Why visit Niagara-on-the-Lake?
Nestled at the mouth of the Niagara River where it meets Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a preserved Victorian Old Town of tree-lined streets, flower baskets and heritage inns — and the home of the world-renowned Shaw Festival. It was Canada's first capital, and its history is written into every corner of the town, from the reconstructed ramparts of Fort George to the Niagara Historical Society Museum.
A short history
The town — originally called Newark — served as the first capital of Upper Canada before the seat of government moved west. That heritage earned it a rich collection of historic sites: Fort George, the Niagara Apothecary, McFarland House, the Laura Secord Homestead and the McFarland and Niagara National Historic Sites. Today the town's streets, hotels and inns preserve the Loyalist-era charm that earned it the title "the prettiest town in Canada."
Getting there
- From Toronto: about 1.5 hours by car via the Q.E.W. — take exit 38b to Highway 55 toward Virgil and follow it into town.
- From Buffalo, New York: cross at the Peace Bridge or the Queenston–Lewiston bridge and take exit 38 off the Q.E.W. to Highway 55 — the town is roughly 30 minutes away.
- From Niagara Falls: the famous parkway route north along the river is about 20 kilometres — the same drive you'll take for the Maid of the Mist.
Things to do
The town's activities guide covers everything from world-class golf and cycling on the Niagara Parkway to river jet-boat rides. Don't miss the French Perfume Factory, the Niagara Bicycle Tours, or a performance of the Shaw Festival — the theatre company that draws visitors from around the world each season.
Wine country
Niagara-on-the-Lake is the heart of Ontario wine country. The region's estate wineries — including internationally awarded Inniskillin, Pillitteri and Reif — pour everything from crisp whites to the country's signature ice wine. The story of how Niagara ice wine conquered the world starts with Karl Kaiser, whose 1989 Inniskillin Icewine won Vinexpo's Grand Prix d'Honneur in Bordeaux.
Where to stay
From grand historic hotels — the Prince of Wales, Queen's Landing, the Pillar & Post — to dozens of family inns and B&Bs on quiet side streets, the town sleeps every style of traveller. For a lakefront escape, try the featured profile of Innisfree on the Lake; for waterfront dining and rooms, see The Anchorage.
Where to eat
Seafood by the marina, five-course fine dining, patio lunches and theatre restaurants — the dining guide lists the town's kitchens with addresses and phones.
Shopping & farms
Queen Street's boutiques, antique dealers and galleries anchor the town's shopping; the surrounding countryside adds farm markets, orchards and greenhouses. Browse shopping & farm markets before you go.
Plan your visit — checklist
- Book Shaw Festival tickets before you book anything else — peak dates sell out.
- Build a day around the Old Town: shops, museums and lunch on a patio, all walkable.
- Reserve winery tastings in advance, and leave room for an ice wine flight.
- Stay overnight — the town is at its best in the quiet morning light.
- Need something specific? The A–Z directory has all 376 listings on one page.