Photo: winecountryont on Instagram 

When most Canadians think of “Niagara”, attractions like the falls, Clifton Hill and casinos come to mind. However, a few kilometers north of Niagara Falls is the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Nestled where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario, the town is famous for its vineyards and cuisine. For those looking to explore the Niagara region in a more relaxed setting, Niagara-on-the-Lake is the perfect getaway spot.

Vineyards and Wine Tours

The vineyards surrounding Niagara-on-the-Lake are a must-see for both wine connoisseurs and those who enjoy a glass every now and then. From Peller Estates to Jackson Triggs, there are over 20 wineries and orchards waiting to be explored. Vineyards offer tours and tastings, where visitors can enjoy learning about how wine is made and also discover proper food pairings.

Photo: surromama on Instagram 

Eat, drink and be merry!

After a day of wine-tasting, continue your Niagara-on-the-Lake experience with any one of the many restaurants the region offers. From fine dining to comfort food, the region offers something to satisfy all taste buds. Many of the restaurants in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake are known for using fresh and local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy farm-to-table dining at Treadwell or French café-style cuisine at Shaw Café & Wine Bar.

Shaw Festival

The Shaw Festival started out as a summer theatre festival when local playwright Brian Doherty decided to showcase the works of Irish playwright Bernard Shaw. Inspired by Shaw’s wit and passion, the festival celebrates a diverse mix of plays.  Over 10 productions, from both past and present, are performed each year and warrant over 250,000 visitors. The festival runs from April to October and is now in its 56^th season. This year, theatre lovers can look forward to plays like Me and my Girl, a comedy from the 1930s, and Bernard Shaw’s masterpiece Saint Joan.

Historic Sites

Originally known as Butlersburg and later on Newark, Niagara-on-the-Lake has an extensive history dating back to the American Revolution, when British loyalists settled here. History buffs will be pleased to see that some of this historic charm remains through monuments, forts and parks. Visitors can learn about military history at Fort George or get a glimpse into Laura Secord’s homestead in Queenston.

Shopping 

Niagara-on-the-Lake is just moments away from the US-Canada border for those who enjoy cross-border shopping. There are also a number of outlets in the Niagara region for those looking for deals on designer duds. Aside from outlets and malls, Niagara-on-the-Lake boasts many local shops and boutiques. It may be spring, but if visitors are in the mood to plan ahead, they can enjoy Just Christmas, a year-round Christmas store.