There are so many unique activities, events and sights to see in Niagara-on-the-Lake, it’s the perfect place to escape to and indulge in the relaxation, exploration and excitement only a place like this can offer. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, friend’s trip or a family outing, you’ll find everything you need to create lasting memories in Niagara.
We tried to cover off all the unique things to do during your Niagara-on-the-Lake getaway, but there’s always something new and exciting going on in our region, so you’ll have to visit to see it all for yourself.
Explore Downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake
Whether you want to go antiquing, shopping for great fashion, or you just want to stroll down the streets and grab a coffee and a bite to eat, Niagara-on-the-Lake is celebrated for its great history and beauty. You can easily spend a whole day popping into the shops downtown and discovering the hidden gems of our heritage district.
Have a Picnic in Queen’s Royal Park
Looking for things to do with kids in Niagara-on-the-Lake? A picnic in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a great way to spend the afternoon. Pack a picnic lunch, bring your blanket and sprawl out in the heart of Queen’s Royal Park – a beautiful green space that also offers play areas for the little ones. If you’re looking for a picturesque moment, stop by the park’s gazebo and look out over the river – don’t forget to bring your camera!
Try Local Niagara Ice Wine
If you’ve never tried Icewine, Niagara-on-the-Lake is surely the place to have a taste. Our region is famous for its Icewine, so it’s a great spot to visit if you want to try a variety of carefully-crafted beverages. Niagara-on-the-Lake boasts countless wineries you can visit – many of which offer a unique selection of ice wines that will pair perfectly with a sunny day spent tasting. And, if you’re around in February, be sure to include a visit to the Niagara Ice Wine Festival and experience the very best that the region has to offer.
See How We Brew in Niagara
Take part in a Niagara craft brewery tour or simply stroll from one of our town’s great breweries to the next. There’s Silversmith Brewery, Niagara Oast House Brewers, The Exchange Brewery, and so many more.
The best part about our close-knit community is you have so much selection all within walking, biking or quick driving distance. Sample all the different flavours, from our local growers, that come together to make some of Ontario’s best beers.
Visit the Brock Monument
Niagara celebrates Canada’s rich history with the area’s best-loved historical monument, which marks one of the turning points in the War of 1812. While in Niagara-on-the-Lake, be sure to visit The Brock Monument and see where Canada faced down members of the United States army, engage with historical re-enactments and take in the beautiful views of Queenston Heights when you visit this pivotal heritage monument.
Visit Niagara Falls
When you stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake, you’re just a short distance from one of the world wonders. If you’ve never seen Niagara Falls, this is a must-do activity, and it makes for a great day for couples and families. This is a photo opportunity you won’t want to miss, and you can even get up close and personal with the roaring falls, if you’d like to take a boat tour with one of the local tour companies.
Take a Dip In The Hot Spring Pool at Pillar and Post
It’s not every day you discover a hot spring pool in the centre of Ontario, but when you visit 100 Fountain Spa, you’ll have the opportunity to do just that. Surrounded by a gorgeous rock wall, you can dip into Pillar and Post’s rejuvenating hot spring pool and rinse away all your cares as your skin soaks in the pool’s replenishing benefits.
Treat Yourself To a Wine-Themed Spa Treatment
Both of the Vintage Hotels award-winning spas in Niagara-on-the-Lake, 100 Foundation Spa and Secret Garden Spa, celebrate the robust offerings of wine country by pampering guests with wine-inspired treatments. Each of these head-to-toe treatments incorporate the polyphenols of grapes to nurture your face and body, and leave you with a gorgeous glow that will radiate throughout the rest of your relaxing getaway.
Go On a Wine Tour
This Niagara-on-the-Lake activity is an obvious one: if you’re a wine lover visiting our region, you absolutely must partake in a wine tour. Even if you aren’t a wine connoisseur, local Niagara winemakers share their knowledge and skills during local wine tours and tasting, so you can really admire their craft. Visit numerous wineries that each offer a unique atmosphere and selection of Canada’s most-celebrated red, white and sparkling wines.
