The Town of Niagara on the Lake, located on the Niagara Peninsula where the Niagara River enters Lake Ontario, and only 15 minutes from the Falls. It is a pretty & historical town, where many buildings have architectural flavour dating back over a hundred years. Walk or take a relaxing ride in a horse drawn carriage through the downtown core area. Perhaps the finest vineyards in Niagara are found here. The town is know for its antique shops, horse drawn carriage rides, hotels , B&B’s, restaurants and golf courses.
The settlement was originally known as Butlersburg, in honour of military commander Colonel John Butler, and the Town received official status in 1781 when it became known as Newark by British loyalists fleeing the United States following the American Revolution. Later, it changed names again, this time to Niagara, and the community was the first capital of Upper Canada (now the Province of Ontario).
During the War of 1812, the capital was moved to York (today, Toronto) to be farther from the war (not that it helped!). Fort George played a central part in the War or 1812, captured by American forces after a two day cannon bombardment from Fort Niagara and the American Fleet. Later in the war, the town was razed and burnt to the ground by American soldiers as they withdrew to Fort Niagara. Undaunted by this setback, the citizens rebuilt the Town after the War, with the residential quarter around Queen Street and toward King Street, where the new Court House was rebuilt out of firing range of the cannons of Fort Niagara.
In the 1880’s, the Town was renamed as Niagara-on-the-Lake to avoid confusion with Niagara Falls. The central part is referred to as Old Town or Old Niagara.
Annual Festivals
Event | Date | Description |
| Winter Wine Experience | mid February | |
| Shaw Festival Theatre | April to October | A live professional theatre for the presentation of plays written by George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. |
| Virgil Stampede | late May | Virgil |
| St. Davids Heritage Days | end May | 10 am to 5 pm. Enjoy entertainment by local singing and dancing groups and experience history through presentations by local heritage organizations, the Lincoln Artillery and the Fort George Fife and Drum Corps. Delicious refreshments available at old-fashioned prices. Free admission. Lions Club Park, York Road , St. Davids. 905-262-5036 |
| Annual Cherry Festival | early July | Celebrate the cherry harvest on the grounds of St. Mark’s Anglican Church. Information: 905-468-3123 |
| Canada Day at Fort George | July 1 | Celebrations held in Simcoe Park during the day and Fort George in the evening. Fireworks, music, food, cannon firing. 905-468-6614 |
| Niagara International Chamber Music Festival | mid July to mid August | Intimate music performed daily by internationally renowned artists in the churches, wineries and Court House of Niagara-on-the-Lake. 1-877-MUSFEST (687-3378) |
| A Peach Of A Celebration | mid August | Niagara celebrates the peach harvest with a day of music, fun and lots of peaches on Queen Street. For details call 905-468-1950. |
| Peach Festival | mid August | Enjoy a variety of peach foods and a day of activities on the grounds of St. Vincent de Paul Church. Noon to 5pm. Call 905-468-7272. |
| Fife And Drum Muster And Soldier’s Field Day At Fort George | mid August | The sounds of fifes and drums, musketry and cannon firing fill the fort, as fife and drum corps and soldiers from historic sites across North America display their centuries old skills. 905-468-6614 |
| A Peach Of A Celebration | mid August | Niagara celebrates the peach harvest with a day of music, fun and lots of peaches on Queen Street. For details call 905-468-1950. |
| Doors Open | mid October | A bi-national weekend celebration of our architectural heritage with communities in the Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY area. Dozens of buildings and sites will be open at no charge. Call 905-468-1950 or 1-888-333-1987 also visit www.doorsopenniagara.com |
| Santa Claus Parade | mid December | The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake presents one of Ontario’s best Santa Claus Parades, starting at 11am. Call for details 905-468-4261. |
Niagara on the Lake Attractions
Apothecary Museum
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Located in a former 1866 drug store, the museum fascinates its visitors with many unique walnut and butternut fixtures, crystal gasoliers and rare collection of apothecary glass.
Bliss By The Falls Tours
(905) 358- 8172, Toll Free 1-866-606-6123
Take a tour of Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and a Tour, taking about 6-8 hours (depending on tour selected. You will be picked up by a luxury limousine (minimum 4 persons required) or van and uniformed chauffeur to embark on a first-class 8 hour tour of Niagara Falls, including dinner in the Minolta Tower Pinnacle Restaurant, and ice wine tasting at the Innskillin Winery.
