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We often escape to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a quick, relaxing getaway. There is a lot more to explore in the Niagara region than just Niagara Falls!
Although people may spend only a few hours during a day trip, we recommend staying more than one day in the area and take the time to explore the beautiful region of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Nurture Happiness Today TRAVEL shares pictures and enjoyable ways to spend your time in Niagara-on-the-Lake over a weekend or few days! Also take a look at our article here for Our Favourite Niagara-on-the-Lake Restaurants!
Stay at a Charming NOTL Inn or Bed & Breakfast
To experience the beauty of Niagara-on-the-Lake, we recommend staying at one of the charming accommodations in the area. Having two or more days affords a more relaxed pace to explore the town, wineries, and delicious restaurants available.
Niagara-on-the-Lake has many former homes and mansions that have been renovated and converted to beautiful inns and bed and breakfasts. Check out Nurture Happiness Today’s article here on our favourite inns in the area and our Hotels & Resorts section for additional accommodations to explore! There are many places in NOTL that are relaxing, beautiful retreats! Pictured below is the beautiful Riverbend Inn – take a look at our article here on our stay at this former mansion for more details!
Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries
Niagara-on-the-Lake has many wineries, large and small, that are unique and interesting to visit. Some of the wineries offer various tours or tastings that enable you to see the production and learn about the history of their wines.
Many wineries also offer delicious restaurants or casual dining with fantastic views of the vineyards. Whether visiting as a couple or a group, wineries are always enjoyable experiences! Cheers!
Recommended wineries:
Among the larger wineries, we recommend the following which offer tours and tastings:
- Peller Estates
- Recommended tours: “Greatest Winery Tour” and “10 Below Icewine Lounge”
- Beautiful winery with many great photo opportunities!
- Inniskillin
- we really enjoyed the “Icewine Experience.” We loved touring the winery, hearing some history, and sampling three icewines using different stemware. Stemware really does make a difference as you will see for yourself on this great tour!
Although smaller in scale, we enjoyed visiting these wineries that offered a unique, boutique experience and great wine of course!
- Konzelmann Estate Winery
- we enjoyed our small group wine tasting here, in a beautiful building. There is also a new one-hour Private Vineyard Dome Experience offered – we have yet to try this experience that has received great reviews!
- Reif Estate Winery
- we enjoyed our “Walking Tour” which took us around both inside and outside the winery and included tasting three wines! Also, on a return visit, we enjoyed the 25-minute guided “Seated Tasting Experience” at their “Grand Bar”.
- Colaneri Estate Winery
- although there is no extensive tour offered here, we have tried the Colaneri Tasting Experience (standing) in the Tasting Gallery. We really enjoy their wines. Their ice wines in particular are wonderful.
- The beautiful winery building is “designed in a Romanesque style.” We have yet to try their pizza cooked in a wood burning oven. Outdoor dining on their piazza is offered on the weekends in the summer on a first come, first serve basis.
Stroll Along Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake
The picturesque street is lined with boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. You can also grab treats from a local bakery or ice cream from the local creamery and simply relax at one of the nearby parks in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is worthwhile to visit this pretty small town and stroll along Queen Street!
Recommendations:
Edward Spera Gallery – incredible artwork of wildlife from his extensive travels around the world. He was kind to offer and sign the beautiful elephant print we purchased from the gallery.
Cows Creamery – their ice cream is handmade and also served in a handmade waffle cone. Do not be surprised to see people in line waiting for this popular ice cream!
Live Theatre at The Shaw Festival
The Shaw Festival presents wonderful live theatre productions that are enjoyed by both locals and visitors. There are three theatres that present plays as well as two outdoor venues.
We have seen productions at the Festival Theatre throughout the year and have always enjoyed the performances!
Tips:
- Shuttle Service: There are a few hotels in NOTL that may offer shuttle bus service or trolley. We used the complimentary shuttle service to watch an evening Christmas production in the winter for drop-off and pick-up from the Festival Theatre during a hotel stay in town which was very convenient. Therefore, be sure to inquire availability at your hotel. Hotels including the Pillar and Post Inn & Spa, Queen’s Landing, and Prince of Wales Hotel may offer shuttle service transportation within Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake.
- Discounts: there are discounts available for seniors, people under the age of thirty, multi-play packages, and limited offers. Check here for the Shaw Fest website for discounts available.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Bicycle Ride or Tour
For some recreation while in the area, there are trails for walking and biking nearby that are gorgeous to explore. We have gone bike riding in NOTL previously and always find it so enjoyable.
