Everyone loves
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario!
Location
Where is Niagara-on-the-Lake? We’re just a 20-minute drive along the beautiful Niagara River Parkway from Niagara Falls; a 90-minute drive along the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) from Toronto; a 75-minute drive from Toronto’s L.B. International Airport; a 50-minute drive from Buffalo’s International Airport in northern New York State; and a comfortable day’s drive from New York City, Detroit and points in between.
A car is recommended if you plan to tour the Niagara Region, but not necessary if you intend to spend your entire time in the Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. If you do not plan to rent a car at any of the airports, Niagara Airbus provides door-to-door service between all of the airports and Globetrotters B&B/Gallery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Make your reservations online at www.niagaraairbus.com and save 10% or call them direct at 905-374-8111 in Niagara or 716-835-8111 in Buffalo, NY.
Niagara Airbus also offers winery tours, sightseeing tours throughout the Niagara Region and Toronto and inter-city transfers.
What’s there to do in
Niagara-on-the-Lake?
In a single word—plenty. The small historic Old Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a range of activities for all ages and interests: a repertoire of live theatrical performances at the Shaw Festival; historical, architectural and winery tours; a host of great shopping and dining venues; hiking, biking and horseback riding trails; as well as a huge variety of unique sightseeing tours in and around Niagara Falls.
Some of our star attractions for the upcoming season are listed below for your convenience.
For a full listing of events and attractions Niagara-on-the-Lake has to offer, click here.
For information on sightseeing tours in Niagara Falls and the Discover Niagara Pass, click here.
For your dining pleasure:
Looking for a restaurant that offers quality food and service at reasonable prices? We highly recommend the following:
Stone Road Grille, 238 Mary Street (Garrison Plaza), Niagara-on-the-Lake: 905-468-3474.
The Old Winery Restaurant, 2228 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake: 905-468-8900
For a more complete listing of dining options in Niagara-on-the-Lake, visit www.niagaraonthelake.com and click on Dining.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE?
For information on what is happening each month, scroll down to our list of upcoming events.
FUN THINGS TO DO IN NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
Looking for something to do other than shop, taste wine or dine? You’ve come to the right place. These are just a few of the activities and fun tours available in and around Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls—even on rainy days*.
ALL ABOARD THE TORONTO–NIAGARA BIKE TRAIN !
The Toronto-Niagara Bike Train is a new initiative that introduced bike racks on board VIA Rail Canada service between Toronto and the Niagara Region. The Bike Train provides travellers with a unique and sustainable way to discover the Niagara Region’s renowned tourism and cycling opportunities. For information on schedules, prices and packages, visit www.biketrain.ca.
BACKSTAGE AT THE SHAW FESTIVAL
Take a guided one-hour Backstage Tour at the Shaw Festival Theatre every
Saturday and Sunday at 11am to learn about the history and unique
operations of this repertory theatre company and the many facets of theatre
production. Tickets are just $5. Book tickets in advance by calling
1-800-511-7429 or visit www.shawfest.com.
BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY
2405 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
In a tropical rainforest setting you explore an ingenious network of pathways among lush, exotic flora. Everywhere there are exquisite butterflies floating in the warm, moist air and spreading their iridescent wings on leaves and flowers. It’s magical.
CYCLING TOURS WITH ZOOM
Located at 431 Mississauga Street (at Marry), Zoom Leisure offers quality service and bike rentals. Prices range from $20 for up to three hours to $30 for a full day and up to $105 for seven days. All bikes are equipped with handle bar bags, bells, water bottle cages and kickstands. Helmets, locks and maps are included in the rental price. Selections include touring hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, bicycles for two or children’s bikes and trailer attachments. Call 905-468-2366 or 1-866-811-6993.
FORT GEORGE GHOST TOURS
Niagara-on-the-Lake
During the evening you will hear a score of ghostly accounts as well as be introduced to the history of Fort George and the surrounding area. Tours happen on Sunday evenings during May, June and September, then Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings in July and August. Tickets for Ghost tours from May to September are $12 per adult $6 for children under 12. Visit http://www.friendsoffortgeorge.ca or call 905-468-6621.
HISTORICAL WALKS—NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
4–5:30pm, Friday & Saturday; Sunday on holiday weekends
From mid-May through October, join Capt. John Swallow & QM Seika Hellbound on a 90-minute adventure back in time. Hear historical stories of Pyrates, merchant ships and the only two existing complete 1812 warships in the world, as well as the secrets of three nearby forts. Advance reservations are required (min. 24 hours ahead). Walks may be cancelled due to inclement weather. Cost is $10/adult; $5 for 13 and under. For tickets, contact the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce at 905-468-1950. Warning: some language and stories may not be suitable for children.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Scenic trails meander on the Niagara Escarpment offering panoramic views of the Niagara region and beyond. Trail rides take approximately 45-50 minutes and cost $35 per person (cash only). Rides are available year-round with winter rides when weather permits. Conveniently located within 15 minutes of Niagara Falls and Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Contact: Dinah McGibbon, Niagara Riding Stables
Address: 471 Warner Road, Niagara on the Lake, ON
Tel: 905.262.5101
Website: niagarariding.com
IMAX THEATRE NIAGARA FALLS *Experience The Falls inside. The IMAX Theatre Niagara Falls, home of one of the most spectacular IMAX adventures of all time, presents Legends and Daredevils.
