Escape the crowds at Niagara and enjoy a weekend getaway among countless wineries, charming local shops, and scenic hiking trails. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a hidden gem just outside of popular Niagara Falls. Visiting this town is certainly one of the top things to do when visiting Niagara Falls.
Fun Fact
The only town in Canada that has a Lord Mayor, Niagara-on-the-lake is home to the oldest existing golf course in North America. Not to be confused with its neighbor, Niagara, home to Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-lake is a quaint town known for wineries, water-side bike trails, and even haunted pubs.
Niagara-on-the-Lake Guide
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1. Historic Old Town
The quaint historic old town of Niagara-on-the-lake should be on your list as a top thing to do when visiting Niagara Falls. Niagara-on-the-Lake is filled with horse drawn carriages, historic buildings, gift shops, and local eateries. The cozy coffee shops and nearby park offer a peaceful environment for anyone looking to escape the touristy Niagara Falls.
Also Read: Banff National Park Complete Guide
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2. Queens Royal Park
With stunning views of the beautiful Lake Ontario and Niagara River, Queens Royal Park offers waterside walking paths, gazebos, and picnic areas just a few short blocks from the main downtown shopping district. This park is the ideal spot to witness foliage in the fall, and wave to US neighbors across the river at Fort Niagara State Park.
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3. Niagara Parkway Recreational Trail
This 6-mile (one-way) biking path takes you along the Niagara River from Niagara-on-the-lake to Queenston's RiverBrink Art Museum. We found this trail to be the perfect opportunity for a biking wine tour, as it passes over six wineries within a short distance from the path, as well as, several orchards and local farm stands. Our suggested wineries are all pinned to our Canada Google Maps.
Trail Information & Parking
Parking at the Niagara-on-the-lake end of the trail can be found at this public lot (or map Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre). The trail is 5.9 miles long (one-way), has a 252 ft elevation gain, and is rated as "easy" difficulty. For more information regarding this trail and to save it on your mobile device for offline use, we recommend visiting AllTrails.
Need a bike? We recommend renting from Zoom Leisure Bikes in Niagara-on-the-lake.
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4. Queenston Heights Park
This quaint park located along the Niagara River is the ideal place for chasing fall foliage. With a short, 1-mile loop around the park, as well as options for longer hikes through the woods, Queenston Heights Park is a wonderful place to stop along the drive from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-lake
Don't Miss! This Scenic Overlook across the street from Queenston Heights Park
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5. Niagara Glen Park
Offering a variety of hiking trails, a nature center, guided hikes, and picnic pavilions, Niagara Glen Park offers scenic views and peaceful tranquility along the rushing Niagara River.
J&L Tip! Take the path from Niagara Glen Nature Center to Lookout Point for a breathtaking view of Whirlpool Beach (views that most pay for on the Whirlpool Arena Car!)
Trail Information & Parking
The Niagara Glen Trail is a 1.4 mile loop that is rated as "moderate" difficulty and takes roughly 45 minutes to complete with a 318 ft elevation gain. Parking for this trail can be found at the Niagara Glen Nature Center. For more information about this trail and to download to your mobile device for offline use, visit AllTrails.
6. Niagara Falls
Drawing over 20 million tourist per year, the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls have the highest flow rate of any waterfall on earth! Take a Hornblower journey to get up close to the falls or simply walk along the pathway and take in its beauty from afar.
Admission to a Hornblower Cruise: $32.75 CAD/Adult
Trail & Parking Information
We recommend walking the first 1.2 miles of the Niagara Recreation Trail from Horseshoe Falls to the Rainbow Bridge. There is a parking lot next to the Skylon Tower with paid parking ($5-10 per day). For more information and to download the trail offline on your mobile device, visit AllTrails.
Prefer a Guided Tour?
7. Ball's Falls Conservation Area
This beautiful park is located a 40-minute drive from Niagara-on-the-lake and can easily be added as a stop when traveling to/from Michigan. With some of the most breathtaking fall foliage we witnessed in the area, Ball's Falls is home to two waterfalls, hiking paths, a nature center, and historic village.
Admission & Trail Information
Parking at the Ball's Falls Conservancy cost $13.85 CAD/Vehicle + $4.75 CAD for each additional adult passenger or $8.50/vehicle in Fall/Winter.
Completing the entire Ball's Falls Historic Park Loop Trail is 1.3 miles round-trip with 98 feet in elevation gain. The trail is a loop and is rated as "Easy" difficulty. Plan at least 30 minutes to complete the entire trail. For more information and to download the trail offline on your mobile device, visit AllTrails.