For a truly unique wine tour experience in Niagara, you can visit your soon-to-be favourite wineries on a rented bike as part of the many great bike wine tours in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
For a luxurious wine tour experience, let Vintage Hotels arrange a trolley wine tour for you and a group so you can visit Niagara wineries in style.
Have High Tea at Prince of Wales
Travel back in time in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s most prestigious hotel. High tea is a wonderful tradition that incorporates delicate finger foods and deluxe teas. Experience divine high tea in Niagara at Prince of Wales; the ceremony is nothing short of a fairy tale. Surrounded by Victorian-inspired décor that has previously hosted members of the royal family, you’ll be fully immersed in a uniquely regal experience.
See a Show at the SHAW Festival
Photo courtesy of Peter Andrew Lusztyk
Great costumes, emotions and talent come together to create the SHAW Festival in Niagara. Theatre lovers, from across Ontario and the United States, visit our town to see the many plays put on by incredible artists who show their appreciation for the arts in comedies, tragedies and family-oriented productions.
Attend a Niagara-on-the-Lake Fruit Festival
It’s no secret that Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for producing grapes perfect for making wine, but did you know that the region is also responsible for producing some of the best fruit that Ontario has to offer? Learn how some of your favourite fruits are grown and indulge in treats at our annual Fruit Festivals, like the Strawberry Festival, Cherry Festival, and Peach Festival.
Skate at the Ice Rink in The Gardens at Pillar and Post
During the winter season, you can skate, glide, and marvel at the beauty of our winter gardens. Plus, you can enjoy treats and winter-themed drink from The Outpost, located right next to 120 foot skating rink.
Rent a Bike
Photo courtesy of Zoom Leisure Bikes
For exciting and unique things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake, explore the region in style on a Zoom Leisure Bike! Whether you decide to cycle along a scenic trail to enjoy the greenery and wildlife of the region, or putter around Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake, renting a bicycle is a great way to get around the region. Plus, you can use your bike to get to and from wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake!
Attend the Niagara Icewine Festival
Toast to the ice wine season at the Niagara Icewine Festival! Each year in January, after the ice wine grapes are harvested in the winter, the Niagara Region comes together to celebrate another successful harvest. All are welcome, from wine enthusiasts to casual sippers, to sample and enjoy a variety of ice wines from local vineyards.
Dine at an Outdoor Patio
When the warm weather hits, there are few things better than enjoying an afternoon beverage and appetizer on a patio! Niagara-on-the-Lake has a number of restaurant patios to enjoy during the summer season, including the lakeview patio at Queen’s Landing.
See a Concert at a Niagara Vineyard Event
Combine the great outdoors with great music by attending a concert at one of our local wineries. There are many shows to choose from that will reawaken your love of well-played instruments and beautifully sung lyrics. Under the stars, you’ll enjoy local and international talent all while sipping on truly exceptional wines.
Explore Fort George
The Fort George National Historic Site is such a neat way to revisit Niagara’s rich history. The site is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape and the historians who work there are always excited to share with visitors about how Upper Canada defended itself against American invaders. You’ll get to see muskets fired, hear Fifers and Drummers and even taste 19th century-style cooking!
Explore Niagara-on-the-Lake by Horse-Drawn Carriage
Photo courtesy of Sentienal Carriages
Typically only seen in romantic movies, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers the unique experience of exploring our lovely little town at the perfect sight-seeing pace on a horse-drawn carriage. This is an absolutely fantastic way to see all the heritage buildings, gardens and quaint shops that make this area the right place to fall (and stay) in love.
Enjoy Unique Experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Now that you have a glimpse at some of the most interesting and enjoyable activities you can partake in when you escape to Niagara-on-the-Lake, it’s time to book your accommodations with Vintage Hotels, so you can be located in the heart of all the fun.
Wrap your experiences in elegance by staying at one of several unique places to stay in Niagara- on-the-Lake, so you can add fine dining, exceptional service and unparalleled amenities to your trip.