Niagara On The Lake

Overview

Quaint small-town charms await you in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the bountiful heart of the Niagara Region sitting calmly on the shores of Lake Ontario. Known for its abundant vineyards and world-class theatre, NOTL (as it is affectionately called) is rich in both natural beauty and Canadian cultural heritage. Its downtown core is populated by beautiful 19th-century buildings that now house local boutiques, artisans, and eateries that contribute to Niagara’s colourful flavour. Everything has been well-preserved to reflect the area’s history, making notable landmarks like Fort George worth the visit.

In the summertime, Niagara is pure bliss. Farmers line country roads selling fresh cherries and peaches, making for perfect picnic snacks as you lounge along the sun-drenched lake. With over 40 in the area, take a tour of a local winery, whether you choose to roll up in a car or bike between the leafy rows of vines. Don’t miss out on trying Niagara Icewine, an intense dessert wine cultivated from frozen grapes left on the vines past harvest season, resulting in a luxuriously sweet wine that’s often referred to as liquid gold.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is best known for the Shaw Festival, one of Canada’s premier theatre festivals bringing contemporary productions to the heart of Niagara wine country. Spread across three stages with different atmospheres, the Shaw Festival has been enthralling Canadian audiences since 1962 with exciting narratives and production design.