Fly Niagara
Niagara District Airport
468 Niagara Stone Rd.,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0
1-877-FLY-BY-AIR (1-877-359-2924)
Experience the wonder of Niagara Falls from the air, on a 30 minute fully narrated flight–the longest air tour available in Niagara –over the awe-inspiring falls and the beautiful surrounding region, including Niagara-on-the-Lake, considered Canada’s Prettiest Town, the picturesque vineyards of Niagara wine
country and historic Queenston Heights. Fly over the engineering marvel of the Welland Canal, and follow the Niagara River for a birds-eye view of the Whirlpool Rapids, Rainbow Bridge, Skylon and Minolta Towers, and the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. State-of-the-art Cessna high wing three passenger aircraft with forward facing window seats for all passengers. Cost: Adults – $100 CDN $68 US , Kids (12 & under) – $70 CDN , $48 US (includes all taxes). Any children under the age of 2 years ride free.
Fort George – Parks Canada
Queen’s Parade (Fort George)
Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0
905-468-4257, Fax: 905-468-7638
This British fort played a key role in the struggle for the Niagara Frontier during the War of 1812, and has been restored to its state on the eve of the war. The Americans invaded and destroyed the Fort in May 1813 and it was rebuilt in 1815, abandoned in 1828, and reconstructed in the1930s. Experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a garrison in the early 19th century. Costumed staff recreate lifestyles and activities of the period, so you can watch soldiers perform drill or listen to the music of the fife and drum corps as both prepare for battle on the Niagara frontier.
McFarland House
15927 Niagara Parkway
Niagara On The Lake, ON L0S 1J0
905-468-3322
McFarland house has stood for two centuries as a monument to the impeccable manners, good taste and gracious living that epitomizes Niagara-on-the-Lake. Experience a taste of 1840’s Georgian style and pace. Explore the period herb garden. Sample fine refreshments, home baking or sip a glass of Niagara wine at the McFarland Tea Garden. Open May to September. Admission: Adult $3.50, Child 6 to12 years $3.50, 5 & under Free.
National Helicopters
Niagara District Airport,
P.O. Box 129, 468 Niagara Stone Rd.,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON lL0S 1J0
(905) 641-2222, Fax (905) 641-9674 Toll Free 1-800-491-3117
Discover Niagara from the Sky on a Jet-Helicopter and enjoy a 20 minute flight experience over the majestic Falls of Niagara, the Welland Canal and Niagara’s renowned wine country
Niagara Historical Society Museum
43 Castlereagh Street @ Davy Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0
905-468-3912, Fax: 905-468-1728
Established in 1895, visit our permanent exhibitions of Niagara’s history and the War of 1812 gallery. Check our website for more information and special exhibitions. Open daily May-October, 10 am-5:30 pm and November-April, 1-5 pm.
Niagara Air Tours
Niagara Air Tours Ltd.
Niagara District Airport, Highway 55
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0
(905) 688-9000, Toll free: (800) 473-5533, Fax: (905) 688-9100
Fly over one of the major wine regions in Ontario, with 48 wineries growing 14,000 acres of grapes.Over historic Niagara on the Lake, you’ll see sail boats at the mouth of the Niagara River, and the historic forts that once defended the Canadian-American border. Next you fly over the massive power generators and the dams behind them, followed by the two Niagara Falls, dropping 170million cubic metres of water a minute down 54 metres. Next you fly over the Welland Canal, which connects the inland ports of Chicago and Detroit to the world. Bring your camera. Tours run daily 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
Niagara Wine Tours International
92 Picton Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
905-468-1300, Fax: 905-468-7477, toll-free 1-800-680-7006
Experience the beauty of Niagara-on-the-Lake with a cycle tour and vineyard picnic lunch. Guided leisurely tours suitable for all levels of ability. Custom tours can be arranged for your group or corporation. Tours daily May through October, reservations required.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Trolley Wine Country Tours
Vintage Inns 48 John Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
905-468-2195, 1-888-669-5566, Fax: 905-468-8646
Enjoy a relaxed tour aboard our unique San-Francisco-style trolley. Our knowledgeable tour directors will provide en-route narration to Canada’s most celebrated wineries. Tours are approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours in length including complimentary pick-up and drop-off, comprehensive tours and tastings at local wineries. Corporate rates have also been developed for private functions.
