Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town located in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada. It sits right at the mouth of the Niagara River, where it meets Lake Ontario. Known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and thriving tourism industry, it is a popular summer getaway for those in Ontario and New York! With a population of around 17,500 people, it maintains a small-town atmosphere while offering a wide range of amenities and attractions.
It’s only about a 1.5 hour drive from Toronto or Kitchener, 45 minutes from Hamilton or Buffalo, and just 20 minutes from Niagara Falls. Perfect for a mini weekend road trip, or even a day trip.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is known primarily for its thriving vineyards, which produce some of Ontario’s most acclaimed wines, but it’s not just about the wine; Queen Street serves as a vibrant focal point, boasting a diverse array of shops, cafes, and restaurants housed within historic buildings. Plus, the waterfront is absolutely stunning. And my favourite part: everything is super dog-friendly. So, if you’re seeking a destination where you and your pup can savor exquisite wines, explore charming streets, and soak in the serenity of the lake, look no further than Niagara-on-the-Lake!
Where to Stay
One of the neat things about NOTL is that it hasn’t been super developed, so there aren’t any giant hotels or chains. But don’t worry, there are plenty of places to stay! It’s packed full of vacation rentals and cutesy bed and breakfasts that can be found on AirBnb, Vrbo, etc. We stayed at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel, which is right in the heart of the town, and I would definitely recommend it! It was clean and spacious, with charming old timey decor and a very relaxed vibe. And being able to walk to all the shops and restos was a real perk too.
What to Do
NOTL is kinda the ideal day trip or weekend get-away, as you can hit all the major must-see items in 1-2 days. You’re gonna wanna find time to watch sunrise and/or sunset over the lake, for sure! Visiting a winery is also a must. Other than that, most of the fun is trying different foods and enjoying the views!
- Visit Queen’s Royal Park
- This park is a short walk down from Queen Street, and has lovely views of the lake.
- Try to get there for sunrise if you can! It will be way less crowded, and it is just magical.
- You can also swim here! There’s a beach entry, with a nice sandy bottom, and the water is crystal clear. Great for open-water swim training, or for just a nice summer dip 🙂
- Wine tastings at various wineries, or a wine tour
- You can’t come to NOTL and not hit up a winery (or two!).
- If you haven’t tried it before, get your hands on some ice wine. It’s a Canadian delicacy!
- We went to MaryNissen Estates and Ravine Winery, both of which were excellent experiences. MaryNissen even does treat flights for your dogs!!
- Visit a cidery
- We didn’t have time for this sadly, but if wine is not-so-much your thing, check out a cidery instead! You’ll get to visit a stunning estate, sample little glasses of a drink – similar experience to a winery, but more geared to your own tastes.
- Shop on Queen Street
- The “downtown” of NOTL, Queen Street is full of quaint boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops offering unique gifts, clothing, and souvenirs.
- Make sure to pop in to the Apothecary – it’s an authentic museum restoration of a 1869 pharmacy with some really neat history.
- Check out the world’s smallest Chapel
- The Living Water Wayside Chapel is famous for being the Guinness Book of World Records holder for the smallest chapel in the world! It’s a cute little stop just outside town that’s actually on the way to a bunch of the wineries.
- Sample different bakeries and treats
- There are so many goodies along Queen Street: from the quintessential Ontario butter tart and loaded donuts, to fancy coffees and artisanal popsicles.
- Go for a walk
- A short walk around some of the side streets in NOTL will show you beautiful heritage homes, serene parks, and a whole pile of pretty flowers 🙂
- Sunset at Ryerson Park
- Stunning views of Lake Ontario. On a clear day you can even spot the Toronto skyline!
- It can get super busy at sunset, so be ready to park a few blocks away and walk over.
- Pop in to the Prince of Wales Hotel
- Even if you’re not staying at the Prince of Wales, it’s worth stopping by! Drop in to see the exquisite architecture and historic charm, visit their restaurant, or sit down for a fancy afternoon tea service.
- Bring your dog everywhere (it’s dog friendly af)
- The whole town has a very welcoming attitude towards furry companions, allowing them to join you on patios, in shops, and even some wineries!
- See a shipwreck
- Depending on where you’re coming from, this neat sight can be a teeny tiny pit stop on your way home. La Grande Hermine is a replica of one of Jacques Cartier’s ships that was a ferry, a cargo ship, and eventually even a floating restaurant! Now it sits abandoned in the shallows just off the highway.
Where to Eat
For a small town, NOTL boasts a pretty solid line-up of cafes and restaurants! Now, I can’t say I’ve been to all of them, but this list is everywhere that we got to try that I would wholeheartedly recommend. If it’s not on my list, it might be good! But if it’s on my list, you KNOW it’s good 😋
- Known for: Vineyard estate offering wine tastings and scenic views.
- What we got: The sangria flight! This was SO yummy!! I was blown away. And Hound got a little treat flight as well!
- Known for: Award-winning wines, farm-to-table restaurant, and picturesque vineyard views.
- What we got: Ok confession… We came here for the pizza, and didn’t actually get any wine. But the pizzas were amazing!
- Known for: Freshly made, gourmet donuts in a variety of unique flavours.
- What we got: The Coffee Crisp donut! Lovely texture, tasted amazing. Would love to come back and try more!
- Known for: Handcrafted popsicles in a wide range of flavours.
- What we got: Super Strawberry and Spicy Mango. Both were absolutely amazing, clearly made with fresh fruit, and so flavourful!
- Known for: Famous butter tarts and other traditional baked goods.
- What we got: a classic butter tart. Not quite as good as grandma’s (nothing will ever be that good), but dang close!
- Known for: Artisanal cookies made with high-quality ingredients and creative flavours.
- What we got: Strawberries and cream cookie (was only ok), and the Pride cookie (was delish!)
- Known for: Farm-to-table Canadian cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients.
- What we got: The 4-course tasting menu. I was very happy with 3/4 of my dishes, but two of the courses actually had the same sauce, which I didn’t appreciate to be totally honest! Would recommend a visit, but maybe not for the tasting menu. Or maybe ask your server to help you select dishes!
- Known for: Nostalgic candies and sweets.
- What we got: a LOT! So many of these old candy shoppes are kinda overwhelming and full of stuff that doesn’t even sound good, but this was probably the best one I’ve seen. So many fun finds!
That’s all I got folks! Hope this little guide is helpful to you when planning your getaway. Enjoy ❤️
