Set about a half hour’s drive north of the bustling tourist hub of Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake promises a quieter, more relaxing stay within the region and is one of the beautiful small towns in Ontario to visit.
Whether looking for a weekend getaway or a superb day trip from Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake promises the perfect setting for enjoying a carefree holiday while offering a downtown community with historic charm and some of the most breathtaking views of the Niagara River as it feeds into Lake Ontario.
From exploring its historical landmarks and Victorian buildings to touring the surrounding region’s vineyards, these are the 15 most exciting things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
The 15 Best Things to Do in Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario
1. Explore the Historic Downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake
The small-town charms of Niagara-on-the-Lake are found right within its historic downtown. As such, one of the top things to do when visiting is to take some time to simply wander around the community, exploring the various boutique shops, restaurants, and monuments of Queen Street.
The five blocks between King Street and Mississauga Street contain the majority of the downtown’s popular shops and landmarks, but don’t be afraid to venture off the main road to uncover some of the town’s hidden gems.
2. Go Wine Tasting
As Ontario’s premier wine region, no visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake is complete without first embarking on a guided wine tour. And with so many wineries operating throughout the region, Niagara-on-the-Lake makes for a great repeat destination with new flavours to enjoy on each visit.
While sampling a lesser-known winery makes for an exciting adventure, I suggest first-time visitors stick to some of the more celebrated Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, which include Peller Estates, Jackson-Triss, and Chateau des Charmes. Don’t forget to try some of the region’s renowned ice wine for a sweet, signature treat.
3. Picnic at Queen’s Royal Park
Located just two blocks from the Memorial Clock Tower in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake, Queen’s Royal Park sits directly at the mouth of the Niagara River, providing a great spot to unwind with a picnic.
The park also provides beautiful views of the river and the Old Fort Niagara, which sits along the opposite banks in the United States. Whether visiting for the views or a picnic, don’t forget to take a photo of the Queen’s Royal Park Gazebo, which has become an iconic monument of the community.
4. Tour Niagara’s National Historic Sites
Founded as a supply depot for the British Loyalist Forces in 1779, Niagara-on-the-Lake boasts a history older than Canada as a country. And despite being a relatively small town, the community is home to several National Historic Sites, with the following being some of the ones you absolutely have to check out during your visit.
- Fort George National Historic Site: Built between 1796 and 1802, the Fort George National Historic Site became the headquarters for the Centre Division of the British Army during the War of 1812 and became a contested strategic complex throughout the conflict. Today, the fort is preserved as a living history museum where costumed performers provide visitors a window into the community’s early days as a military outpost.
- Butlers Barracks National Historic Site: Located not too far from Fort George is the Butlers Barracks National Historic Site. Named after Colonel John Butler, the barracks were rebuilt after the War of 1812 and provide visitors a glimpse of the daily life of the site’s historical military occupants.
- Fort Mississauga National Historic Sites: Nestled between the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club and the Battlefield of Fort George National Historic Site, Fort Mississauga was built opposite the American Fort Niagara between 1814 and 1816 and consists of a brick defensive tower surrounded by star-shaped fortifications.
5. Explore Local History at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
Speaking of historical sites, you should include a stop at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum for a more in-depth exploration of the evolution of the community.
Founded by the Niagara Historical Society in 1895, the museum was originally housed in the town’s old courthouse. However, with the construction of Memorial Hall in 1907, the museum moved its contents to the new building, becoming the very first purpose-built museum in Ontario.
Since then, the museum has grown to include Niagara High School, which operated between 1875 and 1947, and the Link Building, constructed in the 1970s to connect the two heritage buildings.
Throughout the two historical complexes, visitors can tour exhibits of books, photos, and artifacts that explore the region’s evolution from a British military outpost to one of Ontario’s most beautiful small towns. It’s a wonderful glimpse into Canadian history.
6. Day Trip Over to the World-Famous Niagara Falls
While Niagara-on-the-Lake makes for a quieter and more relaxing spot to enjoy the beauty of the region, you still should plan to at least visit the famous Niagara Falls. Luckily, the city is located just a half hour from town, making it a great spot to spend an afternoon or even just an hour.
Whether you want to explore the various attractions of the city or simply want a picture of the iconic waterfalls, there are plenty of things to do in Niagara Falls throughout the year, including walking through the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, embarking on the Maid of the Mist, or touring the novelty museums and shops of the downtown area.
