Niagara on the Lake (NOTL) sits just over the U.S / Canada border, situated on the Niagara River where it meets Lake Ontario. It is a popular tourist destination for Americans and international travelers alike. This picturesque and charming town offers first rate theater, restaurants, wineries, and luxury hotels.
Summer is peak season (reservations are a good idea) with the theatre in full swing and the town vibrant with beautiful floral displays. Off-season is less crowded and can be just as appealing. Fall is a great time to view the spectacular fall foliage. In late November and December, the town transforms into a winter wonderland with Christmas decorations, candlelight strolls and a Christmas parade.
History
NOTL was established in 1792 and played a key role in defending Canada during the War of 1812. If you are interested in history, pay a visit to historic Fort George which served as British headquarters during the war. The ties to its British past are reflected in the quaint Victorian architecture in the town’s heritage district where you will find street names like King Street, Queen Street, and George Street. The heritage district is now home to unique boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
Shaw Festival Theatre
The Shaw Festival Theatre is the second largest repertory theatre in North America. Originally focusing on the plays of George Bernard Shaw, the theatre has widened it’s scope to include many playwrights and genres. There are three different theatre venues, each offering different performances. Whether you like a good drama, comedy, or musical, there is something for everyone.
Wineries
The area’s soil and warm lake breezes make it ideal for growing wines and there are an abundance of wineries to visit. The region is renowned for its ice wine, made from grapes that naturally froze on the vine. If you plan to visit more than one winery you might want to consider taking a guided wine tour. Some tours include lunch or dinner at a vineyard. This can be a great way to tour wine country with a group of friends.
Restaurants
NOTL offers a wide range of dining experiences from casual to award winning fine dining. Many restaurants feature local wines and seasonal farm to table menus. Here are just a few favorites.
- Peller Estates Winery Restaurant offers a fine dining experience featuring wines from their vineyard along with beautiful vineyard views.
- Zees Wine Bar & Grill is within walking distance of the Festival Theatre. It offers a beautiful outdoor patio and in cooler months the indoor fireplace offers a cozy retreat.
- Shaw Cafe & Wine Bar is on busy Queen Street in the heritage district is a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine while you people watch. Try to count how many different languages you hear spoken as people pass by.
Accommodations
While NOTL can be visited in a day, an overnight stay can be a great way to relax and unwind. The town is known for its high end luxury five star hotels such as Pillar and Post Hotel & Spa where you can enjoy top of the line amenities and spa treatments. The area also offers many more reasonably priced hotels and rental properties.
Outdoor Recreation
While the heritage district is very walkable, you might want to rent a bike and explore more of the area. The River Recreation Trail that runs along the Niagara River is relatively flat and very bikeable. This scenic ride will take you past Fort George and numerous farm markets. The climate that makes the region so good for grape growing, is also good for growing produce. The region is known for its peaches.
Pay a visit to Queen’s Royal Park on the Niagara River which features a public swimming beach, and amenities such as picnic tables and pavilions. You can even treat yourself to a gourmet picnic to enjoy in the park.
If you like to golf, the nine hole Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club runs along the scenic shores of the Niagara River providing beautiful views. It is open to the public.
Nearby Niagara Falls
If you have never visited Niagara Falls you will be a short drive away and it’s worth the trip. While the Falls can be viewed from both the Canadian and American side, the Canadian side is popular tourist destination that offers visitors many ways to see the iconic falls including jet boat tours, helicopter rides, and Hornblower Cruises which take you right to the base of the falls where you can witness the power of the falls up close. Be forewarned, even though a rain slicker is provided, your feet will probably get wet.
Nearby Clifton Hill offers family friendly activities such as rides, arcade games and Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks. This wax museum might be a little unsettling for young children.
For those with more adult interests, Niagara Falls has two casinos offering slot machines, gaming tables and nightly entertainment.
Crossing the Border
Identification:
While a U.S. driver’s license is sufficient to drive in Canada, it is not sufficient to get you across the border. You will need one of the following:
- A passport – the most recommended form of identification. When traveling by car a passport card is also acceptable.
- A NEXUS card – for those who have applied and been accepted into the trusted traveler program. It’s important to note that a NEXUS card can only be used at designated ports of entry with NEXUS lanes.
- Enhanced Driver’s License – these special state issued licenses are only offered in Michigan, Vermont, New York, Washington, and Minnesota.
What You Can Bring Across the Border
Each country has specific rules for what you can bring across the border. When entering Canada you must declare all food, plant, alcohol, tobacco and animal products including any pets. When you return to the U.S. you must declare all items purchased while in Canada. Depending on the length of your stay you may qualify for duty free exemptions if your purchases fall under the $800 exemption limit. You should keep all receipts in case you need to provide proof of the price paid or the date of purchase. If you aren’t sure about something you should declare it. Failure to do so could result in fines. Remember to check before you leave on your trip for current regulations regarding crossing the border into Canada.
Canada offers so much to see and do. From big cities to quaint villages to remote wilderness the travel possibilities are endless. Subscribe to Silver&Smart’s news alerts to stay connected to the world of travel.
