Niagara-on-the-Lake
This small town is a beautiful and historical place to discover local shops, treats, and art. Not only is Niagara-on-the-lake a great place to walk around during the day, but they also offer spooky ghost tours at night. That’s right, Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the most haunted spots in Ontario with many ghost encounters in restaurants and shops.
Known for its large collection of buildings built following the war of 1812, many of these homes have been beautifully restored making it the perfect neighborhood to stroll through.
This town is small and easily walkable, so grab a coffee to go and discover local treats!
What to do while visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake
Stroll Historical Queen Street
Queen Street is home to many small shops, restaurants, cafes, and art museums! Up and down the street you will see incredible floral displays, historical buildings, and one of the Shaw Festival playhouses.
One of the most famous spots to check out is the Prince of Wales hotel from 1864. Its beautiful exterior and warm interior make this one of the best places to stay in town.
Some stores to check out during your walk:
- Viking Shop Gifts Collectibles
- Old Tyme Candy Shoppe
- Just Christmas
- Cool As A Moose
- Old Niagara Bookshop
Walk Through Fort George
In 1813 a key battle was lost at Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Gorge. Today Fort George allows you to take a trip back in time to see what life was like back at the turn of the 19th century.
Soldiers walk around in historical uniforms while other inhabitants of the fort go about their daily routines. These friendly interpreters are located throughout the eight buildings and are there for you to ask questions and see what life was like back then.
While you are there check out:
- Live musket firings
- Gun emplacements
- Daily reenactments
Ride Through Town on a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride
This is the perfect romantic activity to do during your visit in Niagara-on-the-Lake. These carriages wait for customers outside the Prince of Wales hotel where you can climb aboard and go on a tour throughout the historical town.
These tours typically take 30 – 45 minutes and go through Queen Street, along the waterfront, and through the quaint residential areas of the town.
The carriages are large enough for 4 adults and 2 children. The tours run from Sunday to Monday from 8 am to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm.
Walk Through Queen’s Royal Park
This delightful park provides amazing views across Lake Ontario to the Toronto skyline. On a clear day, the buildings of downtown and the CN Tower are visible.
This park is home to large shade trees, a gazebo, and a short shoreline walking trail. The park is easily found by walking through King Street from the Prince of Wales Hotel.
Have a picnic, photoshop, and bike ride through the park.
Explore Peller Estates Winery
Just outside town, Peller Estates Winery has a variety of delicious wine-tasting options and an incredible atmosphere to explore. They are not only passionate about wine but they have an amazing winery restaurant with some tasty desserts.
You must try their Ice Wine and their Ice Cuvee which is their sparking wine.
Eat Ice Cream at COWS
COWS is one of the best spots to get ice cream in this small town. There are numerous flavours to choose from and loads of staff working to get people moving quickly through the line.
While grabbing some ice cream, check out their gift shop full of clothes, plushies, and other fun goodies.