NIAGARA CLASSIC CAB SERVICE
Niagara Classic Cabs provide fun, safe and inexpensive two-way transportation for up to five passengers around Niagara-on-the-Lake. Stay and enjoy your time as long as you want, then simply have the restaurant or winery call Niagara Classic Cab Service 15 minutes before you are ready to return and they will be there quickly to get you “home.”
Niagara Classic Cabs also offers a full range of wine tours. Call 905-468-2661 or visit www.notltransit.com.
MAID OF THE MIST
5920 River Road, Niagara Falls
Truth is, you’re going to get wet anyway, so what if it’s raining! This is as good a time as any to take the tour. They’ll even provide you with slickers and rubber boots to keep you as dry as possible as they transport you to the base of the Falls. This is one half-hour adventure you will never forget! Call 905-358-5781.
MASSAGE BENEFITS *
Located at 358 Mary Street, Unit 4, Dave Andres is a registered massage therapist and former nurse who offers deep tissue and relaxation therapy in his office or in your room. Call 905-371-6442.
MYSTERY ON THE LAKE
The Secret of Butlersburg is interactive theatre like you’ve never experienced before. You will be interacting with actors in secret locations around Niagara-on-the-Lake while you discover the back streets and hidden corners of the town as you hunt down clues during the course of this fun and informative 2.5-hour walking tour. Ticket price is $65 per person (and includes a $35 value per person in historical attraction admissions and samples of local food and drink). This tour is very popular and sells out quickly. Call 1-866-386-2921 or visit motl.ca.
NIAGARA FALLS AVIARY *
5651 River Road, Niagara Falls
Just opened in 2003, the Aviary is home to more than 300 tropical birds from around the world; some are free flying while others are observational exhibits. It’s well worth a visit.
NIAGARA FALLS HELICOPTER TOURS
National Helicopters, Niagara District Airport, Hwy #55,
Call: 905-641-2222 or 1-800-491-3117
OR
Niagara Helicopters, Heliport in Niagara Falls, 3731 Victoria Street
Call: 905-357-5672
Discover Niagara like never before! Take to the sky on a 20-minute flight in a helicopter. Fly over the majestic falls of Niagara, historical landmarks and Niagara’s renowned vineyards.
NIAGARA FALLS SCENIC TOURS
Avoid and eliminate traffic problems, parking fees, confusion, guide and service fees, and let this company look after that for you. Just bring your camera and relax. They offer fully narrated sightseeing tours with licensed knowledgeable guides on air-conditioned buses. Call 905-354-6099 or 1-888-325-5786.
NIAGARA’S FURY
The Niagara Parks Commission's Niagara's Fury™ lets you experience the extreme, violent and beautiful birth of Niagara Falls in a way you've never dreamed possible. Inside the stunning new Table Rock located at the brink of the Falls, Niagara's Fury™ begins with a captivating pre-show that tells the story of Niagara's momentous creation. Then you enter an immersive environment to see and actually feel the sights, sounds and sensations of Niagara's birth where you're not just watching nature's fury ... you're a part of it. Visit niagarasfury.com.
NIAGARA’S GIANT OBSERVATION SKYWHEEL *
It’s big, round and spins! At 175 feet tall (53 metres), the Niagara SkyWheel is the newest, most exciting way to see Niagara Falls. This world-class ride features fully enclosed heated and air-conditioned gondolas, for year-round comfort and enjoyment. Operating from 9am to 1am daily, rides last 12-15 minutes and tickets cost $9.99/adult and $5.99/child under 10. Ask your B&B hosts for your $1.00 off coupon. Visit www.cliftonhill.com/packages or call 905-358-4793 or.
O SPA *
Located in the Oban Inn at the corner of Front and Gate Streets, O Spa treatment services range from a Signature hand treatment to a deep tissue massage. Ask your B&B hosts for discount coupon. Call 905-468-2165 or 1-866-359-6226.
OUTLET MALL RETAIL THERAPY *
7500 Lundy’s Lane at the QEW, Niagara Falls
Shop till you drop at 40 brand-name stores at Canada One Factory Outlets in Niagara Falls. Call 1-866-284-5781.
PHANTOM TROLLEY TOURS
Step back in time and experience the haunting tales and scandalous stories behind the prettiest town in Canada. Enjoy a horse-drawn trolley tour through the back lanes of Olde Town. You will be served a sumptuous, four-course food and wine pairing served in full period costume — a culinary adventure in regional cuisine — a fine selection of VQA wines. Be entertained by the Lord Mayor Kent of Newark 1837 and his Lady Clair. Call 905-262-6021 or 1-866-742-6866.