Queens Royal Tours Inc.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0
905-468-0333, Fax: 905-468-9543
We create lasting memories…enjoy Niagara’s history, renowned wineries and glorious scenery by horse and carriage, or in a chauffeur driven classic car or from the back of a horse. Customize a package for yourself or enjoy one of the various tour packages available, all fully guided and narrated.
Sentineal Carriages
Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0
905-468-4943, Fax: 905-468-8585
Explore the rich history, majestic homes and peaceful scenery the way it was intended, in a horse drawn carriage. Each carriage can accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 children. Sleigh rides available also. Reservations recommended, open year round.
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
61 Melville, Marina P.O. Box 1215
Niagara On The Lake, ON L0S 1J0
905-468-4800, 1-888-438-4444, Fax: 905-468-7004
At Niagara Falls, the free-falling water transforms into a mighty river, flowing through a majestic river canyon. Everyone ages 8-80, will discover the world famous rapids, stone-walled canyon, and legendary Whirlpool. Accessible only by our powerful jet boats, this hour of adventure will fascinate and exhilarate! 7 trips daily from 10am-5:30pm, May thru October. Choice of wet or dry jetboats. Allow 1 hour. Advance reservations and payment are necessary. Cost$$$$ Departures also from Lewiston, NY
Niagara on the Lake Parks
Memorial Park
270 King Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Memorial Park offers an outdoor pool, 4 lit synthetic surfaced tennis courts, an outdoor volleyball court, 1 lit ball diamond, 2 regulation size and 2 mini sized soccer fields, playground equipment, pavilion and public washrooms.
Queenston Heights Park
Niagara Parkway at Route 81
Queenston Heights Park is the home of Brock’s Monument, the Laura Secord Monument and is southern terminus of the Bruce Trail, which winds it way northward for 773 kilometres to Tobermory. This trail passes through the Niagara Escarpment, which has been recognized as a UNESCO world biosphere. Parks Canada offers a walking tour of the historic sites on this important battleground.
Woodend Conservation Area, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Q.E.W. exit 38, Glendale Avenue/York Road, to access entrance off Taylor Road
45 hectares atop of the Niagara Escarpment, with marked hiking trails throughout the Carolinian forest.
Niagara on the Lake Wineries
There are a number of vineyards and wineries clustered around Niagara on the Lake including the community of St David’s to the south, and Virgil to the southwest:
Caroline Cellars
1028 Line 2
Virgil, Ontario L0S 1T0
905-468-8814, Fax: 905-468-4042
Located in the outskirts of Niagara on the Lake, Caroline Cellars is one of the newest additions to the Niagara Winescape. They are situated on prime grape growing soil and employ four generations of grape growing tradition and skill to produce fine VQA wines. Notably, a silver medal at the 2002 Niagara Falls Wine & Food show for the 2001 Late Harvest Riesling and bronze medals at two different Canadian competitions for the 2001 Cabernet Franc. Tour the vineyard and Wine Boutique. There’s a Special Events loft for wedding receptions, showers, Stag and Doe, business or charity events. Open daily from 10-6
Chateau des Charmes Wines
1025 York Road St. Davids
Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1P0
905-262-4219, Fax: 905-262-5548
Guided tours, tastings, wine boutique and special events, offer an unparalleled winery experience.. Public Tours daily at 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Open year-round 10 am to 6 pm.
Coyote’s Run Estate Winery
485 Concession #5 P.O. Box 113
St. Davids, ON L0S 1P0
905-682-8310, Fax: 905-682-1166
Coyote’s Run is located on a 58-acre vineyard outside the town of St. David’s in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The original Crysler Farm, the Murdza family has operated this property as a vineyard by for over 30 years. Our winery offers tastings, tours and special events. The winery won 4 medals at the 2004 Canadian Wine Awards: The 2003 Cabernet Franc won a silver medal and the 2003 Chardonnay, 2003 Vidal Icewine and 2003 Reserve Chardonnay all won bronze.
