Niagara-onthe-lake
This lakeside town is known for its historic buildings, well-kept gardens, charming shops and rich heritage.
But there’s more here to interest discerning visitors: a mix of new and old attractions—from wineries to antiques shops—that beckon devoted sightseers year after year. 1 Heritage District
The central streets of Niagara-on-theLake, roughly along Queen and Picton streets and a block or so in either direction, were designated a Heritage Conservation District in 1986, but in fact, some 25 blocks of the town have been named as a National Historic Site. This is mostly due to the architectural heritage of the town, which includes more than 90 buildings built between 1815 and 1859 in the British Classical tradition and respectfully preserved. These days, as in past centuries, the buildings house charming boutiques like Cheese Secrets, Beauchapeau Hat Shop and Lakeshore Antiques & Treasures, as well as Niagara Apothecary, that cater to strolling passersby. VISITNIAGARACANADA.COM
2 Wine Tours
The Niagara Region’s fertile soil has given birth to some of Canada’s best vineyards—here, there are more than 40 wineries, and most host tastings and tours of their facilities (check out the QR Code map on the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-lake website). But the area’s offerings have expanded beyond the humble grape, and now distilleries and craft breweries are part of the landscape as well. It’s enough to make you drunk for choice! WINERIESOFNIAGARAONTHELAKE.COM; VISITNIAGARACANADA.COM
3 Shaw Festival
The genius of playwright Bernard Shaw lives on in one of the main draws to Niagara-on-theLake: the Shaw Festival, still going strong after producing plays here for the past 60 years. With three theatres in town and a full calendar of plays in 2022 including everything from The Doctor’s Dilemma, The Importance of Being Earnest and Cyrano de Bergerac to Damn Yankees and Gaslight, this annual festival provides the perfect respite for tired feet after hours of taking in the sights. SHAWFEST.COM
4 Ghost Tours of Niagara at Fort George
It may be the prettiest town in Canada, but some say it’s also the most haunted. Get thrilled and chilled on a 90-minute ghost walk guided tour by candlelight through Fort George National Historic Site. The history of the Fort includes occupations by American forces and burnings as the soldiers retreated, which have given rise to many spirit sightings throughout the barracks. Maybe you’ll see one of the apparitions, too! NIAGARAGHOSTS.COM
5 Niagara
Parks Botanical Gardens
Just south of Niagaraonthelake, right on the scenic Niagara Parkway, lie 40 hectares of lush flowerbeds—including one of North America’s largest Victorian rose gardens, with more than 2,400 specimens—as well as parterres, herb and vegetable gardens, all designed by the students of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture. Open since 1936, the gardens are a revelation with each passing season, as different species and cultivars take centre stage. Also on site is the Butterfly Conservatory, featuring more than 2,000 beautiful insects that flit about amid waterfalls and greenery. NIAGARAPARKS.COM
6 Palatine
Fruit & Roses
Sometimes you just need to surround yourself with something pretty, and if you’re feeling that way, Palatine Fruit & Roses fits the bill perfectly. This rustic garden centre and farm fruit shop is located just west of Niagaraonthelake, and is worth a stop to stock up on flowers and fresh produce. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through the selection of available potted and freshcut roses, before you choose an armful of seasonal cherries, apricots, plums and more to take home with you! PALATINEROSES.COM
7 Fort Mississauga and Mississauga Point Lighthouse National Historic Sites
Overlooking Lake Ontario and surrounded by the Niagaraonthelake Golf Club sit Fort Mississauga and Mississauga Point Lighthouse National Historic Sites. Intended as a replacement for Fort George, Fort Mississauga’s construction began in 1814 and required dismantling the existing lighthouse, which was built in 1804—the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes. There’s not much left of them today except a brick tower and a unique starshaped base, but it’s a neat little historic moment that will resonate with history buffs. PC.GC.CA/EN/LHN-NHS/ON/FORT GEORGE/CULTURE/FORT-MISSISSAUGA
8 Upper Canada Heritage Trail
On any given day you can find joggers, hikers, cyclists and just plain walkers on this route that runs along an abandoned railway right of way from the town centre to a spot between the villages of Queenston and St. Davids. These 10 kilometres pass through a variety of landscapes, from orchards to vineyards to forests and, thanks to an ongoing refurbishment, feature new surfacing and informative signs along the way that detail the history and local significance of the trail and its railroad roots. HERITAGETRAIL.CA