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Niagara-on-the-Lake is a small historic town where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario. It briefly served as the capital of Upper Canada and was burned during the War of 1812, then rebuilt with the Georgian and Victorian houses that line its streets today. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, it has become the center of Ontario's best-known wine region.
Queen Street is the main promenade, lined with shops, cafés, and the restored nineteenth-century Niagara Apothecary. St. Mark's Anglican Church, among the oldest in the province, has a churchyard with graves dating back two centuries. Military history comes alive at Fort George, a reconstructed fort with costumed interpreters, and at the earthwork remains of Fort Mississauga near the lakeshore golf course. The Shaw Festival stages plays in several theaters through a long season. South along the Niagara Parkway, McFarland House and the Laura Secord Homestead recall the War of 1812, and Queenston Heights Park overlooks the river. Wineries such as Inniskillin, Peller Estates, and Strewn offer tastings, and icewine is a regional specialty.
The town suits couples, theatergoers, wine lovers, and cyclists, since the flat Parkway is ideal for biking. Summer and harvest season are busiest. Winter is quieter and marked by an icewine festival.
WiserMap travel guideNiagara-on-the-Lake Ontario Icewine and Shaw FestivalPlan Niagara-on-the-Lake with the best places to visit, from Queen Street and Fort George to Shaw Festival theatres, Queenston Heights and icewine wineries.Read the guide
The tree-lined main street of the old town, with restored 19th-century buildings, shops, cafés and the Niagara Apothecary, a pharmacy museum with original fittings. Horse-drawn carriages wait near the clock tower. Visit early or on weekdays to avoid summer crowds.
Historic stone church founded in 1792 and used as a hospital during the War of 1812. The peaceful churchyard has graves from the town's early settlers and soldiers. Walk around the grounds and look for the old headstones and the trenches dug during the war.
The renowned Shaw Festival runs a season of plays from spring to fall in several theaters in the old town, including the Festival Theatre. Productions include works by Bernard Shaw and many other writers. Book tickets well ahead, especially for weekend evenings.
Reconstructed British fort from the War of 1812, captured by American forces in 1813 and retaken later that year. Costumed staff demonstrate musket firing, drills and daily soldier life. Visit on a summer day for demonstrations, and explore the earthworks and blockhouses.
Star-shaped earthwork fort with a brick tower built after the War of 1812 at the mouth of the Niagara River, now surrounded by a golf course. A path leads to it from the old town. It is free to explore the grounds; come at sunset for views over Lake Ontario.
Restored home in Queenston of Laura Secord, the heroine who walked about 30 kilometers in 1813 to warn British troops of an American attack. Costumed guides tell her story. Check seasonal hours, and combine it with Queenston Heights a short drive away.
Georgian brick home built in the early 1800s on the Niagara Parkway, used as a hospital during the War of 1812 and now a museum with period furnishings and a tea garden. It is a pleasant stop on a cycling trip along the parkway. Check seasonal opening days.
Park on the escarpment at the site of the 1812 Battle of Queenston Heights, crowned by Brock's Monument, a tall column honoring Major General Isaac Brock. Climb the monument in season for views over the river. Picnic areas and trails make it good for a half day.
Large working clock with a face made of thousands of plants, replanted with new designs every season, set on the Niagara Parkway near Queenston. Its chimes ring every quarter hour. It is a quick but cheerful stop; park in the lot and walk to the lily ponds behind.
Pioneering Niagara winery known for helping put Canadian icewine on the world map, set in a historic barn on the Niagara Parkway. Tastings include icewine and table wines. Book a guided tour in season, and taste icewine with a small food pairing to appreciate it.
Large château-style winery among the vineyards of Niagara-on-the-Lake, with tastings, tours, an icewine experience held in a chilled room and a well-known restaurant. It is a popular stop on wine routes. Reserve tastings and dinner ahead on weekends.
Winery known for its sparkling wines, with tours into the underground cellar where bottles age, plus tastings and a restaurant overlooking the vineyards. It is a good choice for fans of bubbly. Book cellar tours in advance and plan a driver or cycle tour.
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