Dom Vagners Winery
1973 Four Mile Creek Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
905-468-7296
Frog Pond Farm
RR #6, 1385 Larkin Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
905-468-1079
Our wines are organically grown, processed and certified by Organic Crop Producers & Processors. Open Tuesday – Saturday 1 – 5 pm, Sunday and Monday – closed. Tours: Saturday 1 – 4 pm, or by appointment.
Hillebrand Estates Winery
1249 Niagara Stone Road (Highway 55)
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
905-468-7123, Toll Free: 1-800-582-8412, Fax: 905-468-1920
Leading producer of premium VQA wines, our wines have won over 300 awards in International competition. We offer complete tours all day, everyday, seminar and sample tastings and much more. Visit our Wine Boutique. Dine at the Winery and Vineyard Cafe Restaurant. Open year round.
Inniskillin Wines
Line 3 , Service Road 66 off the Niagara Parkway
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0
905-468-3554, 1-888-466-4754, Fax: 905-468-7501
Established in 1975, Inniskillin was founded upon and dedicated to the principle of producing and bottling outstanding VQA wines. The historic Brae Burn barn houses the Visitor and Tour Centre, Wine Tasting Bar and the Boutique, which offers many premium wine varieties, including our World Famous Icewine to taste and purchase. Enjoy a guided public tour or self-guided tour. Private tours arranged for groups of 15 or more. Open Daily May-October 1 am-6 pm with daily guided public tours at 10:30am and 2:30pm. Open Daily November-April 10 am-5 pm with guided public tours on Saturday and Sunday only, at 10:30 am and 2:30pm.
Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery
2145 Niagara Stone Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0
905-468-4637, Toll Free: 1-866-589-463, Fax: 905-468-4673
Come and enjoy a unique wine journey that peaks with a visit to the Tasting Gallery where the sensual delights of wine are skillfully paired with food. Llimited edition Proprietors Grand Reserve wines available exclusively at our Winery Boutique. Daily educational guided tours run on the hour 10:30am – final tour is 4:30pm Sunday through Friday, and 5:30 on Saturday year round. Boutique hours 10:30am to 6:30 pm.
Joseph’s Estate Wines
1811 Niagara Stone Road (Hwy 55) R R #3 by the East/West Line
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0
905-468-1259, Toll Free: 1-866-468-1259, Fax: 905-468-9242
This 20 acre estate, run by Joseph Pohorly, a legend in the wine industry, has been recognized for producing a variety of award-winning wines. Visit the Tasting Bar, Wine Boutique and take a tour of the vineyards and cellars. Open daily May- Oct (10am-7pm) and Nov – April (10am-6pm). Free Guided Tours May-Oct daily at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Group tours and buses are welcome by appointment.
Konzelmann Estate Winery
1096 Lakeshore Road (Highway 87) between Firelanes 5 & 6
east of the Welland Canal Lock one,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
905-935-2866
Fax: 905-935-2864
Konzelmann Estate Winery, Niagara’s Exclusive Lakefront Winery, was established in Canada in 1984. Herbert Konzelmann chose the site on the shores of Lake Ontario due to the meso-climate, which is similar to the Alsace region in France. Winemaster Herbert Konzelmann is the fourth generation of Konzelmanns to practice viticulture on this estate. Over 30 fabulous award winning wines and icewines, Wine Boutique, lakefront vineyards, the wine cellar, bottling line and wine making process await you on an informative, friendly tour. Group tours of 15 or more people by appointment. Open year round, guided public tours offered May through September daily at 2pm.
Lailey Vineyard and Winery
15940 Niagara Parkway (across from McFarland House)
Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0
905-468-0503, Fax: 905-468-8012
David and Donna Lailey have been growing premium wine grapes since 1970, producing wines with outstanding fruit characteristics. The Lailey’s, with award-winning winemaker Derek Barnett produce wines of distinction in time honoured, traditional methods. Daily wine tasting and education, monthly events, corporate events and private tours.
Maleta Estate Winery
450 Queenston Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario L0S 1J0
905-685-8486, Fax: 905-685-7998
Maleta specializes in premium and ultra-premium VQA (Vintners’ Quality Alliance) Ontario wines such as its flagship Meritage, an award-winning Bordeaux-style, oak-aged red wine produced from high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes grown at the property. Summer Hours:May to October, Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10:30am – 5:30pm. Winter Hours: November to April Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm or call for an appointment.
