Niagara-on-the-Lake, located where the Niagara River enters Lake Ontario, is one of the best-preserved 19th-century villages in North America. Named the Prettiest Town in Canada in 1996, the town is the jewel of the Province of Ontario.
National Historic District
Niagara-on-the-Lake played a significant role in the establishment of many of the national and provincial institutions: parliament, the first newspaper, lending library, historical museum, and governing body for the legal profession. Critical battles in the defense of Upper Canada took place here, at Queenston, including one in which heroine Laura Secord gained her fame.
The town gave many black Americans their first taste of freedom. Its unique collection of preserved architecture dating from the 1815-1859 period includes the Niagara Apothecary, MacDougal-Harrison House, Kirby House, and St Andrew’s Church. The town has many national historic sites including Fort George, Brock’s Monument, Willowbank, Fort Mississauga and Butler’s Barracks. Historic properties of the Niagara Parks Commission include McFarland House, Mackenzie Printery, and Queenston Chapel. The Niagara Historical Museum was the first building constructed in Ontario specifically as a museum and displays a collection of early artifacts related to the history of the town. All these facts led the Canadian Government to designate the old town of Niagara-on-the-Lake as a National Historic District in 2004, the only one in Ontario.
Where to Stay
There are a number of fine hotels, including several within walking distance of the Shaw Festival theatres and the main centre of town. The town also has an extensive network of B&Bs, which provides an opportunity to mix with other tourists, bookable through the NOTL B&B Assn.
- Niagara Bed and Breakfast Accommodations, +1 905-988-1303 (phillipa@niagarabb.com). If you are looking for a romantic getaway or an historical property or if you are simply coming to attend the Shaw Festival, you will be well served staying at a Niagara-on-the-Lake Bed and Breakfast.
- Best Western Colonel Butler Inn, 278 Mary Street, +1 905-468-3251 (toll free: +1-866-556-8882, rooms@colonelbutlerinn.com, fax: +1 905-468-5844). checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11AM. 26 rooms. Complimentary continental breakfast 7AM-10AM. Free high speed Internet access and parking. In season: $179+; Winter: $99+.
- The Charles Inn, 209 Queen Street, +1 905-468-4588 (toll free: +1-866-556-8883, inquire@charlesinn.ca, fax: +1 905-468-2194). checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11AM. 12 rooms. Free parking. In season: $205+; Winter: $99+.
- Girasole, Tuscan style B&B, 1211 Line 8 Road, +1 905-262-7653 (girasole.bnb@sympatico.ca, fax: +1 905-262-9900) Italian style amid lush vineyards with spacious rooms with jacuzzis. Cotton linen, antique décor. $139 weekdays, $159 weekend days.
- Harbour House Hotel, 85 Melville Street, +1 905-468-4683 (toll free: +1-866-277-6677, inquire@harbourhousehotel.ca, fax: +1 905-468-0366). checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11AM. 31 rooms. Expanded European style buffet breakfast 8AM-10AM. Free high speed Internet access, parking, and shuttle service. In season: $295+; Winter: $199+.
- Olde Angel Inn, 224 Regent Street, +1 905-468-3411 (angelinn@bellnet.ca, fax: +1 905-468-4821). If you’re obsessed with the paranormal, then you’ll love this inn located in the downtown area. It is supposedly haunted by Captain Swayze, a British officer accidentally killed in the building’s cellar during the War of 1812.
- Pillar and Post, 48 John Street East, +1 905-468-2123 (toll free: +1-888-669-5566, fax: +1 905-468-3551). checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11AM. The classic country charm and modern amenities of this historic property attract vacationing families, corporate and social groups, as well as health & wellness seekers looking for a rejuvenating Niagara experience.
- Prince of Wales, 6 Picton Street, +1 905-468-3246 (toll free: +1-888-669-5566, fax: +1 905-468-5521). checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11AM. Distinguished leisure and business travellers alike seek the elegance and refinement of the Victorian Age embodied in this treasured landmark hotel located directly on the main street of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
- Queen’s Landing, 155 Byron Street, +1 905-468-2195 (toll free: +1-888-669-5566, fax: +1 905-468-2227). checkin: 4PM; checkout: 11AM. This spectacular Georgian-style mansion on the banks of the Niagara River is perfect for everything from family vacations to high-level corporate gatherings providing outstanding accommodations in a waterfront setting.
- Shaw Club Hotel & Spa, 92 Picton Street, +1 905-468-5711 (toll free: +1-800-511-7070, inquire@shawclub.com, fax: +1 905-468-4988). checkin: 3PM; checkout: 11AM. 30 rooms. Continental breakfast included 8AM-10AM. Free high-speed internet access, parking, and shuttle service. In season: $185+; Winter: $99+.
- 334 William B&B, 334 William St., 1-905-984-7989 (contact@334william.com). Our suite features a King sized bed, your own private bathroom, and personal entrance via a deck area for your leisure.Its run by two friendly spirits who are avid wine drinkers and love to travel. $125 a night.
