A Necessary Contrast on Your Niagara Falls Tour
If you’re taking a tour to Niagara Falls, adding Niagara on the Lake to your trip might seem like too much. But if you can carve out an hour or two, it brings balance to the day. The falls are all movement – this is the complete opposite. Even just a short walk changes the tone of the experience.
Romantic Charm and a Peaceful Atmosphere
One of the best decisions you can make when visiting Niagara Falls is to leave some time to explore Niagara-on-the-Lake. This small town is just 25 minutes away from the falls, but the atmosphere couldn’t be more different. The falls are all about spectacle. Niagara-on-the-Lake is the opposite: calm, charming architecture, flower-filled homes, details, romance.
You don’t need a fixed plan to enjoy Niagara-on-the-Lake. The town itself is the main attraction. You can stroll along Queen Street, stop for a coffee, browse bookstores or wine shops, or just sit on a bench and look at the lake. If you’re coming on a Niagara tour, ask if this stop is included. Many one-day tours skip it, which is a real shame.
Perfect for Wandering Aimlessly
This is one of those places where you don’t need a checklist of things to do. You can simply walk its streets and take it in: step into a wine store, eat at a local restaurant, or sit on a bench and watch the world go by.
Niagara-on-the-Lake: History, Culture, and Natural Beauty
A City Proud of Its Identity
Niagara-on-the-Lake is well-known for its traditions, culture, agriculture, and high-quality tourism. It’s located next to Niagara Falls.
The town has a population of about 18,000 and belongs to the Canadian province of Ontario, sitting on the banks of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. Its main source of income is tourism, thanks to its proximity to the falls, but also due to the city’s culture and beauty, and its commitment to preserving traditions.
A Canadian Historic Site
Niagara-on-the-Lake is also historically important, as it once served as the capital of the English colony of Upper Canada. Its current name was adopted around 1880 to distinguish it from Niagara Falls. Here you’ll find the oldest Catholic and Anglican churches in Ontario. And for golf enthusiasts, its golf course is the oldest in North America.
What to Do in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Culture, Wine, Food, and Hiking
As mentioned, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a tourist destination visited year-round for its wineries, the Shaw Festival, its culinary offerings, top-notch farming, and hiking opportunities, with many trails through breathtaking landscapes.
Architecture, Flowers, and Romance
The town’s streets and buildings are beautifully preserved. Many accommodations boast a glamorous, romantic charm.
Locals are proud of their historic, architectural, and agricultural heritage, with some of the most delicious fruits and vegetables on the Niagara Peninsula. The grapes grown here are renowned worldwide for their quality, excellence, and flavor.
Strolls That Make You Fall in Love
Just walking its streets when you arrive gives you a sense of the town’s beauty: flower-filled sidewalks, boutique shops, theaters… it’s an enchanting place that’s easy to fall for.
Art, History, and Year-Round Entertainment
Music, Theater, and Photography
Despite its agricultural richness, the town also offers a wide range of cultural experiences including music, theater, and visual arts.
Thanks to its cultural prestige, Niagara-on-the-Lake attracts many well-known artists in photography and music, as well as the performing arts. You won’t want to miss the chance to experience its historical reenactments, professional theater, and photography exhibits, all set in unique, heritage-rich venues.
Events, Museums, and Theater
Throughout the year, numerous special events take place. You can also visit Fort George and the Niagara Historical Society Museum. And if you’re a theater lover, don’t miss the Shaw Festival, which boasts three theaters.
After your activities, head to the shopping district to browse or pick up a souvenir.
Explore the Town at Your Own Pace
By Carriage, Boat, or Bike
After listing some of the many things you can do in Niagara-on-the-Lake, here’s another great idea: take a ride through the old town in a horse-drawn carriage, a tradition still preserved here. A boat ride along the Niagara River is also highly recommended.
There are several companies in town that rent bikes and offer guided routes – fun, scenic rides across the region. For a short trip, try the picturesque Niagara Parkway, which leads directly to Queenston Heights and the stunning Niagara Falls.
A Place Worth Your Time
To sum it all up, don’t miss Niagara-on-the-Lake. Spend a day or two exploring the town and its countryside. Savor its rich cuisine and treat yourself to a memorable evening of theater.