Marynissen Estates Winery
1208 Concession 1
Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0
905-468-7270 Fax: 905-468-5784
The Marynissen family vineyards include some of the oldest vinifera vines in Ontario. Specializing in premium varietals such as Cabernet and Merlot. Visit the wine boutique featuring rare, award-winning wines, with wine tastings, educational group tours and gift shop. Boutique open daily year-round.
Ontario Wine Merchants Retail Tasting Centre
233 King Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0
905-468-1235m Fax: 905-468-1235
Featuring award-winning vintage VQA table and icewines. Groups welcome. Open daily, including most major holidays.
Palatine Hills Estate Winery
911 Lakeshore Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
905-646-9617, Fax: 905-646-5832
Located in the historic Niagara-on-the-Lake area, Palatine Hills is a boutique winery offering visitors a select range of wines, including their specialty Ice Wines. Open daily from 10 till 6 pm.
Peller Estates Winery
290 John St. E. RR#1 ( just off the Niagara Parkway)
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. L0S 1J0
(905) 468-4678
Hospitality & Sales: (905) 468-4929, 1-888-673-5537, Fax: (905) 468-1920
Visit the legacy of 75 years and three generations of winemaking excellence. Tours & tastings, wine boutique, restaurant, underground barrel aging cellar and lush sprawling vineyard. Group facilities. Tours daily year round.
Pillitteri Estates Winery
1696 Niagara Stone Road (Highway 55) near East/West Line
Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0
905-468-3147, Fax: 905-468-0389
The Pillitteri family viticulture and winemaking tradition established the vineyards in Niagara in 1948. Today, they produce only vinifera and French hybrid grapes and offer more than 25 award-winning VQA wines. Their Icewines receive international acclaim with each new vintage. Public tours are available all year, visit the vineyard, production facilities, barrel cellars and bottling line. Tastings in the Wine Boutique. Private tours and formal tasting lessons available by appointment. The hospitality room can be reserved for private functions.
Reif Estate Winery
15608 Niagara Parkway (adjacent to The Grand Victorian B&B)
Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0
905-468-WINE, Fax: 905-468-5878
The winery sits in vineyards whose beauty rivals the world’s fabled wine districts, growing and vinifying premium grape varieties using time-honoured techniques in winemaking passed down over thirteen generations. Groups welcome by appointment, buses also welcome.
Riverview Cellars
15376 Niagara Parkway (between Line 3 & 4)
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
905-262-0636
Niagara Parkway (905) 262-0636
Hours: June – Sept.: 10 am – 7 pm; Oct. – Nov: 10 am – 6 pm; Dec – Mar: 10 am – 5 pm; April – May:10 am – 6 pm; Tour Hours: Daily by request
Stonechurch Vineyards
1242 Irvine Road just off Lakeshore Road, 8.5 km west of Hwy #55
Niagara-on-the-Lake. ON, L0S 1J0
905-935-3535, Toll Free: 1-866-935-3500, Fax: 905-646-8892
Take a stroll on our Stonechurch Vineyard Trail, with interpretive signs about every 100 metres with information about viticulture & oenology (grape growing & winemaking, respectively) and the fresh air. Enjoy our BBQ lunches…hot off our own grill (recipes and other good stuff on our website). Retail store, gift shop and tasting bar.
Strewn Estate Winery
1339 Lakeshore Road, (at Four Mile Creek Road) 3 kms from between Sunnybrook Farm & Konzelmann
Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0
905-468-1229 Fax: 905-468-8305
Located just outside the Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Strewn is a very special destination. Discover our award winning VQA wines, our knowledgeable and friendly staff, and our monthly wine education events. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the restaurant at Strewn or participate in a hands-on cooking class at Canada’s only winery cooking school. Open 10 am – 6 pm daily. Public tour at 1 pm.
Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery
1425 Lakeshore Road
(3 km west of Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Wine Route )
Niagara On The Lake, L0S 1J0
905-468-1122 Fax: 905-468-1068
Specializing in wines made from Niagara tree fruit and berries. Visit this small unique winery offering refreshingly different wines. All wines are available for tasting. Store open all year. Summer hours: Daily 10 to 6.