Steeped in history, our idyllic town is located on the southern shores of Lake Ontario where the Niagara River ends its journey into this famous Great Lake. It has become the selected destination of discriminating travelers from around the world.
Niagara on the Lake enjoys a bounty of offering for the wine connoisseur, the discerning pallet and the theatre aficionado. Nestled amid countless, award winning vineyards there are as many vintage options as wine tours, offering an endless selection of wine parings and tastings.
If Niagara Arts are more your style then, Niagara on the Lake is home to the world renowned Shaw Festival Theatre. Seasonal performances set a tone of refinement and elegance throughout the Niagara on the Lake core as theatre goers stroll down the picturesque streets to and from an enchanting night of theatre. Before and after each performance an array of culinary indulgences await you in the café’s, pub’s and fine dining establishments decorating the town. The world-famous Shaw Festival Theatre is where exhilarating seasonal performances capture the essence of the world’s finest playwrights including Eugene O’Neill, Oscar Wilde and the theatre’s namesake himself, Bernard Shaw.
With so many accommodations to choose from, all you need think about is “Which style is your style of stay?” With hundreds of Bed & Breakfasts to choose from in the heart of Niagara on the Lake ,some with secluded appeal there is a B&B to suit everyone with Hosts at the ready to meet every need during your stay. A selection of cottages offering privacy or exclusive, renowned Hotels add to the options available to the Niagara traveler. Each accommodation is eager and pleased to plan your golf arrangements, tours, theatre tickets and dining experiences during your time in Canada’s Prettiest Town, Niagara on the Lake.
An array of outstanding accommodations await you in Niagara-on-the-Lake including hundreds of Bed & Breakfast lodgings and dozens of private cottages. Select from homestyle establishments in quiet neighbourhoods or historic mansions that provide a royal welcome to their distinguished guests. The most common sentiment from B&B guests after experiencing the gracious warmth of Niagara on the Lake’s bed and breakfast community is that they can not return to the impersonal world of commonplace hotel lodgings.
Reminiscent of their British and European origins, many B&B operators understand the expectations of their valued guests and happily provide exemplary advice on fine dining options, golf locations, theatre arrangements and winery tours.
We invite you now to enjoy the wealth of information we have prepared for your trip planning and for your accommodations in Canada’s “historic jewel”, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Historical Background
The Niagara Region and Niagara on the Lake are rich historical treasures in Canadian History.
The Niagara Region was first settled by indigenous people of the Neutral Nation. Early English settlements included Newark now called Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines. The history of Niagara dates back as far as the second ice age. The ice age was responsible for the creation of two of the areas famous features: the Falls and the Niagara Escarpment.
Niagara Falls is a result of the last ice age when melting glaciers formed the Great Lakes, in which Lake Erie runs downhill towards Lake Ontario. The rushing waters carved out a river in their descent and at one point passed over a steep cliff like formation (the Niagara escarpment). The falls became a tourist attraction in the 1820’s and became a defining feature in the development of the city of Niagara Falls.
Several key battles in the War of 1812 were fought in Niagara, most notably at what is now Lundy’s Lane and Queenston Heights. The Niagara Region is the successor government to the former counties of Lincoln and Welland created in the late 1860’s. The area was prosperous as 26 cities, towns, townships and villages were born.
The Mayo Report, released in 1966 recommended that the Regional Municipality of Niagara be created to accommodate this growth. Current communities include: Fort Erie, Grimsby, Lincoln, Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pelham, Port Colborne, St. Catharines, Thorold, Wainfleet, Welland and West Lincoln. Over 400,000 people live, work and play in the Niagara Region. Millions more visit our tourist attractions each year.
We invite you now to enjoy the wealth of information on our website we have prepared for your trip planning and for your accommodations in Canada’s “historic jewel”, Niagara-on-the-Lake.
John Simon of New York Magazine calls the Shaw Festival the “best repertory theatre on the continent”. The Shaw Festival remains the only theatre group celebrating the works of George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries. About a dozen different plays are offered each year. The quality and the selection of plays will help you decide that a visit to Niagara on the Lake should be an annual event.
World-Class Theatre
Home to The World Famous Shaw Festival, Niagara on the Lake is not the destination of Theatre enthusiasts from all around the world. Seasonal performances of Bernard Shaw classics and those of his contemporaries making Shaw Festival the only theatre group celebrate these works. Each Season hosts a new selection of classics luring theatre lovers with a taste for refinement,back to Niagara on the Lake year after year.
For those who prefer a more savory evening, Dinner theatre offers a full menu while still enjoying the theatre experience. Several dinner theatre options are available from King Henry the Eighth where every guest in the court is part of the show, to Oh Canada Eh! Celebrating the History of Canada through comedy and song.
