Niagara-on-the-Lake

Often touted as one of Ontario’s most beautiful towns, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a great destination for anyone wanting a slow-paced, scenic and agriculturally-rich Canadian experience. Wine touring is a popular activity, as Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to over 25 wineries, most of which are open for tours and tastings. Visit everything from small boutique wineries to large estates, with each facility having its own distinct personality -- although all benefit from the area’s proximity to Lake Ontario and the Niagara River.

There are also a number of performance spaces, great for getting to know local culture, including the Shaw Festival Theatre, Court House Theatre and Royal George Theatre. There are also a number of art galleries, like the Angie Strauss Gallery, which showcases beautiful impressionist paintings, and the Romance Collection Gallery, where you can see works by local artists Trisha Romance and Tanya Jean Peterson.

Throughout the year, Niagara-on-the-Lake has many fun festivals. In the summer, Music Niagara puts on over 30 piano, jazz and opera acts around the town, while the Peach Festival celebrates the sweet local fruit. A number of wine festivals take place, as well, like the New Vintage Festival in June, Niagara Wine Festival in September, the Icewine Festival in January, and the Days of Chocolate and Wine Festival in February. From April through November, the Shaw Festival delights audiences with performances by George Bernard Shaw and other playwrights from his time.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is an easy day trip from Niagara Falls, located about a half an hour away via the Niagara Parkway. If you’re flying in, Buffalo-Niagara International Airport is about 45 minutes away and offers shuttle service for about $95 each way for up to four passengers.