Noms
Niagara-on-the-lake is not only a beautiful place to enjoy fall foliage and sample some northern wines, there is also a variety of delectable foods to sample within the area!
$ Sunset Grill (diner-style breakfast in the heart of the historic downtown)
$ Craig's Cookies (friendly atmosphere and amazing cookies)
$ Doughvine Bakehouse (try the Canadian Maple Donuts)
$ Fitters on the Lake (some of the best apple fritters you will ever taste!)
$ Niagara Juice Co. (Pastries, juices, and breakfast)
$ The Olde Angel Inn (Old English pub with a ghost story! Great food and reasonably priced beers)
$ Gyros on the Lake (take-out place for falafel, chicken, and lamb gyros)
$$ The Irish Harp Pub (mouthwatering food options with a variety of beers on draft)
$$ Balzac's Coffee Roasters (quaint coffee shop tucked away on King St)
$$ COWS Niagara-on-the-lake (Canadian ice cream chain with unique flavors!)
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Brews
The fermentation of choice in the Niagara region is, of course, wine! With over 50 wineries, there are certainly a lot to choose from. Below outlines our favorites. Book a tour, rent a bike, or walk from downtown Niagara-on-the-lake to make a day of tasting these delicious Canadian wines!
Wineries
(tasting cost is per person)
$ Konzelmann Estate Winery (Tastings $20-25 CAD)
$ Strewn Winery (Tastings $20-35 CAD)
$$ Trius Winery & Restaurant (Tastings $27 CAD)
$ Riverview Cellars (Tastings $20 CAD)
$ Frogpond Farm Organic Winery (Tastings $16.95 CAD)
$$$ Inniskillin Wines (Popular for Ice Wine; Tastings $30 CAD)
$$ Reif Estate Winery (Tastings $10-60 CAD)
$ Pillitteri Estates Winery (Tastings $15-40 CAD)
$ Cave Spring Vineyard Tasting Room (Tastings $20-55 CAD)
Prefer a Guided Tour?
Do not be fooled into thinking that just because the Niagara region's claim to fame is wine, that they are lacking in the craft brew department. We discovered many charming breweries in the area, each with their own unique draw. One could easily visit Niagara-on-the-Lake for a craft brew tour as well!
Craft Breweries
$ Lock Street Brewing Company (unique brewery in the heart of Port Dalhousie with a beautiful beer garden and fun Octoberfest event in the fall!)
$ Oast House Brewers (Located in a barn with a large patio, the Strawberry Rhubarb Ale is a must try!)
$ Silversmith Brewing Co. (located in an old church, the atmosphere here is top notch!)
$$ Exchange Brewery (stop for a flight in the heart of the historic downtown Niagara-on-the-lake)
$ Bench Brewing (located in Beamsville, this brewery has a unique outdoor space, delicious brews, and foods to pair)
Planning Your Trip
How many days should you spend in Niagara-on-the-lake?
In order to have enough time to complete the tops things to do in Niagara-on-the-lake, we recommend spending at least two full days. If you would like to add more wineries or tours, you may consider staying in the area for 3-4 days.
J&L Recommended: 2-3 Full Days
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What are the best months to go to Niagara?
We think fall is the best time to visit Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-lake. By this time, the summer crowds have slowed and the foliage has begun to turn. The pictures in this article were taken in mid October and we felt the foliage was in its prime. Nothing pairs better with a fall day like hiking trails and wine tastings.
J&L Recommended: September - October
Is Niagara-on-the-Lake better than Niagara Falls?
Depending on what you are in search of, Niagara-on-the-lake may be the better choice. While Niagara Falls is touristy and crowded throughout most times of the year, Niagara-on-the-lake offers local charm, history, a quieter atmosphere, and close proximity to wineries.
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Where is the best area to stay in Niagara-on-the-lake?
We found Old Town to be the ideal place to stay while visiting Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. We stayed at Peter's place in Old Town, which was walking distance to Queen's Street, bike rentals, and several wineries. Peter's lovely apartment has a private entrance, jacuzzi bathtub, free parking, and even vouchers for free wine tastings!
Use the search box below to select your travel dates and find great deals on hotels in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
What is the best way to get around in Niagara-on-the-lake?
We recommend driving to Niagara-on-the-lake or renting a car in order to travel between Niagara Fall, Niagara-on-the-Lake, the nearby parks, and the local wineries. If visiting wineries within Niagara-on-the-Lake, you may consider renting bikes from Zoom Leisure Bikes or booking a winery tour.
J&L Tip: Download our Canada Google Maps in order to view all of our recommendations on your mobile device while visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake.
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