With three historic theatres there is plenty to choose from. The Flagship is The Shaw Festival Theatre housing the large productions with 869 seats.
The Court House Theatre is where it all began in 1962. This theatre has 327 seats and showcases a beautiful historic site dating from the 1840’s.
The Royal George Theatre was originally built as a vaudeville house to entertain the troops during World War I. Seating 328, the Edwardian Gilt moldings and Golden Lions set the tone for an elegant night of Theatre.
Wineries
The Niagara Region is a rich, eclectic blend of traditional wine making and Nouveau viticulture. Showcasing over 80 wineries Niagara on the Lake and the surrounding region has earned international acclaim for its Wine and Charm.
Wine tours are plentiful with shuttles to and from accommodations to ensure your safe return, freeing you to indulge and enjoy all that the wine region has to offer.
Pairing lessons and wine tastings are only a few of the options provided throughout the regions vineyards. Each vineyard boasts its own boutique to provide you with an opportunity to stock up on your favorites to return home with. Ice wine is a Niagara Triumph, proudly offered for tasting with educational background to enhance your Wine Tour experience.
Combine a B&B stay with a wine tasting tour to some of the national and international award winning local wineries. Bicycle wine tours are also available. Your host can help you select wineries to suit your taste and the time available. Several wineries offer fine dining in a restaurant located at the winery. Others host a wide array of special events. Here are the wineries located in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Golf
The Niagara Region is home to many wonderful entertainment options, whether it’s Theatre you desire or fine cuisine you crave you can find it all in Niagara on the Lake and the surrounding region. Niagara falls, just minutes down the highway offers the thrill and excitement of the Casinos, concerts, dinner theatres and lightshows are only a few of the marvels that await you. Niagara is also home to over 40 golf courses, whether you are a novice or PGA qualified, Niagara has a golf course to challenge you. Day or night Niagara on the Lake and the region surrounding is full of travel and entertainment options, sure to satisfy every guest.
Galleries & Museums
The Niagara Region is home to many wonderful entertainment options, whether it’s Theatre you desire or fine cuisine you crave you can find it all in Niagara on the Lake and the surrounding region. Niagara falls, just minutes down the highway offers the thrill and excitement of the Casinos, concerts, dinner theatres and lightshows are only a few of the marvels that await you. Niagara is also home to over 40 golf courses, whether you are a novice or PGA qualified, Niagara has a golf course to challenge you. Day or night, Niagara on the Lake and the region surrounding is full of travel and entertainment options, sure to satisfy every guest.
Fine Dining
Dining in the Niagara Region is defined by great food, great wine and beautiful scenery. Both Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake offer unique dining experiences.
Niagara on the Lake features a variety of dining options: cafes, dinner theatre, four diamond service, steak and seafood, Italian and more. Restaurants such as the Oban Inn, Pillar and Post and Queens Landing are world famous dining experiences. Since Niagara on the Lake has several prominent theatre companies it is common to enjoy a tasty culinary experience before heading to one of Niagara on the Lake’s many theatres.
The Niagara on the Lake dining experience combines the picturesque beauty of Niagara with world renowned Niagara wines and first rate restaurants to create a sophisticated dining experience.
It is also important to mention that most of the Niagara wineries offer dining experiences on their estates or vineyards. There really is no better marriage than that of food and wine. Allow the winery chefs to match ambitious meals with tasty wines for the ultimate in Niagara dining. Vineland Estates, Hillebrand’s Vineyard Café and On the Twenty Restaurant are excellent examples of the healthy marriage between food and wine.
Explore the many Culinary Delights that await you in Niagara on the Lake.
Bed & Breakfasts in Niagara
Hundreds of Bed & Breakfast and dozens of private cottages await you in Niagara on the Lake. Select from home-style establishments in quiet and quaint neighborhoods or historic mansions that provide a welcome to their distinguished guests fit for Royalty. Reminiscent of their British and European origins, many B&B operators understand the expectations of their valued guests and happily handle the reservations and bookings for fine dining, golf, theatre tickets and winery tours. Bed and Breakfasts offer a gracious warmth that makes the experience more personal and comforting. Explore the B&B’s waiting to serve you.
Private Cottages in Niagara
If you are searching for a more private alternative for your vacation, a cottage may be the answer for you. Niagara on the Lake is home to dozens of private cottages that allow guests to set the pace during their stay. Several of the cottages offer lake front view with room for the entire family or the couple looking for a quiet retreat. Explore the Niagara Cottages waiting for you.
Our members’ Bed and Breakfast properties are shown below. Just click on the thumbnail photo to learn more about a property that appeals to you. You will then be able to book on-line.