SKYLON TOWER *
5200 Robinson Street, Niagara Falls
Take a ride up to the observation deck of the Skylon Tower for breathtaking views of Niagara Falls and the surrounding countryside. Call 905-356-2651.
THE SHAW FESTIVAL *
The stage is set for the 2010 season of the Shaw Festival. Inquire about their under 30 program and discounts. Details are found at www.shawfest.com or call 1-800-511-SHAW.
TOTEM POLE & WOODCARVING PARK AT NIAGARA GLEN
North America’s largest totem pole garden is located along the Niagara Parkway about one kilometre (.5 mile) from the Whirlpool golf Course. The park features one-of-a-kind totem poles created over 25 years by Master Carver, Frank Kim. On-site carving, interactive demonstrations and guided tours are also featured in this peaceful environment overlooking the Great Gorge. Parking on site. Admission is $5 per adult and $4 for seniors and children 6-12; five and under enter free. Customers purchasing Niagara Falls & Great Gorge Adventure Pass receive coupons worth $2 off to Totem Park.
WELLAND CANAL MUSEUM *
Government Road, St. Catharines
If you only have time for one canal stop, the Lock 3 Viewing Complex and Museum is the place to go. The complex houses a tourist information and interpretive centre complete with ship schedules, the St. Catharines Historical Museum, the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame, a restaurant, picnic areas and free parking. Climb the special viewing platform where you can look down on the decks of gigantic ships as they manoeuvre through the locks with only inches to spare and climb or descend “the highest water staircase” this side of China.
WHIRLPOOL JET BOAT TOURS
61 Melville Street at the Marina, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Again, this is as good a time as any to take this moving adventure since you’re going to get wet anyway. Be sure to bring along a FULL change of clothing to change into after the ride — and we mean underwear and all. For those who don’t want to get wet, there’s a covered boat excursion as well. Tickets are available through the Chamber of Commerce or give Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours a call at 905-468-4800.
WILLOWBANK HERITAGE ESTATE *
Queenston
Throughout the year, hands-on workshops, seminars, lectures, historical walks and performances are featured at the Willowbank Heritage Estate in Queenston. For information on upcoming events, call 905-262-1239 or visit www.willowbank.ca
UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2011
MAY 2011
WINE & HERB TOURING PROGRAM (Every weekend)
Weekend passes include stops at 26 Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries. Touring passes ($9.95/person) are available online here or call 905-468-1950.
JUNE 2011
MAY 11 — SHAW GARDEN TOUR
From 10am to 4pm, visit eight very special gardens in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Master gardeners are on site to answer questions and give advice. A complimentary wine tasting is included in your ticket price along with a special discount on products purchased at Mori Gardens on the date of the tour. Tickets are $20 each. Visit www.shawfest.com/gardentour or call 1-800-511-7429.
JULY 2011
JULY 2 & 3 — ARTISTRY BY THE LAKE
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario at Queen’s Royal Park, this marketplace showcases more than 80 artists/artisans producing original, high-quality handcrafted works of art.
JULY 9 — HILLEBRAND VINEYARD JAZZ FESTIVAL
Enjoy some of Canada’s finest Jazz artists in the Hillebrand vineyards. Call 1-800-582-8412 for details.
JULY 9 & 10 — ANNUAL CHERRY FESTIVAL
Celebrate the cherry harvest at St. Mark’s Anglican Church.
AUGUST 2011
AUGUST 13 & 14 — PEACH FESTIVAL
From 9am to 4pm, Niagara-on-the-Lake celebrates the peach harvest with music, fun and plenty of Greenbelt-grown peaches along Queen Street.
SEPTEMBER 2011
SEPTEMBER 10 — NIAGARA FOUNDATION HOUSE TOUR
Visit Niagara-on-the-Lake’s finest heritage homes and sites. Tour runs from 10am to 5pm. Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased from the Chamber of Commerce. Call 905-468-1950
BOOK YOUR SEAT NOW FOR THE 2012 TASTE OF NIAGARA PROGRESSIVE DINNER (Hotlink to the attached 2012 ATON.pdf)
GETTING AROUND NIAGARA
A car is highly recommended when visiting the Niagara Region. For those who prefer not to drive, there is taxi service between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. Rate information is available at 905-358-3232. Niagara Classic Cabs also offers taxi service (see listing above).
While most shops, restaurants and theatres within Old Town are easily within a 20- to 30-minute walk from anywhere, regular shuttle service is available between Queen Street and the Community Centre.
In Niagara Falls, paid parking is available at the Falls parking lot, the Greenhouse and the Rapidsview parking lot. If you park at the latter, you can ride the free shuttle bus from the parking lot to the Falls and back. For information on the People-Mover System in Niagara Falls, visit www.niagaraparks.com/plan/peoplemover-buses.html
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