Why Niagara-on-the-Lake Is the Perfect Addition to Your Niagara Falls Tour

Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) is a beautiful town located in the Niagara Falls region. It sits on the shores of Lake Ontario, right at the mouth of the Niagara River. It is a beautiful town you must explore when you visit the Niagara Falls. The town takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the falls and its surroundings. You can enjoy a peaceful holiday in a serene environment.

How to get to Niagara-on-the-Lake

Most people would want to know how to get to this town from Toronro. You can catch the train from downtown Toronto to Niagara Falls and even get onto one of the many buses travelling from Toronto to Niagara Falls. Niagara-on-the-Lake is about a 20-minute drive from Niagara Falls. So, if you plan to visit the many wineries in the region and go sightseeing, you can opt for a car. Some people catch an UBER or a taxi ride from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake and explore the town in the same vehicle. An UBER ride will cost anywhere between $150 and $200 from downtown Toronto to this town.

What is the best time to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake?

Niagara-on-the-Lake is an amazing place that you can visit at any time of the year. Something is happening in whichever month of the year it is. Most wineries and restaurants of the region are open all year. Here’s a recap of the events planned during different seasons of the year.

 

• Spring: Sip & Sizzle winery tours
• Winter: Icewine festivals, wine awards, and chocolate and wine weekends
• May to October: The high season, when everything is in full swing
• September and October: Grape picking season and a laid-back lifestyle

Where to stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake

There are quite a few decent accommodation options to choose from in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It depends on the type you are looking for, whether it is a basic bed and breakfast option or a luxurious getaway. There are many accommodation options with bed and breakfast that a lot of people choose, as there is so much to explore in the Niagara region. So, they may not be spending the entire day stuck in their rooms. On the other hand, there are luxury options like Blue Skies B&B for those who want a quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the falls. Traditional inns and boutique hotels like the Pillar and Post and Prince of Wales Hotel are also great options to choose from. The latter is a hotel steeped in history, which would add more to your Niagara Falls tour.

Things to do at Niagara-on-the-Lake

This town is for those who want to spend their time in peace and connect with nature. It takes you away from the chaos involved near and surrounding Niagara Falls. You can shop at the quaint boutiques lining the street or sit and relax in the gardens overlooking the vineyards of the region. The Niagara region is full of many activities and fun things to do and explore.

Wineries

The Niagara region has more than 100 wineries, with almost 40 of them located in Niagara-on-the-Lake. From tours to wine tasting, enjoying the beautiful views, and many more reasons exist to visit and take a stroll in this stunning region. You can pre-book a wine-tasting tour, and certain wineries require you to pay for the samplings. The price may range from $10 to $20 for a sampling of 3 to 5 wines, while some other wineries offer free tastings.

Breweries

Niagara-on-the-Lake is not known only as a Wine Country, but it also has a few breweries. If wine isn’t your favourite, why not try some beer? There are quite a few whisky distilleries in the region, including Wayne Gretsky, which has wine and whisky tasting rooms. Some of the favourite breweries of the region include Oast House, The Exchange, Niagara College Brewery, and Silversmith Brewing. Places like The Exchange even have gluten-free beer that tastes great. If you want to have a hearty meal with some beer, head on to Silversmith and Grist.

Theatre

Niagara-on-the-Lake is not only about food, wine, and beer. You can even catch a great show if you are a theatre-lover. The Shaw Festival, inspired by Bernard Shaw, has been a roaming festival based in Niagara-on-the-Lake since 1973. It was inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and takes to the streets from April to October every year. However, they now have shows throughout the year, so you don’t have to miss them for anything.

Shopping

The town is also a shopper’s paradise where anyone can find excellent items for great deals. Whether it’s shopping for Christmas decor, hand-made crafts, clothing & jewellery, home decor, you can walk along the Queen St strip for the best selections and deals. If you are hungry while shopping, you can pop into the cafes and bakeries lined up along the streets to feel energised. The Niagara Outlets, in the vicinity, are an excellent way to score some of the best deals in town.

Biking and walking trails

Niagara-on-the-Lake is also the ideal place for some outdoor adventure. Apart from cycling to conventional wineries, you can even rent a bike to explore its outdoor trails. There are bike rental shops scattered across the area, so it shouldn’t be hard for you to find a ride. The 56-km Niagara River Parkway Trail is a popular route that connects Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie. Many families cycle along this route because of the various pit stops along the way and the less traffic. You can enjoy the spring and summer flora and fauna in the Two Mile Creek Conservation Area.

Golfing

Locals and foreigners alike prefer to try a few rounds of golf during the summertime. It is a favourite pastime of both locals and tourists. If you prefer golfing, you can head over to the Niagara Golf Club, which is the oldest golf course in entire North America! The Royal Niagara Golf Club is also another popular choice among many locals.

Spa

Visiting the spa is a great way to relax after a tiring day out exploring Niagara Falls. Or, you can even pamper yourself after spending a serene evening out on your patio. Either way, the town has some amazing spas like the Oban Inn Spa and the 100 Fountain Spa at the Pillar and Post. Although these spas are part of the hotel, you can still get their services even if you are not a guest at their hotels.

Historic explorations

There are quite a few places with historic significance to visit in Niagara-on-the-Lake. There are walking tours that take about two hours, where you can learn about the history of the place. The Niagara Historical Society and Museum is a place you would want to visit to get to know more about the history of the region. It also offers walking tours on weekends occasionally.  The town is also home to the Fort George National Historic Site, where you can experience the historical significance of the area.

Water fun

There are so many water-related fun activities to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake. You can take paddleboarding lessons or join yoga and SUP sessions, according to your preference. These lessons, especially paddleboarding, give you the chance to learn about the geology and history of the Niagara River. Moreover, you get to experience the thrill of playing in class 5 whitewater rapids.

Ghost tours

Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the oldest towns in the world. So, you can expect some spookiness in the town. Several walking tours explain in detail about paranormal activity, ghosts, and haunted stories of the area. You can take one of these walking tours if you believe in supernatural phenomena. These tours typically take around 90 minutes to complete.

Final Thoughts

Niagara-on-the-Lake is an amazing town with a lot of things to do and places to visit. It is a place that you must explore when you come to see the majestic Niagara Falls.