Bicycles are also available to easily rent through the Zoom Bike Share app (e.g. rental by the hour) and great for a leisurely ride. Check the website/app for locations and details. We rented bikes that were located behind The Charles Hotel in NOTL. Also, bring your own bicycle helmet if you prefer to ride with one as well. We rode the bicycles along the Niagara River Recreation Trail from Fort George, by the wineries, and the surrounding area.
For a NOTL tour with a professional, local guide, there are combined bicycle and winery tour options also available. These tours are great options for groups also, often seen bike riding in the area in the summer.
Niagara-on-the-Lake: Lavendar Farm
Noeb farm is a beautiful small lavender farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Stroll the farm and greenhouse, smell the amazing flowers, and take some cute pictures.
Cost: $10 per person to visit the lavender fields ($5 coupon to then use in the store).
There is also a gift shop on site to purchase various products made with the lavender for your body, home, or gifts. I purchased the whipped shea and cocoa butter in a jar and a bottle of lavender spray! The products were described as:
- vegetarian and plant-based
- made with real essential oil
- cruelty-free
- made in Canada
Location Neob Lavendar Flower Farm:
933 Niagara Stone Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
If you cannot make it to the lavender farm there is also a Noeb Lavender boutique in Old Town at 38 Queen Street.
Website: https://neobniagara.com/
Local Fruit Stands
As you drive and explore the area of Niagara-on-the-Lake, there are various local fruit stands and markets off the road. These are great places to pick up some fresh local produce and products including honey, jams, and pies.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Parks
There are local parks in the area that offer a nice place to sit and relax.
The Gardens at Pillar and Post
Located across the street from the Pillar and Post Inn, these beautiful gardens are inspired by Claude Monet’s gardens.
There is a lot of seating available and an open refreshment stand when we visited in the summer.
Queen’s Royal Park
Stroll along to Queen’s Royal Park to relax by the water and take some pictures.
There are some picnic tables and a small white Queen’s Royal Park Gazebo, which can be
reserved for weddings.
Simcoe Park
Simcoe Park is a lovely park steps from the main street of shops and restaurants.
The park has flowers, beautiful greenery and a small playground for children to enjoy. The park is wheel chair accessible and there are washroom facilities.
Horse Carriage Ride
Sentineal Carriages offers private horse drawn carriage tours that can accommodate up to four adults and two children. According to their website, “Our Horses are Our Family.”
Reservations should be booked at least twenty-four hours in advance. The tours are available from beside the Prince of Wales Hotel at the corner of King Street and Queen Street in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Website: www.sentinealcarriages.ca
The Living Water Wayside Chapel
A cute tiny chapel that can hold about six people, is located by the side of the road, off the Niagara River Parkway. It is a unique, interesting place to stop by and take a picture if you are in the area or driving by.
The chapel is free to visit and has free parking.
Depending on the season, visitors can also go inside. There is also a fruit stand by the same parking lot.
Location:
15796 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Outlet Shopping
The Outlet Collection at Niagara is a large open-air outlet shopping mall in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The outlet offers a great selection of stores and is often busy with visitors even during the week when we have visited. Happy shopping!
Location: 300 Taylor Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0
For accommodations close to the outlet, the White Oaks Conference & Resort Spa is located next to the shopping outlet. We have stayed at this resort several times and can recommend staying here. There is a spa, indoor swimming pool, restaurants, and comfortable accommodations at this resort.
Fallsview Casino
The Fallsview Casino is located in nearby Niagara Falls if you are looking for gaming and entertainment during your stay! Take a look at their calendar for shows and entertainment that are available if interested. Fallsview Casino and Resort often has great events and concerts throughout the year!
Location: 6380 Fallsview Blvd, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 7X5, Canada
Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club website indicates it is “the oldest surviving golf club in North America”. The golf club offers a nine-hole course which is open to the public. Non-members can inquire directly, in advance, with the golf club for availability.
Location: 143 Front Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON, L0S 1J0, Canada
Popular Tours
For things to do in the Niagara region, explore Viator tours and activities with hundreds of reviews:
- Niagara Falls Canada helicopter tour
- Best of Niagara Falls Canada Small Group with Boat & Behind the Falls
- Niagara-on-the-Lake E-Bike Wine Tour
- Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour – Niagara On The Lake Wine Tour
- other popular Niagara tours here to explore!
For more information: check dates and availability for hotels and accommodations in the area here or click on the map below to explore options:
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