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Town Square Niagara-on-the-Lake |
Stunning
scenery, 19th-century architecture, and an assortment of unique
experiences make Niagara-on-the-Lake a necessary place to visit when in the
Niagara region. The quiet township has seen a lot since the land was purchased
from the Mississaugas in 1781. Named the capital of Upper Canada in 1792,
burned to the ground during the war of 1812, and rebuilt as a prosperous commercial
centre after that, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a community renowned for its beauty
and history.
CLIMATE
The climate
of Niagara-on-the-Lake is moderate when compared to other Canadian communities.
While cold in winter, the geographical attributes of Niagara-on-the-Lake ensure
that the average temperature does not drop far below the freezing point.
Moderate temperatures over the rest of the year ensure a growing season that is
favourable to the local orchards and vineyards.
TRANSPORTATION
By car,
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a two-hour drive from Toronto,
Ontario, and only a one-hour
drive from Buffalo,
New York – both with
major airports. As well, the village is a scenic, twenty-minute drive north
from Niagara Falls
along the Niagara Parkway.
There is
no direct bus service from either Toronto or Buffalo. However, there are transfer
services from both St.
Catharines and Niagara Falls. From Toronto, a one-hour trip
on Aboard Seaflight Hydrofoils or Hydrofoil Lake Jet Lines ends in Queenston
where a shuttle bus runs to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
An alternative
to motor vehicle transportation is cycling 20 km (13 mi) along the Niagara
Parkway Recreational Trail from Niagara Falls. The Trail runs the entire length
of the Niagara River to Niagara-on-the-Lake from Fort
Erie, parallel to the Niagara Parkway.
At the
mouth of the Niagara River on Lake Ontario, just a few minutes walk to downtown
Niagara-on-the-Lake, is a large, full-service marina.
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS
While in
Niagara-on-the-Lake, there are a number of attractions to see. The Shaw
Festival, Fort
George, the Laura
Secord Homestead, and the region’s wineries
are but a few.
Shaw Festival
The Shaw
Festival celebrates the works of George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) and his contemporaries with
plays that illuminate the coming of a modern world. Over the 94 years of his
life, George Bernard Shaw witnessed the world change in dramatic ways. Recognizing
the changing times, Shaw’s work focused on issues and ideas, rather than simple
situations. At three theatres from April to November each year, the Shaw Festival
brings up to a dozen productions to the public.
Fort George
Historic
Fort George has been named a Canadian National Historic Site. Built from 1796-99,
the Fort was the district’s principle British garrison. In 1813, the Fort
was captured by the Americans only to be reclaimed months later. Today, the
Fort has been restored and costumed guides provide a living look at the past.
Blacksmithing, military manouevers, and other daily activities of the Fort
just prior to the war of 1812 are displayed to allow visitors an insight into
early 19th-century life.
Laura Secord Homestead
Another
historic site tied to the war of 1812 is the Laura Secord Homestead in nearby
Queenston. On hearing of an impending attack by the Americans on the British
military position at Beaverdams, Laura Secord hiked 32 km (20 mi) through
American lines and wild territory to warn the British garrison. The British
prepared for the attack and captured all but a handful of the Americans. Laura
Secord’s bravery helped to prevent the loss of the Niagara region, settling
the border between Canada and the United States of America. At the homestead,
costumed guides provide information on life during the early 1800s and Laura
Secord’s part in the war of 1812.
Wineries & Orchards
The climate
and soil of the Niagara region have encouraged the development and growth
of the fruit and wine industries. Cherries, apricots, nectarines, pears, plums,
and peaches are all grown in the surrounding area. The annual Niagara Peach
Festival is held every August on Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s main
street.
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Niagara
Peninsula Grapes |
Of all
wines produced in the region, varieties of white wine dominate production.
However, red and ice wine are also available. Dozens of wineries surround
Niagara-on-the-Lake with many of them open for tours and wine tasting.
ACCOMMODATION
Staying
in Niagara-on-the-Lake, there are many choices. Hotels and inns are
available within the village, however these are far outnumbered by the bed
and breakfasts in the area, many within historic homes and buildings. Further, Niagara-on-the-Lake has fully furnished
cottages, apartments, and homes for rent, accommodating those who are looking
for more privacy and the ability to self-cater.