7. Check Out the Laura Secord Homestead
While most people associate Laura Secord with the celebrated Canadian chocolate company named after her, she is actually a historical heroine who played a fairly critical role in the British success during the War of 1812, having walked over 32 kilometres to warn British forces of an impending American attack.
The Laura Secord Homestead is the historical home of the heroine, who lived on the property between 1803 and 1835. It is also the site where her long journey began. Today, visitors are welcome to tour the homestead, where they will find live character actors who will guide them through the grounds.
8. Explore the Historic Queenston Heights Park
Located in the nearby Queenston, Queenston Heights Park is a massive outdoor space that promises pretty views of the Niagara Escarpment and plenty of outdoor activities for enjoying a warm summer afternoon.
The park features scenic hiking trails, a picnic area, tennis courts, a children’s splash pad, and two picnic pavilions for a fun family outing. Meanwhile, the park is also home to the Landscape of National Memorial, the Brock Monument, and the Laura Secord Monument, making it a great spot to explore local history and celebrate the region’s military heroes.
9. Catch a Show at the Shaw Festival Theatre
Nothing quite completes the small Ontario town experience quite like catching a show at the local theatre. And in Niagara-on-the-Lake, there are actually three theatres – the Shaw Festival Theatre, the Royal George Theatre, and the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre.
The best time to visit the community’s theatre scene is during the Shaw Festival. Starting in 1962, out of a local playwright’s love of Bernard Shaw’s theatrical work, the festival has since grown into a celebration of theatre that puts on ten or more productions each year.
Attracting more than 250,000 attendees annually, the Shaw Festival is now one of the most iconic cultural events in Canada and a must-experience attraction for visitors to the town.
10. Take One of Niagara’s Haunted Ghost Walks
Between its historic battlefields and abandoned fortresses, Niagara-on-the-Lake has no shortage of haunted places and one of the most exhilarating things to do when visiting is to embark on a paranormal hunt of the haunted.
While you are welcome to explore haunted sites on your own, Niagara’s Ghost Walks promises an immersive tour of the city led by informative guides who are well-practiced in the art of uncovering lingering spirits.
11. Visit the Mackenzie Printery & Newspaper Museum
Any history enthusiast will want to plan a stop at the Mackenzie Printer and Newspaper Museum in the nearby Queenston. Operating out of the historical home of William Lyon Mackenzie, famous as the first Mayor of Toronto, the museum explores 500 years of the printmaking industry.
The museum contains several artifacts and old presses, which visitors are permitted to use under the guidance of the staff. The centrepiece of the museum’s exhibit is its Louis Roy Press, which, being built in the 1760s, is believed to be the oldest wooden press in Canada and only one of ten remaining wooden presses in the world.
12. Bike the Niagara River Recreation Trail
Spanning the length of the Niagara River from Fort George in Niagara-on-the-Lake to the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie, the Niagara River Recreational Trail offers 56 km of beautiful cycling along the Niagara Parkway and is a great way to see everything the region offers.
Along its riverside route, the path passes through several historical sites, wineries, restaurants, shops, and local markets while promising some of the most beautiful views of the Horseshoe Falls and Niagara River.
13. Play a Round at North America’s Oldest Golf Course
Playing a round at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club is another exciting activity in town for golfing enthusiasts and history lovers alike. That is because the golf club is actually the oldest golf course in all of North America.
Built in the 1870s, the golf course has changed over its nearly 150 years of operations, but it maintains its historical experience within three greens that have never moved. Known as Straightaway, Mississauga, and Cinch, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd greens provide modern golfers the chance to take a swing where some of the game’s earliest enthusiasts first enjoyed the sport.
14. Take a Stroll Through the Two Mile Creek Conservation Area
There is no shortage of scenic walking trails in Niagara-on-the-Lake. However, if you are looking to combine the quiet serenity of nature with the historical allure of the community, I suggest taking a walk through the Two Mile Creek Conservation Area.
Along with a promising lush forested floodplain to explore, the conservation area is home to Colonel Butler’s Burial Ground, where visitors will find a memorial plaque honouring his contributions to the British efforts during the War of 1812 and the founding of Upper Canada.
15. Explore the Town by Horse-Drawn Carriage
Of course, no visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake would be complete without experiencing a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town’s quaint streets.
Available from a few companies that specialize in these kinds of tours, these rides are the perfect way to sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Victorian buildings, historic landmarks, and breathtaking scenery from a truly unique perspective.
