PM; Nov-Apr: Su-F 11AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-5PM. Niagara College teaches winery and brewery skills, and offers the student production for visitors to sample and buy. The college is about 2 km east of St. Catherines, and 14 km from the village of NOTL.Visitors may sample and buy the student-produced wines. 2019-11-02
- Niagara College Teaching Brewery (Brewery Retail Store), 135 Taylor Rd, 43.152135°, -79.164025°, +1 905-641-2252 ext 4099. Su-F 11AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-5PM (with seasonal variations). Visitors may sample and buy the beer that Niagara College students brew at the teaching brewery. 2019-11-02
Sleep
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, 209 Queen St, 43.258301°, -79.077268°, +1 905-468-4588, inquire@charlesinn.ca. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 12 rooms. Free parking. In season: $205+; Winter: $99+
- Colonel Butler Inn (Best Western), 278 Mary St, 43.253254°, -79.085148°, +1 905-468-3251, rooms@colonelbutlerinn.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Best Western. 26 rooms. Complimentary continental breakfast 7AM-10AM. Free Internet and parking. In season: $179+; Winter: $99+
- Harbour House Hotel, 85 Melville St, 43.255182°, -79.064728°, +1 905-468-4683, inquire@harbourhousehotel.ca. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 31 rooms. Expanded European-style buffet breakfast 8AM-10AM. Free Internet, parking, and shuttle service. In season: $295+; Winter: $199+
- Olde Angel Inn, 224 Regent St, 43.255076°, -79.072748°, +1 905-468-3411, angelinn@bellnet.ca. 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, 48 John St East, 43.248637°, -79.078018°, +1 905-468-2123. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM.
- Prince of Wales, 6 Picton St (On the main street), 43.254422°, -79.070837°, +1 905-468-3246. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 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. $500+
- Queen's Landing, 155 Byron St, 43.254201°, -79.064596°, +1 905-468-2195. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Waterfront setting.
- Shaw Club Hotel & Spa, 92 Picton St, 43.252901°, -79.068474°, +1 905-468-5711, inquire@shawclub.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 30 rooms. Continental breakfast included 8AM-10AM. Free Internet, parking, and shuttle service. In season: $185+; Winter: $99+
- Woodbourne Inn, 214 Four Mile Creek Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, 43.156431°, -79.103598°, +1 289-296-9631. Woodbourne Inn is in St. Davids, 13 km from Niagara-on-the-Lake town centre. 2017-02-24
- Cape House Bed and Breakfast, 1895 Lakeshore Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, 43.254427°, -79.090050°, +1 905-468-8380. 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. 2017-02-24
- The Butler House Bed and Breakfast, 67 Mary St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, 43.250364°, -79.078355°, +1 905-468-9696. 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. 2017-02-25