Niagara Falls holds universal fame as the premier destination of the Niagara region, although the dark horse, Niagara-on-the-Lake wields its own charm in Ontario. With its alluring wineries, a major attraction, this small town is replete with historic sites, restaurants, parks, galleries, theatres, and an abundance of cultural stuff. If you are still gauging your visit, it's a resounding yes.
About Niagara-on-the-Lake & Its History
A well-preserved 19the century town still retains its glory by boutique shops, horse-drawn carriages for transportation, cast iron planters, vineyards, and everything rolled in as a paradise for the senses. Originally incorporated as a town in 1792, it is the only town in Canada having a mayor. Having the oldest Anglican and Catholic churches, it also earns the title of being the haunted town in Canada. The town is located where Niagara River enters Lake Ontario and the tribe of Iroquoian speaking descent termed as "Neutral" by French lived throughout the Niagara Peninsula. Through the years, this place has become one of the most affluent communities in Canada.
Attractions of Niagara-on-the-Lake
Wineries In Canada
Ontario's modern wine industry holds its roots here and is home to the oldest wine-producing vineyards in Canada. The wines have earned their glory owing to the geology, soil, elevations, and temperature variations which cumulatively have an effect on wine produced.
The range of wines differed from light, fresh, sweet, soft, tannic, powerful, or savory.
Some of the best wineries to visit are listed below.
Jackson Triggs
Popular for Chardonnay wine, white wine, Pinot Noir, red wine, and Riesling wines, this place beholds the manufacturing of premium wines. One can join them for wine tasting and delectable culinary fare. The wine tasting costs range from 20$ per person and take place every day from 11 am to 5 pm.
Peller Estates Winery
The behemoth of a winery on Niagara block is Peller Estates where their "Greatest Winery Tour '' where one can experience their sparkling wines in an igloo kinda ice wine lounge. It is a stylish modern estate serving wines and fresh farm-produced food. Having the experience of 50 years, it features four collections: Andrew Peller Signature Series, Private Reserve, Family Series, and French Cross.
Konzlemann Estate Winery
With its origin in the small German town of Uhlbach, it thrived in Niagara-on-the-Lake. It is the only winery with a lakefront view and has a castle-like estate. Their Baco Noir Semi-Dry and Peach Wine Flavored Icecream are something worth trying.
The Shaw Festival
A festival for cultural connoisseurs, the Shaw Festival has turned into an iconic festival since 1962. With timeless classics, this festival celebrates the life and spirit of Bernard Shaw. An Irish playwright, critic, Bernard revolutionized comedic drama. Brian Doherty and Calvin G are the ones who made the Shaw Festival feasible with their passion for theatre. The shows are directed by Tim Carroll and Tim Jennings and the features plays are quite diverse, provocative, and celebrate the contemporary as well as the history of theatre. Held annually from April to November, it has dozens of musicals and plays planned in line.
Stroll The Historic Center
One of the prettiest towns with a vintage vibe is Niagara-on-the-Lake and has some of the best streets to stroll around such as Queen Street, Front Street, Prideaux Street, and also Memorial Clock Tower, Old Court House, and St Vincent De Paul Church.
One can also stroll around Queens Royal Park, a retreat for relaxing after visiting the Pellar Estates. If strolling is not your thing, wander in an old-fashioned way through horse carriage. One can book their carriage next to Prince of Whales Hotel from Sentinel Carriages and have a tour across the town.
Visit Niagara Apothecary
The nostalgia of the bygone era highlights tonics, lotions, and glass vials as remedies back then. Basically, an authentic museum restoration of an 1869 pharmacy and now a Historic Site of Canada, this place is owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust at present. The single-story building reflects Georgian style architecture and has an Italian facade.
Visiting Niagara Falls
Yes! Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake are two different places although the former is just 25 mins away by roadways. One of the most spectacular waterfalls universally known is Niagara Falls and one can't miss this beauty. It is said to have the "World's Highest Flow Rate" Around 3160 tons of water flow every second over these falls and the average depth of the falls is deemed to be 170 feet.
Golfing at Niagara Lake
Having the oldest golf course in North America, it was established in 1875. It offers a full-length 9 hole course and the golf course is situated along the shores of Lake Ontario. Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, Queenston Golf Course, Royal Niagara Golf Club; in total there are 10 golf courses.
Visit the Walker's Country Market
To embrace the true Ontario Farmer's market feel, one should definitely visit the Walker's Country Market. Having fresh produce from farms and baked goods, it's been a family-run business since 1930. Although, it's closed in winters and should be visited in warmer months.