Niagara-on-the-Lake: Beauty & History

	Town Square Niagara-on-the-Lake

Stunning scenery, 19^th-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 19^th-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.

	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.